Never thought i would ever feel so, but ds is 8 now nearly 9 and i am finding the freedom that i honestly thought i had said goodbye to..for life.
Its nice. After years of routine, and ds dominating my every waking thought, on reflection, things are easier these days.
I am enjoying having "me" back a bit 
He has gone to a football match tonight...on a school night and im not in the least bit anxious about it as i would have been say..12 months ago.
I am even off to my pals for a coffee..just because i am sat in on my tod!
He gets up himself in the morning, gets dressed, gets his brecky.
I have been waking when i wake and not because i have been woken up iyswim. (LUUXURYYYYY)
Learning to cook now, so can bake and make pasta and stuff, he is simply more independant. He does so much for himself.
Its nice, like all the hard work and long hours are paying off.
(Holds breath & waits for teenage years to hit)