I am about to face my first year as an "almost" empty nester
I saw almost as dd1 has returned from uni to start her NQT year and the plan is she will live at home for 1 year. She will, however, be working full time as an NQT so will be busy and I doubt will be filling the house with much sound as she is a fairly quiet personality anyway.
DD2 and ds are both off at UNI DD2 actually moving out out on the 12th September as she has rented a proper flat with 2 friends (not uni rental this is a normal rental and plan is they will be there for some time - she is massively excited) and DD3 is with my sister for the next 3 years Scandinavia doing an International Bachelorette...
I have a course I am due to start on the 9th myself but it is not full time. DH is still working from home due to COVID and everything feels strange. The dog keeps looking around clearly looking for DD3 and I don't know what will happen when DS goes as dog LOVES DS dearly..(I know he will cope he likes cheese so I can bribe him)
However, it's all so odd and sooner than I expected especially with dd3 leaving without doing A levels here. They are all set for amazing things that really is exciting them all. I just feel...... empty in a way...
How long until this becomes the norm? I know they will all come back for weekends and Christmas holiday etc.. Just right now the idea of me dh (who is lovely but at the best of times likes his own company a LOT) and the dog.. Plus dd1 heavily in her first year as a teacher. I am excited for all of them it's just........
So many changes. & a part of me would like to turn time back a few years. (another is HUGELY proud of the 4 wonderful humans dh and I have brought up who are ready to take on the world for themselves)