I have no heart.

I had the bed to myself last night. Daddy and The Boy had a night to themselves in the guest bedroom. As I went to leave the house this morning, I couldn't help but peek in and see my two favorite people while they're asleep and so peaceful.

Caden stirred at the sound of the door opening, but didn't full awaken. Instead, he says, 'Daddy?' and Mike, half asleep, mumbles, 'Huh?' as he puts his arm around Caden and snuggles him closer. And then in the sweetest, most heartbreaking little voice, my son tells my husband, 'Love you.'

And I closed the door, leaving the two halves of my heart asleep in bed.

And the award goes to . . .

Lately I've been 'woe is me'-ing a lot. It's not easy to be a working mom of a two-year old who thinks his way is the ONLY way and who will throw a fit just because I want to close the shower door while I'm shaving my legs. THANK. YOU.

And then it hit me: I am half of a duo. I am only ONE part of a TWO person equation. And then sadly, I realized I must remove my Super Mom cape and hand it directly to . . . . my sister.

My sister is a single mother to a beautiful, imaginative, creative, charming and sweet-loving little boy. She is the bread winner in her family. She is the mother, father, laundress, seamstress, waitress, cook, housekeepper and all-around handy person. She takes on the job and takes it on with a smile. I cannot remember hearing her complain about terrible-twos or how it would be nice to just have a moment of alone time. And when I realize this, it makes me feel completely selfish.

So, my award for Super Mom, Great Sisiter and just all-around Good Person goes to my sister. I love you, Ash.

What's all the fuss about?

I've been asking myself this eternally baffling question alot the last little bit (besides Did Elvis really die? Where IS Amelia Earheart? Where is Atlantis and who made the Bimini Road?)

How do I manage being: wife, mother, professional, cook, seamstress, closet cleaner-outer, friend, aunt, daughter, sister, laundry mistress and still have time to be Lori?

You know, don't get me wrong - I LOVE being a mother and wife. But as a woman, I often feel forgotten. I feel overlooked, underappreciated. I am too tired in the mornings to do anything besides throw on clothes and half-way dry my hair. Makeup? Got it. Put it on? Forget about it.

Where are the days of hair gel, long showers, lotion on my legs? Or the days of buying myself new underwear instead of pull-ups for The Boy?

Prime example of a wife/mother's deep love: I got The Hubs a PS3 last year for Christmas with the understand that this year's big gift would go to me! And alas! We're going to Disney in February so we're forgoing Christmas gifts for each other! So, no new pots and pans. No new jeans. No new baubles.

But I'm okay with that. Because this morning I watched the two most spectacular people in the world cuddle in bed and watch Dinosaur Train. And in the evenings, when I'm all worn out and just want 5 minutes of Lori time? Well, I hear, 'Mommy? Mommy? Wuv ou.'

And then I smile and say with complete energy and unreserved love:

I love you, too, baby.