Donovan, Shhhh Don't Tell Your Sister ....

Today Norah started her first full day kindergarten class.  Last week was 3 days of 1/2 days to help ease the kids into all day school.  I'm actually glad they did it that way, because it made the transition easier for Mommy too.

Norah woke up in the middle of the night again, claiming a bad dream.  I think she still has some anxiety over going to school all day.  She actually claimed that she missed me twice today and needed a hug from her teacher twice.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised since Norah has not been away from me or her Dad or a family member she knows well for a significant amount of time her whole life.  So this is truly a life altering and huge change for her.  She's always been independent but that doesn't mean she doesn't have anxiety - they are mutually exclusive "characteristics".

Anyway, I had the whole day with just Donovan for the first time since he was hospitalized back in February.   Although I think I may have enjoyed the "sedate" Donovan over this wild man that he has become as of late. (chuckle)  We dropped Norah off at school at 8:15am, drove home, ate breakfast, I answered a few emails and read some of my facebook friends' posts.  Changed into my "exercising" clothing, strapped Donovan into the jog stroller and ran for 30 minutes around the development.  (Boy did that feel good.)  We then made our way over for a visit with my parents, as they live a block away.  In addition to all of this, I have officially started "potty training" the little bugger.  I just put him in big boy pants and  hoped for the best.  He had a few "accidents", which was expected - but for the most part he did really well for his first day at this daunting task!

After leaving my parents we discussed making cookies on the walk home.  He wanted to make them all by himself.  I said sure!  Meaning, okay you can help me make cookies.  I've learned that you just say okay and then he's happy - even if I don't let him do exactly what he said!  (Trickery at its best I know - but it works to my advantage and we know it is all about Mommy!)

So we started out making cookies.  I must share with complete and utter seriousness - Donovan was a joy to work with in the kitchen.  He was patient and he followed directions perfectly.  Unlike completing this same task with his sister, he didn't fight me on instructions, wasn't defiant and was an absolute pleasure to be with.  (Poor Norah I know, but she's a 'know it all' and she can take a simple pleasure like baking cookies together and making it a miserable experience.)  I have to say I had so much fun making cookies with him.

Adding sugar.

Measuring out the gluten free "flour".

Adding flour mix to bowl.

Last bit of flour!

All done with the flour!

After mixing the sugar and butter together
Donovan added the flour to the mixing bowl.

Sneaking some M&Ms!
Doesn't every good baker do that?

Mommy scooped out the dough and
put the cookie sheet in the oven.

First batch completed!

And boy did they taste yummy!

Donovan can test my limits with pretty much everything else in life.  I was dreading making cookies with him today.  Instead, he surprised me with one of my more enjoyable Mommy experiences!

Thanks Dman for making cookies with me.  Lets do it again soon!  (on a day when mommy runs 30 minutes so I don't feel guilty eating cookies!)