Jacqueline Laurita is sharing a look at her life today after her youngest son, Nicholas Laurita, turned 17 years old on his recent birthday. The Real Housewives of New Jersey alum is currently living her best life living in Orange County, California, with her husband, Chris Laurita, and their two sons after departing RHONJ after Season 7.
Jacqueline took to Instagram to celebrate Nicholas’ birthday, where she posted a video showing off her youngest son’s celebratory picnic, where they were joined by friends and family, including her older son Chris “CJ” Laurita. “Today my beautiful son Nicholas turns 17,” she wrote in the caption of the post. “A day in Disneyland is next. He’s one happy kid! I’m happy to not repeatedly hear ‘June 11 birthday presents’ anymore.”
Her husband, Chris, also took to Instagram, where he posted a series of photos of their son and opened up about their journey as parents after Nick was diagnosed with autism in 2012. “From the moment you entered my life, you changed me in ways I never expected,” he wrote. “You’ve taught me more about love, patience, strength, and what really matters than I could have ever imagined. Watching you grow has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I’ve seen your challenges, I’ve seen your victories, and I’ve seen the incredible person you are becoming.”
Jacqueline Laurita reflects on her son Nick’s autism journey
Jacqueline also reflected on Nick’s impact on her life after his autism diagnosis in the caption of her birthday post. “Seventeen years ago, I became Nicholas’ mom, and little did I know that he would become one of my greatest teachers,” she noted. “Our journey with autism has been filled with challenges, victories, tears, laughter, uncertainty, growth, and more love than I ever thought possible. Through it all, Nicholas has shown a strength and resilience that continues to amaze me.”
“For many years, the world only saw what he struggled to do. I wish they could have seen what I saw, the intelligence, the sensitivity, the humor, the determination, and the beautiful soul that has always been there,” she continued. “Now, as he continues to find ways to share his thoughts with the world, I am constantly reminded of how much is happening beneath the surface. His insights often leave me speechless. His perspective challenges me to see the world differently. He reminds me every day that every voice matters, even when it doesn’t sound like everyone else’s. Nicholas, you have taught me patience. You have taught me faith. You have taught me that progress isn’t always measured in giant leaps, but in courage, persistence, and never giving up.”
RELATED: Jacqueline Laurita Shares Something “Pretty Amazing” About Her Son Nicholas
Jacqueline Laurita reveals an update on her husband, Chris Laurita
Weeks before Nicholas’ birthday, Jacqueline’s husband, Chris, also celebrated a milestone birthday. She posted a sweet tribute to her spouse on his 60th birthday.
“You are aging like a fine wine! You get better every year! I love everything about you! I always have. You deserve everything you wish for in life and I always enjoy watching you get it. I’m so proud of the man you are, especially as a husband and a Father,” she wrote on May. “I’m a lucky girl. I truly believe these will be the best years of your life ahead! You’ve worked too hard for it not to be. I’m excited to be on this journey with you! Love you for life! Xoxo.”
Jacqueline Laurita shares new insights into her life in California and RHOC friendships
Jacqueline has also been busy with her social life in the OC. She took to Instagram on June 3, where she revealed that she attended a garden party with The Real Housewives of Orange County alum, Lynne Curtin. And in May, Jacqueline revealed on Instagram that she took a “little cruise around Newport Harbor” with RHOC alums Gretchen Rossi and Peggy Tanous.
Furthermore, she’s even neighbors with RHOC cast member, Jennifer Pedranti. Jennifer took to Instagram in December 2025, where she revealed she had dinner with Gretchen and Jacqueline, detailing their meet-up in the caption of the post. “[Jacqueline] and Chris moved in the neighborhood (literally one street over!! So fun!) We have been wanting to get together with them!” she wrote.
RELATED: Jacqueline Laurita Gives a New Look at Life with Her Kids in California: “An Adventure…”
Learn more about Jacqueline and Chris’ latest addition to their family, which they welcomed in October.
