Annnnnd ... Guilt Trip

I don't know if Mila somehow KNOWS where I was last week or what, but for the first time in her short life, she was not amused that I was out of town. Normally she sort of cares, but mostly she's like WOOOOHOOOO! I CAN GET AWAY WITH STUFF!

I'm not saying the rules are more strictly enforced when I'm around, but they totally are.

This time, though, Mila didn't see the upside. No amount of television or treats or sleeping in seemed to appease her. In fact, she flat-out had a meltdown at gymnastics because she wanted her mommy. Which, HI! THANKS FOR NEEDING ME! The other kid most certainly does not. I'm not even sure if the other one noticed I wasn't home.

Mila basically spent the week making everyone feel inadequate. But, no worries, she saved some of it for me. The second she realized I was home (I got home at 2:00 am, so she missed out on a few hours), she was like white on rice. That kid clung to me so hard the entire weekend that I almost thought she was Toddler Alexis. I half-expected a Toddler Helmet at night, even.

Everywhere I went, there was Mila.

The bathroom.

The kitchen.

She sat on the floor in the bathroom when I took a shower. She stared, unblinking the whole time.

She followed me outside.

She followed me inside.

She was my little shadow.

All the while, she complained and whined and generally made sure I felt like a giant jerk for being a responsible adult with a real job for a few days. All that, even after I made sure to come back with a few things from the magical land of Mickey for her.

Happy Mother's Day to you, too, Mila. Thanks for making me feel so spiffy!

No Bake Pineapple Cheesecake

Alexis has always liked to help me cook, but Mila LOVES to help me cook. The second I pull a mixing bowl out of the cabinet, she magically shows up. Little Miss Mila instantly starts pushing a chair to wherever I'm standing and pleads, "Can I help?"

It doesn't matter what I'm making. She just really wants to help.

Thus, I'm making an effort to make some simpler things with the idea that Mila should get a chance to assist. She's really good at pouring in ingredients, and she's even better at licking beaters when I'm done.

Thus, No Bake Pineapple Cheesecake. The littlest help did most of the work on this one, and she was really very pleased with herself.

No Bake Pineapple Cheesecake

1 - 8 oz package cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1 can pineapple slices
1 graham cracker crust

1. Place 6 or so slices of pineapple in a large skillet and cook until lightly browned.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Slowly add the heavy cream and beat at high speed until peaks form. Add the coconut extract. Add 1/4 cup pineapple juice from the canned pineapple slices. Cut up any uncooked pineapple and add it as well. Beat well.

3. Spread the cream cheese mixture in the graham cracker crust then top with cooked pineapple slices. If you want to truly appease the Mila, add a few maraschino cherries as well.

4. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Yes, You