I think it is just assumed that people have answering machines these days or at least people take the risk and call hoping it goes to the machine.

In this case since you said Friday was the deadline so to speak it does make sense that the families made every effort to call back even if it was late or to call first thing this morning if they couldn't get through hoping you would still accept them.

Also people with a baby lose track of "reasonable hour" cause they are up and down all day. I would have been up at both times and probably answered the phone but then my day ends late and starts early due to my own daughter.

It is good to hear that people are again getting interviews. I actually have two this weekend to fill my last space. Not sure on the one today as they seemed ok on the phone but totally surprised the one tomorrow wants to actually interview but going to give them the benefit of the doubt and be firm in what I expect. Thinking she may have found out since our first conversation that what I was saying was the norm not the exception. I have also had two contacts for September and I haven't even placed an ad yet and will have a child leaving for JK.