Our first child was never really a curious baby. He was fine to explore the world in his immediate surroundings, would listen to the word no and knew when we said “No further” meant that’s a far as he goes. Because he listened so well we never had to child proof beyond the electrical plugs. This meant no gate, latches, hooks, alarms, bolts, play yards, or god forbid the baby leash.

My daughter on the other hand… Well I have surmised that she might have been a dog in her former life. She has a fascination for shoes that goes beyond playing with them. She will pull them off the shoe rack and gnarl on them as if they are a piece of rawhide. She has also on more than one occasion made her way to the bathroom, lifted the lid to the toilet and had herself a good old time splashing in the water. Perhaps the faster crawler in the west if you tell her no she’ll shake her head back at you smile and continue on her way. Forget leaving a door open because I swear she might go for a crawl around the neighborhood. Anything on the ground goes into the mouth and I mean anything. If it’s small she’ll find it and with her pink little fingers swipe it up and toss it in. Although she is a most curious child I refuse to lock her down with gates and such. I get a nice glute work out lunging around after her and squatting down to pick her up as she cruises along the floor in search of adventure. It keeps me on my toes and lets her enjoy the world around her.