Celebrating the love, laughter, and little moments that make this milestone so special.

This weekend marks the beginning of a new chapter for so many families — kids heading off to college for the first time, or heading back for another semester.

For me, this year is extra personal. My daughter Eryn is starting her first fall semester at the University of Florida (Go Gators!) 🧡💙, and I’ve spent the past week soaking in every moment with her before she moves into her dorm.

The Week Before Goodbye

In the flurry of to-do lists and Target runs, I carved out time to do one thing I knew would matter — make all of her favorite home-cooked meals. I wanted her to have a week filled with the comfort of family dinners, a little taste of home before the semester ahead.

She also had one last sleepover with her best friends. The laughter coming from upstairs was pure magic … the kind of sound that makes you stop and smile. They stayed up late playing games, and even though I knew I’d be tired in the morning, hearing their joy was worth every minute.

The Mom Moments

We all have them … the quiet things we do for our kids that might go unnoticed, but come from a place of love. For me, it was folding the laundry she brought home from the summer, making every shirt and pair of jeans perfectly neat… knowing full well they’ll be tossed around the second she unpacks.

It was slipping her favorite snacks into a bin for her dorm (thank goodness Publix had Cheez-its on BOGO!). And it was writing a small note, to tuck into desk drawer for her to find later, maybe on a tough day when she needs a reminder that she’s loved.

The Feelings We Carry

Right now, my heart feels like it’s in two places at once. I’m sad to see her go after having her home for a week… but I’m also so excited for what’s ahead of her … the classes, the Gator football games 💙🧡, the new friendships, the late-night conversations that help you figure out who you are.

A part of me wishes I could go back and do it all again. But this is her moment, and she’s so ready for it.

To the Moms Out There

If you’re in the middle of boxes and packing tape right now, I want you to know something: You are the hero in your child’s story. You’ve been their biggest cheerleader, their safe place, and their guide. You’ve done the hard work of preparing them for this exact moment.

Whether you’re sending them to their first dorm room or helping them settle into their last college apartment, I hope you take a moment to acknowledge everything you’ve poured into them … the years of love, the patience, the snacks, the pep talks.

Because at the end of the day, college move-in isn’t just about them starting a new chapter. It’s about us moms starting one, too.

Here’s to cheering them on from afar… and to finding the joy in our own next adventure. 💛

Hugs,
Jeanine

p.s. take all the photos, (cell phone selfie with a timer!), even if your kids grumble and roll their eyes. You will want them to look back on to remember this day! 👇👇👇