Hi mom2twins - just wanted to say congrats for going out at all! Twins must take up so much time.

I totally know where you're coming from about the traffic but like the others have said you do gradually get used to it.

I wouldn't have belived it a year ago, when traffic made me nervous and I thought all drivers were out to get me, but gradually I've got used to it, and one day you'll be riding, get home and realise you just rode though peak time traffic and didn't even notice!

Getting some slicks on your mtb is an excellent idea. Find a nice route, ride it till you're familiar then switch to your road bike and see how you get on. If you get spooked, stop if it's safe , catch you're breath and carry on....

As for hills, in the words of one of my clubmates ' You've got to ride 'em.... '

Good luck