I guess it’s official. I am an empty nester. 

With my youngest off to college and my oldest moving back out as a pandemic refugee from Manhattan, I find myself reflecting on what I call my three stages of motherhood. 

SInce my two daughters are nine years apart, my three very distinct stages were nine years of Melissa alone, nine years of Melissa and Becca here together, and my last nine years of Becca alone. 

That adds up to a 27 year career as an at home mom. 

Yes, I have taken many steps in the last weeks to enjoy some newly found independence. I had lunch with my bestie, scheduled some travel, and went away for a spa weekend.  It is odd to not hear kids’ voices in my house, but it is not exactly peaceful. 

You see, I am a glutton for punishment. 

I find that I am now knee deep in stage four of my motherhood. 

I am still an at home mom, but now to four bad dogs.