The Witching Hour

Before our first child was born, I read books about what life would be like once she was. To say I was in denial about how much our lives would change is an understatement.  I know I’m not the only one who surmised that the only annoying lifestyle change would be having to carry a diaper bag as we transported this tiny being with us everywhere we used to go.

Many of these books described a period in the evening where some babies and children tend to get a bit needy and overtired. A time starting at about 5:00pm, the result and reaction to in an increase in activity in the home. Mom is busy making dinner, the phone is ringing and daddy is arriving home. I remember reading about “The Witching Hour” and thinking “Who are these people? As if I won’t have any control over my own child! The Witching Hour? Sure, like my child is going to turn into some demon just because the clock says it’s 6:00pm!”

Boy, I sure wish I could head back to the days where I knew everything about parenting.

When I was first approached to take part in this new UrbanMoms venture I was excited and then a bit nervous. How in the world could I write a decent amount of posts about what goes on in the evening around here? That’s when I remembered our first “Witching Hour” episode almost fourteen years ago.

Our oldest daughter Kristyn was a newborn. Up until this point our evenings had been pretty mellow. With one baby and a husband still in university, there was no “busy” time to speak of. On this night, John was due home about 6:00pm and we had guests coming over to meet the baby.  It had been weeks since I had seen actual adults and to be honest, worn pants, so I was pinging just a little bit.  I think Kristyn felt the excitement level in the house rise up. She decided she wasn’t crazy about this and did her best to voice her concern – louder than anything else going on.

I was trying get a dinner on the table, one that didn’t require take-out cartons or a microwave. This was pre-texting era so the phone was ringing as our friends firmed up their plans. John was just walking in the door and decided that the reason Kristyn was so cranky was because she hadn’t seen him all day. So, he did what he still does best as a dad – he got her all riled up and rather than making her giggly and happy, he made her throw up. All over me. And dinner. And the phone.

I did cry. I won’t lie.

That night was my first introduction into how hectic a household with children can get in the evening. Thinking back makes me realize I’ve got so much to tell you! Some of the best stories from our family have occurred during those magic hours, both bewitching and enchanting. And as my children get older, our routines have changed and you might want to hear about that too. I have to say, the people I live with are quite entertaining so I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.