Growing too Quickly

As a mother, I think that we all have to stop once in a while, take a long hard look and realise that children grow up.... It's not something that is easy and I have had to be dragged kicking and screaming toward this stage of my Little Madame's life. She is getting big, growing up, becoming a little lady. However it is happening way, WAY to quickly. I see it everyday, in the way she talks, walks and her general demeanour. She doesn't want me to chose her clothes anymore - apparently, I have no fashion sense! HA! To me, fashion sense is not , and I repeat  NOT booty shorts on an 8 year old - however she thinks they are perfect! But I digress......  

 

 

 

A few weeks ago she asked if she could bake? This was nothing new. We have always baked together, this is why she loves baking! Sure was my answer, however the reply was unexpected. "BUT.....Mama, I want to bake alone please" I was honestly not sure how to react, we have ALWAYS baked together-always! I had to suck it up! She wanted to make a cake, so I got out my ancient, and I do mean ancient baking file ( for those of you that were at Manor and read my blog.... it is the small file, the one  we used in Home Economics - remember?)

 

I helped her chose a simple 3 minute sponge cake, got out the ingredients and then left her too it..... Well I retreated a few steps, into our dining room which is in eye sight of  the kitchen ( to be fair and really honest... its all open plan)   

   

So Tall

As I watched her, one of the first things to strike me was how tall she had suddenly gotten, wasn't it only yesterday that she needed a small chair to see over the top of the kitchen island, now she was taller than the island. As she  began to make her own cake, I also realised that instead of her being all over the place, throwing random things into a bowl, she really was doing it all herself, she knew what a cup measure meant and exactly how to weight things on  the scale. She was following all the steps methodically and with the utmost concentration, it totally floored me, had she actually been listening to me all these years. I thought I had just been babbling on into thin air.....   

 

  

 

I asked a few times if she needed help but the answer was always the same "I am fine thanks Mama" And although it pains me to say this she was doing perfectly! So I left her in peace (well.... except for the odd picture) The batter looked great and very soon she asked for help on the one thing she was nervous of doing  - putting the cake tin into the oven.  

Yummy Batter

At this stage of her baking journey, it became clear that she was very serious about all this. She kept checking the cake, exactly like they do on Britain Next Great Baker..... It was really sweet! She set not one but 2 timers and kept asking if they had rung yet?

That was when I realized that she was really nervous about her cake, she really wanted it to go well, and she REALLY wanted this to be HER first proper-I-baked-this-without-mama-cake. I began to worry too, however I need not have, when the timer finally rang and then then next one rang, we both bolted for the oven. I was asked to take it out, and my heart swelled with pride(and more than a little relief )when it was PERFECT!!!! Perfect I tell you.....

 

A little brown.... but perfect! Little Madame was truly delighted, she kept checking on it as it cooled, I don't think she believed that she had actually made it all by herself. 

Cooling time on a cake must be very difficult for little ones but eventually it was cool enough to frost, and she wanted to use buttercream AND fondant (she really has been watching me) And of course lots and lots and LOTS of ediable glitter. she made an Olaf and a baby in a blanket, she used my texture matts, and I left her to create and play.........

The final cake was a work of art. She then made tea and we had tea and cake. Not only was the cake pretty, but it tasted really good too. We had not one slice of vanilla sponge but two thick slices each and then after dinner we had some more!

Little Madame was ridiculously proud of herself, and so was I. She had done the whole thing by herself. I am going to say it again, I was PROUD! Years of her standing next to me on a chair while I talked her through measuring, beating and creaming have paid off. A life skill has been taught, I mean a girl really does need to know how to make a good sponge cake doesn't she?

Although I never like to end my posts on a melancholy note, I need to just say. My baby is no longer a baby, she is growing up into a well manners, happy and confidant girl. I wish with all my heart and soul I could slow thing down just a little..... but as I watch, teach and try to guide I cannot help but remember the tiny baby I held in my arms and marvel at the beautiful person that she is becoming and praise the Good Lord for the blessing that is my Little Madame.......xxx

The Best Part-Licking The Spatula!