Tofu dogs for dinner again?!

Trying to prepare a meal is nearly impossible. Not that I ever "cooked" all that often, but it would be nice to be able to put fish in the oven and vegetables on the stove every once in a while.  It is rare, when Mommy is home, that Keegan will engage in independent play these days.  Instead, he is often standing at my feet crying or whining to come up.  And how is one supposed to cook with a toddler in your arms?  Try opening up the oven door or stiring something on the stovetop with a 15 month old trying to reach for everything in front of him, nearly catapulting himself to the floor. If I don't pick him up, he'll cry himself into a fit.  Is this just a phase, or am I giving in to his whining and creating bad habits?  Help! I still love you, my little love bug.