Sleepless nights...restless mornings...
Linda kept Björn and I awake most of the time. It was either for food or for a change. In most cases, it was I who was awake all the time. (But he still helped me, okay?)
As a result, I had short sleeping hours with long working hours. Given that, I used to look extremely haggard at work. All of them noticed that, but I tried my best to be strong for my husband, my daughter, and my teammates.
One morning before going to work, I almost woke up late. I was just awakened by Björn as Linda was crying in his arms.
"Good morning sleepyhead. Linda wants her mommy right now."
I slowly opened my eyes. "What time is it, babe?"
"Almost time for work..? We're almost late."
I quickly got up. I looked at the time. "Gosh! Wait for me."
But he stopped me as I was about to rush to the bathroom. "You don't have to rush. You better take care of the most important matter..." He told me then he looked at our daughter in his arms.
"Sorry. I just..."
"It's fine. Both of us barely slept last night." Then he was talking to our daughter, "You better stop crying now 'cause your mom is here." He handed her to me. "I'll take care of breakfast for this morning? Is that good?"
"Are you sure we'll be fine if we're late?" I asked him as I was feeding my daughter.
"Yes. Take your time. I'll just give them a call, then we'll be fine. They'll understand. After all, I have an talented and artistic wife who works hard as a mother and an artist. You can catch up, okay?" Then he kissed my forehead. "I'll see you downstairs, love."
I smiled at him. "See you later." Then he left us in the room.
"Sorry sweetie, mommy didn't hear you cry earlier because she was very sleepy. But don't worry, I'm not blaming you for that. We can do this with daddy."
I took a deep breath when I noticed her peacefully sleeping in my arms. I slowly got up from my bed and moved her to the crib for a while. Then I went to the bathroom to wash myself. Gladly, I won't take time to wash myself as my hair was not scheduled for a shampoo that day.
After bathing and drying myself, I changed my clothes then checked out Linda. She was an angel peacefully sleeping. She is truly beautiful in every way. She just lightened my mood after I got mad at myself for waking up late.
I slowly and carefully lifted her up from the crib. Then we both went down for breakfast. "Good morning daddy. Sorry I took so long." I told Björn as I reached the dining area.
I put Linda on another crib nearer to us. I was glad she never got distracted. What an angel!
I was slowly eating my breakfast. It was as if I didn't have the energy to eat at all. I was not sick, maybe too sleepy.
Then we both washed our dishes, fixed the table before we left.
For one last time, I checked out if Linda was well so that we can take her out. As I was about to get to her, I almost collapsed. It was a feeling when my whole body was just too weak to do the simplest things.
Björn caught me before landing on the floor. "Babe, are you sure you want to continue? You sound so tired, and you might get sick afterwards. I don't want you or Linda to get sick."
"Hey," I tried to stand up with my arms wrapped around his neck. "I'll be fine babe. Your presence makes me feel better. Besides, I'm doing this not only for myself, but for the two of you." Then I kissed him right away.
"You better rest for today." He gave me that straight look, asking me to trust him again.
I pouted then made puppy eyes.
"It's not working, babe. I'm sorry. I want my family to be better for now."
Honestly, I was more concerned of him being consumed by work than me. "Can you stay with us for the day? I'm sure the team can work on that song without you."
"Sorry, babe. I have to leave. We still have around three to four songs to work on. Do you want Frida to come here? I'll let her take a break too for you."
Was he out of his mind? I mean, "Wouldn't it compromise the recording period? Plus, you told me that we're working on this song for Melodifestivalen. And..."
He put his pointer on my lips. "Shhh... You're so stubborn mommy. You better not teach our daughter to be like that. Like I told you, you can catch up. You and Frida can perfect that in time. We are still on-track with the schedule."
He went to the phone, and dialled Frida's number.
"Hey Frida! Is Benny there? Kindly tell him that we'll work on lyrics and some music today while you two ladies take a break."
...
"Oh good! He said yes! Can you do me a favor, Frida? Kindly take care of Anna and Linda while we're out. You see, wifey here is not feeling well 'cause she barely slept. So I thought that maybe she needed help around. Is it okay for you?"
...
"Really? Like BIG SISTER REALLY? Gosh! I'll wait for you before I leave. Thank you so much! See you in a bit, Frida. Bye."
Then he dropped the phone and went to me again. "Did I tell you that it will be just fine?" He smirked at me.
"Okay babe, you won." I paused. I looked at my daughter and reminded myself to be a good example for her. "Sorry daddy for being so stubborn. And thank you for caring."
We were on the couch waiting for Frida. He sat beside me, then I slowly moved towards his face for a kiss, again. We averaged around four kisses every morning per week. Can't we just be sweet to be inspired every day? Haha!!!
Suddenly, we heard the doorbell ring. Björn opened the door, then it was Frida.
"Babe, it's your 'big sister' Frida to take care of you."
Frida punched Björn's arm. "It still sounds gross. Good morning Anna!"
"Ouch Frida!" Then he went to me, "Babe, be the good girl and maximize this break for us." He kissed my cheek. "I love you that's why I'm doing this." He looked at Linda one last time before leaving, "Daddy has to leave sweet angel, but he'll be back tonight. You better be good to Mommy and Aunt Frida. I love you angel."
Frida sat beside me as Björn was about to leave.
"Enjoy your day at work today, babe. I love you." I told him then he went out of the door.
I hugged Frida that time 'cause I wasn't able to do it when she came in. "Sorry that you have to take a break at work because of me." Then I let go of her.
"It's fine. I'm doing this for my best friend. Besides, I needed a break too. It was just too much pressure in recording our songs, and my album too."
I tried to stand up just to get Linda out of the crib.
"Anna! You better..." Frida tried to stop me.
"I'm fine." I looked at my sweet daughter as I went back to the sofa.
