An (almost) empty nest...

It's been three years since the day we moved Dylan into the dorms at the University of Alabama. That day was the cultivation of a lot of battle within myself of not wanting to let go of being a mom. And for three years, it never got any easier. He would come home to visit for weekends, long holidays, summer vacations and every time, he'd leave to drive back and every time I'd cry. He has grown into such an outstanding young man. He already works as an Engineer, is in his Senior year at Alabama, living in an apartment and completely self-sufficient. He can build anything, fix anything, do anything. He is so much wiser and smarter than I ever thought about being.

One would think after having experienced a child leaving home--my firstborn--that I would be used to it and it wouldn't phase me to have another one leave. One would be wrong.

This past weekend, after a somewhat tumultuous summer, the day finally came for us to move Kayti to Tuscaloosa as well. Though she is not living in the same apartment as Dylan, she does live in the same complex. The original plan was for them to share an apartment but that was not to be. Long story. But she finally got matched with three girls, one of whom I met and they all love cats! Good thing since she took Lacy (pants) McCarron Quick with her. Most freshmen are required to live on campus at Alabama but we received a housing waiver for her to live closer to Dylan because of some health issues she has. Another long story but she's okay, don't worry.

She had been packing and getting ready to move all week...

We even gave the cat a pedicure!

Actually, we just put soft paws on her claws so she couldn't scratch the furniture in the new apartment.

And finally came the day when we loaded up my car, her car and her dad's car and drove to T-town!  We had been to Freshman Orientation the day before and she got registered for her classes, got her action card and everything.

We signed the lease, paid the first month's rent, picked up her keys and proceeded to unload things. We discovered that her sheets were the wrong size and that we'd forgotten about a few things so me, my mom (who came along to see where the kids live. She'd not gotten the chance to ever see where Dylan lived because of her hip problems for the last three years) and Brooke went to Target while Kayti, Dylan and Jeff finished the unpacking. She got everything situated the way she wanted it and seemed to be happy. We took some pictures and I hugged her goodbye.

It was Jeff's weekend so Brooke went back with him and me and my mom went to eat, something we rarely get to do and I was okay until I got home. I go upstairs to let the dog out and I see a picture on my pillow. I had looked at it last week and thought, "How did that get there?" but picked it up and just happened to see Kayti's handwriting on the back, "I love you. Roll Tide. Kayti 8-16-14"

Then I completely lost it. I cried and then slept for the next 15 hours!

I am so proud of my daughter. She has had to overcome a lot in the past few years and she still struggles. But she comes from good stock (not tooting my own horn here, speaking about my mom, Maw Maw, sisters, cousins--all the women in my family!)! She is strong, smart and determined and I know she's going to do well. And she has a mom that is praying for her every day (whether she believes or not, I do and I am claiming the promise of the seeds that were planted in her as a little girl!) and will be there for her always.

I have talked to her via text, still nagging, I mean reminding her of a few things. :) And she seems to be getting settled in. Not sure about Lacypants though. She hasn't gotten used to her new kitty friends yet.

I hope she gets used to them! But if not, she can always come home to G-mama! But her mommy would miss her, I'm sure. I know the dog misses her.

We are all getting used to our new routines and our new living arrangements. I remember longing for the days when there would be no sister squabbles and now it just seems so quiet. Until I realize Brooke is still here by her constant wanting to do something or go somewhere. I am thankful for that part of her personality now and will do my best to relish it over the next few years until it's time for her to leave the nest.

She is a Junior this year and is enjoying High School to the fullest. She is doing colorguard again and the first game is this Saturday at Hoover.

Hard to believe my BABY is old enough to drive my car and torture freshmen!

Time does indeed fly!

#bamasibs