So We Got a Minivan

I'm not sure when it happened, but somehow I am now 33 years old, pregnant with my third child, and own a minivan. 

A minivan.

Two years ago, I said never, ever.  Surely we could find an SUV that could accommodate three kids.  However, I've since learned two things.  One, unless you want a massive Suburban-like vehicle, there's no such thing as a three-kid friendly SUV.  And two, never say never.

Our Highlander has been great for two kids, and in all honestly, if we had stopped at two, we'd likely be content with our current vehicle.  But the third row is less than ideal.  It's hard to climb back into and with the third row in use, there is literally no storage room whatsoever.  So no stroller, no luggage, maybe a diaper bag and that's about it!  It is also unrealistic to expect Brantley to buckle himself in--in the third row nonetheless--in just four months, and although we will still have him practice between now and then (because Craig's keeping the Highlander and he needs to be able to transport three just as well as me), it just isn't reasonable. #goodluckcraig

Anyway, the whole minivan idea has been growing on me for about a year now.  I have accepted the idea and realized a mini is for the best.  I mean, the doors alone make the whole thing worth it.

It took a bit longer to convince my husband.  I think he knew it was the most practical answer to our growing family, but he hard a really hard time accepting the idea of a minivan.  Until he test drove one about a month ago.  And you guys, I'm not sure he's ever been more sold.

Six weeks later and we now have one of our own!  A silver(ish) Toyota Sienna (in some light, it looks pearly blue).  Leather interior.  Keyless start/entry.  And a DVD player.  It's used--because seriously, who needs brand new when you're chauffeuring three messy kids?!  And those doors!!!  A mother's dream, if you will.  I couldn't be more excited.


So perhaps this screams "mom".  And perhaps it takes away any and all cool-factor I had remaining.  But, you guys, I am totally and completely okay with that because one, we are one step closer to being baby(#3)-ready, and two, I wouldn't change this mom life for anything.  Nope, not even for a loaded, cooler-looking SUV. 

15 comments:

  1. I was the same way, but with kids it just makes the most sense. And when it comes to storage you can' beat it. People have picked on me until they ride in it. :) Welcome to the club.

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  2. 1.) You are so dang cute! 2.) I want a minivan and I only have 1 kid (so far). We just travel so much and I've heard what a dream a mini-van is to travel in. Congrats, friend!

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  3. Yeah. I felt like we needed the van for carpool. We also have a Nissan Rogue. It fits the same amount of people but not as comfortably!

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  4. Girl, you OWN that minivan! They're the best, and I know because I worked for a rental car company for years and drove everything... there's just nothing more practical. Congrats!!!

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  5. My sister is dying to get a minivan. You look so cute next to it! The third kid is really life changing!

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  6. I'm not sure how crawling into a third row was ever considered a good idea. Minivan for the win!!!

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  7. I LOVE it! I would love to have a mini van -- so much easier and with so many fun bells and whistles. I'm thrilled for you!!

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  8. Woot! So fun. We haven't given in to the van yet!

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  9. Girl, you make owning a minivan look good :D

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  10. I want one!!!! Haha, I really do! You look adorable!

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  11. Ditto what some other ladies said - if I made a minivan look that good, I'd rock one too! Enjoy!!

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  12. Ok seriously you are rocking the baby bump and the mini van! Those Sienna's are so nice!

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  13. You know, I was SO against mini vans also. SO. I said never ever. And while we definitely don't need one with only one kid, when I drove in one a couple months ago (a Sienna in fact), I was SHOCKED at how much room they had! They have excellent storage and so much room in the second row. Even I was almost sold. Almost.

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  14. Yea, when you have three kiddos, it's just the best idea to go the way of the minivan. It just makes life easier for everyone. Have fun with it, Mom. :)

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