Invasion of the Toy Snatchers

Now that Foster is mobile it is time for me to start child proofing more areas of the house. Yesterday I took out all of the non-safe-to-baby toys out of the playroom and put them in Bailey's room. I also bought a few containers for her smaller choke hazard toys (jewelry and Barbie accessories) so that she could find these things easier. Now the playroom has more to offer for Foster, so today I decided to let him try it out. I put Bailey in the kitchen with her lunch while I observed Foster discover a whole new world. He went straight away pulling new and exciting toys out of buckets, tasting each one for authenticity, deciding their fate of chewablity. As Foster conquered his new world the natives grew restless. Bailey, envisioning the ruin of her beloved things, came rushing in to see for herself. "I need to give you a kiss, Mommy." I allow this excuse but send her right back to the kitchen. She quickly discovered the toys in Fosters clutches and worry overcame her. Instinct told her to quickly snatch the toy to safety. Her beloved baby brother was no longer cute and fun. He is officially a grabby, drooly, toy eating monster. "Mommy, he's eating it!" I always knew this day would come, but I also know that it's only going to get more complicated the older Foster gets. Pretty soon he will be storming Bailey's room and trying on all her jewelry and princess clothes. Then again Bailey might not mind having a playmate that likes to be a princess too. Bailey has NEVER taken much interest in her toys, ever. She prefers to spend her time following me around, forcing me to listen to her endless chatter. Unless of course someone else wants to play with her toys, then she's interested. Or maybe more concerned that they will have more fun with them. This can be good and bad. Now that Foster is playing with the toys, Bailey will play "with" him. But more like take all the toys from him and play with them in front of his face. It's a process. At least she's paying attention to the toys... and Foster. Pretty soon Foster will be able to snatch back and that's when the real fun begins. This vision of the future makes me even more motivated to find a pre-school for Bailey this fall. They will need space apart, and so will I. Jeremy and I have also talked about the room arrangement for the kids once Foster starts walking. I don't think they will be able to share a room. Not if I want them to get any sleep and for me to keep my sanity. I guess Foster will just have to keep sharing his room with all our office stuff. Unless he is able to climb out of his crib before we move. Then I might have to rearrange the whole house. Someday, probably around 2 years old, he'll need his own room with all his own boy toys. We should be in a new house by then, and I'll have to give up my guest room/office/craft room. That's okay with me as long as I can separate the kids and say, "Go to your room and stay there! You will have fun and play with your own toys! Mommy needs a time out."