I made my expen into the smaller rectangle and it's a much more manageable size....our main floor is open concept, but we had to move FURNITURE to fit the full size rectangle! Tia doesn't seem to mind going in and out of it, but like Hoku, she'll put up a fuss as soon as the gate is closed and I'm out of sight. I haven't tried closing her in and leaving the house. I'll try later and see if I can hear her through the window.
As for the CAW-ing sound...you got it right on the money!
I've never heard anything like it, and never care to hear that again!
My husband actually brought up getting a second one and I said "Wow!" but....we would wait until Tia is a year old. Plus....we need to work on making real babies soon instead of acquiring the furry kind!
