When Tom and Tracy Wolfe's first child, daughter Madison Taylor, was born October 16, 2002, the proud parents felt as if they had already been through the birthing process with all its attendant anxieties and expectations. Nearly four years earlier, Tom, 35, a chef, and Tracy, 34, a pharmacist, had collaborated on another newborn: their first restaurant, Wolfe's of New Orleans.

It was a calculated risk for Tom, who after eight years as sous chef for Emeril Lagasse at his flagship restaurant, Emeril's, was enjoying an element of security in an often-volatile profession. Tracy was understandably a bit apprehensive. As a full-time pharmacist, she was well established in her chosen profession, in addition to being as she puts it, "a complete novice in the restaurant business." Still, the two put aside their concerns, pooled their savings and leapt into the venture, knowing they would either succeed or fail as a team.

Off to a Running Start
To say that they succeeded would be putting it mildly. In his first year as chef/owner of Wolfe's, Tom's culinary talent was recognized nationally by prestigious publications such as Bon Appetit, Wine Spectator and Esquire, in which noted food columnist John Mariani gave him a mention as one of "five new chefs to watch in the United States." Last year, Tom was selected as one of New Orleans Rising Star Chefs, a short list of those most likely to assume the mantle of his mentor, Emeril Lagasse.

Tracy, with a full-time career of her own, still assumes responsibility for the restaurant's administrative and accounting duties, and after a 50-hour work week at Majoria Pharmacy in Metairie, just outside of New Orleans, often pitches in on catering assignments and other special events.

Balancing Career and Family
With two such demanding lifestyles, the arrival of Madison – although eagerly anticipated – created a whole new set of challenges for the young couple, such as making sure their professional duties were covered while still ensuring they saved quality time for their daughter.

"Like every other two-career family, Tracy and I switch off in our schedules in order to spend time with Madison," says Tom. "We always do things with her during the day, but depending on whose work schedule is really tight, not always together. For example, on a day when I have a full house at both lunch and dinner, plus a catering job, it will be Tracy who will take her to the park to feed the ducks, which is one of her favorite things to do."

While Tom has become adept at changing diapers and has learned the finer points of helping a young lady choose her daily attire, it's Tracy who is chief cook (at home, that is) and baby washer. "Since I'm always extremely busy at the restaurant on most evenings, it's Tracy who gets to tuck Madison in and tell her bedtime stories, an activity that I really miss," says Tom. "I'm often the one who gets up with Maddie if she wakes up in the middle of the night, demanding some cuddling time."

Conversely it’s Tom who frequently takes off in the middle of the day and drives 15 minutes to the couple's home near Lake Pontchartrain to take Madison to scheduled activities such as doctors' appointments. As owner of the restaurant he has more flexibility in his schedule than Tracy does.

He laughs while explaining how they often tag-team on such occasions. "We've literally had a relay going where I will take Maddie to her pediatrician and wait with her until Tracy can get there," says Tom. "Then I'll hand her off to her mother and rush back to the restaurant to be at the door to say goodbye to patrons who are just finishing up their meal."

Still, both Tom and Tracy insist that they have favorite times with their daughter they are reluctant to give up. "I feel like I just can't miss waking up with her and putting her to bed at night," says Tracy. "These are the most precious times of the day for me. I also love to dance holding her, and Madison loves it as much as I do. She giggles the whole time we're dancing."

Tom admits to being the official family photographer. "I take pictures of her constantly, especially at holidays and during family get-togethers,” he says. Although both make “Madison time” a priority in their busy schedules, the couple acknowledges that they couldn't do it without the strong support system they have: both sets of grandparents, a close friend and a regular babysitter. "Between all of us, we have it covered," Tracy says.

A Room Fit for a Princess
While the Wolfes say they have barely started renovating and re-decorating the spacious, two-story house they bought several years ago (even Tom's dream kitchen has been put on hold temporarily), Madison's room, the first to be finished, is one any little princess could be proud of.

Its sunny, yellow walls are decorated with a large mural where jungle animals perch in trees and hang from branches. On the dresser sits a replica of Noah's Ark with toy animals lined up two by two, and from her crib, Madison can see a large mama giraffe and her baby bending down to look at her. Inside a walk-in closet that would make a runway model swoon with envy is an assortment of frilly dresses that clearly demonstrate the 16-month-old's fashion savvy. "She gets her prissy air from me along with her eyes and her smile," Tracy says. "She has Tom's coloring, dimples, expressions and his temper."

And what about her culinary choices? Has she inherited a love for and appreciation of fine cuisine from her father as well? "It never ceases to amaze us that two foodies like Tom and me have produced such a picky eater,” says Tracy.

“Her menu is really quite limited," says Tom, whose paternal pride overrides his chef's disdain. "It consists of quesadilla cheese dip, ravioli and ketchup!"

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