@CTMom21 we are in the same boat. Oldest sibling. SwimKid left for Florida early this am for a meet and his little brother just said, I miss him already. I’m not sure I can do this for 4 years. Heartbreaking. Had to break the news that after this 4 years comes college and really that means that things will never be the same again.
We have gray and blue bedding and towels too! It took him all of 2 seconds to pick everything else, because like a typical boy, he just doesn’t care!
He is also ready. Last week he said, “I just want to be there. I would much rather be at school doing work, than sitting here doing nothing.” He’s ready.
@momof3swimmers and @CTMom21 it sounds like we are all in the same boat! DS is the oldest & is ready. I’m excited for him but little sister is dying and mentions him leaving all of the time. It both warms & breaks my heart at the same time.
We have most of the things he needs–one minute I’m pragmatic, the next excited and then panicked about how empty the house will be. I may need to use y’all as a support group after dropping him off…I may be a wreck! Him? He won’t blink an eye!!!
I think our family is trying to acknowledge the things that need to get done (clothes shopping, deadlines, etc.), while simultaneously trying not to focus on the imminence of the school year. It started to hit home during the end of the last school year when we realized how many things we would no longer being doing with CaliKid (e.g., Mother’s Day), because CaliKid will be away for school.
I don’t know about parents, but the thought that this is probably the last month that I will ever live with my family is kinda petrifying. I feel way too young…
I read some little Facebook article that likened dorm shopping to “nesting.” I thought that was pretty accurate, and the fun of shopping takes your mind somewhat off the “what the heck have we done?” thoughts.
@“Nico.campbell” don’t overthink it! I thought about the fact that I was moving out at 15 for the longest time, but it just stresses me out so much. Instead, think about all the fun times ahead and the academic experience you’re gonna get! Trust me, freshman year will go by oh so quickly and you will be home more than you realize:)
Our DD is an only child, so this is going to be such a change! I think we expected a few more years before having an “empty nest”. That said we have done most of the shopping for dorm stuff - just clothes to go, but DD’s school has uniforms so I am thinking she won’t need much.
So . . he is beyond excited and cool as a cucumber about starting school (next Saturday). He has already been in contact with his roommate and feels they are getting along “great”. (Didn’t know you could tell so easily but he is a boy). I have done more planning and organizing than even I thought was possible. . Every once in a while I get nervous about this … and then I realize that if he were going to day school instead all I would have is dread . .instead I am excited and happy for him. . Any sense of concern is really about missing him and this stage at home. I just keep reminding myself it is not about me. We feel blessed that he is going to be attending a school we all love.
I can’t believe move-in-day is so close! So many mixed feelings! AtriaMum is getting really emotional…she starts tearing up at random intervals. I found out I have a roommate but won’t get to know who until move in day. Also, whenever AtriaMum starting crying, I start crying, so we are going to be a teary-mess on move in day… how embarrassing… at least (I hope) I won’t be the only one…
I am running out of anything I “forgot” on my list. Here is a question. I assume it is inappropriate to refer to one’s phone as a timepiece. … So–do boys wear watches? Is there a digital watch that is not viewed as very nerdy these days?
DS room looks like a war zone…we will start our trip up in 2 days. We continue to make quick trips to dollar store, Target, CVS etc thinking we just need to get XX and we will have everything. HA! I’ve had what I call “panic moments” periodically and progressively throughout the last few weeks. He had one today. Just that sudden moment of the inability to breathe coupled with a queasy feeling that hits you out of the blue and goes away just as quickly. And you have no reason why…at least now he understands what I’m feeling, if just a bit.
Other than a tentative schedule, he has not gotten any information…so, we are anxiously excited for this next step in his journey! Good luck to all. Can’t wait to hear check-in stories!!!
Hang in there, @buuzn03. Move-in day can be very tough, on both of you. They don’t tell you that when you apply. If you could turn your attention from the “to do” list to having quality time with your kid that makes you both feel good rather than anxious, you would thank yourself on the lonely trip back home. – Advice from a mother who did it all wrong, including a major meltdown on a parking lot the day before check-in, over stuff so trivial that no one remembers what it was (but everyone remembers the meltdown… ). Sending my best to all of you!
Thanks @GoatMama! DD started school & I work from home, so DS comes in and sits in my office while I work. Just to hang out. Plus, it is just the two of us on the three day drive up–I’m sure memories will be made on that road trip! Our packing/to-do has been sporadic to say the least. If you see a rental car looking like the Beverly Hillbillies going down the road–I’m sure that’s us!!! Last minute piling up of items into the car (which is completely against my nature—I’m a planner/packer/organizer…I think this is my way of rebelling against his departure! I’ll probably be seeking comfort on CC mid-September! What an emotional roller coaster this will be!!!
@sadieshadow DS says “Nobody wears a watch.” He has a fitbit watch and a cheap Casio (from Target) for tests.
My older son had the same Casio and it lasted 8 years. The plastic watch strap broke multiple times. Every time he picked up a strap from friend’s broken watches and did not mind having non-matching strap.
I was curious when kids are starting and how all the other parents are doing. DS continues to be completely without anxiety, though he said he’d probably get nervous “at some point.” Maybe on the drive up next Tuesday. We too have a war zone in the spare bedroom – piles of bedding/towels, various plastic containers, and whatever laundry DS doesn’t feel like putting away, which he dumps there to eventually pack it. He also has his traditional end of summer cold, so it’s not the best of weeks, though we had a little family getaway last weekend. We still have various loose ends to attend to this week and weekend – sneakers, haircut, miscellaneous clothing items – but I’m feeling a little more organized than I was a week ago.
I will say that I’ve been very happy with the information flow, reminders, etc. from school. Every time I start to freak out I get an upbeat “welcome” email of some kind and remember that they’ve all done this before and know what they’re doing.
I have been trying to focus on work (with limited success) so I can clear off my plate before we fly out this weekend for drop off and shopping near the school. It all seems a little surreal. DC is definitely starting to feel the imminence of the change, especially now as DC is in contact with a good number of other newbies.
Here’s to a happy drop off and great first year for all of our DCs, and here’s to us parents who are allowing our kids this grand adventure. Cheers!
I’ll probably be seeking comfort on CC mid-September! What an emotional roller coaster this will be!!!
He has a fitbit watch and a cheap Casio (from Target) for tests.