Monday, February 19, 2007

A Proud Mommy Moment

I think I’m a pretty good mama. I love my kid, and I let him know it everyday. It’s true that I didn’t receive my copy of The Handbook, but I manage to muddle though most days and feel okay about the job I’ve done.

And before you rush to my defense and point out how I starved myself for 15 months while I was nursing due to his food allergies or how SRH and I have done stretches of 20 consecutive days of breathing treatments in the middle of the night, I should point out that I think that those things do not constitute good parenting. They are more, well, necessary parenting.

But there are a few activities where I feel like I shine as a parent.

And baking is one of them.

Zane and I bake our little hearts out. We bake pumpkin muffins. We bake banana muffins (Of course, we stopped doing that quite as often as bananas seem to make Zane itchy). We make cupcakes, and we make cookies. We make pumpkin bars, and on the odd occasion, we’ll bake up some cinnamon rolls.

And sometimes, Zane will actually eat what we’ve baked.

You see, Zane seems to enjoy the process of baking, but not so much the outcomes.

I have consistently made him “faux” treats for birthday parties, preschool events, and holidays. He has, just as consistently, not given a fig for my hard work and effort. Lifting his nose against the assault of egg-free cupcakes and turning away from dairy free cookies, he has been quite clear that while he likes to bake, he could care less about eating our efforts.

But finally, the toil and sweat (and flour encrusted clothing) of our endeavors has paid off.

Behold, the vegan cut out cookie:

This amazing cookie fits the Holy Trinity of Baking-for-Zane Requirements: It’s fun to make. It’s allergen-free, and it’s delicious to eat. Yay!

And imagine my glee when Zane not only asked to make these cookies, but then pestered me to lick the beaters and eat the dough as I was trying to roll it out. (He also asks to have them every morning for breakfast, but my maternal pride has some limits.)

And just when I was feeling flush with this good feeling – my kid adores something allergen-free that I baked especially for him! – he gave me another proud mommy moment:

While pooping on the potty today and simultaneously picking his nose, Zane promptly took a boogie and wiped it on the bathroom wall.

Kids will always keep you humble.

12 comments:

SRH said...

For the record, I did not teach him the "wipe it on the wall thing." In fact, that is something I am adamantly against.

L. Noelle said...

You're a good mommy, and a funny one too! Those cookies look awesome! I love also the fact that your huband posts on your blog, confirming the fact that you are both probably cool parents! BTW, You just let me know what Jewelry you like, I'll hook you up!!!! Thanks for the Compliments also, very sweet!

Anonymous said...

AHAAAAA, evidence against Mr SRH on who is the boogie on the wall leaver at the work restrooms! Seriously though, I heard that particular disgusting practice has ceased.

zulhai said...

Recipe please!

Anonymous said...

All I can say is that I remember the bathroom at the apartment in Kent, srh, and it was not good. I took half of that equation for "ick" home with me, but I put nothing past you...

SRH said...

Hey, hey now! That is unfair! I was in college.... and a guy!

Kristi Harrison said...

I'm convinced toilets should be in the middle of the bathroom floor. For obvious reasons.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on discovering the new cookies! They must be really good. I loved your pumpkin something (cake?...was in a square pan). It was really, really good. I have no food allergy issue and eat anything, but I also loved other stuff that you baked for Zany. I didn't realize that he didn't like them b/c they were very good. Well, I hope I can try those cookies some day...

Zany Mama said...

srh-
For the record, I'm not sure I believe you. :)

noelle-
Hubs actually has his own blog - which is WAY more popular than mine by the way - but we have done a few husband-wife posts on his. They were totally fun.

nadolny-
I love it when people heckle SRH on my blog. Keep it coming!

zulhai-
Mix together 2 sticks non-dairy butter, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 egg replacer, 1 tsp. vanilla. (Beat until smooth-ish).

Combine 2 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Gradually mix dry ingredients into butter mixture.

Chill for 15 minutes. (The freezer works best for this, but the fridge is fine.) Roll out and cut into shapes.

Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes.

Totally simple!

lsig-
Well, at least you took half of the ick home with you. You left the other half for me.

Have I mentioned that I can't wait to see you guys - ick and all?

srh-
Lsig is entitled to present the facts as she sees them.

kristi-
Hmmm...middle of the floor. I hadn't thought of it, but now that you say it, it's completely the obvious solution.

rb-
You come try the cookies anytime. We almost always have some in the house.

And thanks for your support of my baking - although I think we should be clear that you are a woman who will eat anything. It's part of your charm.

belsum said...

I love the process of baking, too. So I usually don't bake unless I have eaters handy. Because lord knows I'll only have a single serving.

Sue said...

Your ending had me LOL. Too funny.

Yay for him liking those cookies though. Can you post the recipe? :) Kayla loves to eat cookies and it's always something she thinks she should eat for breakfast/lunch/dinner. But she does not like to bake. She actually is intimidated by the stirring or mixer. Go figure!

Anonymous said...

Those cookies look awesome. I'm glad to see the recipe already posted in the comments because I was going to ask for it.