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Embracing Our New Minivan Adventure
We were at a wedding shortly after the birth of our youngest, and as we got back to the hotel post-reception, we found all three kids—our 6-year-old, 3-year-old, and the newborn—fast asleep. “What do we do now?” I whispered in the dim light. When we were a family of four, it was easy to carry each child to bed. But now, in this new reality, we faced a dilemma: how to get them inside without waking anyone or leaving one behind? The answer was simple, yet not what we hoped for. We decided to wake our eldest, praying she would comply. “Come on, sweet pea. Time to walk.”
This was just one glimpse into our new life, which has turned out to be less chaotic than I feared. I used to worry about after-school hours when I’d be home alone with all three, but surprisingly, my older kids became even better playmates, while the baby was perfectly content just observing from the floor.
I had concerns about school pickups messing with the infant’s nap schedule, but I soon discovered that third children seem to go with the flow—at least mine does!
That said, our home is far from peaceful. We’re living in close quarters with our family of five, two aging dogs (one a Pomeranian mix with health issues), and a constant worry that she might be having secret bathroom accidents indoors. The kids often argue over the forts they’ve constructed from blankets and toys on the living room rug, creating a tripping hazard that’s hard to clean up.
And then there was our trusty Subaru Outback, which had become a source of stress. When I announced I was pregnant again, everyone asked if we’d upgrade, but I insisted we’d stick with our Prius—my husband loves the free parking at work thanks to its hybrid status. We managed to fit all three kids into the back of the Subaru for a few years, but it was a tight squeeze. We had to buy a slim car seat for my 3-year-old to fit everyone in. I often had to awkwardly maneuver to buckle my daughter in, especially in the cold Connecticut evenings after swim class, while the kids were all in various states of chaos behind me.
I didn’t want to buy a minivan; I wanted to prove we could manage with what we had. But the struggle became exhausting. My Subaru was no longer the adventurous vehicle I loved; it became a mobile circus. I often found myself glancing in the rearview mirror to see my son with a finger in his nose or my daughter wriggling dangerously out of her seat, all while one was laughing, another crying, and the baby trying to join the fun. It made me think that driving while distracted by this mayhem was just as dangerous as using a phone.
When our youngest turned five months old, I finally decided we should at least check out some minivan options. We quickly settled on a Honda Odyssey, trading in my beloved Outback. While I’m not a fan of its looks, I adore its functionality. The sliding doors open smoothly, and there’s ample room for everything we need—even a cooler for road trips. Plus, our dogs can ride comfortably instead of crammed in the back.
Adapting to the new minivan was a challenge. I couldn’t help but reflect on my age—37—and how it’s tough to grow up while staying true to youthful ideals. At 17, I envisioned changing the world, and while I still dream of that most days, I also find myself embracing the joys of minivan life.
Now, I feel different behind the wheel of the “mini,” as I affectionately call it. Sitting comfortably in the driver’s seat, I no longer need to worry about the kids’ antics in the back as much. The ride is smooth and fits this stage of my life perfectly. It’s a refreshing change, and I’m slowly getting used to this new adventure.
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In summary, while transitioning to life with three kids and a minivan has its challenges, it also brings unexpected joys and conveniences that make it all worthwhile.