Happy New Year from the Duval Family!
I hope the end of 2010 treated you well and that you are looking forward to taking on 2011! Last night, Paul and I were discussing our year and decided that it was definitely one of our biggest years yet. It included trips to Greece, Paris, Florence, and Siena, moving back to the States, Paul's separation from the Navy, his first civilian job, moving to Charlottesville, buying our first home, buying two cars, my brother's Priestly ordinations, and having our third baby. Now THAT is one heck of year!
So far, 2011 is shaping up to be quite eventful itself. A new nephew, a 6 month deployment, my best friends first baby, and many other events that will be sure to challenge and excite us! Can't wait to see where we stand this time NEXT year!
So, let's back track a bit. We have settled into our new home quite nicely. We still have those lingering boxes of random stuff to finish but for the most part, we are completely in our new home and LOVING it. Paul has definitely enjoyed the hiking and biking trails out of our backyard. He takes the kids out for a hike at least 3 times a week. We are amazed how well Charlottesville fits our lifestyle and family! God definitely had a plan with moving us here! We are so happy!
On a different note, WE HAVE A NEW BABY GIRL! I know you all already know this but it's still fun to say! The realization that she will be a month old soon is insane! Baby Claire has been everything I prayed for! She is so sweet, so tiny, and a GREAT sleeper! For those of you who don't know, she was born on December 14th at 11:37pm. Even though she weighed 8 lbs 6 oz, she definitely has a much more petite frame than her brother and sister. I have always wanted to have a small baby so I am LOVING it! She's definitely attached to her mama but it is in a very manageable and sweet way (unlike her sister who would bring the house down screaming if I didn't have her). After 10 days of just winging it, we went back to our Dr. Denmark methods for sleeping and she has been sleeping about 7.5 hrs straight most nights. So nice! With my darling Catherine waking up at 6AM every morning, I need the sleep! All in all, things have gone extremely well with the new addition! Give me another week and I think I'll be into a good routine.
Lastly, I wanted to thank you for all of your prayers for my brother's Priestly Ordinations on Christmas Eve. While I was not able to be there, I definitely recieved the graces from his ordinations. My pride is busting at the seams and I cannot wait to see him and experience the fullness of his vocation in the Mass. Eddie is now Fr. Edward...and thats cool!
I hope you all have a wonderful New Years Day! Make sure to eat your black eyed pea for good luck (my mom always made us do that. I have since decided that I don't believe it luck therefore I don't have to eat it...haha. I still like the tradition though)! Have a great one and keep it touch!
Here's to an awesome 2011!!!
Jeanne
