We are a typical family in many respects - mum and dad both work, toddler-child goes to "play skool" like her hero, Caillou. But up until very recently, life was not thus for this family. In fact, a week before I returned to work from maternity leave, Thor gave his notice and came home to stay. The center we had planned on for the Wee Bean Feegle had a two-year wait list and frankly, we couldn't afford anything else.

So, our routine and life as a family was born. I was always home before 4 pm. I could relax, play, cook dinner (I love to do this), give the Bean her bath and for a long time, putting her to bed was our special time together.

A couple of months ago, everything changed. A spot at the center opened up and we wanted her to be with kids her own age. It was Time. So, Thor went back to work and our routine got thrown to the wolves. Now, we're up just as early (by 5 am), but not home until 6 pm. Bean's bedtime got moved from 8 to 7:30 and a previously relaxing morning and nighttime routine has turned into the standard Family Chaos.

Most nights, I'm disgruntled and feeling overcrowded in the kitchen, rushed through dinner and on into bath time. Mornings are no better - getting myself ready, preparing lunches for the adults, getting a reluctant child dressed and out the door.

Today though, something had changed. Last night, Thor and I showered together and we laughed like kids. He got most of his lunch ready to go and left it in the fridge. I had time to make mine this morning. We both took time for ourselves this morning too - and he got the reluctant child up and ready. When we arrived home, we all sat on the back porch, watching the cool springtime rain of New England, and Bean blew bubbles out the window, exhorting us to catch them.

I made quick and easy comfort food for dinner while the two of them laughed and played as He gave Her a bath. No one got in anyone else's way and all of our movements together seemed an almost perfectly coordinated dance. We all came together at the finale, and sat down to a fine meal of clam chowder made at the fish market around the corner, grilled cheese, and mixed vegetables. Everyone ate in what was mostly a happy silence, punctuated only by goofiness and giggles.

After dinner, I cleaned up while He entertained Her. We came together once more, in the living room, for a brief snuggle on the couch during Kipper and then, it was time for bed.

We showered again tonight. We laughed again - so hard that tears were streaming down our faces. We teased each other mercilessly and jostled for hot water. Maybe it's not the most romantic thing to do in the shower, but it seems to work for us. It set a good tone and may be just the thing we need to someday put the Russian Ballet to shame in our flawless execution of this dance called Life.