A big-girl bed for Kate

We converted Kate's crib to a toddler bed this morning. This will probably make it even more likely that she won't take naps, but we felt it was time. Hopefully it also inspires her to do more big-girl things, namely finish out her potty training (she's good on the liquid waste, but making no headway on the solid).

Paint pickers

We all went out for a walk to the Hollywood District this morning to get some fresh air. One of our stops was at the Miller Paint store to start getting some ideas for colors to repaint our dining room with. Audrey and Kate enjoyed looking through the paint sample cards. We let them each take three. Audrey, of course, gravitated towards the pinks and purples; Kate's picks were a little more random.

Snazzy scooter

Audrey test-rode one of her new birthday gifts this afternoon.

Party time(s)!

Audrey celebrated her 5th birthday with much fanfare. The festivities spanned four days, beginning on Saturday, February 11 with an art party with some of her preschool friends at the 100th Monkey Studio. Audrey helped decorate the cupcakes, and Mama made some Valentine's Day-themed snacks. Audrey and her friends made Valentine's Day cards, paper flowers, and bead necklaces. The family party was the next day. Audrey enjoyed all of the presents she got, and Kate helped take photos and get the cake ready. On Monday, Audrey's preschool friends and teachers enjoyed muffins in honor of her birthday, and sang her a special birthday song. Finally, on Tuesday (her actual birthday), Audrey had a low-key celebration at home with Mama, Dada, and Kate.

Face time

Kate made a couple of drawings yesterday that look convincingly like faces. The first one below she drew with chalk and called "Mama." Apparently the blue blotches she added later in an attempt to draw eyebrows. The second is marker on paper.

Hot tub helper

Kate helped Dada test and balance the water in the hot tub today.

No bathroom attendant

This morning while waiting with Dada and Kate for the car to get checked out at the Subaru dealership, Audrey asked to use the women's restroom. Usually she goes with Dada into the men's room. It was her first solo public bathroom trip. It was a small, one-person restroom, so not too intimidating. She couldn't figure out the lock on the door, so Dada and Kate stood guard outside. A milestone, although we'll have to see how things go with sending her into a larger, busier restroom by herself.