Shortly after welcoming our youngest child, we found ourselves navigating a new reality. It was during a wedding reception that we faced a unique challenge: all three of our kids—our 6-year-old, 3-year-old, and newborn—had fallen asleep during our drive back to the hotel. “What’s the plan?” I whispered into the dimly lit car. When we were a family of four, the ratio allowed us to easily carry each child to bed. But now, with the added complexity of our little one, it seemed like a puzzle: how could we get everyone inside without waking them or leaving one behind? The answer was simple yet unwelcome: we had to wake our eldest, hoping she’d be the least grumpy about it. “Time to get up, sweetie. We need your help.”
This scenario is just a glimpse into the whirlwind of our new life, which has proven to be less overwhelming than I initially feared. I had concerns about managing after-school hours alone with all the kids, but I found that the older siblings became better playmates, while the baby was perfectly content observing from the floor.
Worries about school pickups interfering with the infant’s naptime soon faded, as third children often adapt more easily to the chaos—at least mine does. However, our home is anything but serene. We live in a cozy space with five family members and two aging dogs, one of whom, a Pomeranian mix, is on a diuretic for a heart condition. We constantly fret about her sneaky bathroom habits, ensuring she doesn’t leave us any surprises indoors.
The kids engage in spirited debates over the purpose of their makeshift forts—constructed from blankets, stuffed animals, and everything within reach—creating a delightful mess on the living room rug that often leads to tripping hazards and a lengthy cleanup.
Not long ago, the scene of family chaos was my trusty Subaru Outback. When I announced my pregnancy, friends and family eagerly asked if we would upgrade our vehicle. I initially resisted, planning to keep our Prius—thanks to my husband’s hybrid parking perk—and fit all three kids into the back of the Subaru for a few more years. This meant buying a slim model car seat for my 3-year-old so we could squeeze everyone in safely. Though tight, we managed to get it done.
Getting my eldest buckled in was a challenge requiring me to awkwardly maneuver her booster seat to reach the latch, a maneuver I found particularly frustrating on cold Connecticut nights after swim practice. Many opt against purchasing a car with a third row, but I took pride in proving we could thrive in a tighter space. We had embraced the challenges of a larger family, made the most of our compact home, and opted out of the third-row minivan.
However, the thrill of overcoming challenges waned in the face of stress. The Outback, once a beloved vehicle known for its rugged reliability, became a source of exhaustion. Driving with all three kids felt perilous; I would glance into the rearview mirror to find my son digging for gold in his nose, while my daughter bent dangerously to engage the baby, who was either laughing, crying, or singing. The cacophony of sounds behind me made me question whether texting while driving could be more dangerous than this.
When our youngest turned five months old, I resolved to explore minivan options. We soon decided to trade in my beloved Outback for a Honda Odyssey. Although the exterior isn’t my favorite, the functionality is unmatched. The sliding doors open automatically, making entry and exit effortless. There’s ample room for a cooler, and on road trips, our dogs can travel comfortably without being squeezed into a corner.
The transition to the minivan was a significant adjustment. On the day we brought it home, I reflected on my age—37—and the challenge of maturing while staying true to my youthful ideals. At 17, I aspired to change the world, a desire that lingers today, yet I found myself embracing the practicality of owning a minivan.
In the minivan, as I fondly refer to it, my driving experience has transformed. The spacious driver’s seat allows me to focus on the road ahead without constantly checking my mirrors for signs of chaos. It’s a smooth ride that feels appropriate for this current chapter of my life—an entirely new experience that I am slowly adapting to.
In summary, while life with a larger family and a minivan presents its own set of challenges, the journey has been surprisingly manageable. The minivan symbolizes a new era for our family, one that balances practicality with the joys of parenthood.