We just recently decided to completely remove the child-proofing cabinet clips we’ve had on for….well, the past 6 years. They were only there for show anyway, given that all three boys could take them off so they were practically useless. With the exception of the knife drawer, all kitchen cabinets and drawers are now accessible. It’s actually been really cool. The kids can help me get the necessary things ready for each meal and start being a bit more independent. However, Logan is starting to get REAL independent and trying some things that are just a tad out of his reach. For example, he tried to carbonate water using our soda machine yesterday morning. He ended up spraying the kitchen with water because he didn’t have the bottle fully attached. I happened to be drying my hair when that incident went down. He came up right away to let me know what he had done and that he was cleaning it up. This morning, again while I was drying my hair, Logan decided to try a snack I had suggested, but did not prepare for him yesterday afternoon – melted cheese on crackers. He got out crackers, sprinkled them with cheese, put the plate in the microwave and set it for 3 minutes. After THAT failed, he immediately ran up to tell me that he accidentally made, “the microwave smoke” which was really more like, “made the whole house fill up with smoke”! That was at 7:30am. It’s currently 4:00 PM and I still feel like I’m living literally INSIDE a bowl of burnt popcorn. I could even smell it on my cloths at Brady’s soccer class this morning. I had a box fan blowing out the patio door for a while until we all decided it was too cold and we could deal with the odor.

 

I thought I was past the days where I had to get ready in spurts, constantly looking over the balcony, in the playroom and downstairs to make sure everyone was still alive. I guess it’s time for a little “big boy child proofing”. I didn’t get mad at either of the above-mentioned incidents, but I did have a little talk with the boys over breakfast today. First, I felt it necessary to commend Logan on his desire to help and be more independent, but there is a need to address safety. I’m sure I have to give this some more thought, but my current rules include:

 

1. If you haven’t used something before, ask mommy or daddy to give you a lesson (and obviously, permission)

2. The first few times you use something new, mommy or daddy have to be standing with you to make sure you remember all the right steps

3. Never, ever, ever put metal in the microwave (that didn’t happen yet, but I felt it worth mentioning….and I mentioned it at least 3 times)

4. Ask before you help yourself to food and drinks (Logan has also tried to help his brothers get milk…that didn’t go so well either)

After our talk, Aiden was asking how the coffee maker worked. Hum….now that’s a skill I don’t mind teaching (and Brian, if you read this, I will teach him to measure coffee for me and then add at least twice as many scoops if you’re home – gross!)

;)