April catch up!

April was when things started to finally get easier, as far as balancing the needs of 2 children. We were all settling in to our new normal. Makena (and I) were still having some very emotional moments, but mostly it was good. Pam and I celebrated our anniversary with fondue! And yes, the kids came with us. Because we just love them that much! :)

Makena was very proud of her April Fool's Day prank of giving everyone brownies. (She used a brown marker and wrote the letter E all over a piece of paper... BROWN E, get it?!) And then Pam said "Makena I made you some brownies!" She of course thought it was the same prank and sighed as she ripped off the tin foil, only to discover there were real delicious brownies!!

Also she came up with her very first April Fool's joke-
"Mommy, come in here!"Why? What's up?"I just want to see you!"Aww, okay. "April Fool's!"What? I don't get it. What is the joke?"I didn't really want to see you."

Hahahahahahaha!

We had a lot of fun playing with the silly camera setting on my phone. Makena went through a phase where every day she was wanting to take these photos.

I went to MommyCon in San Francisco, and got to listen to some amazing lectures by awesome people who are supporters of attachment and natural parenting. Alanis Morrssette spoke about the transition to motherhood and her home birth and struggles with PPD. Dr Jay Gordon and Jamie Lynne Grumet spoke about cosleeping and full term breastfeeding and why parents aren't crazy for not blindly following whatever their pediatrician recommends. And the bloggers from The Leaky Boob and The Honest Toddler were there too, and all in all it was a fabulous day! I also got the chance to weigh Hadley before and after a nursing session and saw she ate about 4 oz.

One weekend at the farmer's market I offered to try carrying Makena in the Ergo, and she loved it! I think she feels sad sometimes to see me always carrying Hadley so close, she often asks for lots of snuggles and cuddles. I try to carve out special "Mommy & Makena" time whenever I can.

When I put Hadley down for a nap I tell Makena I'll be out in a few minutes, but sometimes it takes about 20 minutes until I can leave the bedroom. Without fail, the second I go into the bedroom Makena suddenly wants a snack, or help with something. I started telling her that she's welcome to help herself to any healthy snack, any game on the computer or show on tv. And 99% of the time she quietly picks something to do and is fine. But sometimes she interrupts nap time and comes in to ask:
"Can I have a yogurt?" 
"Can I use the computer?" 
"Can I watch another Curious George?" 
"Can you help me find the yogurt?" "Can you open the yogurt for me?"
"I can't find the yogurt and it has too much sugar so can I have some Easter chocolate instead?" 
"Is Hadley asleep yet?"
"Now is she asleep?"
"When can you put her down and come into the living room?"
"I didn't like this chocolate, can I try another one?"
"When will Mama be home?"

Lol. Sometimes she sits down to use the potty right as the baby is closing her eyes and needs me to come wipe, calling out for me while I'm trying desperately to get the baby into a deep enough sleep to put her down. And one time I walked into the kitchen to see this. She stacked a pillow, 2 stools, and a booster seat to climb onto the counter and reach a cup.

On Easter morning the girls woke up to find their baskets. Makena was so excited that she got to find Hadley's for her.

We went to my parent's house for lunch.

 Makena started to learn how to read! She started by writing a lot, and sounding out words that way, so reading has come pretty easily for her. One day she asked to bring the book Jasper's Beanstalk to school to read to her teacher. She was so proud of herself!

At the end of April we went to the Galactic Gala at Makena's preschool. My board job was the silent auction for the Spring Fundraiser, which is this super fun adults only party. But Hadley got to come because I wouldn't have attended without her, and she was happily worn anyway. Plus we won the costume contest!

Makena's really made my heart swell with gratitude and joy. I'm so happy that she and Hadley have each other. I love that in the car Makena keeps her little sister entertained. We often look back there to see Hadley just beaming at her big sister! And if we are home and busy in the kitchen Makena will usually be playing with the baby. Hadley adores her, and Makena makes her laugh like nobody else!