Gatekeeper

We've held off as long as we could. I've been dreading them. My only experience with them is that they are a big pain in the butt. What's that?? BABY GATES. We now have one at the top AND bottom of the stairs. Actually, I'm being dramatic because it hasn't been that bad having them.We had one close call with Xavier almost falling down the stairs. It was just a few days into his walking and I was on the phone while making the bed and I forgot to shut my bedroom door. Hot foot marched himself right out into the hallway and I caught him just as he was about 1 step from a tumble. Xavier isn't a real climber and has only shown interest in trying to go up the steps once or twice when someone is near them. But, we let him roam around the first floor pretty much so it just seemed sensible to admit our fate and put it up. Our gates are pretty easy to operate so if you're in the market for one I do recommend these from Evenflo.

Xavier looking down from the top gate....

at this -- my loving hubby installing the bottom gate.

Oh, and let us not forget that we have 2 banisters at the bottom that make it nearly impossible to put up a gate without rigging up a few 2x4s with zip ties for support. This look is definitely not in those fancy schmancy decorating magazines!!