Veteran parents will laugh, but I’m just now realizing that I’m just not going to get everything done. Lucy naps twice a day now, and when those blue eyes finally flutter shut I am torn between what feels like endless priorities. Do I clean the dishes? Do I make a loaf of bread for dinner? Do I call my best friend in Austin? Do I take a few minutes to close my eyes and pray? And what about the laundry? Don’t her cloth diapers need to be washed? This list could go on and on.
Even now, as she sleeps inside the wrap that’s tied around my chest, I feel the urge to organize the clothes that are now covering our bedroom floor. There are breast pads flung around the house that need to be gathered and washed. There’s pastry dough in the fridge waiting to be baked. And yet I’ve decided to sit on my bouncy birthing ball, with my baby next to my heart, and write. I speak out loud as I type, and I imagine Lucy is dreaming about our dog, Margot, as my words float in and out of her dream consciousness. The movement on the ball makes it harder to type, but easier for her to relax and sleep. I find myself becoming less and less selfish as each new day of motherhood begins.
I’m already realizing that I’ll have to choose between chores and hide-and-seek. Between visiting my favorite blogs and exploring in the sandbox outside. We’ll go to the beach and I’ll leave my novel behind because we have a little girl who wants nothing more than her papa and mama to hold her in the waves. They will be small sacrifices with rich rewards. Her childhood is priceless.
And yet I’m finding ways to combine her happiness with my own personal passions. Like baking. I remember standing in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her create something out of nothing. Magic is the only word I could have used to describe it. I remember playing with pots and pans as my mom cooked crepes. She’d let me experiment with flour and water, and there was nothing more thrilling than stirring that grey soupy mixture. And so I’m sure that Lucy and I will have endless hours of fun in our kitchen. We’ll make brownies and cookies. We’ll learn how to create a rich chicken noodle soup. I’ll teach her to love vegetables because they’re good for you AND taste delicious. We’ll sample cheese from the alps of Europe. And we’ll talk about our days as butter browns on the stove.
My daughter is quickly becoming my greatest blessing and my greatest lesson.
We made these cookies together last week for our neighbors. Thick and chewy, studded with chocolate chips and oats, they were easily shared and enjoyed by all.
Double Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
1 3/4 cups flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
12 TBSP butter (1 1/2 sticks) melted and cooled
1 egg
1 egg yolk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup quick oats
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together your melted and cooled butter with your brown sugar and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes (longer if creaming by hand). Add in your egg and yolk, cream until fully incorporated into batter. Stir in your vanilla extract.
Add your dry ingredients and mix together until combined. Stir in your chocolate chips and oats. Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap and allow to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight.
When ready to bake, remove dough from fridge (if chilled for longer than 1 hour, allow to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.) Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Scoop out batter using a 1/4 measuring cup. Divide dough into two smaller balls and place on a greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated oven for 12-16 minutes. Remove when cookies are just about to turn a light golden brown (they will appear underdone, or soft). Allow your cookies to cool on cookie sheet. (I always take my cookies out of the oven well before they look “done” because this helps them stay soft).
Store any leftover cookies in a zip loc bag with a piece of bread to retain softness.
I look forward to reading your posts, both for your new creations and to hear how Lucy is doing. I remember those early sweet days with my daughter, relishing in the little miracle that she was. I can’t wait to bake with her too as she gets older.
I can only imagine how divided and too short your time must seem, but I know you’re so happy and that your little precious girl is worth every second!
Now this recipe…this is my kind of thing. I looove these cookies-they look wonderful!
Monet, I am loving your posts lately. The way you write about motherhood and what you look forward to experiencing with Lucy makes me so excited to have a family of my own one day. Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos and these scrumptious cookies! So glad you’re finding time to do what you love. Have a great weekend!
From one who has grown children, step over those clothes, don’t worry about the pie crust and spend every minute that you can, playing with that gorgeous little girl.
You will never remember the clothes you folded or the pies you made but you will remember every glorious moment you spent playing with Lucy.
As she gets older, you’ll happily do chores together.
These cookies sure do look good!
I love the imagery you create in your writing! I can’t imagine how challenging it must be to split your time between priorities but I’m certain it will get easier. I can’t believe how much Lucy has grown! you can already see so much personality in that little face and she is absolutely gorgeous just like her mother. The cookies sound incredible I bet your neighbours absolutely devoured them!
I’m sure you two will make a ton of memories together in your kitchen! And yes, you will have to sacrifice, but I’m sure it doesn’t really feel like sacrifice in the moment. So beautiful!
Looks like you 2 girls are already cooking and baking together, that can’t be chores? Looks more like fun. You are both looking great and so happy, sweet photo. Take care Monet!
Monet, as you two are baking together, you are creating the most wonderful of memories together – the rest of the world can definitely wait, dear friend!
I desperately need one of your fabulous chocolate oatmeal cookies right now with my cup of coffee!
Have a wonderful weekend together!
Monet, I am in constant awe that you are doing so much! Honestly, every time you pop on my blog I feel like royalty, as I know your time is sooooo precious!
please remember to take it easy – dirty clothes accumulating, dishes, and pairs of shoes in opposite sides of the room, those all can wait. 😉
You look wonderful, by the way….
I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to balance your children with all the other things! But it sounds like you are learning more and more everyday : ) Spend as much time with that pretty girl as you can! And these cookies sound delicious!
I remember those moments well…heck, I still have them! When Lila sleeps now, I usually choose to write, or clean (haha), or, during the school year, work. But in those first weeks (months, really), I almost always chose SLEEP, ha!
These cookies look fabulous. I’m definitely looking forward to spending actual time in the kitchen cooking with Lila…right now, she’s still in “play with the Tupperware” stage. 🙂
You go through periods where housework gets easier, then harder, then easier….
I’ve heard eventually they grow up and are out of the house and you can get things done again.
Monet,
It seems that Motherhood is always a juggling act, no matter the ages your children. Sometimes all those chores will have to wait in favor of baking cookies or going to soccer practice. Just go with your gut feeling at the moment, and don’t forget to take care of your self.
Your cookies look so delish, and before you know it, Lucy will be baking in the kitchen with you.
Miss Lucy is so lucky to have you as her mama. Your priorities are spot on…making cookies and holding your precious babe.
One day at a time our friend… =) We think you are doing great..
AW! She looks gorgeous!
I just love that photo of you and your mini Monet-so, so pretty! I know what you mean. And even though mine aren’t babies any longer, I still have to decide sometimes how to prioritize;) Fabulous cookies-wait til Lucy gets to eat your baked goodies:))
Play now; work later. There will always be chores to deal with. Lucy needs her momma 🙂 Have a great week Monet!
A gorgeous post, as always. I love this updates of motherhood and the sweet pics of you and Lucy that accompany them. Writing, baking, mothering – what a full life 🙂 And cleaning, well … I’ve always thought that was bottom of the list 😉
Looking forward to reading more about you sharing kitchen “magic” with your sweet daughter 🙂
Heck, this is a no brainer – forget all but the most urgent chores and enjoy Lucy. Kids change minute by minute at that age, so you don’t want to miss anything. Lovely recipe – double chocolate should be the minimum, don’t you think? And gorgeous picture of the two of you.
Lovely cookies and lovely big blue eyes on the babe, adorable!!
Hi Monet,
You are one awesome lady and mom! I remember when I just had my children, all I wanted was to get lots of things done as soon as my baby naps! I never thought of baking, and you are baking for your neighbour as well! You are super!
Lucy is adorable, so cute, looking at the camera! She must be really curious!
Take care!
I’ve often felt that way when my kids were young! Many things are left undone! But that’s ok 🙂
Gorgeous cookies! That is such a pretty portrait of you and Lucy. Enjoy yor time together.
Cheers,
Rosa
I love love love your sweets + mommy posts, Monet! Double sweetness…these cookies look outta this wooorld!
This is the first I’ve seen of the little Lucy. She’s a precious bundle! GREG
It’s nice to hear you’re making Lucy your priority – she’ll grow up so fast and it sounds right to take in as much as you can while it lasts .. and everything else in your house will find a way to sort itself out, I’m sure. 🙂 I’m glad you found the time to make these cookies though, they look so good!
Ha ha!! Yes, it’s definitely much harder to get simple tasks done now. Last night was the first time I actually had to take Logan to the bathroom with me because he wouldn’t let me put him down! These cookies sound incredible and perfect for a little baby nap snack time!
Monet, your writing is just so natural and eloquent. Reading your posts, you make me feel and experience everything you’re going through. You don’t sugar coat anything but you also express your pleasure, joy and thankfulness. I love it! I’m also incredibly happy for you – every moment with Lucy is so precious. And the fact that you’re already creating delicious baked goods like these gorgeous cookies together is a blessing.
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Monet,
I’ve been loving your posts so much lately. Thanks for sharing the realism, love and wonder of motherhood. Lucy is so precious 🙂
So glad you are finding time to do so much of what you love — including baking this deliciousness!