Two worlds merge.

The line I used to draw (carve) between work and home, that clearly dissected my three-mile commute at precisely the 1.5-mile mark, has been erased. As if all along it was just a line drawn in sand and a gust of wind blew it away.

Recently, work has demanded more of me, stealing home time that I deemed so sacred. I was angry that I had lost my battle. But I wonder, what's more important - falling asleep at night with peace of mind that I've gotten it ALL done? Or swimming up stream to make sure the protective bubble I have created around my home doesn't burst?

I adore Michelle Slatalla, of the New York Times. She writes the column Wife/Mother/Worker/Spy, and one of many things she has taught me is that the merging of these two worlds is okay. Emphasizing the need for working moms to be flexible. Learn to make effective game-time decisions regarding your children and work and never look back. Be confident, trust your judgment, your gut, but drop the guilt.

I have finally allowed these worlds to merge. Who knows, maybe they can become friendly neighbors.

I feel better already.

We'll see how it goes.

Team USA!

The Olympics rock! This past weekend Jack organized our own winter games, complete with team uniforms - of course, we couldn't miss that detail!







Our grounds crew, Henry and Uncle Greg, prepped the ice.



Speed skating was the first event. Matt was shocked when Jack announced they had to skate 12 laps. Jack collapsed at the end, little did I know his ankles were bloody from wearing short socks with his skates. He is still healing. Bad, bad Mommy.





Hockey... this may have been when I discovered the dead raccoon perched on the ice not far from us, adding a lovely dimension to the games.








Ice chunk tossing... yes, the favorite!



We only had one casualty...



After the games, Jack and I decided to hang out on the ice a bit longer, just the two of us. While he built an ice sculpture, which of course represents the Olympic castle, I reveled in the stillness, the quiet. I studied what Matt and I refer to as "the perfect tree" in its full round shape. Even in winter I find it charming. The air has shifted recently to the smell of earth, reminding me that Our tree will soon be filled with white blossoms. For now we have ice, which isn't so bad either.

Thank you, supper club.

This past Saturday, Matt and I shared our dining room table with six amazing people, good food and drink, and the opportunity to step back for just a moment. A moment to remind us, that although our daily lives are consumed by the busyness of work and family, we are always surrounded by a tremendous group of friends.

We hosted our first supper club. An idea we came up with late last Fall as a way to get through the long winter. A group of us would meet once a month to enjoy dinner and more importantly good company. The best part being that it was to be an adult-only affair. As I sat at the table, I couldn't help but marvel at our good fortune.

I have always considered life while raising small children similar to living on an island, a very small island. One that I always welcome when bringing baby home - an environment that is safe and calm in which to introduce them to the world. But once we are out of those first hazy months we suddenly feel the need to reconnect, and sharing a simple meal with friends is the perfect backdrop.

Thank you, supper club, for lifting our spirits. Life feels lighter in the company of friends.

Happy Birthday Henry!

Per Jack's request Henry got to open his birthday presents very early this morning. Henry should know that his greatest supporter is his big brother!

Last night after Henry went to bed, Jack helped Matt and I wrap presents, blow up balloons and bake a cake for Henry. Here are some photos of Henry's favorite birthday gifts. For weeks he has been asking for a new "pan-o" - today was his lucky day!

Tonight we will have cake and play some family baseball. Thank you to everyone for the wonderful presents and birthday wishes!