Before my vocal cord surgery, my surgeon told me that I’d be sore for a few days, I’d have strict vocal rest for 3 days, and that I’d be hoarse for 4-6 weeks. So, my expectations were sore for a few days, silent for 3 days, and scratchy hoarseness for a month or so. Turns out, “hoarse for 4-6 weeks” really meant “unable to speak above a whisper while your huge vocal cords settle down and your body reabsorbs some of the excess fat injected into them which will take 4-6 weeks.” I still needed the surgery, but it would have been nice to have this spelled out a little more clearly! So, here I am, unable to speak above a whisper. With 4 kids. Fully able to speak above a whisper. Actually, I think it may be physically impossible for Ashlyn to whisper at all. The girl pretty much has one volume setting–loud. And, the other 3 are hardly quiet.
Mark goes back to work tomorrow. God bless him. He probably can’t wait to get out of here since he’s been Mr. Everything and has to put up with me snapping and clapping at him.
In a moment of “oh-no-I-can’t-do-this,” we asked Mark’s mom to come help us out again. So thankful that she lives relatively close and is willing to drop what she’s doing to come play chess, make lunches, catch Lydia 100x on the slide, read books, etc., etc. She’s even bringing us dinner. (imagine sigh of relief here if I could produce such a noise)
One more day of help then I’m on my own. Praying God supernaturally quiets my children and loudens me. We’ve got some challenging days ahead of us.
One more day of the giveaway. Wednesday, when the kids are going crazy, and I’m ready to throw in the towel on parenting, I’ll lock myself in the bedroom and make sure to draw one of you as a lucky winner.
I’m sorry it’s going to be a longer recovery than you originally thought. Those expectations can get us every time, huh? Well, maybe…just maybe, by the end of it, the kiddos will be whispering too! :) We could pray so anyway! Praying the Lord heals your vocal chords completely during this time and that your sweet ones will supernaturally know that momma needs them to understand without words! HUGS!!
Thinking of you! I hope you recover much more quickly than they say. :) I’m sure it’s tough to not have your full voice, esp. in a house full of your active crew. Hang in there!
Nikki
This has to be tough, Kelly. hang in there!!!!
Praying for you daily! Remember, God knows what He is doing…all in His time. Blessings!
Oh Man! I wish we were still next door! Wouldn’t that be awesome?! You could just ship the kids over and I could cook double batches of dinner and take care of you a little bit. At least you have Ashlyn, the little momma, to help when your voice isn’t loud enough! I’m sure she can get everybody’s attention! Can I bring you a meal on Thursday?
Oh you poor thing! I wish I lived closer and could come and help! Georgia and Ashlyn could be in a loud room together!!!!
Prayig for you!
Shannon
This might sound like strange advice but coming from a household with a Deaf husband who cant speak I am going to give you a few tips that might help to get the kiddos attention that you might not think of..
1. Flickering off and on of lights to get attention is commonly used in the Deaf community and it works to get attention as the kids wont be sure why you are doing that.
2. stomping on the floor to get someones attention (as long it isnt concrete or heavily padded and really really thick carpet) this does work ( heck I even jump up and down on the floor like a loon when I have to)
3. Lots of flapping of arms to get peoples attention.
4. You might want to quickly learn some really urgent signs to help you out and quickly teach the brood.
http://www.aslpro.com is a great sight with short video clips of each sign so you dont even have to guess you watch a person sign the actual sign.
Heck you can almost use it as a game with the kids , who knows they might enjoy it. I am praying for you that this recovery goes smooth and quickly for you.
Just some suggestions from a house where only one of us parents can speak.
Tracy
Kelly – praying here. So sorry that you are having to wade through this. Tracy had some great tips in the meantime! :)
Kelly..you left me a comment about “we are grafted in” blog. I would love, now that I am a bit more blogable, to get involved with it!! Let me know.
Sorry to hear about your voice! I hope you are feeling well soon.
feel better soon; wish i could help you in some sort of way. praying for quick and full recovery.
I honestly can’t picture my day without my voice. Weirdly I think it would be crazy loud…I’m so sorry about the recovery taking longer than expected.
One of Breanna’s favorite teachers went through this same surgery the week we returned home from China. It was touch for her, too. She is a drama teach heading up the school plays and musicals, not to mention singing in her church. ‘Quiet’ is not a word associated with her, so this was a difficult time for sure. But she is well now, and it won’t be long and you will be, too.
Praising God with you for such an amazing husband and MIL and friends who are carrying you and your family through this time.
And continue looking ‘up’ as you recover. It’s clear that as you seek Him, He is using this as a time of refinement… not just for you, but to teach others through you! <>< ((hugs))