A few weeks after our youngest was born, we found ourselves at a wedding. Once we returned to the hotel after the reception, we discovered that all three kids—our 6-year-old, 3-year-old, and newborn—had drifted off to sleep. “What should we do now?” I whispered into the dark. As a family of four, we once enjoyed a perfect one-to-one ratio, easily carrying each child to bed. But in this new scenario, we faced a dilemma: how to get all of them inside without waking anyone or leaving one behind? The answer was simple—we couldn’t. So we gently roused our eldest, hoping she would be the most cooperative. “Wake up, darling. We need your help to walk inside.”
This incident was just a glimpse into our new life, which has turned out to be less overwhelming than I anticipated. I had concerns about managing after-school hours without my husband, but my older kids became fantastic playmates, while the baby was perfectly content observing from her spot on the floor.
I was also anxious about school pickups interrupting the baby’s nap schedule, but I soon discovered that third children often adapt more easily—at least mine does.
However, our home is anything but serene. We share our cozy space with five family members and two aging dogs, one of whom—a Pomeranian mix—is on medication for a heart condition, leaving us constantly on guard against accidents in the house.
The chaos doesn’t end there. My children often squabble over the forts they’ve built from blankets and stuffed animals, creating a tripping hazard on our living room rug that’s difficult to tidy up.
And then there was my Subaru Outback, a source of family frenzy. When I first announced my pregnancy, many suggested we upgrade to a minivan, but I resisted. We decided to stick with our Prius—thanks to my husband’s free parking perk—and manage to fit all three kids in the back of the Subaru for a few more years.
We had to purchase a new slim car seat for my son to accommodate everyone in the backseat, which meant wrestling with the seatbelt latches in tight quarters. It was a challenge, especially on chilly Connecticut evenings after swim classes, when my kids were wet and impatiently begging me to close the door.
Many opt against a car with a third row, but I took pride in our decision to avoid a minivan. I wanted to prove we could thrive in a smaller space. However, the reality of that challenge often felt overwhelming, especially while navigating the daily chaos that unfolded in the Subaru.
With my youngest at five months old, I finally decided we needed to explore minivan options. We made the leap and traded in my beloved Outback for a Honda Odyssey. While I wasn’t fond of its appearance, the functionality won me over. The sliding doors open with ease, allowing us to settle in comfortably, and there’s even room for a cooler. On road trips, our dogs can travel in comfort rather than being squished in the back.
The transition was an adjustment. When we brought the minivan home, I reflected on my age—37—and how challenging it is to balance growing up while holding onto youthful ideals. At 17, I aspired to change the world, and I still do, but I also find myself yearning for the convenience a minivan offers.
Now, as I affectionately call it “the mini,” I experience a new driving dynamic. The roomy driver’s seat allows me to focus on the road without the constant need for mirror-checks, making the ride smooth and enjoyable. It feels right for this phase of my life, and I am slowly embracing it.
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In summary, while life with three kids can be frantic, the transition to a minivan has made our family outings more manageable and enjoyable. Embracing this new chapter has been a journey all its own, and I’m learning to appreciate the ride.
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