Duval Family Update July 2010

Hello from Atlanta!

dIt has been quite a while since our last family update but life has been a bit crazy since May.  The kids and I have been back in Atlanta since May 2nd and life is moving along smoothly.  Paul is still in Italy but will coming back stateside on August 13th, when he will out-process from the Navy.  It has definitely been an adjustment getting used to life with our dad but we are counting down the days until we can be together again!  In the meantime, the kids and I are having a great time with their grandparents! 

The biggest news that we have to share is that the newest member of our family with be Claire Elizabeth Duval...yup, IT'S A GIRL!  I am now almost 20 weeks along and we had the big ultrasound yesterday.  My mom went with me and Paul was able to skype in to watch as we found out.  It was a lot of fun!  She was kicking away in there and it looked like she was chewing on something...she must take after her sister who LOVES to eat!  We're really excited to have the two little girls together.  I hope they grow up to be great friends.  I just feel bad for Paul as he will have to watch after both of them in high school!  He'll have his hands full! 

Anywho, on to other news.  Catherine is walking EVERYWHERE!  She turned one on July 11th and has turned into quite the ham of a little girl!  She has her daddy's STRAIGHT hair that leaves me with few options for cute hair styles.  She also has about 12 teeth now so eating everything in sight has become much easier!  Catherine and Paul have become the cutest of friends and I am thoroughly enjoying watching them grow up together. 

Paul is also doing very well.  He is officially a big boy!  He now sleeps in a big boy bed (without railings) and is potty training as we speak!  He has done remarkably well with our three day boot-camp (of which we are on day 3).  With this program, once the last diaper came off that was it...even for naptime and bedtime!  Surprisingly, it has worked extremely well and he is well on his way to being fully potty trained. Unfortunately, he found my stash of reward matchbox cars so that didn't work out so well!  Besides all of these very important big boy changes he keeps busy helping my dad with any and all 'manly' chores and pointing out every boat that he happens to see (or thinks he sees). 

Lastly, an update on what is next for our family.  As of today, we have no idea!  We found out at the beginning of July that companies cannot offer Paul anything offical until August 1 because he is still active duty military.  So, we are patiently waiting for Sunday to roll around and then hopefully we will be off and running figuring out the next chapter.  7 out of every 10 applications are located in and around the D.C. area but we are praying that we will be going elsewhere.  We will keep you updated as find out our plans! 

I think that is all for now.  I am attaching a few pictures of the kiddos to hold you over until I decide what to do about Phanfare (they want $99 for the year).  Hopefully, I will figure something out soon and we will be sending more pictures more often! 

Have a good one!

Jeanne

Duval Family Update July 2010

Hello Family and Friends,

Well, it's been quite a while since our last update and a lot has happened since then.  The kids and I are officially back in the states and adjusted.  We are currently bombarding my parents house until we move up to VA in August.  My poor parents world has been turned upside down but they have been a HUGE help to me. 

Being back in the states has definitely been more of a challenge than I expected.  I know, both of our parents are looking at us saying "I told ya so...".  Oh well, you live and you learn, right?  The biggest challenge to my master plan is the simple fact that I am pregnant.  I had a reasonable amount of morning sickness that started 3 days after arriving and my decreased energy level and sickness have definitely put a damper on my ideas of life in Atlanta.  The second thing that I hadn't considered in moving back to my old stomping ground is that all of my friends have moved on...and so have I.  The last time I lived in Atlanta, I was the single 'Jeanne Bentley' and nobody knows Jeanne Duval who is a mother of two with one on the way.  All of my friends now have jobs and their hours to get together are my hours for dinner, bathtime, and bedtime.  It definitely added a level of loneliness that I was not ready for.  And last, but not least, I miss my buddy who is also known as my husband.  This experience has really made me appreciate who we are as a family, a system, and a couple.  I think I speak for the kids and I when I say that we can't wait to have our daddy back!

A quick update on the rest of the family...my sweet baby girl is turning ONE next Sunday!  Can you believe that?!?!  She is starting to walk, taking around 6 steps and falling.  She is also learning a few words and signs here and there.  She has turned into quite the little ham of a girl.  She is HILARIOUS! 

Paul is also doing well.  He is finally starting to use more words on a daily basis.  He has LOVED following grandaddy around and riding in his truck.  I am currently nursing his toes back to health as he has ridden his bike and car so much that he has caused them to get a little roughed up.  It doesn't seem to stop him but definitely bothers me. 

Our daddy is also doing very well.  He has kept busy by finishing his degree...YAY!  HE IS A COLLEGE GRADUATE!!!  He is also playing on his command softball team.  He has really enjoyed playing and I had a good time watching him when I visited. 

I am now about 16 weeks pregnant and very anxious to find out what we are having.  I am putting money on a girl but I'll keep you updated when we find out. 

Thats about everything for us.  I'll make sure to keep you updated with the happenings in our family!  Hope you are doing well!

Jeanne

Duval Family Update April 2010

***Be forewarned that this e-mail is long and there are no cliff-notes available...***

Well, the time has come and we are packing up to head back to the States on Sunday.  Paul will be staying here in Italy until the beginning of August when he will join us in VA (hopefully) to start our civilian life.

It is crazy to think that our time here in Italy is already drawing to a close.  It seems like it was just a couple of months ago when I was writing my wedding program explaining that we had taken orders to Naples, Italy.  I had no idea that it would pass by so quickly. 

It is so bittersweet to leave here as we are excitedly going back to our family and friends but yet we are leaving such a WONDERFUL family and life over here.  It is unlike anything most would understand but when you live so far from anything that is comfortable, you learn to make those around you family.  You find this totally comfortable mix of the uncomfortable and make it fit like a glove.  While it will be fun to spend holidays with our families, I will miss having our friends over and experiencing their versions of normal. 

Looking back on the last few years, its amazing to see how our family has grown.  Not only have we grown in size with the wonderful additions of Paul and Catherine, but we have also grown in maturity, experience, and love.  I know, it sounds cheesy, but its true.  Paul and I talk often about how wonderful this experience has been for our marriage.  We have been given this once in a lifetime opportunity to spend exclusive family time to figure out what works for us, what we want to include from our own families, and how to work things out when we are in a bind...all without being able to call our moms or dads and ask to be saved.  It really has been awesome.  God surely knew what he was doing when these orders were put in our path and our hearts were softened to the idea of moving across the world...keep in mind we CHOSE these orders. 

Lastly, I want to tell you about the most precious gift I have been given in the last 3 years of living in Italy: my brother!  I probably would have NEVER had the opportunity to get to know Eddie like this ever again.  Eddie left for West Point and then the seminary when I was 11 years old.  Although we exchanged letters and semi-regularly planned phone calls over the years, it was generally a "Hi Ed, this is whats going on in my life, hows everything going with you, great to talk to you, love you, bye".  Deep, huh?  Moving here, newly married, and pregnant with our first child, I approached the situation a little hesitant as to what this relationship would hold.  Once all of the apprehension of being with my "seminarian brother" wore off, I got to know Eddie, the man and my brother.  He has became more to me than just "the brother who is studying to become a Catholic Priest".  He is WAY more than that and I am so proud of who he is and what he has spent the last several years preparing himself for!  I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to get to know him! Even more, I am forever thankful for the bond that he has formed with my family, especially my sweet little boy who thinks that his Uncle, in all of his horsey knee-riding glory, is one cool dude! 

So, there it is.  My final "Duval Family Update" from Italy.  I will continue to keep you all updated with our family and all of the upcoming changes.  Before I close this e-mail I will let you in on the latest upcoming change for the Duval family, come mid-December, Catherine will become a big sister!  Yup, thats right, we're having another baby!  God has already begun to get us excited about our life back in the States...he really works in miraculous ways.

We can't wait to see you all in the land of Wendy's and TJMaxx!  Please pray for a safe (and morning sickness free) flight on Sunday for the kids and me. 

Love,
Jeanne

Duval Family Update March 2010

Hi family and friends,

I hope this e-mail finds you doing well and preparing yourself for a good Holy Week.  I cannot believe this week has already come.  When I was younger, lent lasted FOREVER!!!  Now, it's like a blink of an eye.  Its over and I'm not ready!  Luckily, Paul is having surgery this week so I will have PLENTLY of oppurtunities to unite my sacrifices with Christ.  Isn't it amazing how God works those things out?

Anyways, on to our update.  The little Duval family is doing very well these days.  Our calendar has been full of trips, appointments, parties, etc.  Paul and I were so thankful to be able to get out of Naples ALONE to go to Paris for a weekend.  Once I got over the feeling of constantly forgetting something, we had a fantastic time and vowed to make our "Paul and Jeanne" trip happen more often, at least once a year.   

Paul was supposed to have his jaw surgery last wednesday but because of a last minute fever it got moved to this wednesday.  It worked out perfectly since we both ended up being sick all through the weekend.  Now, we're rested, feeling better, and ready to take this on!  Paul will be on a COMPLETELY liquid/non-teeth needing diet for the next 6 weeks.  If you have any recipes, please send them my way.  Please keep him (and our surgeon, Dr. Shoemaker) in your prayers on Wednesday. 

The BIGGEST news in our house these days is that our sweet little Guido is about to turn 2!!!!!  Can you believe that?  I remember sitting in the hospital like it was yesterday.  He's going to have quite the birthday this year as his grandparents, Nana and Pepe, are coming to visit, he's having an Elmo birthday party, AND he's getting to eat his first piece of cake.  (We've been quite strict about not letting him eat white sugar before his 2nd birthday).  It will be quite the week!  What's crazy, he has absolutely NO IDEA whats going on.  haha.   

Sweet baby Cate is also doing well.  She continues to grow (up AND OUT) and is HILARIOUS!  She is crawling, standing, and cruising EVERYWHERE!  She LOVES her daddy and brother like no other and has gotten "da da" and "ba ba" (referring to 'brother') down.  The difference between boys and girls is amazing...it's called D-R-A-M-A.  Oh my goodness!  You would think that the world is coming to an end througout our day if you judged it by Catherine's cries.  Wow!  Luckily, her brother comes to her rescue covering her with hugs and kisses at these occations.  Man, I LOVE the love of my children.  It's so sweet and pure. 

Lastly, I am doing well.  Trying to make sure that the house and family is ready for Paul's surgery and following 30 days of convalescent leave, preparing for Paul's parents visit and travels, and then preparing for our move home on May 8th.  I can't believe its ending so soon!  In order to keep up my running, I am registered for the July 4th 10K Peachtree Road Race.  I figured this was a unique oppurtunity, not being pregnant OR nursing, to finally do something I've always wanted to do. 

I think thats everything.  For fear of my brother asking for cliff notes to my updates I will go ahead and end this.  I hope you are all doing very well.  Make sure to live your Holy Week well, especially Friday! 

Love,
Jeanne

Duval Family Update March 2010

Hi Friends,

I suppose I have been in a reflective mood lately but I can't help but think about how our lives are about to change and how I will never get back these moments that are passing us by.  As Paul and I look at the upcoming events in our lives (Paris, Paul's surgery, Nana and Pepe's visit, and moving) and how they just lead right into each other I am realizing how quickly the next 9 weeks are going to pass by.  At the same time, I just want everything to stop because all is perfect in the Duval household right now.  The kids are at AWESOME ages, I'm really enjoying living in Naples, Paul and I are having a lot of fun together, and I've got our day to day life down pat.  Why am I opting to change this? 

Right now, Paul and Catherine are at my favorite ages thus far.  Paul is not going through a rebellious stage and Catherine is just plain funny!  I remember when Catherine was first born and I was struggling more than any of you will know. We were introduced to the song "It won't be like this for long" by Darius Rucker.  I just sat in the chair crying as I listened to the song.  The first verse talks about having a newborn that cries all night and the wife is gently reminding her husband that it won't like this for long.  I could relate, although Paul was the one reminding me and my baby wasn't crying all night, she was crying, screaming, angry ALL DAY!!!  At the same time, my sister-in-law had written a blog entry about the same song talking about how she wanted to savour every moment with my new nephew Gabriel because things change so fast.  I remember reading that and feeling so guilty that I just wanted the time pass as quickly as possible while she saw the silver lining.   

This weekend Paul made his 2009 CD.  His song to remember Catherine's birth is that very song.  When I heard it again it was amazing how the meaning has changed. As I look back on those first 9 HARD weeks its seems like a blink of an eye.  It's fast how fast things change and pass by.  My baby girl is now almost 8 months old (4 MONTHS FROM ONE!!!) and my baby boy is about to turn 2 in a month!  I wish I could set up a video camera and tape every day so I don't forget anything. 

So, I have decided that I am going to stop living every day in preperation for the next event or trip.  I am missing so much right now.  This day will never happen again.  My kids are not going to wait for the dishes to be done or the laundry to be folded, they are playing, giggling, and growing now...and I want to be there playing and giggling with them.  As they say, "It won't be like this for long..."

Love,
Jeanne

Duval Family Update February 2010

Greetings from Bella Napoli (at least thats what they call it),

Well, it's been quite a while since I sent out my last family update.  Between the new year, figuring out the rest of our lives, training for my 5k, and keeping up with two babies, life kind of zoomed by me.  All is going well over here in Italy. 

At the start of the new year, Paul and I had to really sit down and look at this year as it holds a lot of changes for our family.  Somehow, 3 years is already coming to an end and we have to figure out where to go from here.  We have some awesome neighbors who have little bit more life experience than we do who encouraged us to keep seeing the world while we are young without children in school.  So, we tossed around MANY different ideas such as taking orders to Bahrain (AWESOME), but the navy said no; taking 2 year instructor orders back to VA, but that wasn't a fit; taking 2 year orders anywhere in Europe, nothing out there for us; getting a civilian job in Germany, only a few available; and then finally we came to our ideal decision.  God-willing, Paul will be getting out of the Navy and we are hoping to move to Charlottesville, VA.  Random, right?  Not really.  In looking at all of the civilian and government job listings we kept seeing Charlottesville pop up.  After looking into it, we found out that the DIA is relocating over 900 jobs there this year (expecting 45% of them to become vacant).  With the DIA comes MANY civilian contract companies as well.  The list of job oppurtunties seems quite endless and we are hoping that Paul fills one of the many openings. 

Aside from the job aspect of our plan, Charlottesville has everything that Paul and I have always talked about wanting for our family.  It is surrounded by the mountains which offers endless outdoor activites.  The city itself has an AMAZING recreation commitee that offers so many different activities, sports, excersice groups, and classes.  It has just enough 'city-feel' to fulfill that need but more or less is set in somewhat of a rural setting.  On my end, I have already verified that there is an Ann Taylor Loft, an Outback, a Costco, and a TJMaxx within a very reasonable driving distance...I'm set!  Paul is in heaven with the amount of bike shops and ads for mountain biking trails.  On top of it all, there is even a pro-life, NFP teaching Family Practicioner in Charlottesville.  As far as grandparents, aunts, and uncles are concerned, Charlottesville is about 8 hours from Atlanta and 11 hours from Manchester.  Both totally do-able drives. 

Obviously, this is still somewhat tentative, although we are willing to go to great lengths to make it work.  If you know of anybody who has any connections for a job for us, please let us know.  We are not shy to ask for help.  So, what's next, you ask?  Well,  Paul and I have decided that it would be best if the kids and I move back to Atlanta with Grandmama and Granddaddy at the beginning of May.  This will make our transition back to the states a lot smoother than if we all waited for our quick transition in August.  I will be able to have all of our basics lined up and ready when Paul arrives mid August.  So, PRAYING that things go well, thats the plan! 

As for the here and now, we are all doing VERY well.  Catherine is already 7 months and Paul is turning 2 in April.  My baby girl already has 3 teeth coming in and is trying her best to crawl.  She is desperate to get moving.  Paul is also doing very well.  He is such a good big brother and loves his sister dearly. 

We are headed out to Athens, Greece next Friday (the 12th) for the weekend and we are so excited to see all of the amazing sites.  Seriously, how crazy is it that I can say "We are headed to Greece for the weekend"...my goodness. 

Paul and I are also doing very well.  Paul has been putting in some EXTREMELY long days at work as he tries to finish up his bachelors degree.  Once work is over at 4, school begins.  Many nights, he doesn't get home until 7:30-8.  I am so proud of him for his hard work and I can't wait for him to be able to walk across that stage as a college grad!  He sure has worked hard for it!  My 5k training is going very well, as I have already run farther than the needed 3.2 miles.  My girlfriends and I have been training together and let me tell you about competition!  One runs 2.8 miles, so the next runs 3!  Last night, two of us ran 3.6 miles and the other one went out and ran 4!  It's a little crazy but SO MUCH FUN!

I think that about wraps it up from the Duval homefront.  I have many pictures to put up and will try and get to it as soon as possible!  I hope you are doing well and I hope to hear from you soon!

Love,
Jeanne                      

Duval Family Update December 2009

Merry Christmas! 

I hope this Advent Season finds everybody doing well and enjoying the hustle and bustle of Christmas-time.  I know that I am enjoying trying to explain Christmas and the Nativity to little Paul (although I don't think he gets ANY OF IT).  It's still fun to try, right? 

Well, I don't think I have written since before we went back to the States.  Our trip, while extremely busy, was a lot of fun!  Guido did an EXCELLENT job walking down the aisle at Aunt Danielle's Wedding.  I hope you all saw the pictures because he sure was a stud-muffin in his tux.  I was so proud of him!  The other highlight of our trip to New Hampshire was going apple picking with Aunt Danielle and Uncle Jimmy.  I've never been apple picking before but it was a lot of fun!  Something that I would love to be able to do every fall with our family.  It is there that we learned that Paul has no problem eating an apple whole!  I think that child ATE his way through the orchard.  He was quite sticky by the time we got home. 

Atlanta was also full of activites and busy days.  The biggest event was Catherine's Baptism.  She looked beautiful in her gown until she decided to pitch a fit right before it all started.  Oh, how stressful when you have 40 people looking at you!  We also hosted my whole family at my parents house for a small reception.  Again, I gained an enormous amount of respect for my mother.  How she pulled those get-togethers off so well is a mystery to me!  I thought I was going to go CRAZY!  All in all, it was a fun day and I enjoyed seeing all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins.  My other favorite part of visiting Atlanta was letting little Paul play with his cousins!  This is the first time we'd gone to Atlanta since he's been older and boy did he have fun!  He and my nephew, Alex, spent their time chasing each other.  It was really funny. 

All in all, our trip was a lot of fun.  It did make me realize that no matter where home is, there really is no place like it!  There was a huge feeling of relief when we walked back in our door and things were as they were supposed to be. 

After our trip to the States we had Thanksgiving.  My brother Eddie and two other seminarians came down and I cooked a feast for the guys.  I was really proud of myself because I figured out how to cook Thanksgiving and not be stressed out the whole time.  It all came together PERFECTLY. 

Aside from Thanksgiving and our Christmas preperations, not much is going on.  Paul, my incredible husband, has completed another semester in school and has already begun another.  I am really proud of him for working so hard to complete his degree in a few months.  I cannot wait to watch him walk this summer at graduation!  Aside from school (he is taking 4-5 classes every semester), Paul still manages to keep up his daily workouts/rides, work all day long, and still be home by 6 to be an AWESOME husband and father.  He is also the treasurer for his commands First Class Petty Officer Association, still lectoring at Church, and doing financial advising for his command.  Seriously, I don't know how he does it. 

Both kids are doing wonderful.  We are currently teaching little man sign language.  Since he's not using words, we are trying to teach him that you have to communicate to get what you want/need with signing.  We have only been doing it for about a week and he already uses the signs for more, eat, juice, all done, milk, baby, and a few more on a regular basis.  Their brains really are like sponges.  It has definitely relieved a bit of tension from his lack of communication before.  Catherine, my 19lb 2oz 5 month old, is doing GREAT!  She has turned into the sweetest baby ever!  To be honest, I might even go out on a limb and say that she is more interactive and smiley than Paul was at this age.  I don't know what happened but she is a new baby from two months ago.  She is now rolling over and getting around.  Her favorite toys are still her johnny jump up and her walker.  She and Paul sure do love each other, too.  They are so sweet together.

I am also doing very well.  My everyday battle with my house continues but I know that I will eventually conquer it!  I decided last week that I needed to set a bigger goal for myself outside of my house so I will officially put it in writing...I am RUNNING the 5k at Easter.  Running has never been my thing but I am hoping that I can learn to like running.  Paul and I went out with the kids yesterday for my first training run.  I was only able to run about 1/2 a mile but I'll take that!  I was very proud of myself and the kids loved going that fast in the stroller.  I'll keep you updated on my progress.  Aside from that, I am just cooking and baking my way through the holidays.  Something about watching the movie Julie and Julia makes me want to adventure out of my same ol recipes for some new cuisine.  We'll see if it happens but I am feeling the urge! 

All for now, this is long enough.  I hope you are doing well!  I hope to hear back from you!  MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Love,
Jeanne