Gone are the days and weekends where my Husband and I can lounge around in the house, watch movies and snuggle in bed. Now that we have our two little rug rats (and I say rug rats in the most loving way possible), lounging around and doing nothing, is not really an option when you have kids who need you and are constantly pulling you in multiple directions all at once. . . starting at 8am.
Like most people, I feel like the transition from husband & wife to parents was challenging but also very rewarding and wonderful. Challenging because we got pregnant right away and didn’t get to fully enjoy life as a married couple and do all of those things people tell you to do before you have kids. . .
But I wouldn’t change a thing. Now, we have little tummies to fill, small soft hands to hold, little minds to challenge and these little rug rats to love. Seeing my husband become a father was a beautiful thing and made me fall in love with him all over again. Don’t get me wrong. Were we sleep deprived? Were we arguing about when to change the diaper, when to feed and how to wash the bottles? Yes. Because we were sleep deprived.
Seeing my husband with the girls is great and he is the best dad ever. Do we do things differently? Oh yes. Does he still forget to take the diaper bag when he takes the girls out without me? Yes. But does he play with them, act silly with them, laugh with them, hug them, kiss them, and tells them he loves them? Yes! Everyday.
I feel like we have finally hit a nice groove. Our family routine if you will . . how we make things work in our family and help us all to be better. I wasn’t sure what life in Washington would bring us, but we love it here and are happy.
For us, as long as Paul and I have some alone time in the evenings so we can talk (this is obviously after the kids are in bed), a monthly date night, time to do our own things and time with our individual friends, all is good, balanced and we are better, happier people and parents because of these things. And for the family, we have family outings and take walks together. This might not work for everyone but it’s certainly helping us and I am so grateful that we have reached this point in our family life. Will things change? YOU bet your ass they will. With kids and life, only 
Heart Shaped Flourless Chocolate Cakes
Ingredients
- 4 oz. bittersweet chocolate; broken up into pieces
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Nutella
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- confectioners sugar aka powdered sugar
- berries
Special Equipment Used:
- Springform cake pan or a regular 8-inch round cake pan
- SIL-ECO round baking liner or parchment paper
- Heart shaped cookie cutter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Spray your cake pan with non-stick cooking spray and line the bottom with a round baking liner or parchment paper to ensure the cake will come out; especially if you are not using a springform cake pan.
- Melt the butter first in the microwave for 20 seconds and then add the chocolate. Melt both together slowly in the microwave, mixing with a whisk every 20 seconds until completely melted and smooth. Next, in this order, stir in the sugar, Nutella, eggs (one at a time) and the vanilla. Lastly, sift your cocoa powder into batter and stir in gently with the salt. Pour the cake mixture into your prepared cake pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Once the cake has cooled completely; I would wait at least 30 minutes to one hour, use your heart shaped cookie cutter to make the heart shapes. Dust on some powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries.
Recipe adapted from 
Alice, this is such a sweet post! And those hearts look amazingly fudgy. I have them pinned and can´t wait to try them!
Oh thank you, Paula! You will love the cake!! My first flourless one! 🙂
What a beautiful post, Alice. I love reading your words and thoughts – so eloquent, honest, and sweet. I’m glad that your family has found its groove and it sounds like a pretty darn good one. I hope your three loves enjoyed the chocolate cake – I love these beautiful photos!
Awh, thank you Nancy! I don’t know about eloquent, but thank you. It took us a while but I am so thankful for the friendships we’ve made here in WA and that has helped us a ton. . it really does take a village to raise children. 🙂 They loved the cake! It’s sooo good! you must try this!
Such a touching story Alice. It reminds me to remember that each moment (regardless) of how small or big, can sum up a relationship. Thank you for sharing both yours/the family’s and that gorgeous cake too 🙂
Awh, thank you so much Alice! I’m so honored and happy that this little post of mine reminds you to remember each moment in a relationship! Every relationship has it’s ups and downs and none out there is perfect. . and the older I get, I feel like I try to reflect more and more. . .
Thank you for the comments and I’m so glad that you and I have connected through blogging! 🙂
This is such a lovely post! I’m happy for your family, and that you guys have found your groove.
Those cakes look adorable and delicious, especially served with fresh berries! I love that you snuck a little nutella into the recipe too… could you taste it?
Thank you, Allison. . re: the Nutella. not really. Next time, I will have to add more!! 🙂 Wanted to see if I could get a hint of the chocolate hazelnut you know?
I love this post! So sweet!! I can relate to so many things, especially the fact that you can talk with your spouse after the kids go to bed 🙂 Your cakes sounds amazing and look perfect for Valentine’s Day, Alice!
Thank you so much, Anna! 🙂 Happy Valentine’s Day to you!!
Oh Alice, these are gorgeous and so chocolatey which I of course love!! I really love reading your posts and stories. I completely agree with you too. My little Olivia is just 15 months old and it has been incredibly difficult and challenging for my hubby and I, but he is the best father I could ever dream of and being a mother is a dream come true. I never knew my heart coud feel this way. I’ve become so in love, so vulnerable and so scared every single day with this amazing creature. She is my very reason for existence so I wouldn’t change a thing! Reading your words was a pleasure!
Brandi, thank you so much for this comment! I absolutely agree with you on the “so in love, so vulnerable and so scared every single day” . . I think it’s suppose to get easier after they turn 20! 😛 But yes, what a joy children are. . even though I am tired everyday, I am also very thankful.
Awww that’s so sweet. I’m sure Paul must be blessed to have you by his side, someone who will encourage and pray for him the most. As for this chocolate cakes, delicious! Especially when it comes with nutella.
Nice Heart shape chocolate cake recipe. Cake is looking so beautiful and delicious. Thanks for sharing good cake recipe.
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Nice recipe thanks for sharing