Cookie Monster "Junior"

Most of you know that one of Dave's favorite nicknames for me is "Cookie Monster," and I'm ashamed to say it's a nickname well earned. You see, I have no self control when it comes to homemade chocolate chip cookies. I'm not proud of it. :) I just can't help myself. I've tweaked my recipe over the years (started with Mom, tweaked during high school slumber parties with my girlfriends Crystal and Shannon, and experted by myself just recently!), and I'm pretty certain MY chocolate chip cookies are the best. Ha!

Even though Andra is Dave's spawn in looks and personality, I think she inherited something from me: my cookie monster gene. She seems to lose a little self control around them too! The other night, she randomly said she wanted a cookie, but I told her we didn't have any (we never keep cookies in the house...that self control problem again). To which she replied, "Stir it up." She was telling me she wanted to BAKE cookies! So bake we did!

I always dreamed of baking in the kitchen with my daughter (my mom taught me how to bake!), and this was really the first time we "baked" together, so it felt really special. I measured most of the ingredients, and she dumped them in the bowl...and loved every minute of it. I think there was an equal amount of flour on the counter as in the bowl, but we sure had fun together.

Helping mommy "stir it up."

Enjoying the greatest pleasure of cookie baking...licking the beaters! Being the selfless mom that I am, I let my two "kids" do the honors. (Um, yes, Pudge comes running when he hears the electric beater. He was licking the beaters long before Andra was born, so I think he has a sense of entitlement!)

I told Dave I thought this was my best batch ever, and I really think they were! It must've been that secret ingredient: having my little girl's help!