bonding while baking

Hallie and I love to bake cookies together. Normally this process can make other kids go crazy but it actually has a soothing effect on Hallie. I'd say it is because she cherishes that time of just Hallie and Mommy. That is why I love to do it with her. It carves out at least an hour together and it is quiet, fun time. Hallie is super focused the entire time. When life has been chaotic or if we have been impatient with each other, I know it's time to get out the baking books. Here are some of my favorite memories of what Hallie does when we bake . . .

• Hallie knows I prefer she doesn't crack the eggs. But, she always gets to pull the egg out of the carton, hold it for awhile, and then hand it to me. She is always so excited and says "I'll get the eggs! Now, I don't break them, Mommy."
• Hallie will hold out the measuring cup and spoon, while I fill it with ingredients. She used to get excited and dump ingredients too early. Now, she is seasoned and more mature. She told me last time "Now, let me know when you're ready for me to dump it, Mommy."
• Hallie can turn the hand mixer on and off herself and has the control to keep the ingredients in the bowl while she mixes. She just waits for my word and she can mix all by herself.
• If either of us accidentally pours flour or sugar on the counter she says "It's okay! We can clean it up later."
• When she was younger she would say "Can I eat it, Mommy? I want some!" seventy eight times while baking. Now she says "Can I just have a little piece?" and "just one more?"
• She without fail says every time "When Daddy comes home he will be so proud of me! He will say 'Oh, Hallie, you made me cookies! Thank you!' Huh, Mommy?"
• When she sees the bag of finished cookies sitting on the counter, instead of asking for them she uses this approach: "I'll only have one cookie, Mommy. Only one!"