Three packed lunch bags are waiting in the fridge. (1 Barbie, 1 Vera Bradley, 1 orange and nondescript.)

Three alarms are set for 6:15. (Eden and I are relying on the others.)

Four piles of carefully selected outfits sit on bedroom floors. (Paul is winging it.)

“Our last day of freedom! ” Christopher announced to Eden upon waking this morning.

Tomorrow is the first day of school for all three children and it will be the first time in 14 years that I have, at least during school hours, an empty nest.