Scrubs and Snuggles

There’s a time of day that feels almost magical to me. It’s not a specific hour on the clock, nor is it marked by the rising sun or setting moon. My magic time begins when my toddler finally drifts off to sleep after a long day of work for me and nursery adventures for him.

Getting to that moment, though, is its own journey. After a busy day juggling work and parenting, we dive into our bedtime routine, a sacred ritual that I cling to for both his comfort and my sanity. It starts with a warm shower, followed by reading bedtime stories. Then comes singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, his favorite lullaby. I’m no professional singer, but for him, I am.

But even after all that, the struggle to get him to bed isn’t over. Some nights, his energy seems endless. He’ll wiggle, giggle, or suddenly declare he needs water. Other nights, he clings to me like he’s afraid sleep might carry him too far away. Eventually, though, exhaustion takes over. And as soon as I hear the sweet sound of his tiny snores, proof that he’s in a deep, peaceful sleep, that’s when my magic time begins.

It’s the time of day that’s just mine. The house is quiet, the chaos is paused, and I can finally exhale. I start with a long, hot bath, one of my little luxuries. I stay in there for as long as I can, letting the steam carry away the stress of the day. Sometimes I’ll meditate, closing my eyes and focusing on the stillness. Other times, I’ll bring a book into the bathroom and savor a page or two.

Afterward, I might settle into the couch and binge-watch one of my favorite shows. Right now, I’m watching Matlock and The Traitors, two very different shows, but both equally captivating. There’s something so soothing about getting lost in a story that has nothing to do with my own life.

As a mom of a toddler, I adore my little one more than words can express. But there’s no denying how much I look forward to these moments of peace and quiet at the end of the day. It’s in these moments that I reconnect with myself, the person I was before “Mama” became my most important title.

What about you? Do you have a magic time? What makes it special, and how do you spend it? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear how you find your peace amidst the beautiful chaos of life.