Red Bull Soap Box Derby Race

On Saturday we made plans to go to the Red Bull Soap Box Derby Race. It was a beautiful day and the sun was shining down. Thank goodness we had VIP tickets under the Red Bull tent. It was free drinks and free food AND a place to sit down. It was all this AND in the shade. It was such a nice place to watch the race...on TV. Yes we were steps away from the race but really, it wasn't worth the heat. It was too hot to be out there.

Click here to see the pictures from the day.

Click here for pictures of the Soap Box cars. Many were very creative!

Definition: Not to be confused with the youth soapbox derby, Red Bull Soapbox Race is a national race for amateur drivers, which is fueled by creativity and competitive fun - not to mention the need for speed. This unique non-motorized racing event challenges both experienced racers and amateurs alike to design and build outrageous, human-powered soapbox dream machines and compete against the clock in a downhill race.

Rules: Teams will be judged on three criteria: speed, creativity and showmanship. All soapboxes must be human powered meaning no engines or external energy sources allowed. Prefabricated cars are not accepted. All vehicles must be less than six-feet wide, less than 20 feet in length and no more than seven inches from the ground. All cars must weigh no more than 176 lbs. (not including the driver). Drivers must be at least 18 years old.

Last day at All Saints

Here are some pictures from her last day at All Saints Children's Center. Her teachers were really sad to find out she was leaving. They got her a little gift bag with some goodies. Some hair accessories, a toy and some bubbles. They also took a class picture with a note about how they will miss her. It was really nice of them. Everyone who works there is very nice and sweet. We really did enjoy our time there. To see all the pictures, click here.

Sidebar is 6 years old

On Friday, Sidebar had their 6th anniversary party. We all talked about how times have changed over the years. Sidebar hasn't changed much but we all have. And it was shown by how many kids were at the party! We had to set up a whole kids table! There was a great band that played. Probably the best band they have ever had. They shut down the street, set up tables and chairs and served the people. It was good to see new and old friends celebrate together.

To see pictures from the first Sidebar party, click here.

Click here to see all the pictures.

Baby Proofing

Well we finally broke down and stepped up our baby proofing around the house. Millie's FAVORITE thing to do in the kitchen is bee-line for the sink cabinet, open the right door, reach in, pull out as many dishwasher cleaning tablets that she can hold, and stuff them in her mouth! Now don't worry, they are covered with plastic so it's okay but we run over to stop her and she just laughs and laughs. So this week I took off the cabinet knob to hopefully stop her. Well I couldn't outsmart her. She just proceeded to explore the left side of the sink cabinet pulling our the Ajax, glass cleaner, trash bags, etc. Don't worry, I caught her again and had finally had enough.

I went to Target and bought some cabinet locks that promptly went on immediately when we got home. Including the one on the grill (also a favorite place of hers). We know as she gets taller the stove is going to be an issue as she has already shown interest in the stove knobs. Any suggestions? In the mean time, enjoy the pictures from our Thursday evening. Click here to see more pictures.

Emily Butter

Even Millie loves the Emily butter! Well, to be honest, she hasn't had it yet. But found the lid to our Emily butter and it's her new toy!

Evenings

The evenings are the best time around the Tainow house. I usually wake up around 4:15pm to shower and run over to get Millie from daycare. If Mat is working that night, I try and stop by Engine 11 to visit for a bit. She is quite the hit at Engine 11. When Millie and I get home we usually go for a wagon ride around the neighborhood. We stop to talk to all the neighbors and doggies. I have recently hooked up the bike trailer onto my bike so we have gone on an evening bike ride if it's not raining. We usually always go for a swing. But only for a short while. As soon as she does the sign for "done", she wants out. It's amazing how she interpreted the sign for "done" which we use at the dinner table, to other things like the swing. And if she doesn't do the sign for "eat" then she grabs her bib and stands by her highchair indicating that she is hungry.

So after dinner at 7pm, it's bath time. After bath we play in her room for a bit until it's story and bedtime. We used to read about 3 stories but typically after 1 book, she lays down on the bed and tries to go to sleep. We hardly ever hear a peep from her at bedtime. She is one tuckered out little girl.

Click here to see the rest of the pictures.

Millie's got a new ride

When Katie, Mike and Meagan arrived for Millie's birthday, they were sad to see Millie already had the gift they got for her. So we were surprised when they came over this weekend with a new toy for Millie! I think you can tell from these pictures that she loves her new Engine! Not necessarily riding it (yet) but she loves pushing it around and LOOOOOVES pushing the buttons that make noises. It's so funny watching her dance to all of the songs her toys make. She just bounces up and down. So cute! Click here to see the pictures.

New ways of eating

We are trying a couple different things at dinner time. Mom made Millie these fabulous bib/aprons that cover her clothes and catch all the food. She also sent Millie all these really cool plates for her to eat on. And hopefully not flip over on to her head! Some have a sticky bottom. Some have a rounded edge so she can't flip it. Some have a built in placemat like the one pictured here. So we have tried them on the table and on her highchair-tray. We lowered the highchair so she can sit more comfortably at the table. We also took off the back of the highchair so it looks more like a bootser seat. But after a few days, the back and the tray went back on and we are just using her new plates on the tray. It's just too messy otherwise! She is also attempting to use silverware. It's so cute how she holds her fork in one hand and eats her food with the other. She will get the hang of it soon I am sure!

To see pictures, click here.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

On Saturday my parents celebrate 38 years of fabulous marriage. Their humor and love have been a wonderful example for my sister and I to follow. We wish them more and more and happy anniversarys to come!

Saturday night Sushi

We had a great family day on Saturday. We rounded out the day at our favorite Sushi joint. It's new to us and kind of a drive but it is always yummy. We first found this place when Millie was at Grandparent camp and they actually remembered us! Millie stole the show making googly eyes at all the staff and customers. One of the waiters brought out this huge piece of plastic to go under Millie's high chair. GREAT idea! It was genius because by the end of the meal, there was food EVERYWHERE! I decided not to bring any food from home but to just give her some rice and edemame. The head sushi chef came out and greeted us, telling us about his family and children. He asked us if Millie had any allergies and we told her no. As we were waiting for our food, to our surprise, the chef had made her this adorable plate of sushi!! The three pink things are rice balls coated in this sweet almost sugary stuff that just lightly coated them. The square yellow things are egg cubes with a drop of soy sauce on them. There is sliced avocado in the center. She had already gobbled up the little orange crab pieces when this picture was taken. As you can tell...she loved it!

Sprayground

On Saturday, a couple of Millie's friends gather to hang out at Roswell's Sprayground. Millie's friends Vince, Jack and Kara were all there to have a good time. It's a fun little park that's all water and all kid friendly! And the best part, it's free! Millie was a little timid at first but then she got into it. I didn't know what footwear to put her in, so I didn't. She slipped around on the floor but was good at catching herself. Her favorite were the little fountains. The big ones were a little much. Mat came with me so it was great to catch up with the other mom's a bit. After we played for a bit the kids were getting a little chilly despite the beaming sun. We had a nice little picnic and all the kids had fun stealing each others food. Good times! Click here to see pictures. To see Jackie's pictures, click here.

My pretty baby

I can hardly stand her cuteness!

Click here for pictures from today (Friday)



Sidebar got an unexpected write up in a local paper here in Atlanta. Click here for the link. Here is the part about Sidebar.

Top 5: Bars for college students in Atlanta
Published 08.19.09
By Sarah Bakhtiari

SIDEBAR Only a block away from Georgia State, Sidebar's locale is almost too convenient for students to walk to after their last class, books still in hand. This college watering hole comes complete with pool tables, air hockey, video poker, electronic trivia, and large booths with room enough for everyone on your dorm room's floor to enjoy an ice-cold pint. Mon.-Wed., 11 a.m.-midnight; Thurs.-Fri, 11-2 a.m.; Sat., noon-2 a.m.; Sun., noon-midnight. 79 Poplar St. 404-588-1850. www.sidebaratlanta.com.

More pictures with Ellie

Here are the rest of the pictures with Ellie from Ellie's mama. Our ladies are too stinkin cute!

Mmmmmmmmm

Check out these beautiful tomatoes that our fabulous neighbor Mr. Elco Morris gave us. He had lots and lots all bagged up and free for the neighborhood. Yum!

This sweet innocent face?

What could be wrong with this sweet little innocent face?
















She is a BITER! Millie bit her first friend today (at daycare). Mat had to fill out and sign a report and everything. The poor little boy walked up to Mat crying and showing Mat his boo boo. Thank goodness she didn't break skin. I still felt bad :-( To see more pictures of this sweet girl, click here.

Millie eats a banana in 8x speed

Black Bean Goatee

On Wednesday, we took a walk to the library and to dinner in the village. As you can see, Millie enjoyed her black beans at Holy Taco. You should have seen the mess all over the ground! It was quite hilarious. Thankfully the waitress was laughing along with us! Click here to see the rest of the pictures.

Ellie playdate

It's been kinda fun having Monday's off. I get to keep Millie home with me or take her in and get some things done. On this Monday, Millie went into daycare but I picked her up early for a little playdate with Millie's friend Ellie. Remember Ellie from Millie's first daycare? They were great friends and it's clear that they remember each other and have a great time when they are together. I ran out of camera battery so when Ellie's mom sends me her pictures, I will send them with you. Here are some that I took before my battery died. To see all the pictures, click here.





Only 2 weeks remaining of my overnight shift. Millie and I are heading to Ohio over Labor day weekend. When I return, I will be on dayside...9am-5pm Monday-Friday. Life will resume as normal and I CAN'T WAIT! This time has been particularly tough dealing with Mat's schedule, my schedule, the babysitter. So far, Millie has been unaffected. Let's hope the next time round (in 2012) will be as successful.

One more move

Well, new news at the Tainow house. Starting August 31, Millie will start at a new daycare, Sheltering Arms. We had an interview today (Tuesday) with the new center. Millie came with us and sat in her new classroom with the other kids.

This decision did not come without alot of deep thought from Mat and I. We hate to keep making all of these moves to different daycares but we just want to find one that is the best fit for our family.

We got a call from Sheltering Arms last week saying they have a toddler spot open. Since we toured the school awhile back, we wanted to go again as a refresher. I brought Millie back on a different day and we sat in with the class for a couple hours. Last week, I also spent quite a bit of time in her current classroom. To my untrained eye, they seemed very similar.

Sheltering Arms is a little different than any of the other daycare centers where we have been. The class begins in the infant room. In August, the entire class moves up. The teachers and all the classmates move together as well. The teachers/class stays together until they enter the Pre-K program. Most of the daycare centers we have been to move the children up based on their skill level. To compensate this, they work in small groups with children of the same skill level. Then in August, everyone moves up. It's different and not necessarily bad. Just different for us.

This particular Sheltering Arms is a model teaching training facility. They have teachers train upstairs and monitor the classrooms down below. The facility is located just about equidistant of my work and Engine 11. Convenient for both Mat and I to drop off/pick up.

We hope this is a good fit for our family. We just want to do what is best for Millie while keeping in consideration our family's well being. Daycare searching has been a very frustrating process. We are finding more and more that it's about who you know, a little bit about your child, and timing. I wonder if it's this difficult in other cities. Hopefully others have had better luck than we have. We are keeping our chins up about Sheltering Arms and hoping that it's what we have been looking for.