First day in the high chairs, more than a year ago. Little babies, getting over a flu, not so sure what they think about their first taste of sweet potatoes.
Fast-forward, and I have two daring toddlers who have discovered a love for sitting at the table (or, as Daniel says, “peeebow! sit! sit!” Plus, I have started itching to get rid of the high chairs that seem to collect so much residual nastiness after every meal.
But old table is too small to serve both duties: meal space for the kids and counter space for mom (which is woefully lacking in our not-quite-right kitchen). A trip to the furniture store, and the ideal table is found. Counter-height, 36 x 48, four chairs with backs. On clearance, no less! Pick it up in two days.
Big kids enjoying one of their last meals in the high chair (ravioli with pesto). My, how time flies! Using utensils, eating real foods. So big.
After bed, M and I lugged the huge box in from the van, and made friends with a couple of Allen wrenches. M’s comment: “this is what we take pictures of, now?”
A few hours later, it’s complete. Doesn’t match my kitchen at all, but I could care less. It’s exactly what I was looking for. Though I fear for the scratches and water stains… will have to make some kind of mat/tablecloth. Still, though, isn’t it lovely? Boosters installed, as the kids are still too short. Four chairs!! Soon, family dinners.
Breakfast time! New “peeebow.” Kids got a kick out of it, and didn’t even scratch it up (yet). Daniel pointed out the animals on his new placemat. Rebecca continually reminded me that her cup is blue (“boooo!”). How time flies. My big kids.
We bought those exact same boosters a month or so ago. They are still in the back of our SUV, but that is beside the point. I am glad to see that you are using yours and they are working out…now I have to put mine to use.
And I have to admit this post made me a little nostalgic. I feel like I blinked my eyes and now I have two independent toddlers. Where does the time go?
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Wow! Great looking table
And YEAH for family meals! (Wish we had more of those in our house…some day.)
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A friend gave me a Vent du Sud teflon coated oilcloth tablecloth that RULES. It is resistant to staining from ANYTHING (markers, pasta sauce). We throw it in the wash twice a week.
But I’m sure a crafty mom could make her own from oilcloth. And if it worked out and she liked it and made some and put them in an etsy store, I’m sure certain people (me) would buy them… while I love the functionality of my tablecloth, the color is crazy…
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Do you have any concerns about them tipping out of the booster seats? That seems to be my future fear with doing the family table route which I totally want to do at some point.
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We use clear vinyl to cover our table. We can still see the wood and it doesnt get scratches (or fork dents from kids trying to distress the table) or water marks. you can buy it at the fabric store in different thicknesses(I buy ours at walmart)
Hooray for new beginnings! We have been feeding Emma and James in a bouncy chair on the table, but the highchairs are coming soon. Your new table looks great (and hooray for a handy husband!)
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We did the same switch a few months ago and the first thing I thought was how Kate is no longer a baby! It is amazing how much they change in a year. I love, love, love your photo-story…it says so much about that change!
Your table is gorgeous. We have the kadiddle at our kitchen island, which is solid wood and it has knicks in the top of it now–from said kadiddle. Whenever we decide to switch our counters to a solid surface, the island will get covered also, so I don’t care about its present state.
Wow, this is awesome, Liz! I can’t believe Daniel and Rebecca are sitting at the BIG TABLE! They look so cute and grown-up, and I love the placemats. This has gotten me thinking about putting our booster seat on one of our dining chairs and moving Jack to the table. How cool would it be to have family dinners?? Alas, I won’t be getting rid of the high chair soon, with a second baby on the way. But, I will put it away when we move into a house — it’ll sit for six months in the garage until the second baby needs it!
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Great table! I didn’t even bother with a high chair for my second. I just used one of those boosters with a try and then after a while I took away the tray. Cute pictures!
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When we made the transition, I was worried about the boosters marring the chairs and sticky fingers. We put some really pretty pillowcases over the back of the chairs and a towel under the boosters – worked like a charm! And, now that they are nearly 5, I still wish I had the pillowcases back there!
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