Eight Years ago I was preparing to be a mother. I didn’t plan on being a stay at home mom but it did work out where it was cheaper for me to stay home. Five years passed and my oldest daughter went to PreK. A few tears were shed, but I had a new little one at home to take care of. It kept me occupied.

Today, my youngest started PreK. The oldest started 2nd grade.

For the first time in 8 years, I’m home alone in the day time. No chasing kids, changing diapers, fixing lunches, watching pbs kids on autopilot. I can watch whatever crap on tv I want. I can go hang out at Starbucks for hours (like this morning!) I’ve graduated, in a sense – from stay at home mom-dom. Of course I’m involved in both schools, and have volunteered to be Room Mom for half pints’ class. (What the hell was I thinking?)

I can finally write full time. I can have some “me” time. I’ve been smiling a secret smile for this day and now that it’s here…

The house seems a little emptier today. A little quieter, in a sad way.

I said I wasn’t going to mourn my youngest going to school. She’s excited to be there and I’m excited for the new adventures and the friends she’ll make. It’s a new chapter in our lives.

But I’m sitting here, a little misty eyed against my own will – at my own personal graduation.

I’ve survived two infants, toddlers, and now…