Extra! Larger Baby Proof Area Saves Mom's Sanity

Since I've been a bit of a killjoy lately, I thought I'd let you all know that I'm not a raving mad mother. In fact, some things in my life have taken a remarkable shift toward the direction of sanity. Granted, these are often minor things -- like finding a way to unload the dishwasher without my little monkey crawling on the door and standing up -- but I'm in a stage where small things can equal big rewards (such as the ability to write this blog post while Jasper plays).

The gate situation was a major improvement, but I took it a step further. On Monday with Seth safely away at work I swapped our living room and dining rooms. I'd been plotting the shift since Saturday but thought it best to do it on my own, sans a major discussion regarding the merits of the shift (Seth, ever the planner, would have requested an outline of the pros and cons). Sometimes I operate better when I just get to act on a crazy thought streaming through my head. Here's where I should thank my friends for helping plant that seed.

After much grunting and sweating, I'd pushed the furniture all around this house. Then I went and borrowed a wide gate from Dina to block the traffic between the two rooms. She offered to come down and help when she heard what I was doing, so I thanked her and let her know the work was done. And once I had her gate in hand it was heavenly.

The new living area is completely baby proof. No electrical cords, no delicate furniture and no stairs. He can now move freely from the kitchen to the living room (former dining room), and I know he's safe, so I can take an extra second to unload the dishwasher while he's distracted.


To my surprise Seth said he liked the shift. This means one of two things: It was a smart decision on my part and he sees me as the wise woman I am, or, following the Gate Depression, he has decided to conceded to my powers as chief decision maker regarding all things house and baby. Either way, we've taken to calling the new living area The Parlor, which is funny because it conjures up an image in my mind of a stuffy adult room.

Frankly we weren't using either of those rooms much to begin with seeing as if we do very little entertaining these days. And our house wasn't blessed with built-in china cabinets, bookcases or anything else that distinctly designates those rooms as living or dining spaces. So, the switch will stick.

Jasper is enjoying the freedom. I am enjoying the couple of extra minutes this affords me throughout the day, and Seth, I'm pretty sure, is just happy I'm happy.