I’m often asked what’s the most difficult thing about having three small children. You may be surprised to learn that it’s not temper tantrums, breaking up fights or cleaning up messes. The most challenging task that I face each day is getting out the door to go anywhere. That’s why most days I make no promises to be anywhere before 10 a.m. Preparing to leave the house with my children is a little like completing an obstacle course.

The first hurdle is getting everyone dressed. My three-year-old twins are now into this thing called independence. It’s a blessing and a curse. I like the fact that they want to dress themselves, but I can stand there for what seems like an eternity before they get their arms and legs in the appropriate holes. To hurry them along, I will try to assist them. This gesture is greeted with a “No. I do it.”

After we eat breakfast, I put Siler down for his morning nap. Then I begin getting myself dressed. I look forward to one day being able to shower in the morning and actually have a good hair day. For now, that’s an impossible feat unless I shower before my husband leaves for work.

Inevitably Mila or Eli will decide that they have a pressing need as soon as I go to my bedroom. Someone will have a potty emergency or need a refill of milk. Other times they will have a sharing issue, and I’ll be called in to negotiate a peace agreement. On a really interesting day, something bizarre will happen like the time Mila dropped a nightlight on the floor and it shattered into a hundred little pieces. That tacks on at least 15 minutes to getting ready to leave.

Once we’re all clothed, I pack the diaper bag. I might as well call it a suitcase with all the items have to pack for three kids. Necessities include diapers, wipes, a bottle, formula, bibs, sippy cups, snack cups, an extra set of clothes for each child, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, my cell phone and my wallet.

Then Siler wakes up from his nap, and I feed him a quick bottle and change his diaper. I’m convinced I could win a hog-tying contest now. Diapering this child gives me tons of practice. He wiggles and flips over a half-dozen times before I get him changed. By the time I’m done, I’ve worked up a sweat before leaving the comforts of my air-conditioned house.

The next task is putting on shoes. I love summertime because we have no socks to slow us down. Mila and Eli can usually put on their sandals by themselves. However, I often realize once we get to our destination that they’ve put their shoes on the wrong feet.

After the shoes are on, it’s the last call for the potty. Mila and Eli usually say they don’t have to go, but the rule is you must sit and try to go before leaving the house. I’ve learned the hard way that little bladders instantly fill up when I put my car in drive.

Finally, we head out the door and into the garage. The finish line is in sight! I buckle Siler in his car seat while Mila and Eli get into their car seats. Then I quickly buckle the twins in, too. Sometimes for sheer enjoyment or either just to annoy me, one of them will depart from the plan and hop in the driver’s seat and pretend to drive or press buttons (including mine).

At this point, I lose my car keys and spend five minutes in a panic only to find them in my back pocket or one of the kids sitting on them.

I jump in the car, and we’re on our way at last! It’s too bad we’ll spend less time at our destination than we did preparing to go there.

Popularity: 5% [?]