Back-to-school season has arrived, and if you’re anything like me, it brings a swirl of mixed emotions. There’s that undeniable pang as you watch your kids shoulder their backpacks and head into new classrooms. A little taller, a little braver than last year. The house feels quieter without their chatter, the kitchen doesn’t need constant snacks, and you might catch yourself glancing at the clock, wondering how their day is going. 

And if your babies aren’t babies anymore...

If you're sending one off to college or standing in a home that used to echo with teenage chaos but now hums with grown-and-flown quiet. The silence is louder, the hugs stretch longer, and the letting go feels more real than ever. I see you. The letting go is real. And weird. And beautiful. And brutal.

But let’s not pretend the return to routine doesn’t feel like a gift, too. This is my favorite time of year because it resets us all. Them. You. Us. 

Your kids get fresh starts and new adventures, and you get a moment to breathe. So if you find yourself both missing them and exhaling in peace, know you’re not alone. Most of us are feeling both. 

Wherever you are in the journey - kindergarten drop-off or college move-in, cheering from the porch or texting from afar - we sure never stop caring about their firsts. 

Here’s to celebrating all our milestones, big and small, theirs and ours, with the same tender heart that shows up on the very first day of school ❤️