Rhythm

Life is beginning to regain some kind of normalcy.  Don't know if you heard, but babies are kind of time consuming.  I was talking with some friends tonight, and we kept saying how at first, it's hard to get anything done other than care for your baby.  Taking a shower is a big deal.  Emptying the dishwasher.  You made it to the grocery store??  You deserve a major award.
But now, my house is practically clean.  My laundry is done.  I've made dinner every night this week.  I'm able to go out and have fun.  My baby is still alive and happy.  I've even started redecorating my living room (thanks Mom!).  AND yesterday I found time to make cookies!

Pecan Joys.  Recipe found here.

 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (that's 2 sticks) unsalted, room temperature butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup tightly packed, light brown sugar
2 room temperature eggs
1 teaspoon pure almond extract
2 cups of shredded coconut (sweetened)
3 cups bittersweet or dark chocolate chips
2 cups chopped pecans

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking Soda, and salt; Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment (or any large mixing bowl if you're using a hand-held), beat together the butter and both sugars on medium-high speed until light and creamy (about 3-5 minutes).
Add the eggs one at a time, beating for about one minute after each addition. (Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.)
Add the almond extract and beat to combine.
On low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients, beating just until the streaks of flour have disappeared.
Use a large rubber spatula or wooden spoon to mix in the coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans. [Note: The dough may be very dense and difficult, so you'll need some muscle to get everything evenly dispersed...which is okay since you will feel less guilty about enjoying the cookies.]
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Preheat the oven to 350 F. and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Use a rounded Tablespoon of dough per cookie. Roll each Tablespoon into a ball and flatten slightly. (Leave about 1/2-inches between each cookie.)
Bake for 8-10 minutes. Remove the sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to rest for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

They were delicious. Pecans, chocolate chips, AND coconut.

London is growing up so fast!  I know every mother says that, but when it's your kid...it's crazy!  I mean, didn't I just have her?  And now she smiles and gurgles and sleeps in her own room and even sucks on her fingers!  Milestones!
It's kind of silly how excited we get about these little things, but it is so neat to watch her discover the world around her.  She's so alert, and I feel like she has such intelligent, inquisitive eyes.  I love watching her process all that she sees.  I love the feeling of her snuggling up next to me, of the smiles she gives me when I come and get her from her crib in the morning.  I just have such a great baby!
And, as a special treat, here are some photos that I didn't post to facebook.  Enjoy!

Even though some times it's hard to have a baby screaming and a million responsibilities, at the end of every day, I can't help but think, "I love being a mom."  I really, truly do.  It's the busiest I've ever been, but I love it.  Every.  Stinkin'.  Minute.  I've so much to be grateful for and I truly am.