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McKnights of Magnolia

Where Relatability Meets Luxury!

Family · November 8, 2023

The Unexpected Emotional Journey: When Your First Child Moves Out

Our family journey has always been filled with adventure with heartfelt laughter, and of course, chaos. And I’m so thankful for every second of it. From tea parties to softball games and countless movie nights, we’ve shared numerous precious moments together. But last weekend, our family experienced a significant milestone that tugged at the strings of our hearts. Reminding us that time never stands still. Our oldest daughter, Naiya, made the leap into adulthood by moving into her first apartment.

It was a bittersweet moment. A blend of pride and wistfulness, as we watched her spread her wings and start this new chapter in her life.

It’s one of those moments in parenthood when we realized that, despite our best efforts, we will never truly be prepared for the day when our kids leave the nest. Yet, you wouldn’t dream of holding them back. Because, as parents, we know that guided growth and independence are the greatest gifts we can offer them.

The decision to move out on her own was a choice that Naiya thoughtfully considered. With an insatiable thirst for independence, she had been contemplating this step for quite some time. As parents, we recognized the importance of supporting her as she embarked on this journey to discover her own path.

The apartment hunt was nothing short of an adventure in itself. Together, we scoured numerous online listings, arranged visits, and meticulously weighed the pros and cons of each potential home. It was an experience that brought us closer together as a family. At the same time, this pushed Naiya toward the goal of finding a place that felt like her own. A space where she could decorate, host friends, and truly embrace the responsibilities and joys of adulthood.

Last weekend, with boxes and furniture in tow, we helped Naiya move in and settle into her new apartment. The moment we stepped through the door, we could sense her excitement and trepidation. The space is a blank canvas, eagerly waiting to be painted with her personality and style. Eric and I couldn’t help but marvel at how much she has grown and matured. Our little girl had become a young woman, ready to face the world on her own terms.

As we look ahead to this new chapter, we’re reminded that it’s not just Naiya who’s embarking on a journey of self-discovery. It’s our family as a whole. While we’ll miss her daily presence at home. We are excited to see her embrace the responsibilities and joys of independent living. From managing her finances to learning how to cook her favorite meals. She’s already on her way to becoming a self-sufficient young adult.

One undeniable truth that we’ve come to accept as parents is that, despite the inevitable nostalgia and pangs of longing, watching our children grow, move out and thrive is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. As much as we may wish to keep them close forever, we understand that their journey to independence is an essential part of their development.

Our younger daughter, Liya, will miss her big sister immensely, but I’m hopeful this will deepen their bond. There may be fewer impromptu TikTok parties in the living room. We have no doubt that their sisterly connection will remain as strong as ever. And our family will find new ways to create cherished memories, even with the physical distance.

So, as we bid farewell to the comfort of having both our daughters under one roof, we do so with a sense of pride and excitement for what the future holds. Naiya’s first apartment is not just a place she’ll call home; it’s a stepping stone toward her dreams and aspirations.

Eric and I are complete in knowing that we’ve prepared her as best we can for this moment. We have every confidence that she will thrive in this new environment. Our home now feels a bit quieter because of this new milestone. But love, support, and dreams now echoes in our home.

As we cheer Naiya on in her pursuit of independence and self-discovery, knowing that, they often come back. Until then, we’ll treasure the memories, the outfitting of her new apartment, and the feeling of pride that accompanies watching our children take flight.

As we navigate the new normal, we look forward to the stories, experiences, and lessons Naiya will bring back during each visit. We eagerly anticipate the moments of laughter, celebration, and occasional homesickness that will help her grow into the remarkable woman we know she is destined to become.

How many $14 blocks of cheese do you think she has in her fridge? My guess is Z-E-R-O!

You might wanna read:

7 Tips for Raising a Strong Willed Daughter!

6 Impactful Ways to Instill Good Self-Esteem in Young Girls

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Posted In: Family

Comments

  1. LaKendra Briggs-Talton says

    November 9, 2023 at 6:30 am

    Congratulations on this wonderful and bittersweet milestone! You have raised an incredible young woman who will continue to thrive with continued encouragement and support. Wishing you all the best in this journey.

    Reply
    • DanaDana says

      November 10, 2023 at 6:22 pm

      Thank you so much! It’s a blessing to be able to watch your children grow!

      Reply

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Welcome to McKnights of Magnolia! I’m Dana, a NC based blogger covering all things beauty, petite fashion, and relationships. Welcome to my corner of the internet where relatability is key and inspiration thrives. Let's dive into the realm of relatable style, the highs and lows of motherhood, and uncover some top-notch beauty gems together. Oh, and don't miss out on the vlogs and podcasts my daughters and I share on YouTube. Join me on this exciting journey of exploration and discovery! Whether you're a new reader or an old friend, I'm dedicated to making sure your time here is both enriching and entertaining.

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mcknightsofmagnolia

✨ʀᴇᴀʟ ʟɪғᴇ, ʀᴇᴀʟ sᴛʏʟᴇ, ʀᴇᴀʟ ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛs✨
📍Greensboro, NC
Owner @magnoliastudiosgso 📸
👇🏾Join Me On this Authentic Journey👇🏾

It’s always the oldest daughter! 😂#mcknightso It’s always the oldest daughter! 😂#mcknightsofmagnolia #macadventcalendar #gso #ncblogger
At this point, we might as well be an equestrian a At this point, we might as well be an equestrian account with all the horse show content we’ve been sharing lately. 🐴

But that’s the beauty of family life—it’s ever-evolving, just like our priorities. Another weekend, another show, but being together is always in style. ❤️ 

How does your family stay connected during busy seasons?

#McKnightsofMagnolia #BookedNotBothered #FamilyLife #HorseShow #WeekendVibes #HorseRiding #FamilyTime #FamilyGoals #BusySeasons #greensboroblogger #momblogger
So much to unpack here, so let’s dive in: 1. N So much to unpack here, so let’s dive in:

	1.	Naiya had to have the viral @target fur coat. As soon as it arrived, she tore into the box like it was Christmas, threw it on, and immediately started strutting. 🧥 

	2.	My house? Let’s just say it’s not winning any awards for tidiness right now. Between horsehows every weekend, constant travel and all the daily chaos, tidying up has taken a back seat.  And the trash bag? Naiya tripped over it mid-strut, ending her runway dreams as fast as they started. And the coat still has the sensor on it. I can’t make this stuff up. 😂

Moral of the story: Life’s messy, houses get chaotic, and sometimes the trash bag wins. But moments like these? They’re what it’s all about. Embrace the chaos, laugh a little louder, and wear the fur coat—no one’s judging.

***No animals were harmed in the making of this video***
#mcknightsofmagnolia #family #targetstyle #targetfurcoat #relatable #blogger #bloggerstyle
POV: It may have been a work trip for him, but it POV: It may have been a work trip for him, but it was a much-needed reset for me. 

Life has been wild lately—horse shows, laundry, upcoming holidays, and everything in between—but even in the middle of it, I made sure to carve out a little time for myself. 

The chaos will always be there. Step away, breathe, and remind yourself you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving. Let’s stop glamorizing the grind and start glorifying the reset. 

#McKnightsofMagnolia #BookedNotBothered #Mexico #MexicoTrip #Trendingreels #MiniVacay #minivlog #adayinmylife #mexicotravel
Weekends used to mean sleeping in, slow mornings, Weekends used to mean sleeping in, slow mornings, and maybe even a boozy brunch. Now? They mean hauling tack bags, packing endless snacks, and mentally prepping for another round of “Mom, did you wash my show jacket?!”
 
Life with teens is no joke. There’s this assumption that once your kids hit the teenage years, it’s all smooth sailing—like they suddenly transform into these self-sufficient mini-adults. Who told that damn lie!?!?!? If you’ve ever parented a teenager, you know that’s the biggest myth out there. Sure, they might not need me to tie their shoes, but I’m still the go-to for everything from emotional pep talks to making sure they actually eat something that isn’t a bag of Flaming Hot Cheetos.
 
Honestly, older kids require even more of your time and energy. The stakes are higher, the emotions are bigger, and despite their (sometimes) too-cool-for-you attitude, they still look to you for reassurance and a little grounding when things get crazy. Between horse shows, navigating friendships, and figuring out who they want to be, it feels like parenting is more hands-on than ever.

So yeah, my weekends are a wild mix of barn runs, cheering from the sidelines, and sneaking in caffeine to keep up with it all. But as busy as it is, I wouldn’t trade these moments for anything. Because while they might not always say it, these teens still need us—maybe even more than they realize.

Drop your best survival tips in the comments! I can’t be the only one.  #mcknightsofmagnolia #teens #raisingteens #genx #bigkids #parenting #parentingtips #blogger #bloggerlife #momswhoblog
🌴 Every time we travel with the girls, we *alwa 🌴 Every time we travel with the girls, we *always* go for adjoining rooms—it’s seriously the best! 

If you’ve got older kids like we do, having that little extra space is a total game changer. The girls get their own room to chill, do their thing, and we get ours for a bit of peace and quiet. Perfect for those moments when you just need a break, but you’re still close enough to check in anytime.  If you know Eric, you know he’s got to have us all within his line of sight—like a dad-powered security camera!

It’s like having the best of both worlds—family time, plus a little privacy when you need it. 🙌 No hallway trips, no drama, just one door away! Highly recommend this setup if you’re planning a family vacay anytime soon.  Drop a comment if you have any travel tips to share.  I’d love to hear them.

Can’t wait to show y’all more of this resort and share our experience! 💕 Stay tuned! #FamilyVacation #GrandVelas #AdjoiningRooms #TravelWithKids #travelwithbigkids #mcknightsofmagnolia #blogger #vlogger #travelfamily #mexico #familyrelationships #rivieramaya
**Luxury Hotel or Budget Hotel: What’s Your Trav **Luxury Hotel or Budget Hotel: What’s Your Travel Style?**

On my trip to Charleston this weekend, I kept thinking about the different ways people approach travel, especially when it comes to accommodations. Some of us love the experience of staying in a luxury hotel—plush beds, room service, and on-site spas. It’s more than just a place to sleep; it’s part of the whole travel experience.

Then there are some of us who prefer budget-friendly options, choosing to save on accommodations to splurge on experiences—whether it’s local cuisine, sightseeing, or excursions. For them, a hotel is simply a place to recharge before diving into the next day’s excitement.

As we were checking out of the hotel, I overheard a gentleman proudly say that his family travels frequently and manages to fit everything they need into a single backpack. Immediately, no!! I had to laugh because, let’s be real—I’m definitely not a backpack kinda girl, lol. I need options, people! Like, WTF am I supposed to put my ballgown?  What if I get invited to a formal event.  And don’t even get me started with my power tower - where am I supposed to put it?🤔

So, what kind of traveler are you?

- **Luxury Hotel**: Do you enjoy the extra comfort and make your hotel stay part of the whole experience?
 
- **Budget Hotel**: Do you prefer practicality, keeping your travel budget focused on the adventure rather than the accommodations?

And could you ever pack your whole trip into just a backpack? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear them! #mcknightsofmagnolia #travelblogger #greensboroblogger #blogger #charlestonsc #charlestonplacehotel #luxurytravel #budgetfriendly #backpacker #overpacker #minimalist
August was a month to remember! From celebrating m August was a month to remember! From celebrating my 50th birthday in style to watching Liya shine at her horse shows every weekend, it was all about milestones, memories, and moments of joy. Here’s to the adventures we had and the ones yet to come! #mcknightsofmagnolia #50thbirthday #leo #mexico #familytime #magnoliacontentstudios #augustdump #ncblogger
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