It’s been an emotional week for Alexis Bellino.
On Friday, August 23, The Real Housewives of Orange County friend took to Instagram to share a bittersweet milestone for James Bellino — the oldest son of her and her ex-husband, Jim Bellino. The post included photos and videos of the 18-year-old leaving the nest and settling in at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California.
Alexis & her ex, Jim Bellino, help their son settle in at college
“Yesterday was such an indescribable feeling. Proud yet sad,” Alexis captioned the Reel. “Excited for him, yet in disbelief he’s leaving the nest. Energetic, yet want to hold him in my lap and rest like we did 18 yrs ago. Happy, yet a huge lump in my throat all day. And SO SO proud of him. Take your wings and fly baby boy. I love you to the moon and back and you are forever my baby, even 6’5” tall.”
As seen in the post below, James attended new student orientation alongside his parents as well as his little brother, Miles. Fans got a peek at the VU campus, James’ dorm room, and the send-off gift he received from Alexis. The OC mom had presented James with a leather knot bracelet that came with a sentimental message about their mother-and-son bond.
The montage included family photos taken at Alexis’ OC home. One of the snaps showed the parents holding sad-face drawings, while James held a sign that read, “College Fresh.” Alexis also posted a picture of the family dogs with an amusing caption about James’ departure.
“Banks: Is James really leaving tomorrow?
“Biscuit: Yup, gonna be a sad day.
Prince: Who’s gonna sneak us bacon now?”
Alexis shares James’ post-high school graduation plans
Alexis Bellino posts an image of her and her son at his high School graduation. Photo: Alexis Bellino/Instagram
Alexis spoke about James’ college plans in a July interview with The Daily Dish, saying he intended to stay at home for a couple of years before heading out on his own.
“My kids live with me full time, all three of them still,” she said. “[James] just graduated and was gonna go to college, and he is still gonna go to college, but now he’s gonna live with me for a year or two more. That’s gonna keep me busy.”
Clearly, there was a change of plans.
Alexis’ twins, Miles and McKenna, begin their junior year of high school
Days before the emotional post, Alexis penned a sweet message for Miles and his twin sister, Mackenna, who just started their high school junior year. The mother of three shared a photo of her teens standing in front of their OC home while holding signs that read, “Junior.”
“First day of school for these nuggets,” Alexis captioned the August 20 carousel. “I love every age but time is going too fast now and I miss the car rides driving them to/from school (never thought I’d say that, actually, yes I did.)”