You Stole My Heart

Part 15: Crazy Thing Called Love

June 2, 1973.

I woke up in the hospital bed, I sat up with a big yawn. It was seven o'clock and it was time to feed Benjamin.  Roger was sleeping, I let him sleep. He is a long late sleeper.

"Good morning little boy." I whispered.  I took Benjamin out of his crib and put him on my bed. Benjamin started to cry while I warmed the bottle. Yesterday the nice nurses have already prepared a bottle. I just have to put it in the microwave and then it's done.

Roger woke up.  He rubbed his head and threw his long blond locks from his face.  "Hey Darling." Roger whispered.  As I took the bottle out of the microwave, I looked at Roger. "Hello my sweet bear, did I wake you up?"  I asked.

Roger shook his head and yawned. "Maybe, but it doesn't matter at all, this is no time to sleep in, I'm going to help you." Roger said as he got out of bed and put on his socks.

Roger took my waist.  "You're nice and warm." Roger whispered. "I don't know if I have a fever, I don't really feel well."  I whispered back. Roger went to stand at the counter. "Do I have to get the nurse for you so she can take your temperature?" Roger asked. I picked up the bottle and sat on the bed. I took Benjamin in my arms to feed him.

"Yes, please, will you please do that?" I said while looking at Benjamin. Roger put on his bathrobe and walked out into the hall.

Roger and I wanted to go to our old house, but we had to stay in the hospital a few fixed days because of Benjamin who was born too soon.

Benjamin had fallen asleep in my arms.  He slept with his mouth open. I laughed, "Mommy's little darling, you're just like your daddy." I chuckled.

I rubbed Benjamin's soft pink cheeks, he was so comfortable in my arms. And oh, he is incredibly small. He's like a little baby doll.

Roger entered the hospital room with two nurses. "Good morning Antonia, I heard about it from your husband. This is very normal during your pregnancy, your hormones and your uterus still have to get used to your baby being born, that will pass. Unfortunately, fever, vomiting and headache will occur." The nurse told.

I nodded.  "Ah okay, it will be okay." I said.  Suddenly Benjamin started to cry.  Uh oh, a full diaper! Roger took Benjamin from me to change him.  The nurse came to help Roger. Roger took off Benjamin's little pants and his diaper. Roger pinched his nose and gagged. "I didn't know babies could stink this way, ooof!" Roger said.  Me and the nurse gave us all blue smiles.  "That's a sign of being a good father!"  The nurse exclaimed with a laugh.

Benjamin was all set and clean. "Today we are going one step further, in an hour we will bathe Benjamin." The nurse said. "That's great, it's going to be absolutely fantastic." I whispered. The nurse took a thermometer from her pocket and put it in my ear. "Let's see what temperature you have."

"You have a fever of 39 degrees, you should actually stay in bed all day today." The nurse said. I nodded. "We will have visitors today, is that possible?" I asked. The nurse smiled.  "Of course, everyone is welcome!"

I blushed at Roger. He stood right next to me and held my hand tightly. "Look you two, you are wonderful parents!"  The nurse said while holding her hands. "Thank you nurse, very sweet!"  Roger blushed. Roger squatted down and stroked Benjamin's head. "My little boy, Daddy is proud of you." Roger whispered.

              -----

It was time for visiting hours. My mother came first with my father and sister.

My mother came with my father holding hands, my sister had a blue balloon in her hands. "My big girl." My mother whispered. I looked up and sat up. "Mommy Daddy, Anna!" I said excitedly. My mother hugged me and kissed me. "Oh my sweet girl, I've been looking forward to this." My mother said as she wiped away a tear.