Last Monday, I fell sick with fever, flu, cough, the whole works. The kids passed it to me, probably Elijah. He's been sick the whole damn month. He got better, then fell sick again (secondary infection) and finally passed his second infection to Beth (zzz) and I (ZZZ). Nick isn't spared too.
Our immunity seems compromised post-covid. We caught it mid March as a family from Elijah's school. Two weeks aft recovery, Elijah fell sick from other viral infection and has been plagued with a few rounds of yet another viral infection.
Anyway, I was convalescing well from Monday's illness, until last Friday; I came down with another fever, flu and yes cough. Couldn't roll my eyes hard enough.
Seriously?!
I went to the doc in case I needed antibiotics. Well, the doc examined me and said I should monitor. The following day, I lost my voice. Laryngitis is the condition causing voice loss. Unbelievable, another viral infection, again!
It's hilarious. I can't parent without my voice, can I? Or so I thought. I certainly couldn't shout, that's for sure. I could barely whisper. Initially, Nick got frustrated whenever I try to tell him something. I then got frustrated with him being frustrated at me.
I haven't projected my voice for 3 days, and I tell you, parenting is possible without voice. I found myself more patient with them, less shouty (pun intended). With Nick, he became less harsh, more tolerant of my new found speechless form of communication. One thing is for sure, he is not a lip reader. Another thing, he is also not a mind reader. Nick is the worst at second guessing, becos he doesn't even first guess. Honestly, Nick can never be another soul mate to anyone. He doesn't complete anyone's sentences, let alone mine, becos he doesn't even try. That is his main problem.
I digress.
Not being able to use my voice can feel pretty hopeless. I can't order food at coffeeshops so Nick has to do it. I can't tell the kids off, so I glared at him to do it. He reluctantly tell them off half heartedly on my behalf. I laughed when Elijah repeatedly jumped to hit the switch and turn off the light while Nick was helping Bethany in the toilet. Nick got pissed after coming out to turn on the lights a few times. I laughed soundlessly becos he went really low like a full squat to achieve that spring high enough to hit the switch. I thought that was pretty clever and appropriate behaviour for an almost 3yo. Admittedly, I laughed becos I can't use my voice at him.
I was also coughing badly, which strained my voice box further. I couldn't sleep one night after a particular bad bout of coughing, and promptly told Nick we should go out so I can finally get some sleep.
We went to the Barrage. Lovely weather, I almost fell asleep, if not for the kids climbing all over me.
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| Trying not to look pissed at Elijah stepping over me |
Day 4 of voice loss continues.
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