Flying the Coop

When does Empty Nest Syndrome start?

Is it possible to have "empty nest" syndrome when your kids are under the age of 4?

I always assumed that "syndrome" came at 18 when kids left for school.

But I think I am going through it a bit.

Next week - my daughter (4.5) starts her pre k program 5 days week and my son (18 months) starts his new mommy's day out program 3 days a week.

I am ok with my daughter going back. I am more anxious about the looming Kindergarden move next year. This is my last year with her where I am still the coolest thing in her world. She is growing up so fast. I mean this morning I am watching her and amazed at this little person who is so much like me. She says the most grown-up things:

Me: Honey, you need to stop getting so big. I want you to stay my baby."
Madelyn: "Mommmmmy, it's part of life. I'll always be your baby but I'm goingto miss you when I am an adult."

Say What?????

I am more freaked out by my little one. Even though he is only going 3 days a week/48 hrs a months/720 minutes a day (and to think I suck at math), I feel guilty and I realize he is not a baby anymore.

Here is what I came up with:
In each week - here are 168 hrs.Most young one sleep about 14 hrs a day = 98 hrs.
Leaving 85 waking hrs.
He will be in school 12 hrs.
So I will be with him 73 out of 85 hrs.

Since I do not have plans to have another - I am realizing my baby years are almost gone.

Now, I'm left with semi-empty nest syndrome. The house will be quieter (definately not used to that) and I am going to have a period of time when my "mom brain" get to shut off. A brain that has been on overdrive for almost 5 years.

Don't get me wrong - I am looking forward to the 12 hrs my son will be in school b/c now I get to learn how to write during daylight hrs (dont even know if I can do it? Used to 10 - 2am).

I am just sad about my babies flying the coop. Even if they fly back in a few hrs.