Improving the Pit

Those of you who've been in my workroom in the past year may have noticed The Pit. It's a structure that combines two purposes--it provides contained playspace for Alice and also provides storage for the boxes of files and other papers that I used to keep under my desk. It is made primarily of book boxes encased in fabric, which is velcro'd shut (my continuing gratitude to muffyjo who helped me make these cases last year).

Now, for a year it has worked admirably to contain Alice, but now she's stronger and taller and has begun to be able to push or pull the boxes over and escape. Before I give up on The Pit, I'd like to see if there's some way to make it last a little longer, since I'd really rather not have her wandering around my workroom when I'm not paying attention. I don't want to put a lot of money or time into this project, since she can also climb out when really desperate and in any case, I don't expect to get more than a few more months out of it.

I've had a few thoughts, but nothing really good, so I figured I'd post a couple of drawings and see if anyone has a clever idea.

( Drawings behind the cut )

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Improving the Pit

Those of you who've been in my workroom in the past year may have noticed The Pit. It's a structure that combines two purposes--it provides contained playspace for Alice and also provides storage for the boxes of files and other papers that I used to keep under my desk. It is made primarily of book boxes encased in fabric, which is velcro'd shut (my continuing gratitude to muffyjo who helped me make these cases last year).

Now, for a year it has worked admirably to contain Alice, but now she's stronger and taller and has begun to be able to push or pull the boxes over and escape. Before I give up on The Pit, I'd like to see if there's some way to make it last a little longer, since I'd really rather not have her wandering around my workroom when I'm not paying attention. I don't want to put a lot of money or time into this project, since she can also climb out when really desperate and in any case, I don't expect to get more than a few more months out of it.

I've had a few thoughts, but nothing really good, so I figured I'd post a couple of drawings and see if anyone has a clever idea.

( Drawings behind the cut )

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Are you ready?

The Are You Ready to Be a Parent? quiz is actually not a bad checklist.

Are you ready?

The Are You Ready to Be a Parent? quiz is actually not a bad checklist.