Jennifer Pedranti is beaming with pride.
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The Real Housewives of Orange County mom returned to Instagram this week to share a series of sweet moments with Dawson Pedranti, her 19-year-old son who is now enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.
“He looks great!” Jennifer wrote in an October 26 Instagram post. “He was all smiles!!! So proud of this kid! I love you [Dawson].”
See Jennifer Pedranti’s reunion with her son Dawson Pedranti
The Reel included photos and videos of Jennifer embracing Dawson, who looked so much like his mom. The RHOC son was seen donning his camo utility uniform, a rucksack, a pair of combat boots, and a shaved head — the required hairstyle during the Marine Corps recruitment training.
“Happiness,” Jennifer captioned a photo of her hugging a smiling Dawson.
RELATED: Jennifer Pedranti Shares a Major Update on Son Dawson’s Life in the Marines (EXCLUSIVE)
The Reel has since received more than 10,000 “likes” and hundreds of comments, some of which came from Jennifer’s fellow Housewives.
“So amazing,” RHOC’s Emily Simpson wrote. “Proud mama. So happy for your family.”
“I’m so proud of him Emily!!!! Thank you,” Jennifer replied.
The post also garnered love from RHOC’s Gina Kirschenheiter and Heather Dubrow, as well as RHOC alum Alexis Bellino, who simply commented: “This is what matters [heart emoji].”
Jennifer Pedranti sheds light on Dawson Pedranti’s Marine journey
Jennifer offered more insight into Dawson’s military journey on The Real Housewives of Orange County After Show, confirming she had just received her first letter from him.
“So he’s been there, three weeks now, in boot camp, and last week I got my first letter, which was literally like heaven on earth,” she said at the time. “He’s doing great! Wait, I don’t know, I shouldn’t say that. It was funny, he’s like, ‘I’m writing to you even though I’m not supposed to be.’ And then he said, ‘I haven’t slept in 40 hours. It’s really hard mom, I’m a bit homesick.’”
RELATED: Jennifer Pedranti Reveals Honest Updates on Her Kids: “Truly So Blessed”
In the letter, Dawson acknowledged that his mom was probably “freaking out” as she read about his hardships, but the young man reassured his mom he was “actually doing OK.”
Jennifer Pedranti postpones her wedding with Ryan Boyajian
Jennifer — who shares Dawson and her other four children with her ex-husband — is now gearing up to the knot with Ryan Boyajian. The couple initially planned to get married in the summer of 2025, but decided to postpone the ceremony after learning Dawson would spend the bulk of the season in boot camp. Jennifer said she couldn’t walk down the aisle unless all of her children were at the ceremony; however, it remains unclear when the whole family will be available.
Find out what Jennifer had to say about her paused wedding plans.
