babyproof

recently we've had almost all our visitors comment on our unique style of baby-proofing our house. sure the big baby stores out there have lots of solutions to common baby proof problems, but, of course, our boys are not the norm. so these are the creative solutions we've invented to try to limit the trouble these boys get into:

first off baby gates, a classic staple. however, the boys can scale and climb everything in existence, so we had to go with mesh gates that don't allow any scaling, imagine that, a gate that keeps kids out. no more coming into the room and finding a toddler on top of the kitchen counter, emptying the cabinets by blindly tossing things over their shoulders (yes, this included things like salt canisters and glasses.)

this twine attached to an old stroller buckle finally keeps our chairs pushed in, and the boys off the table. the rope goes around three sides of the table. it's a great conversation starter.

the fourth side of the table is our bench which has to put down sideways and is tied back with a lower rope so the boys don't slide the bench out to climb on.

the tv, my favorite and most creative solution to date. we bought this little entertainment that someone here said would "definitely keep the boys away from the tv." um, it totally doesn't. they push all the buttons on the side changing channels or the input while watching a show (so irritating), so i used cleaned milk carton tops to go over the buttons and used duct tape to keep them in place. i can finally watch a whole show now! (oh, and side note, i wasn't the one thought the tv unit would work, i don't want to name names, but his name rhymes with mustin and he's a dentist, i hope that doesn't point a finger.)

the fireplace, justin's genius solution. particle board attached by magnets to the fireplace. insanely genius solution. the boys no longer try to climb in the fireplace and rock the grate.

and finally, the simple cost effective solution of limited decorating. and for those who visit here, yes, i know that table's empty. i've simply had too many crushed decorating dreams, not to mention and 16x20 picture tossed off the wall to shatter into pieces. i didn't think they could climb on the table, foolish, i know.

so there you have it, i guess i should probably submit my portfolio to babies r us for a career in baby proofing, but really, how can one really creatively market (and mark the cost up) on some milk carton tops and duct tape? maybe i'll keep my day job.