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!