Skip to main content

Minivan Swag



I once thought "minivan moms" were a certain kind of mom and by golly I was bound and determined that I wouldn't be one of them. Truth is, minivan moms can encompass any type of mom. Of course you have the "soccer moms" and the moms with a lot of kiddos in tow, but let's not forget the rest of us. From the hot mess moms, to corporate moms, to stay-at-home moms, to the mom who looks super glam at drop off, to the mom rocking the yoga pants, we can all rock the minivan in our own ways.

It hit me that it's been two and half years since we signed the papers and brought home what I like to call our "hot mess express." I avoided it for years. I declared loudly and proudly that I would never drive a minivan. I was going to be an SUV mom. That is until I quickly learned what a royal pain in the ass the third row seating can be. I watched my then four year old struggle daily to climb back there. Half the time I couldn't tell if he was properly buckled, because he was blocked by the monstrosity of the full second row. Sometimes I even felt oddly guilty that he had to sit back there (Is that weird? Eh probably!) in the space that was hidden from mommy's view and often times right next to the stroller.

We powered through with that SUV for three years and by then I came to the realization that it was time. Many of us moms will have that awakening moment and next thing you know, you're at the dealership with two minivans side-by-side making a decision on which one to take home. It was a sad day when that minivan first rolled into our driveway. After all, I was still in my 20's and trying to stay hip. Here's the thing. I gave it a solid year of embracing that van and now (hear my cough as I say this) I kind of love it. Better yet, I love that my kids love it. I love the sliding doors, I love the stow and go, I love the deep trunk, I love that my kids can ride in silence while watching movies so mom can listen to her choice of tunes, I love the sound system, I love the 13 cupholders and heck I love that it's the ultimate tailgate mobile. There I said it! I like it, okay?

That all being said, here are a few signs that you might be ready to become a minivan mom from my personal experiences:

1. You haul tiny humans and/or a lot stuff.
2. You plan to have a big family or in my case you were surprised with twins.
3. You have ever struggled to get your kids into your car, because some jerk parked on top of you.
4. You are willing to let go of the "minivan mom" stereotype. Just buy larger sunglasses!
5. You don't mind driving a long vehicle. Honestly, it doesn't feel that big after a while.
6. You enjoy road trips. I do not, but it's nice to have when you plan to spend a lot of time on the road.
7. You need a place to hide Christmas and birthday gifts. Love that stow and go!
8. You buy a crap ton of groceries.
9. You like to be able to get Starbucks and jam out while your kids sleep comfortably in the back.
10. You want to be able to watch your kids hop into the car with just the push of a button while you are holding all of the things!

I've embraced the minivan life, while at the same time I am hoping the van we purchased will last through the minivan chapter of this mom life. Sometimes I'll be driving down the road, rocking my big sunglasses and a Nelly song will come on (while my kids are glued to their film). I start to jam 90's style, but then all of a sudden it dawns on me that I'm jamming in a minivan and I'm like NOPE change that tune. Then there are moments when I forget that I'm even driving one. Other moments I look in the rearview and see the relaxed, happy faces of my kids and I know that I made the right investment.

All aboard the hot mess express!



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hashi-Huh?

The feeling of being trapped in your own body as it spirals out of control....how many of you have felt that way? I started 2023 in the doctor's office to talk about the crazy symptoms I had been experiencing (yet trying to deny) for the last year. Here's a run-down of the hot mess-ness that I found all consuming for far too long: Hair Loss Uncontrollable Weight Gain Debilitating Fatigue  Joint & Muscle Pain Terrible Menstrual Cycles Sensitivity to Cold Anxiety and Depression I remember absolutely cringing inside as I put this laundry list of front of my doctor. My inner narrative (this is something I'm still working on) can be so harsh and I had myself convinced that I was being a baby and needed to suck it up. However, "suck it up" was no longer an option. My TSH levels indicated a thyroid issue, which was commonly linked to the list of symptoms I presented. The first diagnosis was that of Hypothyroid Disorder and I was immediately put on Levothyroxin.  Mont...
Post a Comment
Read more

I Hate This.

It's taken me years to finally get the courage to address several areas of my own well-being. It all started with a trip to the doctor during the first week of January. I received so much insight into issues I've been experiencing and problems that I had been choosing to ignore. I've been on medications for over a month and I truly feel like a brand new version of me.  Growing up, medication was something that was frowned upon and feared in our household. Once I became a parent, my entire perspective shifted. I knew that I would do anything in my power to give my children relief from whatever they may be experiencing. From everyday colds, to the flu, ear infections and even a journey into Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis , we've overcome a lot....thanks to modern medicine. However, there is one particular person who was left behind in this journey.  Me.  How often have we kept ourselves on the back burner as moms? How many times have we made appointments for our kids, tak...
Post a Comment
Read more

2023 Taking Care of Me

For me, 2023 has been a year of conquering fears and making lifestyle changes. As parents, how often do we place ourselves on the back burner? It's so common and I am 100% guilty of it. This year, something inside of me clicked. Maybe it's the whole "wisdom with age" thing. Maybe it's finally getting the courage to go to therapy. Perhaps, it's a little bit of both. For me, it happened with a 3-step plan. It's a plan that terrified me, but I held myself accountable and put the plan into action.  Step 1: Medical Health January 2023, the 4th to be exact, started with a wellness visit to my primary care doctor. Was I even allowed to refer to her as that when I hadn't paid her a visit since 2018? Yes. 2018. Of course, we had the whole pandemic thing in the mix, but we can only use that excuse for so long. I hadn't had a women's well check since 2018. I was having all kinds of strange symptoms, that I told myself was just the downward spiral to 40 (n...
Post a Comment
Read more