It seems Brad and I are going to have an addition to our little family.

Things are going to have to change. No more late-night partying. No more spur of the moment shopping trips to Kearney or Lincoln. Our lifestyle is about to do a 180.

From now on, when we go on any kind of trip, I'll have to make sure there's three bags packed instead of the normal two.

I'll have to lose my selfish urge to shop for myself, and start spending money for clothes and shoes on someone who won't like wearing thongs on their feet and sleeveless T-shirts.

I'll have to make sure there's food in the fridge for those late night feedings and make sure I have an ample supply of liquid formula so that we won't be making any late night trips to the store.

I'll have to make sure the Blazer is in perfect running condition for those days when the three of us need to go to the same place at the same time -- I don't care what anyone says, I'm keeping the Crossfire, surely I'll have some opportunity to use it for a little alone time with Brad.

While it's true that this new addition may be a far bit bigger than a breadbasket it doesn't matter. I'm bringing my baby home -- my 18-year-old baby.

Jer has spent the last eight years living with his dad -- a mutual decision based on what we thought was best for him.

This weekend, he sprung it on me.

"Mom, how would you feel about me living with you for my senior year?" he asked.

How would I feel?!

I would feel ecstatic.

One year with him could never make up for all the time I've missed in his life, but at least I'd have that one year -- one of the most important years of his life.

The year he makes the decision of what he plans to do with the rest of his life.

The year he leaves childhood behind and becomes a man.

I know it won't always be easy. We're all more than a little opinionated.

We all have a little bit of a temper. We all know what we want and have our own ideas on how to get it. But in the long run, I think we'll be OK.

It has to be, nothing can ruin this for me.

After eight years, I finally get to bring my baby home.