Serene's play kitchen

After Serene turned one, Alex and I contemplated getting a play kitchen for her second birthday. Over the past year, she has become increasingly intrigued by role play. She makes a beeline for pretend kitchens at friends' houses or children's museums. She loves to eat and watches me intently while I make meals in the kitchen. We knew she would fancy a kid-sized kitchen. To be transparent, I'd enjoy one too; I always wanted one when I was a little girl. How fun to be able to bestow upon my own daughter a toy we'd both love. Consequently, I researched toy kitchens for months. My heart was set on a classic, wooden, Waldorf-style play kitchen, specifically from Elves and Angels. They make beautifully handcrafted heirloom pieces that last for generations. Plus, they're made in the USA from wood locally sourced in Maine. Unfortunately, we couldn't love the price tag. I started scoping out play kitchens on Craigslist instead, hoping a Waldorf-style one would pop up. Then, two and a half months ago, one did. We picked up the kitchen, along with a bucket of used accessories the seller included, that weekend for a fraction of the retail price. The kitchen was only missing the stainless steel sink bowl. To our delight, the play kitchen ended up being a vintage Elves and Angels original that is over twenty years old, as confirmed by the company owners whom I contacted for a replacement sink bowl. Praise God! How sweet that Serene (and Valor) get to play with an kitchen that has been pre-loved by generations before them.

We compiled play kitchen accessories for the next two months. We got her a fruit and vegetable set, and I sewed stuffed produce to supplement it. Extended family members gifted her additional accessories: pots and pans, a beverage set, a carton of eggs, a breakfast set, a milk bottle set, a pasta set, and a crate of eggs. I gathered other items suitable for her play kitchen from around the house, such as a vintage scale, berry basket, and wooden utensils. I also thrifted wee stainless steel bowls and small storage baskets. I placed an antique side table next to the play kitchen so she'd have more working space, and threw a faux sheepskin on the floor as a rug.

Serene loved the kitchen at first sight on the morning of her birthday. She plays with it every day. She runs to it once she wakes up in the morning and after she wakes up from her afternoon nap. She immerses herself in a flurry of activity, banging pots and pans, cutting eggs and produce, sorting food into containers, serving us meals, and chattering to her dolls and baby brother. My favorite sight may be watching her cook with her teeny oven mitt on her hand. Her simple joy is contagious - a fitting reminder of how childhood is precious. I am thankful to the Lord for the privilege to witness it all.