wordless wednesday

newsflash

Announcing Ada Moncrief rolled from tummy to back today. Yippee! Now back to your regularly scheduled blog posting.

sunday siestas and furry friends

Nothing like a nap with a sleeping baby. Ada and I took the best nap ever on Sunday. It is a rarity that she will stay asleep in my arms for more than twenty minutes and I have now had the privilege twice this weekend. I could get use to this.
We have had a furry friend in our side yard for the past two days. Our little furry friend has stuck around despite a barking dog, slamming car doors, flashing cameras and talking people. I think we may have a new pet. We will gladly except. I even went so far as to google "how to domesticate a wild rabbit". Not much help was provided, but hopefully our furry friend will stay.
Random side note: Tonight while cooking breakfast for dinner, a Moncrief favorite, I set off the smoke detector. I hate that thing. Loud is an understatement. I was holding Ada and as the sound blared my little cheery giggly girl turned into a cherry tomato head wide mouthed mute. I had a flashback to her one month shots. Her exact actions were duplicated. I felt horrible and still do. Her newborn ears had never heard such a thing. I did not think I was ever going to calm her down. That is an event not to be repeated.

few pictures to prove it

I normally do not post on events that do not have pictures however there are several occurrences from this weekend that deserve a little spotlight despite my negligence at taking photos.

It is official the Montikers have been bifurcated. Here is the moving truck to prove it. (This is the same day as the visit with Ty so I still had not realized my camera was on manual and again thought the camera was messed up rendering very few pictures) Jimmy represented for the Moncriefs as Ada and I did little but distract all those who came to help. No really, Brent and Becca's mom both took care of Ada while Becca's sister and I did a little Merry Maid action however Becca left us little to do being the clean freak that she is.

Good-bye Whitaker house. You were home to so many good memories.
Saturday morning we left bright and fairly early to begin Ada's very first road trip. To Nashville we went to continue with the Whitaker Relocation Extravaganza. Ada was a complete trooper. We did not hear a peep from her the entire ride up ok maybe a little snoring but that is about it.

In innovative mommy mode and maybe a little bit of desperation Ada ended up in the Whitaker apartment bathtub for a mid-day nap. Cruel and unusual? None to say the least. The chick snoozed like a champ and before you call child and family services, she was nestled safely in her car seat which was placed inside the bathtub. I know it still may sound bizarre but it was the only safe and fairly quiet spot for a nap amongst two barking dogs, moving furniture and three chatty girls. She did great and who would have thought moving would be so fun? We had a great time preparing our future Nashville destination retreat. I know we will find ourselves at home in that quaint spot for many weekends to come or until a house is purchased :) Yes, to answer your question I am sad they have officially moved but on the bright side: Nashville is not that far from Chattanooga, I am so thankful the city of choice was not across the nation or world like my other crazy BFF-Lindsay, it is a great place to visit, we are going to see our friends again, living in the same town or not we will forever be vacation buddies and let us not forget both of their parents still live in Chattanooga so they will be back. Though I am possibly being a little melodramatic and I know it sounds like I am having to talk myself into acceptance I promise I am ok (or at least I will be soon, hopefully)!

Next event of the weekend was Nissa's Shower. Nissa is a sweet friend of mine from the credit union. Love this girl. She not only is wonderful but is also a fellow munchkin. I am actually taller than someone! Barely. Actually may only be 1/4 of an inch but when your my height every smidge counts. Nissa is due with Baby Foster at the end of May. We are so excited. Isn't her belly so cute? Ada sat so contently with Laura for the entire time at the shower. Laura's sister had a baby girl around the same time Ada was born and her niece now weighs 14 pounds! I got to see a picture of the little piglet and she is absolutely adorable. She really doesn't look like the little buddha baby I had pictured. The credit union girls Moi, Ada (honorary credit union girl), Nissa, Laura, Whitney, Kim, & Terri
We then stopped by Tobi's 10th anniversary celebration party. The day was very special. A time of reflection for Tobi and grandiose inspiration for everyone else. I will not do her story justice so please visit here to hear the rest. Tobi you are incredible. In so many more ways than one!Ha! Flash forward. Foy and Ada look like a little old married couple. Ada with a mu mu and Foy with his little plaid pants pulled up past his belly button. In addition to attire look at the geriatric mannerisms. Foy looks annoyed while Ada concludes talking his ear off with a smile. It looks like Ada and Alana are fighting over Foy. No worries Reed!Photography failure once again. We had dinner with Katie and Robbie and I could not flippin' believe it...Katie is pregnant and due in November. Yippee! I have been joking that I am going to make a baby calender for 2008 featuring our friends babies based on their birth month. Fertility has been so rampant that I just might really have to do it. Congratulations Katie!

For the Calender:
Mr. January-Foy
Ms. February-Ada
Mr. March-Ty
Mr. April-Tucker (to arrive any moment-due date today)
Mr. May-Baby Foster
Mr. June-Daniel
Ms. July-Emma (thank God for a girl)/Baby Strait
Ms. August-Baby Lotz
Mr/Mrs September-Baby McKenna
Mr/Mrs October-Baby Fincher
Mr/Mrs November-Baby Steen/Baby Holwerda
Mr/Mrs December-okay this one is still open or maybe one of the November babies will be late!

Lastly, Ada and I went to go see my 7 year old niece, Peyton Carli, perform in The Tale of Peter Rabbit. It was absolutely adorable and P.C. did an incredible job as Peter's mother. She even sang a solo. So proud! (Peyton Carli is the middle bunny)

wordless wednesday

ada-luv and ty-baby

Ada and I went to visit Lauren and Ty last Friday. Ty has gotten so big and has far surpassed Ada in weight though Ada is three weeks older. Little Ty has the most hilarious cry. I am sure it is not funny to Lauren at what-ever o'clock in the morning. Lauren describes it as zero to sixty. She did not mention in how many seconds and I wasn't counting but if I were to guess I would say about 2.5 seconds. Ada has a slow escalating cry and Ty-baby goes full throttle. At one point during the visit the two were both going at it in unison. It was definitely the least melodious song I have every heard. Here is a pic of the two together. My camera was on manual and I did not realize it. I actually thought it was messed up. While it is fine this is the only salvageable picture I took. Maybe I will just claim I was going for the vintage look! Ty-baby you are so cute. I am so glad we got to stop by and say hello!

this is for jessica

This is dedicated to Jessica to commemorate her son's new ability. A look towards things to come. I am hoping this is for little boys only so I can completely avoid this aspect of a child's life.

This is my nephew Roman at 16 months when we were at the beach with my family. We came in from the porch and smelled a terrible odor. We looked around everywhere thinking it was someones dirty shoes, something dead, rotten food in the trash etc. Finally it was time to "wake" Roman up from his nap and this is what we found. The stinky culprit. Nooooooo!

my favorite thing

If you had a blanket like this wouldn't it be your favorite too?
I love the vintage fabric that Tobi chose. Tobi who you ask? If you haven't heard of Tobi then you must be new to this blog. She has quite a following around here here and here.
I confess. I am addicted to Ivey Handcrafted.
My husband, Mr. Frugal himself, is starting to think my friendship with Tobi Jo is a little dangerous with all the cute creations she keeps coming up with. Nah, not really. When it comes to something for Ada-bug or luv he doesn't say a word. How could he? Sleeping beauty sleeps even better with her new blanky.

Ada's buddy Anna Kate loved her blanket so much so Ada decided she wanted one to. So cute! Tomorrow we will get plenty of pictures with their matching Ivey Handcrafted onesies and blankets!

Thank you Tobi Jo from Ada and myself for another astonishing creation! I can't wait to see what you come up with next. Luv ya, girl!
P.S. Someone asked me if Ada's middle name is Luv. While we, okay just I, call her Ada-Luv for clarification sake her full name is Ada Olivia Moncrief :)

coolidge park

Wednesday's weather was begging us to go outside so we met up with Amy and Anna Kate at Chattanooga's Coolidge Park. Our bellies full from lunch at Stone Cup and legs weary from a stroll around the park left us looking for a quiet place for the girls to play.Anna Kate is helping Ada sit up.No Worries, Ada! Just a little eye exam from Anna Kate.Eyes checked out great and now for the ears.

"Oops, I tooted"-Ada "Oh, Ada, you are so funny" -Anna Kate Anyone who knows me is aware of my intense hatred of birds. Here is one of many that was getting a little too close for comfort. We can't wait until it gets warm enough to get the girls in their bathing suits so they can get in the park's fountain. Isn't she cute?

inn's family = our family

After last Saturday's time at the farm we met up with Halmoni's family at Big River. This is Inn's sister-in-law and her two daughters Seung-hyan and JiYeon with Halmoni, Halabaji, Jimmy and I. The girls are over here in the states getting their masters. They were very sweet!Here are a couple of pictures of Ada...same day. There is a giggle hidden behind that fist.

family farm

Last Saturday our entire immediate family went to my Granny's farm in the Sequatchie Valley. Papa Campbell (my dad), MiMi (my mom), Mark & Jennifer (my sister) with Preston & Peyton Carli, Suzi (my sister) with Roman, Jimmy & I with Ada. While we frequent this place for family gatherings we brought along someone to capture a family ritual. Rich Smith did an amazing job at documenting our day at the farm. I hope Ada loves the farm as much as I did growing up!

While most of us took conventional means of transportation Jimmy in Ironman training mode wanted to get in a little mileage for the day. He was on the rode several hours before the rest of us. He ran from our house to downtown to get his bike he left at his office and did the half a century trek to meet us in the Sequatchie Valley. Here is a picture carrying his baby .I love this picture of Roman...
And this of Peyton Carli...

My wee little family...I love them...

Okay, so we are not the most normal...

Click here to see the slideshow and more. Thanks Rich! Many of my favorites are not picture on the website :( So I guess I will have to share them in person once I get them printed.

I love my precious family. Oh and sisters. I would not trade them for the world. Possibly Cheesy but...Sisters by chance; Friends by Choice!

looks five, but he is only three

Our nephew Roman turned three last Friday. Isn't he cute? He typically smiles perpetually however in this this shot I actually caught him sitting still but not smiling. The boy loves him some fish. Fish-EE Fish-EE frequently exits his mouth. This is one of the fish he received for his birthday. Peyton Carli and Roman playing a Fish-ee game!Roman's mom is my sweet and beautiful sister, Shelby or Suzi (depending on which side of the Tennessee border you reside). They both currently live in Lexington, KY. It was so good to see them both this weekend. We always have a great time when we all get together. With similar personalities there is never a dull moment with Suzi or Roman around. This is Roman playing in the Construction site that his Aunt Jennifer (my other sweet and beautiful sister) made for him. Cute idea, huh? Walking around on tippy toes while barefoot is a subconscious, but hereditary trait in the Campbell Clan. My father, Papa Campbell started the strange involuntary trait. It is currently carried on by Suzi, Roman and myself. Strange habit? Perhaps? But it can potentially make for some nice calf muscles. Here is Roman caught in the act:Ada has been enjoying her phalanges for a while now, but this night her mouth and fingers were inseparable. I have always wanted her to be a thumb sucker like her cousin Peyton Carli, who has kicked the habit. Ada started in the womb and I believe she will continue out here. (I was a pacifier girl. What about you?)

Lastly, this one's for the fam. This is a picture of a family inside joke. Son of a.....Gun.