In my life, I have driven sexy sports cars, trendy SUV's, suave imports and heavy-duty trucks meant for towing massive horse trailers but recently, I bought a minivan. A freaking minivan. Since the conception of my twins, I knew that we would need a new family car but hoped that any car with a 3rd-row seat would be sufficient. After two months of wedging my family of four into our Volvo like a clown car, I knew the writing was on the wall that we needed a change.

I generally keep my cars for their lifespan so I don't often shop for new vehicles. I sure did my research on minivans, mainly to try and find fault with them enough to wedge me into an SUV or station wagon. The shopper in me also wanted to find the best value and amenities available on the used market. Did you know that only one make of minivan has 4 wheel drive? Take note carmakers. I digress. The used market is tough to navigate sometimes, especially dealing with the sometimes stereotypically creepy salesmen. I could write another whole article about my recent experience in the used car industry, but I'll save that gem for later. I ended up finding a 2-year-old minivan with everything we wanted with the exception of 4 wheel drive and a moon roof for a great price.

Why is there a huge stigma against driving a minivan? The scoffs and snickers from my friends when they found out that's what we were shopping for made me at first just want to give in and become the stereotype: mom jeans, sensible shoes, at home hair color, bras without lace, juice boxes and Baby Shark. I used to think they handed you the keys with a box of Depends, custom orthotics' and blue plate special. I thought that every last bit of sensuality and youth I had would be robbed when I clicked the seatbelt but…I was wrong.

What I realized is that those who mock minis have never experienced the efficiency and ease of doors that open with a wave, parking with mirrors everywhere and the most sophisticated back up camera I've ever seen, climate control systems for each row and the ability to have all the seats fold down for date night with daddy. One that we test drove even had a refrigerated drawer below the dashboard! What is not to love about all of that?! All you critics need to drive one. We have embraced our new minivan as part of the family and loving call her Mrs. Doubtfire.

I may be the odd (wo)man out in Middleburg by embracing the minivan as I took the road less traveled by not going the Range Rover route to carry my family. So the next time in town you hear "Sweet Child O' Mine" rocking out of a black minivan, you'll know it is me and that I still wear high heels (or will when the swelling goes down in my feet), and that I'm damn proud of it.