I shortened my route and added some interest by taking a 1-mile dirt access road. This also allows me a longer, faster downhill on the inbound leg, on a city street where it feels safer than it would on the MUP. I feel silly admitting it but that wheeee! makes my day. I once had a route that was a little easier (the fire road or MUP routes add a climb) but it went unprotected along a major artery for a mile and I decided to avoid it.

I haven't commuted as often and I am feeling time pressure more since having a kid.

I swap bikes from time to time. Right now my two in rotation are an ancient road bike that is currently down for a fender install that was interrupted by lack of the right screws/taps, the other is a MTB that recently got a new lease on life with a bigger crankset and taller handlebars. I prefer the road bike for speed but the MTB is actually easier to get on and go.

The MTB recently had a hitch installed for a child trailer. That's going to be fun.