Alex-Proofing
God help me, the day has come.
We've been trying to avoid it. Marcus and I have made a conscious effort not to talk about it, I think, because we believe if we just ignore it, it won't be real. It just can't be happening. Not yet. Not already.
But, if we're honest, there's no denying it anymore:
Alex is on the cusp of mobility. We have no choice but to baby-proof the house.
She's not quite crawling yet. But this past week, she's taught herself to roll from her back to her front, get up on all-fours, and rock like Elvis. And let me tell you, this is a kid who's been known to throw herself into suicidal plunges just to reach something shiny slightly out of her reach. It's only a matter of time before she's all over the house.
Problem is, our house is hardly a place for a child. We have electrical outlets everywhere. We have a steep staircase. We have knick-knacks. Tchotchkes. Doohickies. Long draperies.
We have cupboards filled with big, hairy, child-killing poisons.
So, this weekend (assuming, God willing, that Alex can last that long) we have no choice but to rectify the situation. Clean from top to bottom. Install cupboard latches. Electrical outlet covers. Toilet locks. We have to get flashlights. Extra water. Canned goods.
In short, it's time to batten down the hatches. Hurricane Alex is about to hit.
Hear her warning battle cry:
Your daughter is beautiful - I love her name!!
As for baby proofing - just a couple of hints (my daughter is 15 months now) - don't worry about the toilet - until she's walking. Look into the cabinet locks that are magnetic - you have a little handle thingy that unlocks the lock - they don't break as easily as the plastic ones and they can't get their hands in the cabinets. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000056OVO/104-7808012-7767916?v=glance)
And most importantly - enjoy her. They are so great at this age!!!
I'll check back!!
Posted by: Toni | Tuesday, September 14, 2004 at 09:58 PM
Oh, she looks so ready to go. I'm loving the second picture of her on the couch. In the past few months my daughter has become SO mobile I can't even set her on the couch to take a picture without her lunging at me. Good luck to you, now the fun REALLY begins!
Posted by: diyosa | Tuesday, September 14, 2004 at 10:51 PM
You know what REALLY shows she's serious is that she's got the tongue thing down. You can get mobile without getting your tongue in a certain position and she knows it.
And may I say I look forward to what Alex is wearing more than just about any other human. The colors you dress her in make my heart happy.
XXX
J
Posted by: Jody | Tuesday, September 14, 2004 at 11:06 PM
She looks a bit like an opera singer! Oh, and I love her outfits, too.
Posted by: Busy Mom | Wednesday, September 15, 2004 at 09:55 AM
Just wanted to pop in a comment as I've been a silent lurker for a while. Your daughter just oozes personality...She's a styling girl with some of the most fabulous outfits. While I've not downloaded any of the files featuring her full-bodied voice, the pictures you posted today give a fairly good idea of the grandeur of her singing :)
ps. love your writing too!
Posted by: Brooke | Wednesday, September 15, 2004 at 11:57 AM
I discovered your site last week trough Daddy, Papa & Me. My husband and I are expecting our first soon and are inspired by your site. Alex is just sooo cute. Thanks for writing!
ps. we're thinking of setting a site up for our baby, what version of Typepad are you using?
Posted by: Del | Wednesday, September 15, 2004 at 04:36 PM
This is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen! She's gorgeous, except for my daughter of course. (Sorry I have to add that part my hubby watching my every move. He's rather biased.) I loved baby proofing. It meant that my kids were moving and learning and that is so much fun to watch!
Posted by: Jennifer | Wednesday, September 15, 2004 at 07:42 PM
She sure is adorable in that hat! I can't believe she is already starting to become mobile. Seems like she was born yesterday.
Good luck with the baby proofing. We still have 6 months or so before we'll need to do our home.
Posted by: Rachael | Thursday, September 16, 2004 at 01:21 AM
Ah Oh! Good luck with the babyproofing. She's so cute I could eat her with whip cream and a cherry!
Posted by: Tamra | Thursday, September 16, 2004 at 01:27 AM
Hey there...
I owe you a big e. Too many meetings, during and after work. Boo.
I will tell you what no one told me: if Alex isn't sleeping through the night, "train" her before she starts crawling. Our little missy started crawling a month ago, so now when she wakes up, instead of laying there whining and waiting to see what we'll do, she's up and crawling around in circles like a caged tiger cub, bawling. We feel so bad for her, because all the movement wakes her up further, upsetting her more than if she'd just been lying there, and we can't just let her cry.
Or can we? Something's got to give.
That said, keep a tissue box handy. The first time she crawls from one end of the room to the other get to you, you'll need them.
Posted by: Brat | Thursday, September 16, 2004 at 09:34 AM
"Rocking like Elvis"? Yeah she is, especially in that fly outfit! It only gets more fun from here, you know. Yay for babies!
Posted by: Katie | Saturday, September 18, 2004 at 03:39 PM
I can't believe she is getting so big! And I seriously can't believe she is crawling already and she is still so very adorable!
Posted by: Angie | Sunday, September 19, 2004 at 03:53 PM
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certainly visit your site again sometime. Really good work.
Posted by: Jody Louanne | Thursday, November 04, 2004 at 04:27 AM