Now that my oldest is two, and old enough to be aware of who Santa is and what he does, I realized this year that Christmas really is for the kids. In years past I have always put together my list and waited anxiously to see what Santa (Mom and Dad) would bring me. Except the year I looked in Mom and Dad’s closet and knew everything I was getting. Best. Christmas. Ever.
This year was different though. As my husband and I were putting together the kitchen that Grandpa and Grandma Santa had gotten Zoey, I realized that I was more excited to see Zoey’s reaction to her new kitchen than I was to see my own gifts. Does this mean parenthood has made me less selfish? That can’t be right. Anyway…
The kitchen was the biggest hit of Christmas. Bigger than Uncle Tyler’s smoker, Uncle Brett’s iPod, or Mommy’s new Keurig (which, obviously, was a close second). It was such a big hit, in fact, that she didn’t want to continue opening presents, she was too busy playing with her new kitchen. She finally finished opening her presents around three that afternoon. And I opened most of them for her.
It’s really cool when your two-year old has her own kitchen. And I’m not at all jealous that her kitchen is nicer than mine. Really. In her kitchen with (plastic) stainless steel appliances, Zoey has cooked for us many fine dishes, such as (plastic) roast chicken, (plastic) corn on the cob, (plastic) pink carrots, and (rubber) fried eggs. She has also tempted our taste buds with some imaginary culinary treats, such as microwave popcorn from an empty cardboard box, coconut milk from a can that can’t be opened, and apple juice from a sealed carton which Zoey insists you drink from a teacup with a spoon.
Occasionally she lets us cook with her. “Mommy, do want to cook?” “Daddy, do want to cook?” (This isn’t a typo, she doesn’t say the word “you”.) But mostly she is busy working by herself. She spends so much time in her kitchen that I am tempted to give her real ingredients and see what she comes up with. If I hated myself even a little and hadn’t had the carpets shampooed just last month, I might actually do it.
In the meantime I am enjoying watching her face light up as she serves me her latest concoction. Little smokies with oregano and cinnamon? Yes, please!
I am also considering re-wrapping the unnoticed presents. Maybe her birthday won’t cost too much next year.
I say go for it on the re-wrapping. That sounds great.
But I am curious about what she might make with real ingredients. If you ever change your mind on that one, please be sure to post – with pictures. 
My mom once told me she did that. The toys I wasn’t immediately playing with and fawning over she said she would put away for my birthday. Of course when she first told me that I was horrified about all the cool toys I must have missed out on but now that I am older I totally understand! Zoey won’t even know. She is so cute though! I love your blog!!
Ooh, I can’t wait to see the new kitchen. Still okay for company on New Year’s day? Maybe Zoey can make something yummy for me!!