Hi Family and Friends,
Guess What!?!?! I'M NOT PREGNANT ANYMORE! I had a friend tell me the other day that it seemed like I was pregnant FOREVER while all of our other friends pregnancies are flying by. I couldn't help but agree with her as I had convinced myself that I was going to be the first woman in history to be pregnant for the rest of her life!!! But, thankfully, our little man arrived! As the pictures show, the baby is doing wonderful! As of Tuesday, he weighed over 9 1/2 lbs (up from his 8lbs 3oz birth weight). Quite the growing boy. So far, he has been an awesome baby...adapting very well to the schedule set in place and sleeping very well at night. Luckily, there has only been a couple of nights where I have had to get up more than once. I know, I know, 'just wait, it'll come'. Thats what everybody has been saying. But for now, I am counting my blessings and praying for it to continue.
Besides the baby, everything is going well over here in Italy. Paul has finally changed to his 3 days on/3 days off schedule. It coincided perfectly with my mom's departure as he had three days off after she left. So, I went from having two helpers, to one, to just me and the baby. It was perfect! Watching Paul as a dad has probably been my favorite part of having a baby, so far. Just like my dad, he has a special talent for rocking the baby to sleep at night! And boy do I appreciate it! When we first got home from the hospital Paul quickily reminded me that he was the oldest of 5 and that he used to do the baby thing all the time...'you know, like 10 years ago.' I quickily reminded him that his youngest sister was 18 and that at the time he was 6! haha. I think he was shocked at how time flew by. Even so, he definitely learned a lot being the oldest in the family and really helps me with everything. At this point, I believe the boys favorite thing to do together is watch the red sox games. Good male bonding, right?
Thankfully, we have been able to somewhat bridge the gap between the countries with our webcams. We have really enjoyed being able to show the baby off and see the reactions of our friends and family. I think my favorite, thus far, was my 2 year old nephew. Truly priceless!
Well, I don't believe that there is too much more to report. We are doing very well and truly appreciate all of the e-mails, cards, and phone calls. We definitely understand the challenge of being excited about a baby that you can't see but know that your excitement has been GREATLY appreciated. I hope this e-mail finds you doing very well and we look forward to hearing from you soon!
Love,
Jeanne
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
He's Here!
Hi Family and Friends,
We are very excited to announce the arrival of our son, Paul Roger Duval IV. He was born on April 7, 2008 at 5:21 (Italy time). He weighed in at 8 lbs 3oz and is 20 inches long. Thank you so much for your continued prayers and will send more pictures soon!
Love,
Paul and Jeanne
We are very excited to announce the arrival of our son, Paul Roger Duval IV. He was born on April 7, 2008 at 5:21 (Italy time). He weighed in at 8 lbs 3oz and is 20 inches long. Thank you so much for your continued prayers and will send more pictures soon!
Love,
Paul and Jeanne
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Duval Family Update March 2008
Hi Family and Friends,
Well, I suppose it is time for yet another update from Italy. Unfortunately, there is not too much to report these days. Unlike the months before, we are not traveling the world, living in a hotel, or celebrating any major holidays (except for my 22nd birthday, of course). As of now, our life is consumed with Paul's RIDICULOUS 12 hour WORK day (so that does not count traveling, lunch, etc...), getting prepared for the arrival of our little man, and trying my hardest to keep this house CLEAN! I tell ya, Italian houses are much more difficult to clean than American homes.
Paul has settled in nicely at work. For the time being he is working 5 days on/2 days off/4 nights on/3 days off and then the cycle starts over again. It's a pretty rigorous schedule but he's handling it very well. Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks, he will take his board exam to become qualified and will start working a 3 days on/3 days off schedule...that will be nice. We might actually see each other for more than a 2 hour span in a week! His new job is much more "intelligence" oriented so he is definitely enjoying getting his hands dirty in the field. In addition to all of this, he is taking classes at AMU and working on his officer package (to be officially submitted this summer). He's definitely a busy guy.
And then there is me. Besides carrying my 23 pound son around (haha), I am just trying to get myself organized before our world turns completely upside down. You have no idea how much paperwork I have collected in the time it took to pack up our house in California and arriving in Italy. It is ridiculous! I'll catch up eventually...I'm just waiting for the burst of energy that they say you get before delivering...it will be a lifesaver. On that note, I have been completely cleared by the doctor's and will have a normal delivery, given that everything goes as planned. I go to the doctor tomorrow...so who knows what could happen. We have packed our hospital bag, pretty much finished the nursery, and put the carseat in the car (mostly for lack of space), so whenever he's ready...WE'RE READY! Now, all I need is my mom to show up...haha. Besides that, I've just been hangin out and trying to get somewhat involved here on base so I can meet some people. That, too, is something that will just come with time, I am sure.
We've also had the oppurtunity to spend a good amount of time with my brother, Eddie. He has had the oppurtunity to come down to base twice in the last month, so we always enjoy that. This last visit was the first time he did not have american food requests (besides Frosted Flakes, of course) so he might be getting used to this whole 'home away from home' thing. I have really enjoyed spending more time with my brother. Given that he left for West Point and then the seminary when I was in 5th grade, it's really been like getting to know a brother that I never really knew. I've also really enjoyed his excitement surrounding the baby as well. His grin when he sees my belly each time is priceless! Being so close to him is definitely a blessing that I never knew I would recieve! God is so good! And boy do I have the best brothers around!
And lastly, I wanted to let everybody know that we have finally set up our webcam and our skype account. Until this weekend, I was not familiar with skype at all but was QUICKILY and very easily introduced. Skype is a program that you can download onto your computer that will allow you to communicate with other people on their computer...no matter where they are. You can use your webcam or you can just use a microphone...and the best part is that it is FREE! We have definitely enjoyed getting to see our niece and nephew, Caroline and Alex, this weekend. I would love for as many of you as possible to also sign up and get a webcam. There is a $20 one at walmart that works GREAT and has a microphone. Just let me know if you need help and we'll figure something out. This tool is going to make it SO easy to keep in touch and show off the new little one (and the great haircut I am going to get next month). All you do is go to Skype.com and it is explained from there.
Well, this is much longer than I meant for it to be! I will definitely keep you updated on our little man...I'm praying he comes soon. Keep us in your prayers as you will continue to be in ours.
Love,
Jeanne
Well, I suppose it is time for yet another update from Italy. Unfortunately, there is not too much to report these days. Unlike the months before, we are not traveling the world, living in a hotel, or celebrating any major holidays (except for my 22nd birthday, of course). As of now, our life is consumed with Paul's RIDICULOUS 12 hour WORK day (so that does not count traveling, lunch, etc...), getting prepared for the arrival of our little man, and trying my hardest to keep this house CLEAN! I tell ya, Italian houses are much more difficult to clean than American homes.
Paul has settled in nicely at work. For the time being he is working 5 days on/2 days off/4 nights on/3 days off and then the cycle starts over again. It's a pretty rigorous schedule but he's handling it very well. Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks, he will take his board exam to become qualified and will start working a 3 days on/3 days off schedule...that will be nice. We might actually see each other for more than a 2 hour span in a week! His new job is much more "intelligence" oriented so he is definitely enjoying getting his hands dirty in the field. In addition to all of this, he is taking classes at AMU and working on his officer package (to be officially submitted this summer). He's definitely a busy guy.
And then there is me. Besides carrying my 23 pound son around (haha), I am just trying to get myself organized before our world turns completely upside down. You have no idea how much paperwork I have collected in the time it took to pack up our house in California and arriving in Italy. It is ridiculous! I'll catch up eventually...I'm just waiting for the burst of energy that they say you get before delivering...it will be a lifesaver. On that note, I have been completely cleared by the doctor's and will have a normal delivery, given that everything goes as planned. I go to the doctor tomorrow...so who knows what could happen. We have packed our hospital bag, pretty much finished the nursery, and put the carseat in the car (mostly for lack of space), so whenever he's ready...WE'RE READY! Now, all I need is my mom to show up...haha. Besides that, I've just been hangin out and trying to get somewhat involved here on base so I can meet some people. That, too, is something that will just come with time, I am sure.
We've also had the oppurtunity to spend a good amount of time with my brother, Eddie. He has had the oppurtunity to come down to base twice in the last month, so we always enjoy that. This last visit was the first time he did not have american food requests (besides Frosted Flakes, of course) so he might be getting used to this whole 'home away from home' thing. I have really enjoyed spending more time with my brother. Given that he left for West Point and then the seminary when I was in 5th grade, it's really been like getting to know a brother that I never really knew. I've also really enjoyed his excitement surrounding the baby as well. His grin when he sees my belly each time is priceless! Being so close to him is definitely a blessing that I never knew I would recieve! God is so good! And boy do I have the best brothers around!
And lastly, I wanted to let everybody know that we have finally set up our webcam and our skype account. Until this weekend, I was not familiar with skype at all but was QUICKILY and very easily introduced. Skype is a program that you can download onto your computer that will allow you to communicate with other people on their computer...no matter where they are. You can use your webcam or you can just use a microphone...and the best part is that it is FREE! We have definitely enjoyed getting to see our niece and nephew, Caroline and Alex, this weekend. I would love for as many of you as possible to also sign up and get a webcam. There is a $20 one at walmart that works GREAT and has a microphone. Just let me know if you need help and we'll figure something out. This tool is going to make it SO easy to keep in touch and show off the new little one (and the great haircut I am going to get next month). All you do is go to Skype.com and it is explained from there.
Well, this is much longer than I meant for it to be! I will definitely keep you updated on our little man...I'm praying he comes soon. Keep us in your prayers as you will continue to be in ours.
Love,
Jeanne
Monday, February 11, 2008
Duval Family Update February 2008
Family and Friends,
Well, since our last update a lot has changed in our lives. As of two weeks ago, we officially have a place to call home. After 84 days of living out of our suitcases, we now have dressers to put our clothes in...our own dressers at that! While we had a lot of fun driving across country, visiting our families and friends, and traveling to Europe, I can safely say that Paul and I have no intention of going anywhere far anytime soon!
While we are not completely unpacked, our house is coming along well! Moving in at 7 1/2 months pregnant was definitely challenging experience for me. I am used to being able to get everything done in a quick manner and do it all myself. Now, my strong husband is putting all of the boxes down low for me before leaving for work so I can keep myself busy for at least part of the day. He has done an incredible job being very patient with me and helping me 'stay within my guidelines'. And I have to admit, with as much stuff as I have dropped and broken, I'm very impressed with his ability to just roll with it.
In addition to moving in, PAUL HAS FINALLY GONE TO WORK! After being paid to not work for 2 months, Paul finally made his way into work a couple of weeks ago. While he can't tell me too much about it, he seems to enjoy his new job. The 12 hour days can get quite long but I am sure that will be a simple adjustment that will come with time...for both of us.
In the last month, we have not done too much traveling per doctors orders. We did have a chance to take a few tours into Naples. It's amazing how much history is within the city limits...it's endless! Besides the HORRIBLE smell of the volcano's, everything has been so interesting. Paul and I are really going to have to narrow it down when ya'll begin visiting.
Well, I believe that is all that is going on. I have been feeling well and am VERY ready to have the baby. He is an active little guy so I'm starting to get nervous that he's going to be like me when I was a baby. It's crazy to think that in 5 weeks I will be considered full term...I feel like we just found out! I haven't gotten a chance to put the nursery together yet but hopefully that will get done in the next couple of weeks.
Well, I hope this e-mail finds everybody doing well. Know that we think of you often and are loving the e-mails and phone calls. Let me know if you have any specific questions about Italy. Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Jeanne
P.S. When the house gets together a bit more I will send pictures for all of the lovely ladies who are wondering what it looks like.
Well, since our last update a lot has changed in our lives. As of two weeks ago, we officially have a place to call home. After 84 days of living out of our suitcases, we now have dressers to put our clothes in...our own dressers at that! While we had a lot of fun driving across country, visiting our families and friends, and traveling to Europe, I can safely say that Paul and I have no intention of going anywhere far anytime soon!
While we are not completely unpacked, our house is coming along well! Moving in at 7 1/2 months pregnant was definitely challenging experience for me. I am used to being able to get everything done in a quick manner and do it all myself. Now, my strong husband is putting all of the boxes down low for me before leaving for work so I can keep myself busy for at least part of the day. He has done an incredible job being very patient with me and helping me 'stay within my guidelines'. And I have to admit, with as much stuff as I have dropped and broken, I'm very impressed with his ability to just roll with it.
In addition to moving in, PAUL HAS FINALLY GONE TO WORK! After being paid to not work for 2 months, Paul finally made his way into work a couple of weeks ago. While he can't tell me too much about it, he seems to enjoy his new job. The 12 hour days can get quite long but I am sure that will be a simple adjustment that will come with time...for both of us.
In the last month, we have not done too much traveling per doctors orders. We did have a chance to take a few tours into Naples. It's amazing how much history is within the city limits...it's endless! Besides the HORRIBLE smell of the volcano's, everything has been so interesting. Paul and I are really going to have to narrow it down when ya'll begin visiting.
Well, I believe that is all that is going on. I have been feeling well and am VERY ready to have the baby. He is an active little guy so I'm starting to get nervous that he's going to be like me when I was a baby. It's crazy to think that in 5 weeks I will be considered full term...I feel like we just found out! I haven't gotten a chance to put the nursery together yet but hopefully that will get done in the next couple of weeks.
Well, I hope this e-mail finds everybody doing well. Know that we think of you often and are loving the e-mails and phone calls. Let me know if you have any specific questions about Italy. Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Jeanne
P.S. When the house gets together a bit more I will send pictures for all of the lovely ladies who are wondering what it looks like.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Duval Family Update January 2008
Ciao,
Well, all of the holidays have come and gone (well, the American ones at least) and we are still currently living at the Navy Lodge. We did get approval yesterday to move into a three bedroom house around the beginning of February. That was definitely a sigh of relief. There is light at the end of this tunnel.
We have finally gotten used to life in Italy and are really enjoying it so far. Although I could really go for some Outback, Chik-fil-a, or Wendy's right now, the food here is incredible. The region of Campania (where we live) is known for the best food and wine in all of Italy. While Papa Johns and Domino's have suited our needs for many years, it will never compare to the pizza that is served here. It's awesome!
We were finally able to find a great deal on a daily driver for Paul...he is beyond excited! For a second there, we were going to have to settle for a 17 horsepower, 1.1 L, 1991 Ford Fiesta but luckily our Volvo 480 (Turbo, of course) came to the rescue! While we have named our new car 'Ugly Betty' because of its horrifying exterior design, I will say that it is a pretty cool car. Knowing him, I'm sure Paul will have pictures soon to come.
On top of doing everything over the past few weeks, the realization that we are going to be parents within the next 12 weeks has begun to creep up on us. We were lucky enough to hit up the NEX (the base exchange/store) on a day where the entire baby department was 20% off of its already discounted military prices. We walked out with our hands FULL and spending only $193.00...we were pretty excited! (Okay, I was excited!) Besides that, I am feeling very good! The doctors here are wonderful and are taking care of me and little Paul with the utmost care. Paul has a "Daddy Class" next week and we have several other classes that we have to go to so I am hoping that we will be ready when this little guy decides to join our fun!
I am trying to think if there is anything else that I have to update ya'll on. If I have left anything out just let me know, my mind seems to have gone blank. I hope you all are doing very well. Please know that you are in our thoughts, prayers, and conversations often. Please keep in touch! We love and miss you very much!
As the Italians say...Ciao, Ciao, Ciao, Ciao, Ciao, Ciao, Ciao,
Paul and Jeanne
Well, all of the holidays have come and gone (well, the American ones at least) and we are still currently living at the Navy Lodge. We did get approval yesterday to move into a three bedroom house around the beginning of February. That was definitely a sigh of relief. There is light at the end of this tunnel.
We have finally gotten used to life in Italy and are really enjoying it so far. Although I could really go for some Outback, Chik-fil-a, or Wendy's right now, the food here is incredible. The region of Campania (where we live) is known for the best food and wine in all of Italy. While Papa Johns and Domino's have suited our needs for many years, it will never compare to the pizza that is served here. It's awesome!
We were finally able to find a great deal on a daily driver for Paul...he is beyond excited! For a second there, we were going to have to settle for a 17 horsepower, 1.1 L, 1991 Ford Fiesta but luckily our Volvo 480 (Turbo, of course) came to the rescue! While we have named our new car 'Ugly Betty' because of its horrifying exterior design, I will say that it is a pretty cool car. Knowing him, I'm sure Paul will have pictures soon to come.
On top of doing everything over the past few weeks, the realization that we are going to be parents within the next 12 weeks has begun to creep up on us. We were lucky enough to hit up the NEX (the base exchange/store) on a day where the entire baby department was 20% off of its already discounted military prices. We walked out with our hands FULL and spending only $193.00...we were pretty excited! (Okay, I was excited!) Besides that, I am feeling very good! The doctors here are wonderful and are taking care of me and little Paul with the utmost care. Paul has a "Daddy Class" next week and we have several other classes that we have to go to so I am hoping that we will be ready when this little guy decides to join our fun!
I am trying to think if there is anything else that I have to update ya'll on. If I have left anything out just let me know, my mind seems to have gone blank. I hope you all are doing very well. Please know that you are in our thoughts, prayers, and conversations often. Please keep in touch! We love and miss you very much!
As the Italians say...Ciao, Ciao, Ciao, Ciao, Ciao, Ciao, Ciao,
Paul and Jeanne
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