Do the slices get smaller, or does the pie get bigger?

Women are constantly discussing whether or not it is possible to have it all: a great marriage, wonderful kids, and a thriving, challenging career with ample time to enjoy it all.

Despite what magazines say, there is no simple solution. Every woman I know grapples with striking a balance between her needs and those of her family. And every woman cuts something out of her daily routine or long-term goals to meet those demands. From exercise and daily primping to our career choices and marriages, we all let something fall by the wayside.

Every morning I am awakened to an important monologue consisting of "ma-ma-ma, ba-ba, da-daaaaaaaa!" When not immediately responsive, which is most days, I am crawled on and slapped as my daughter is very eager to play. On good days Nick and I function on 7 hours of sleep in two hour segments. Sofia's vibrant personality and rejection of sleep keep us focused on helping each other get by each day rather than on nurturing our relationship, an imbalance we hope to correct.

Yet somehow, our family is thriving.

Aside from sleep, nothing of substance feels removed from our life; we don't go on dates much, that's true, but when we do it is very special and rare. Plus, there's something to be said for dressing up for no occasion and having a date at home. Life involves toting around a lot more baby crap and chronic sleep deprivation, but other than that we are doing remarkably well.

I find that I am a better, happier, person doing MORE with my life rather than less. To this end, I am going back to school (again) to fulfill the educational requirement for the California State CPA Exam. This decision will mean a bit more time away from my daughter, but I believe it is something that will reward my family and myself in years to come.

I will no doubt continue to struggle with my choices as countless women have before me. Right now I strike the balance by pushing sleep lower and lower on my list which I'm pretty sure means I'd make a good CEO of some large company.

I don't think anyone can really, truly, have it all because if you do, then what's left to achieve?