Duval Family Update April 2011

Dearest Family and Friends,

I have not written in quite a few months because I have had no idea what to say or how to say what I wanted!  Paul and I had the privilege of taking a four day vacation up to D.C. this weekend and it has refreshed, renewed, and redirected me and I can now put my thoughts into words. 

The biggest event taking place in our family is that one month from tomorrow (May 6), Paul will be deploying to Afghanistan for 6.5 months.  Such a daunting sentence, I know.  While I have not struggled with the idea of Paul leaving, I have desperately struggled with where I stand on the whole situation.  For the first time, I am in the civilian world where the words 'deployment', 'tdy', and 'skype' are just words, not a way of life.  I have struggled to find footing in this new civilian world because I am used to living in a community that bands together for each other.  It is so different out here!  I am not asking for help, and DEFINITELY not pity, but I have been amazed at the lack of understanding for what all of these men, women, and their families do. 

I have struggled with all of these thoughts for the last few months but thankfully this weekend, I have turned a corner.  To watch my husband face light up with pride for his country made me realize something, I am equally proud to serve my country, no matter what my opinions are on the wars, the president, or anything else!  He did not sign up based on his views, he signed up to defend his country...no matter what! 

So, as I tell you what the next few months hold for us, know that we are ready and willing.  Please pray for us!  Pray for me to remember my motivation when it is hard to do so, pray that my children do okay without their dad, and pray for their dad who will be working very long and stressful days.  We will miss him greatly but will do wonderfully here without him. 

Lastly, I just wanted to say, if you are ever looking for a way to 'support your troops', make a family a meal!  It is such a simple way to take stress out of one evening and I assure you, the deployed spouse will appreciate your kindness towards his/her spouse! 

Outside of these preparations, all is going well around the Duval household.  Claire is getting big and sleeping great!  Catherine is just as nutty as ever!  And Mr. Paul is about to turn 3 on Thursday!  I can't believe it! 

I hope you are doing well!

Love,
Jeanne

Duval Family Update January 2011

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 

Claire is HERE!!!

We are proud to announce the birth of our daughter, Claire Elizabeth Duval.  She was born on December 14, 2010 at 11:37pm.  She weighed 8lbs 6oz and was 21 inches long.  Her big brother and big sister were so very excited to visit her today and can't wait for her to come home tomorrow!   Love,Paul and Jeanne

Duval Family Update October 2010

Greetings from the ever-BEAUTIFUL Charlottesville!

In efforts to distract myself from the halloween candy that is staring me in the face, I have decided that it is time for our October update. 

I am always so amazed to look back on our months when I go to write these updates.  Day-to-day it never seems like we are doing too much.  Then, when I look back, I realize how much we have done and what has changed.  

After our closing date got bumped back to November 1st, we had to quickly find another place to live as our lease was going to run out on October 15th.  I found a lovely townhouse in a different part of town that was able to accomodate our family of four for 2 weeks and 3 days.  So far, it has worked out well and there is even a 3 year old little girl who lives next door!  While we have enjoyed both homes, we're more than excited to move into OUR home on Monday. 

It's crazy to believe that we are down to our last week of bouncing around.  When we move in, it will mark 6 months from when the kids and I left Naples.  I was thinking about what life will be like in just 3 weeks and got so incredibly excited at the fact that my suitcases will be put away!  In addition to that, I am looking forward to having the chance to really prepare, mentally and physically, for the arrival of our new little girl.  With all of the commotion, my brain hasn't quite flipped over to the idea that we will be bringing a new little one into the world in just 8 short weeks.  I am excited to get her crib up and clothes (still to be bought) ready.  My mom made the prediction that I will go into labor as soon as I finally put my feet up in the new house and relax...I'm hoping to have a few weeks of putting my feet up. 

Our little man is growing and maturing by the day.  With all of the changes going on, we decided that it would be good for him to start pre-school two days a week.  He is having a blast and has already started talking A LOT more.  He has also become quite the speedster on his bike.  His lack of fear can definitely present an issue for Paul and I but he is having a ball zooming around. 

Now, Catherine (or 'little C' as we call her).  Seriously ya'll, this girl is a piece of work!  Under that hair is a little girl with an attitude the size of texas and a heart thats even bigger!  She has her daddy and her brother wrapped around her finger and enjoys every minute of it.  She is now 15 months old and trying her best to keep up with the Guidman.  I'm starting to get a bit nervous about how she is going to react to a new baby in the house but I'm hoping that she's just going to roll with the punches and stay distracted with Paul. 

And lastly, Paul is still really enjoying his new job.  His deployment is tentatively set for April/May 2011 which gives us a few months to just 'be' in between that and the baby.  Like me, he is more than ready to settle into the new house.  He has been such a trooper dealing with work, a very pregnant wife, moving, and two toddlers.  Even with everything going on, we always manage to have such a good time together! 

Well, that about wraps it up.  I did want to let everybody know that, unfortunately, there will not be a halloween picture this year.  Quite frankly, I'm tired.  We'll put our trick or treating pictures up ASAP so be on the lookout. 

Love,
                                           Jeanne

Duval Family Update FROM....

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA!!!

Well, after a long few months we have finally settled in Charlottesville, VA.  Paul will start his new job with CACI on September 27, 2010!  We are both very excited about this move and are really looking forward to finally having a permanent place to call 'home'.  We are currently living in a rental house until mid-October when, if all goes according to plan, we will move into our very first home.  We went 'under contract' today on an awesome house that we are both VERY excited about! 

So far, we are REALLY enjoying Charlottesville.  It took a bit to come up with the right words but we are now describing it as a mini-city.  The city itself is TINY!  You can get from one end to the other in 15 minutes but yet it has everything!  Downtown has a fun 'old town' feel with the upbeat dynamics of the UVA students.  The weather is gorgeous!  The other day it was 94 degrees but compared to Atlanta's 94, it felt like 85.  There is SO MUCH to do with children here.  They have a website specifically for letting you know what is going on in and around Charlottesville and fun activities to do with your kids.  Definitely very family friendly. 

The kids are doing very well.  Catherine is still quite the ham and her hair just adds to the chaos!  She tries pretty much EVERYTHING that her brother does.  The other day, Paul caught her trying to climb an arched latter after her brother at the park!  Thank goodness for his ninja like speed or she might of had her first ER visit.  She's learning more and more words by the day.  Given that Guido has been a little slow on talking, Catherine has served as quite the motivation for him to improve his skills.   Little Paul has also been doing very well!  He has turned his love of boats into a love of buses...can I tell you how many buses there are in Charlottesville!?!?!?!  Between the university, the city, and the different schools, we are left with a pouting Guido during 90% of every car ride.  He wants to go on EVERY bus!  I never thought that I would dread the sight of a bus like I do now. 

Paul and I are also doing very well.  I am almost into my 3rd trimester with little miss Claire.  Getting bigger by the minute but feeling good overall!  I'm starting to get a bit anxious about getting into our own house with our own furniture but I know that it will come in due time.  After 8 years of faithful service, Paul is officially a civilian.  He is really looking forward to starting his new job and become an 'expert' in his field.  The only drawback to his new job is that he will be doing a 6 month deployment to Afghanistan shortly after Claire is born.  So, if you are in need of a vacation from March/April-September/October of next year, let me know.  You can come visit us!!!  I figure if I can have one visitor a month the time will go by WAY faster!  So, let me know! 

I think that about wraps it up.  I hope this e-mail finds you all doing well.  Please keep us updated on your lives and never hesitate to e-mail. 

Love,
Jeanne

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