Keira's Corner

I am learning that, when it comes to babies, you must choose your battles wisely and sometimes you must surrender entirely. Our most recent battle was purely territorial.

In my living room there is only one possible location that our couches fit and that particular configuration results in a big empty corner where the two couches meet at their 90 degree angle, hereafter defined as "The Corner." In The Corner is a small end table, a lamp, some blankets, and the occasional TV remote or empty glass, nothing more, nothing less. Despite it's lack of interesting objects, Keira had become obsessed with The Corner and would often dangle herself over the arm of the couch like a fishing pole in an attempt to gain access to said Corner. Sooner than later, she learned that she could make her way over the arm of the couch and stand on the end table and would do exactly this the moment I turned my back.

This wouldn't be such a problem if she wasn't over there knocking over the lamp and falling down and getting stuck. I couldn't so much as set foot in the kitchen for 10 seconds without her making a mad dash for The Corner and it was getting to the point where she needed constant visual monitoring. It was becoming hazardous and I knew that I needed to teach her to stay out of The Corner for her own good and for my peace of mind. Try as I may to convince her to stay out of The Corner, no spanking, no sharp words, no distractions, no nothing could keep her from throwing that little leg over the arm of the couch the moment I was out of sight. It was becoming a game to her, but it wasn't very funny to me.

At this point, I knew I had no choice but to surrender. She was determined to have The Corner so I let her have the stupid corner! I took everything out of The Corner and pulled the couches apart far enough for her to walk in, then I put a blanket on the floor and moved her toy bin back there to make a little play area. The results- No more climbing over the arm of the couch because there is no longer anything no climb onto. No more battle for the corner, she can walk right into it and it's all hers. A little fun play area for Keira with a view out the window. Her toys are not out in the middle of my living room any more. And now I can step into the kitchen to make a meal without wondering if she is going to break her neck on the end table... well, until she finds something else to break her neck on.

Even though I was forced to succumb to her baby will, I'd say that ultimately it was a win for both of us.