Kids headed to College Fall 2012 Check-in

[goofy4tink]

So, the texts starting before we got off campus yesterday. I had the phone ringer really quiet so I wasn't tempted when driving home. They went something like this...
Mom, where's my laundry bag Jackie got me??? (probably weren't even off campus when this one came in)

Oh, never mind, found it. But where's my Brita water bottle? (2 mins later)

Then, later in the evening.....

Mom, I need diet Coke when you come tomorrow.

and then......

Oh, and an ethernet cable.
and then.........

And some camisoles...forgot to pack them.

then, finally, at 10:30????

Hey Mom..survived my first college shower!!


Too funny. But, she seems happy.

 

[maxaroni]

So, the texts starting before we got off campus yesterday. I had the phone ringer really quiet so I wasn't tempted when driving home. They went something like this...
Mom, where's my laundry bag Jackie got me??? (probably weren't even off campus when this one came in)

Oh, never mind, found it. But where's my Brita water bottle? (2 mins later)

Then, later in the evening.....

Mom, I need diet Coke when you come tomorrow.

and then......

Oh, and an ethernet cable.
and then.........

And some camisoles...forgot to pack them.

then, finally, at 10:30????

Hey Mom..survived my first college shower!!


Too funny. But, she seems happy.

We weren't off campus last year (freshman last year) when DS sent his first text. We had a 2 hour drive home and it didn't fully hit me....the whole senior year was so emotional for me, but leaving him at school was also when our beloved cocker spaniel was in a crisis situation and we knew we would need to put him down..one last ditch effort from the vet but the next day was when he crossed rainbow bridge. At any rate, DS did text more than I thought he would but, of course, not enough for me!

 

[zurgswife]

I feel like a weird parent. I'm getting ready to bring my 3rd child to college and I have never shed a tear (and mind you I cry at TV commercials daily). I've always looked at as I'm dropping them into the next part of their lives that they are excited and happy to get to....

I've always been more excited for them to start the next part of their lives rather then sad that they are moving out of mine. Is there anybody else that doesn't cry or feel really sad?

 

[mom2boys]

I've always been more excited for them to start the next part of their lives rather then sad that they are moving out of mine. Is there anybody else that doesn't cry or feel really sad?

I also find it more exciting than sad to see them move into the next phase of their lives. We raised both of boys to be independent. I am so proud of his accomplishments. He has had to overcome some challanges along the way but he never losses sight of his goals and always finds a way to get there.

I would like hear from him more often, but I know he is busy. He should actually have more time when classes start on Monday. Clearly he's not sitting around thinking about us - and he shouldn't be. He's having the time of his life. He will never have this type of freedom again.

 

[Chelley00]

I've always been more excited for them to start the next part of their lives rather then sad that they are moving out of mine. Is there anybody else that doesn't cry or feel really sad?

I'm not a crier anyhow, but I didn't feel sad at all. DS took a year off after high school to work and so I'm just excited he finally got to go to school. I had a harder time sending the youngest DS to 2nd grade then I did taking big DS to college

 

[wowsmom]

Just Skyped with DS (my first time skyping ever!). He looks great and sounds great. Had lots of fun camping - they actually slept in tents (his first time ever!) although he did say one of his two tent-mates had to leave the tent after the first night due to DS's snoring. He's making friends and enjoying himself and seems really happy.

He did say his roommate might end up coming 2nd semester. It'll be interesting to see if he can fit everything back onto his side of the room, if that happens.

Classes start for him tomorrow and I'm looking forward to hearing how it all goes.

 

[goofy4tink]

I feel like a weird parent. I'm getting ready to bring my 3rd child to college and I have never shed a tear (and mind you I cry at TV commercials daily). I've always looked at as I'm dropping them into the next part of their lives that they are excited and happy to get to....

I've always been more excited for them to start the next part of their lives rather then sad that they are moving out of mine. Is there anybody else that doesn't cry or feel really sad?

I'm usually a crier, but didn't shed a tear. Well, I did get teary when the kids were piped in by bagpipers for convocation...but I always tear up for bagpipes. So, pretty much made it through the weekend, tearless...surprising to me.
BUT....my dh just called to tell me a dear friend passed away, quite suddenly, this weekend. I couldn't stop crying!! I guess it's the timing....our dog had to be put down in July, my mother-in-law is dying of lung cancer (diagnosed in June and will most likely be gone in a week or two, based on current condition!!), the 'baby' is off at college, and this friend died!!! Now I'm crying...can't stop. I guess it was the straw that broke this camels back!!! Dear God...need to catch a break here!!!

 

[zurgswife]

Ok Moved my Freshman in yesterday. He is in NYC and has a dorm "apartment" that is absolutely ginormous (is that a word). He limited the amount of stuff he brought because he was worried about space. I think I'm going to bring most of his stuff so that I can empty "his" the new guest room more....

He had a great first day except losing his blood glucose meter within the first 3 hours after we left. He was carrying it in a string bag that all the kids got; laid it down and someone picked it up....They made an announcement and he got his strips back but not the meter....oh well. His big sis rushed him a new meter from he apt in Chelsea....Glad we have back up in town.

He told her he was having a great orientation time despite the lost of his meter.

 

[Green Tea]

I will say I do not think I have ever been this heartbroken in my life. When my oldest left I still had other children at home. When the last one goes.....Well, I am not handling this well at all. I was so excited with college visits, the acceptance letters, even packing and gathering the needed items. Somehow in all the fun, and prodding to get the applications done, I sort of forgot that I'd be left alone. My "job" for over 20 years suddenly ends. I am trying to keep busy to keep from crying. My days for all these years have revolved around children. Now, I find the day is really, really long.

 

[java]

I will say I do not think I have ever been this heartbroken in my life. When my oldest left I still had other children at home. When the last one goes.....Well, I am not handling this well at all. I was so excited with college visits, the acceptance letters, even packing and gathering the needed items. Somehow in all the fun, and prodding to get the applications done, I sort of forgot that I'd be left alone. My "job" for over 20 years suddenly ends. I am trying to keep busy to keep from crying. My days for all these years have revolved around children. Now, I find the day is really, really long.

I just asked ds if I could go on his date tonight( he leaves wed) he laughed it off thankfully. But I'm not taking this so well. I'm trying to suck it up and I won't cry moving day because I don't want him to worry about me I want him to have fun. I know he is ready, but I'm not.

 

[WDWBarb]

I will say I do not think I have ever been this heartbroken in my life. When my oldest left I still had other children at home. When the last one goes.....Well, I am not handling this well at all. I was so excited with college visits, the acceptance letters, even packing and gathering the needed items. Somehow in all the fun, and prodding to get the applications done, I sort of forgot that I'd be left alone. My "job" for over 20 years suddenly ends. I am trying to keep busy to keep from crying. My days for all these years have revolved around children. Now, I find the day is really, really long.

I am right there with you. We are on week 3 and I feel worse every day. I know at some point it will get easier, but not so far. Ugh. I want to rewind the clock so bad.

 

[Southernmiss]

DS is home!!!! His college is closed for Tuesday and Wednesday (as are my younger 3's schools) because of Hurricane Isaac. There's a blessing in the storm!

He is doing great. We picked right back where he left off, asking for more snacks as he's out in his dorm.

Loving college-the academic part, the parties part and the student association.

It will be a nice visit the next 2 days even if we are having bad weather.

Then he's at school for 2 days (if they open) and back home for the holiday weekend.

I might actually be ready for him to leave this time!

 

[tar heel]

My son auditioned for his first college production last night and got callbacks for four roles including the leads. He (and his parents) are on pins and needles waiting to see what role, if any, he gets. He is excited and sounds good. I'm so pleased that he went right out and got involved in what he loves at his university.

 

[java]

Done! Moved ds in yesterday. 10 hours in the car wasn't so terrible(yeah right)

His room was a pleasant surprise. He got a single in a suite. There were supposed to be 2 triples and 3 other singles in hi suite. Surprise they added 2 people. So the triples became quads, he had people asking if he wanted to switch!

He has a great window overlooking a park. And the room was bigger and brighter than I remembered.

We had wanted to have dinner with him but he wanted to go meet people, so we left. Got only one text so far that he misses us and had not met anyone great yet. But then didn't hear from him for the rest of the night so I guess he found some people.

I'm not sure on the overnight rules for guests because his girlfriend is itching to get up there. She doesn't leave for another 5 days.

But here goes. New chapter in all our lives! Good luck everyone.

 

[ckay87]

I feel like a weird parent. I'm getting ready to bring my 3rd child to college and I have never shed a tear (and mind you I cry at TV commercials daily). I've always looked at as I'm dropping them into the next part of their lives that they are excited and happy to get to....

I've always been more excited for them to start the next part of their lives rather then sad that they are moving out of mine. Is there anybody else that doesn't cry or feel really sad?

I didn't cry either, it was such an exciting day and I'm so happy for him. I absolutely loved college and I know he will, too.

 

[StephMK]

I will say I do not think I have ever been this heartbroken in my life. When my oldest left I still had other children at home. When the last one goes.....Well, I am not handling this well at all. I was so excited with college visits, the acceptance letters, even packing and gathering the needed items. Somehow in all the fun, and prodding to get the applications done, I sort of forgot that I'd be left alone. My "job" for over 20 years suddenly ends. I am trying to keep busy to keep from crying. My days for all these years have revolved around children. Now, I find the day is really, really long.

Aw, this made me cry! Are there any hobbies you haven't been able to do as much? I do think it's ok to mourn, it is a big transition. Maybe find some things to look forward to? I hope it gets easier.

I just asked ds if I could go on his date tonight( he leaves wed) he laughed it off thankfully. But I'm not taking this so well. I'm trying to suck it up and I won't cry moving day because I don't want him to worry about me I want him to have fun. I know he is ready, but I'm not.

Glad moving day went smoothly. DD ditched me for her roomies too but I think that made the goodbye easier. At least he is happy, it would be harder if they were unhappy.

I am right there with you. We are on week 3 and I feel worse every day. I know at some point it will get easier, but not so far. Ugh. I want to rewind the clock so bad.

DS is home!!!!
I might actually be ready for him to leave this time!

Enjoy your visit! DD came home last weekend & immediately headed out w/friends. I was ready for her to stay at school after this past weekend. Good to see her but I didn't expect to have her home so fast! Stay safe in the storm.

My son auditioned for his first college production last night and got callbacks for four roles including the leads. He (and his parents) are on pins and needles waiting to see what role, if any, he gets. He is excited and sounds good. I'm so pleased that he went right out and got involved in what he loves at his university.

Good luck & keep us posted - how exciting!!


DD seems to be having a blast. Her sorority has all kinds of social things during the week and she loves to be busy so it's perfect for her. She is looking forward to her first tailgate party this weekend and picked up an extra shift at work.

I ran into the mom of one of DD's BFFs. She gave me that greeting like you give when someone's died. Patted me on the arm & did the "oh, how are you holding up?" with a concerned look. She knew I was pretty emotional last year. I'm doing fine and pretty used to her being gone except for those times when it's hits me every now & then. As long as DD is happy, it's fine & I"m happy for her.

How are everyone else's kids settling in?

 

[SC Minnie]

DD texted me this morning and asked if we could go shopping for rain boots and a rain jacket this weekend. They have had rain for the past 4 days on the coast and a lot of flooding. Her HS was all inside so no going from building to building to different classes. If I had suggested boots and a jacket before school she would have given me one of these . We are heading down there tomorrow for the weekend so it looks like we'll be spending Friday evening shopping.

She's really enjoying the whole college experience. She called me earlier in the week to tell me Edwin McCain is coming to their campus in Oct to give a concert. She is a big fan of his and sooo excited.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

I feel like a weird parent. I'm getting ready to bring my 3rd child to college and I have never shed a tear (and mind you I cry at TV commercials daily). I've always looked at as I'm dropping them into the next part of their lives that they are excited and happy to get to....

I've always been more excited for them to start the next part of their lives rather then sad that they are moving out of mine. Is there anybody else that doesn't cry or feel really sad?

That's exactly how I feel about it. I'm happy to see them move on and mature into being responsible adults.

 

[java]

ok heard from him- quick "Went out with all the roommates last night having a great time- getting ready for orientation right now talk to you later loving it!"

What more could I ask for? Let's see how fun it is though once classes start!

 

[smschex]

Our DS seems to be settling in well. He is our second to go to college and was very ready. He spent several summers at debate camps on college campuses so I know he knows how to take care of himself and that is reassuring.

I would love to hear from him a little more though. He sent me a text asking a question so I seized the opportunity and asked him several questions about how things were going. In typical fashion the only response I got back was "yes, no, he's fine, don't know." I guess I have to take what I can get!

As someone else said when things are going well we don't hear from them much. When there is a problem is when they call. We learned that from DD.
I know he is busy with classes and debate so he is happy.

The strangest part is how different this new normal feels. We still have 2 DDs at home so have gone from a family of 6 four years ago to just 4 of us. Even though with debate travel he was rarely home his senior year, it still seems odd to know he won't be home in a day or two.

I am enjoying his room staying clean. For the first time in years I can walk by the door without cringing!