The Bottom Drawer

For as long as we had a child who was toddling along, we have had a kitchen drawer designated for the sippy cups, plastic Ikea tumblers, acrylic plates and small plastic bowls.  I don't know where I got the idea-maybe an old Parents magazine read while E was napping or waiting at the pediatrician's office.  It was a great way of encouraging young kids to do for themselves: grab a bowl and head to the pantry, or pour yourself a glass of water.  We had it on South Road, in the big new Woodstock house, and now here in San Diego.  The concept has been great for 17 years, and through 4 kids.  But now that they can pretty much reach the upper cabinets,  and we don't need to rely so much on unbreakable dishes, it is just seeming like a waste of space.  I think it's time to let that drawer go.  Sigh.  With all my "toss this" or "don't buy another frivolous item", why am I struggling with moving on from this?  One of the last vestiges of having small children?  Laziness?  End of an era.  Deep breath.  Here I go.  And it has become The Baking Drawer.  Which is really great since both E and A are into baking.  Bake away, kids, bake away.