RE: I guess I have to start babyproofing sooner or later...
I actually have NOT babyproofed the nursery yet. Sarah really doesn't spend any unsupervised time in there, so I have never felt the need. Just gating off the whole computer area is probably your best bet. I think it is pretty impossible to truly baby proof all the wires and cords, etc.
As far as dog food and water, I leave it down. My dog only gets fed at certain times so there isn't food in there at other times. And surprisingly, Sarah very seldom bothers the water dish. And it's only water, so if she does make a mess, its easy to clean.
I have never used a professional, but from what I hear they try to scare the bejeebers out of you and get you to buy WAY more than you really need.
For kitchen cabinets, I have several cabinets that I let Sarah play in. Anything valuable or breakable is somewhere she can't get to. I really like the Totlok (magnetic) locks. They really work.
HTH,
Beth, mom to older DD (8/01) and younger DD (10/06) and always missing Leah (4/22 - 5/1/05)