This morning, I came into the livingroom to find Imp stuck in a corner between our couch-side table and coffee table, trying, it seemed, to climb on top of the coffee table from that angle. Apparently, Aunt Nanny had just left the room for a minute to go to the bathroom, (I was getting ready for work) and in that time, Imp had figured out how to squeeze through what I thought would have been an impassible network of fan, futon and table legs. I could maybe understand how he could have gotten there in a decent amount of time, but how the heck had he gotten through so fast? The world may never know.
Imp's current favorite activity is taking all the books off of his shelf and stacking them to try to reach the plants on top. Husband and I are trying to think of a way we can engineer something so that we can keep the plants in that window (the best one in the house for them) and still keep them out of reach. I, however, am becoming convinced that Imp has super-gadget-arms, and that "out-of-reach" would involve some sort of warping of the space-time continuum.
Thing is, Imp isn't even walking yet. Crawling quickly, yes, pulling to standing, yes, cruising adeptly, yes, but not even walking. As excited as I am about the prospect of first steps, soon after he'll be running all over, and then what shall we do?
I used to think bolting furniture to the wall was overkill. I used to think that parents who put foam cushions on everything were being overprotective. I used to think that I understood how to make a room safe for a baby.
Enter Imp, the Destructor.
Every baby is different and you have to "proof" for each individually. And sometimes it means putting something away for a while (mainly so it doesn't frustrate you). Like we had a foam puzzle mat and the girls would just rip it up and throw it around and I'd get mad. So o put it away. I guess that's not really about child proofing, but I have heard of people removing their coffee tables if baby was just constantly climbing on it.
ReplyDeleteI think sometimes babies need to learn "no" too. We never blocked off the tv stuff (cords, cable box, ps3, etc). We were very persistent with "no we don't touch" and redirecting because at other people's houses those things aren't blocked off and I didn't want the girls playing with them. For the record, they don't.
So you also have to pick your battles. Good luck!
Penny -- I totally agree about learning "no" -- I know he knows the word by the way he stops and looks at me when I say it as he's about to get into something he shouldn't -- that little gleam in the eyes right before he does it anyway. :) I know, he's only 9 mos old and it takes time and reinforcement for them to learn. It just amazes me how quickly he can get into things -- whether or not I'm in the room!
ReplyDeleteHmm... Maggie, you have discovered one of the "great truths" of life. If there is a way to get to something that a baby wants to get to, it will be gotten. Somehow." Good to hear that my grand son is working in engineering and construction, now. This too will pass (all too quickly), so have patience. You may have to put up the flowers for a little while (and many other things, too), but all too soon, little ones grow and then they are gone. (Sighing wistfully as angry piano and assorted children's themes are in the background).
ReplyDeleteLaugh, giggle, he-he-he!!! Potting soil and baby drool make super cement on books and carpets and cats.... Enjoy the adventure. Tomorrow will bring new destruction! Your turn:)
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