Another Year Gone By

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I know, I know, I haven't posted a thing for nearly two months - forgive me please. It's been a crazy time with a new baby in the house, guests that were wonderful, the holidays approaching, difficulty trying to upload pictures onto the blog and possibly a little writers block.

This is probably my favourite time of year. I sit back and think about the traditions that I had as a child growing up and remember the people most important to me. I think about the beauty of the mountains, the smell of the pine trees, the feel of the crisp air and most importantly the chatter of family.

I see Daddy rubbing his mustache, I hear Uncle Donald talking to someone - possibly himself, I watch as Mummy and Auntie Norma get the house organized and I smile as Auntie Marie plays with the kids - myself, my sisters (Lisa and Tracey) and my cousins (Rachele and Elizabeth). Every year for as long as I could remember our parents would pack us all up rent a house for one week and take us to Greenwich, a part of the Blue Mountain Range. No phone, no TV just honest to goodness time to spend with each other.

We played board games, read books, went on hikes in the mountains, played tennis, made up games that would seem impossible to recreate today, ate some great food and had some of the best talks around a fire place anyone could ask for. The presents were piled high in the living room and Santa always knew where to find us. We always heard our parents say "Wow the end of another year" but what a great time for us to always look forward to.

Although I miss that time in my life and I miss having Christmas in Jamaica it is my turn to say "another year gone by". It is my children that have reminded me that it is now my turn to give them their traditions and their memories.

Liam - What a wonderful addition to our family. At 6 weeks 4 days old he is already over 9lbs and growing like a weed. He's waking up only once in the night, making the sweetest cooing sounds, smiling and just an absolute joy to his big sister.

Malaika - Our little sweetheart is just that, sweet as can be. Our 19 month old gives the best hugs, loves to dance and play the air guitar and is little miss independent. She loves to swim and just graduated into the next level. She enjoys preschool and loves to hang out with her best bud Matty. Talk about a little chatter, she's also singing her favorite songs.

Phillipa - Is getting more and more creative to entertain the kids. She loves being at home but admits that a little "ME" time is wonderful. She hasn't picked up her camera much but promises to do more in 2009.

Tim - Is still working for Baxter Medical. He's had a rough year of sports in the NW as all of the teams have done poorly. He's had to turn to UW women's volleyball and cross country. Tim proudly became an Obama delegate at our first caucus and since then found himself to be a news junkie.

We continue to pray and think about you all and wish that we could be closer to many of you. From our family to yours we would like to wish you all nuff love and blessings - Merry Christmas!

It's a Boy

We are pleased to announce that Liam Edward Joseph Dugaw was brought into this world on November 6th, 2008 at 10:14am. He weighed in at 8lbs 6oz, 20" in length with a head circumfrence of 13.75 cm.

We are all enjoying this time as a family of four. Malaika is doing really well and adjusting to the little guy being a part of her world. We have a lot more to learn and look forward to introducing you all to our sweet boy.

Swim Lesson

Here's our little swimmer in action

Halloween

On the Prowl

Check out more pictures here

Malaika had two days of dress up. On Thursday not only did she get to wear her costume to school but she also got to show off her daddy. On Friday we met up with our PEPS buddies and later that evening we went hunting for candy around our neighbourhood. It was a busy evening for our little lioness.

Hanging At The Park For Simon's Game

Simon the star
Colin the goofball
Running hard and fast
Playing hard
Swinging with Daddy

OUCH!

This is what happens when you have a toy in each hand, you're heading out the door because you're excited to go hear your baby brother or sisters heartbeat and you forget about the step in front of you.

From Hollywood Princess to Sports Star

Grapeview Cabin

Check out the pictures

We had the opportunity, two weeks ago, to head out of town to a friends cabin. Although the weather wasn't the best we really had a wonderful time relaxing. We did get to watch a lot of the Olympics, yeah Jamaica, I finally finshed the book I started reading in May (Before the Legend - The Rise of Bob Marley) and we did have a chance to go on two really nice boat rides.

Ask and You Shall Receive

Pictures Galore! It's been a fun August week for us in Seattle. The first set of pictures were taken on Sunday (10th) at our PEPS family BBQ. The second set were taken on Monday (11th) at my friends Moira and Fiona's house and the third set of pictures were taken at the beach club on Mercer Island. We were hanging out with the Penny family. Enjoy! Malaika at the Park with PEPS friends

Hanging with friends

Like my outfit? Living it up on Mercer Island

Chillin at Home

Random Pictures

Everyone has been asking for updated pictures of Malaika. My sister Lisa put it the best way, she said she has no interest in reading my blog, just seeing pictures...thanks sis. Well, today you will be getting some random shots of the entire family.

Big Up Jamaica in Beijing

Mini Vacation to Bend, OR

We took a mini vacation this past week to Portland and Bend, OR. Tim had some work to do in both locations and decided he wanted to have the family with him. Let me start out by saying that this trip certainly had it's highs and lows. The first low is that even though I took my still camera and video camera I didn't take one picture.

Wednesday was an easy trip to Vancouver, WA. Tim went to his meeting while Malaika and I hung out at a play area in the mall. After picking Tim up from the hospital we headed to our hotel in Portland for the night. Malaika had traveled so well however, she did end up with a fever that night and was just worn out.

Thursday morning Tim headed to his meeting in Salem, OR while Malaika, who was feeling much better, and I took a really nice walk along the Willamette River (Portland waterfront). Later that morning we headed to Salem to pick up Tim and head out to Bend. On our way to Bend we stopped at Suttle Lake for a swim...beautiful! On arrival to Bend we headed to our hotel and what we thought was a suite ended up being a very small room. This was not going to work but of course they didn't have anything else available. Well, that night Malaika decided that she wasn't going to be able to sleep well and she woke up around 2am for about three hours. You know what that means...no one got any sleep that night. Believe me the idea of packing up and driving 5 hours to Seattle was VERY tempting.

On Friday Tim had a fair he had to attend in the morning, poor guy he was dragging, while Malaika and I slept in and then took a nice walk around Bend. When daddy returned we went for a swim and then while daddy took a little nap Malaika and I went into the Old Mill District and spent about 2 hours at Working Wonders - their Children's Museum. Friday night was probably her best night sleep. Even though she woke up for a bottle (which never happens) she went right back down.

Saturday we went for a fun family outing to Elk Lake near Mt. Bachelor. What a beautiful location. The water was cold, the sun was hot and we just had a lovely time. That night Malaika was thinking the she needed to wake up again, this time for about 2hours. What the *@#% was going on!

On Sunday we decided that we really wanted to go floating down the Deschutes River. If you are ever in Bend I think everyone should take advantage of this really relaxing and fun adventure. We had brunch, took naps and then headed out on the river. There was live music being played in the amphitheater as we floated by, lots of people watching and a great way to just chat as a family and show Malaika some really cool things. It was another rough night of sleep but we knew home was just a day away.

Although our weekend ended up being a little stressful we did enjoy our days together. We arrived home around 6:30pm on Monday evening and that night Malaika was right back into her regular routine, she slept through the night. I guess there's something to be said about your own bed or in her case - crib.

A Fun Weekend

More cabin pictures here

We're blessed to have some wonderful friends that are always happy to have Tim invite himself to their cabin. The weather wasn't perfect but we could still enjoy the company, go for walks on the beach and Malaika's first boat ride.

Avenue Q

Last month my neighbour and I went to watch this fantastic performance. Two grown women heading to the theater to watch puppets. Let me explain, this was no place for a child I'm not even sure I would've allowed a teen to go.

The Paramount describes Avenue Q: "Avenue Q is the Broadway smash-hit and 2004 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. This hilarious show is full of heart, hummable tunes and big dreams - the perfect mix for an outstanding musical theatrical experience."

I describe Avenue Q: Amazing and funny with a little bit of everything. I loved the way they touched on some very important issues in today's society. From being gay to dealing with sex and race to much more. For puppets they were very entertaining and I must say more graphic than I expected.

If they're in your neighbourhood - GO!

Splish Splash

Playing in the water

Malaika had a few friends over on a very hot weekend so daddy got really creative and decided that it was time to play in the sprinklers. Then, our neighbour Jenny found her pool and that's where ALL of the children (including Tim) ended up. It was a fun weekend.

Bath, Bath

Bath Time pictures here

If Malaika is sitting in her highchair she is going to sign and say bath to you many, many times. She's come to realize that after a meal she gets to do one of her favourite things - have a bath. She just hasn't realized that it's the last meal in that highchair that gets her time in the tub.

How to Eat a Nectarine

Hanging with the Boys

Matty, Malaika and Dylan

(check out more pictures here)

Yesterday Matty and Dylan came over to play. We had such a good time in the big play pen, we even had the opportunity to go to the park. Malaika hopes they visit again soon.

Baby D - 19 weeks

Baby D is growing nicely. We had an ultra-sound yesterday and we were informed that he/she is at about 10oz in weight and is measuring about 19wks, 2 days -perfect.

We don't plan on finding out the sex of the baby but Tim was looking at the screen when he wasn't suppose to be...okay I was too. Well, his results are boy and my results are girl. I guess we're right back to where we started, not knowing.

Beautiful Day

We had such a beautiful, warm day yesterday so I decided to take Malaika to the outdoor pool in Magnolia. We had such a wonderful time and we're so glad that our friends Karen and Matty were able to join us.

I feel so bad because I haven't been taking any pictures and yesterday would've been a perfect day to show how much fun we've been having. Next time.

2008 Graduations

Michelle Pillers

Claire Marie Dugaw

(you can see more pics from her graduation here)

Congratulations to Claire and Michelle on their 2008 graduation from High School. Claire will be attending University of Arizona and Michelle will be attending Southern Methodist University.

Rain, Rain go Away...

I've lived in Seattle for 5 years and I've never complained about the weather. Well, my friend at planetdanika put it really well - thanks D.

Stuck

Funny

Not so funny

Malaika loves to go outside on the deck, we call it her big play pen, but when the door is slightly open (for knuckelhead) she doesn't quite fit. Well, yesterday she decided to sneak out onto the deck and on her return she got STUCK. She found it funny for a very short time and then she broke down. Get me out mummy...it was taking me a while to get my camera up and running.

Pictures: Jamaica and 1st Birthday

Pictures of Jamaica and birthday

Malaika went in for her one year check up and the doctor only had wonderful things to say. He's also excited to know that he will be taking care of Baby D when he/she arrives. Malaika is 75th percentile in height and weight. She weighs 22lbs 1oz and she's 30.25 in. Apart from walking, waving, giving high 5's, showing you her tongue when you ask for it and blowing kisses she's saying bye bye, hi, ha (for hot), 'eow (for meow), mama, dada and much more. What a fun age, I wish I knew what was going on in that little head (47.7 circumfrence) or maybe not so little head of hers.

Two Weeks At Home

Malaika and I just got back from our two week trip to Jamaica. We went home to celebrate Uncle Donalds life and had the opportunity to stay and visit with family and friends. It was a wonderful time even though we missed daddy and wished he could've been with us. The family is all doing well and I will post pictures for you all at a later date.

Today Tim and I celebrate our 3rd anniversary and tomorrow Malaika will be turning one...so stay tuned there is more to come.

Malaika Is Going To Be A Big Sister

I should let you all know that we are expanding our family and will be expecting baby number two in November. Malaika will be 18mths old and I will probably have many more grey hairs. We are looking forward to this new chapter in our lives. Tim and I are thrilled and cannot wait to share our love with another little one. Baby D is due on November 9th, we'll keep you updated.

We Love You "Donzie"

Donald Shaw Campbell

1928-2008

Auntie Norma, Rachele, Elizabeth, Julian and Ron.

We are thinking of you all during this time, we love you all!

We're Back

Check out more pictures here

Life has just been a whirlwind so I apologize for not posting in a long time. Malaika is a month away from turning one. She's been walking for about two weeks now, she has two more teeth and is starting to get the cutest little curls. We've been having so much fun as parents watching her grow, watching her learn new things and changing on a daily basis.

Taking Advantage Of The Sun

Playing in the sand
Chillin with daddy

On the deck
I love to swing

Earth Hour

On March 29th, 2008 turn off your lights for just 1-hour. At 8pm tonight become a part of this global movement. Join us for Earth Hour.

Cancelled

It's been a very frustrating three weeks trying to work with the U. S Citizenship Immigration Services and my immigration lawyer. They have both been absolutely NO help and because of that and my procrastination we had to cancel our two week trip home. Going into the details will just make me even more upset so I'm just going to leave it at that.

We missed Easter with the family and my cousin Rachele's wedding, an event we've been looking forward to for the last 6-months. Is there travel in my future? Well of course there is, I just haven't got a clue as to when. We're going to try to go home for Malaika's first birthday, that will make the trip a bit of a celebration.

It's a sad week for our family - isn't it suppose to be 85 degrees with the sand between our toes....ugh!

Read A Book? What A Good Idea

It's been a long time since I've sat down with a good book. I have a pile of them sitting on my desk just dying for me to dig into their exciting pages. Not all of them will sound appealing to many of you, but here's the list anyhow - in no special order.

Angle of Repose - Wallace Stegner
Making Money from PHOTOGRAPHY in every conceivable way - Steve Bavister
Photoshop Lightroom Adventure - Mikkel Aaland
Camera and Lens - Ansel Adams
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (A year of food) - Barbara Kinsolver
The Road - Cormac McCarthy

I've been wondering. If I had a Kindle, would I read more?

9-Month Check Up

First time on the deck

Malaika had her 9-month appointment yesterday. The Doc was very pleased with her growth and her "tricks". She's waving, giving high fives, clapping, crawling and making every move to walk. Malaika is in the 75th percentile for her weight and height - 20lbs 11oz and 28".

Quick Trip

Our final night in Miami

Malaika and I had a wonderful time in Miami this weekend. Thanks to my cousin Mari we had the opportunity to celebrate my cousin Rachele's up coming nuptials. It was a girls weekend - we got to see Elizabeth (she just moved to Trinidad and is now engaged - yeah!), we got to see my mummy (thanks to Mari - again), we got to meet Harrison (she's my little cousins baby girl - 2 months older than Malaika) and we got to have lots of fun with family and friends.

Click here for more pictures.

No One Can Stop Me Now

Our big girl is now on the move.

Here she is making her way over to one of her favorite toys.

Bath Time

This is probably one of my favorite things to do

Check out more pictures here

Did You Caucus?

We did. We had no idea what to expect when we walked through the doors of the elementary school. The cafeteria filled to at least 800 people and when they asked how many had caucused before only 4% raised their hand...amazing. It was exciting, fun and a whole lot of chaos.

What a great experience, talk about grassroots politics. We enjoyed meeting families from our neighbourhood with like views and walked away with an Obama win. Tim walked away as one of his delegates. By the way Obama took the state too.

Balancing the Blog

It was back in February 2006 that I became a blogger. I really wasn't sure what I was getting myself into, the truth is I really wasn't sure if this was something I could keep up with. My main reason for starting the blog was to keep my family 3,000 plus miles away just a little bit closer. With this blog I have shared about the Seahawks, my experience with TNT, our Remodel, family, friends, MALAIKA and much more. My readers have increased from one (my mother) to so many more and I welcome you all and hope you're enjoying Calabash Yard.

Before Malaika was born I was able to share about so much. Since her birth it's been mainly posts about her. I know you all enjoy them and I enjoy writing about her and there is no stopping the photographs and videos of her. However, I have realized that it's easy so I need to challenge myself to write about other things going on in this Bell/Dugaw mind of mine. Don't worry folks I'm not saying goodbye to my blogging days I am however realizing that I need a little more balance in the pieces I post.

ER Trip #2

So we went again last night to the ER. Did we have to go? Probably not, but the conversation I had with the after hours nurse for the pediatrician we go to left a bad taste in my mouth. Didn't like the way she spoke to me on the phone and I really didn't feel as if she helped much at all. So we went.

After Sunday's episode I really thought that Malaika was on the mend. She didn't have her appetite back but she was holding down her milk and any food I put before her. You could also tell that she didn't have a ton of energy but she did have a great attitude and would play till it was time to just lay in mummy's lap. Monday evening around 6pm she went to bed, woke up bawling about 1-hour later and threw up again. It was a messy one.

Tuesday and Wednesday it was the same thing, she seemed to be doing well but at night a repeat of Monday. The only difference was that on Wednesday she really didn't seem to eat much at all during the day and at this point I was a little worried that she was dehydrated. Everything I gave her would come up.

Daddy got sick, I'm feeling a little queasy. It's most definatly a virus and we can only hope that it will pass soon.

ER trip #1

Malaika woke up on Sunday morning sounding happy and energized, eager to take on her day, well that's how it sounded on the monitor. When I went in to get her she had vomited in her bed and was laying in it, no complaints. After taking a bath and getting her all cleaned up she seemed to be feeling OK - until, that's right folks, more projectile. At that point we realized this was more than a one time thing. We headed to Children's Hospital and by the time we got there our little one had had 6 episodes to help lessen her body weight.


She was amazing, she hadn't eaten all morning and there was very little complaining. She just didn't have the energy to fuss too much. The good news was that she was not dehydrated. She took a little pill to stop the vomiting and was sucking down the 5ml's of Pedialyte I was giving her every 5 minutes.

It's Monday morning and she hasn't gotten her appetite back fully but her cheeks are starting to look rosie again.

Video Upload - Take One

We get ourselves a new video camera for Christmas and I'm having the hardest time figuring out how to store the clips we create and most importantly how to share them. If this works I will be amazed and there will be lots more to come.

Featured On The Local Fox Station

Malaika and I went for our morning run on Tuesday with our friends Cheryl and Dillon, it was a really cold morning and Cheryl and I started to talk about how much the little babies need to be bundled up. It's always interesting to see how little some parents put on their children.

No kidding folks, it was only 5 min. into our run when we were stopped by a television crew asking us how much we wrap up our little ones in this cold weather. I said nothing, which was a good thing but you can see that it's me. Enjoy! The Local Fox station put this together. Click on news archives, go to page 2, click on Take Precautions Exercising in the Cold.

Ring In The New

More pictures from Eugene
Happy New Year everyone! Well it's time to say goodbye to 2007 and what a fantastic year it has been for us. From the birth of Malaika to spending some quality time with family and friends.

This New Years we headed down to Eugene, OR to see Dianne and Amanda (Tim's sister and her partner). We had such a wonderful time with the Aunties - playing the piano, singing, doing a little Tai Chi (that was me, not Tim) everyone pitching in to make a delicious dinner and playing with Galatea the kitty.

Malaika is waving hello and goodbye and we're working on her clapping. While sitting up she's making every attempt to get into the crawling position OR she holds on to something to try to stand. She's an eager little one. We do look forward to 2008 and all it has to offer. All the best to you all - one love!