From Mommy Blogs to a College Junior: How Did We Get Here So Fast?

One day you're waking your little girl up at 4:30 in the morning, and she's telling you that you smell like ham. The next thing you know, you're helping her get ready to leave for college and move her in this weekend. (This is a long article, I know, please bear with me.)

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I've been very lucky, she's been home the last two years working and going to Ocean County College, but now it's time for her to experience her next adventure.

My daughter Abby is getting ready to head to college for her junior year, and honestly, I have absolutely no idea how we got here so fast.

Didn't I just write about her being a little girl? Didn't I just watch her head off to middle school? Wasn't she just graduating high school? Apparently, someone hit the fast-forward button on my life.

But there is something else about this moment that is making me especially emotional. Because Abby didn't just grow up in front of me and our family. She grew up in front of all of you, too.

You've Been Part of Our Story From the Very Beginning

My listeners here at 92.7 WOBM have been part of our lives since before Abby was even born. You knew when I was pregnant. You were there when we talked about becoming parents.

You shared in the excitement, the nerves, the questions and all those moments that come with bringing a baby into the world. And then Abby arrived. And somehow, all these years later, she grew up right before your eyes.

Through the years, I shared the funny stories. The crazy stories. The frustrating Mom moments. The proud Mom moments. The moments when I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. And trust me, there were plenty of those.

I wrote my Mommy Blogs, shared stories on the radio and talked about what was happening in our lives. And you were always there.

Here are a couple of fun ones to look back on from Sue's Mommy Blog

• Mom, "You Smell Like Ham" – Sue's Mommy Blog: Read the Mommy Blog
• Third Grade Antics – Sue's Mommy Blog: Read the Mommy Blog
• A Letter to My Daughter as She Gets Ready to Graduate High School: Read the letter

You offered advice. You shared your own stories. You laughed with me. Sometimes you probably laughed at me. And honestly, that's OK. Thank YOU.

Here at 92.7 WOBM, We Really Are Family

People sometimes say radio listeners become part of your family. But after all these years, I don't think that's exactly right. I think you already ARE family.

We have shared so much life together. You've listened through some of the happiest moments. You've shared your own experiences with me.

The Light in My Life

I know every parent thinks their kid is special. And they should.

Abby is really one of those people who makes life more fun just by being around. She loves to laugh. She's sassy. Oh, she's definitely sassy. And yes, she curses. I know. Mom confession.

And watching her grow into this young woman has been one of the greatest gifts. I'm not just proud because she's going to college. I'm proud of who she is. That's what makes me emotional. That's what makes me proud.

I've Been Writing About Her Almost Her Entire Life

One of the craziest things about this moment is that I can actually go back through the years and read about Abby growing up.

I have written about so many moments in her life.

And now, looking back, I want to grab the younger version of myself and say: "Sue, pay attention. Take it all in. Slow down. Because it is going to go even faster than you think."

Those moments that seemed ordinary at the time? They weren't ordinary. They were our life. And one day, those little moments become memories that make you sit in your kitchen and cry because your kid is packing to leave for college.

From Little Girl to Teenager to College Junior

The eye rolls. The attitude. The "STOP!" The friends. The sleepovers. The teenage drama. The endless conversations. The laughter. The arguments. And somehow, we survived it all. Actually, we did more than survive it. We had fun.

Teenage Years with Sue's Mommy Blog

• 6 Things I Learned This Summer From a 12-Year-Old: Read the Mommy Blog
• 6 Things I Learned From a 13-Year-Old: Read the Mommy Blog
• 5 Things I Learned From My 15-Year-Old: Read the Mommy Blog

I look back at these stories now and laugh because at every age, I thought she was getting so big. I had no idea. I really had no idea. And I know many of you reading this feel exactly the same way. Because maybe your child is getting ready to leave for college, too.

Maybe you're packing up their room. Maybe you've made 27 trips to Target. Maybe you're trying to act like you're totally fine. And maybe you're absolutely not fine. I get it.

I'm So Thankful for This Life

More than anything, this moment is making me feel thankful. Thankful for all the years. Thankful for the chaos. Thankful for the laughter. Thankful for the slammed doors. Thankful for the ridiculous conversations. Thankful for every Mommy Blog. Thankful for every memory. What an incredible gift it has been to watch her grow.

To My Junior in College

Abs, I hope you always know how much you are loved. I know you know I say, "I love you" over and over, but in your heart, to know you're loved is what makes everyday, OK...even when it isn't.

You are kind! You are smart! You are fun. From every adventure you take. I'll be your biggest fan, always. I love you, Abs. Now, go have the time of your life.

And to my 92.7 WOBM family...Thank you for sharing all of these memories with me. It's been a wild ride. ❤️