Tessa Caroline Jones Has Arrived!

On May 3rd, 2008 at 12:05 am, Tessa Caroline Jones made her grand entrance into this world in Accra, Ghana, 10 minutes before a huge thunderstorm rolled in and knocked out the power. She weighed 7 lbs 3 oz and was 21 inches long. She has a head full of dark hair, and a sweet and calm disposition (thank you Lord!).

Juli says the labor was the hardest yet and it was a bit worrisome for the last 4 hours as there was some bleeding and the doctor suspected a placental abruption, but after doing several tests she decided that the problem was coming from something else and decided to continue with a natural labor. As it turns out the bleeding was from a hematoma on the baby side of the placenta and the doctor's good judgement call saved us from an unnecessary c-section, so we were pleased.

Tess is absolutely adored, spoiled by, and doted over constantly by her 5 older siblings. Mom and Dad hardly get a minute alone with her but that's okay because without a doubt she will never be lacking in love or attention. Take a peek here if you want to see for yourself how beautiful she is: http://picasaweb.google.com/damonjuli/TessaCaroline

Join us in thanking God for His newest blessing to the Jones family and thank YOU for praying along with us for a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery. Your prayers made all the difference.

A Grand Time in Accra

We arrived in Accra on April 10th to await the arrival of Jones kid #6. While waiting we've had a really good time together as a family, relaxing, enjoying each other and enjoying a lot of the things we don't have in Ivory Coast. For one, the grocery stores are full of things from "home" like Dr Pepper and Mt Dew and Doritos and frozen broccoli, cheddar cheese, hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. We're not necessarily all the healthier for it but we are happier! Ü

We've enjoyed the internet and satellite tv at the guest house where we're staying as well as the managers of the guest house who have been surrogate grandparents to our kids. We've also enjoyed having a little anonimity and noat having to answer the doorbell and the myriad of requests it brings our way daily in Abengourou.

We've been attending Elim International Family church here in Accra and it's been wonderful to sit in padded chairs and worship in air conditioning, not to mention worshipping in English, hearing sermons in English and having Sunday school classes for the kids. Austin and Emily have been able to participate in the youth group with the church and have thoroughly enjoyed it. They love their African friends but being able to be with other N American kids, just like them and to speak English and talk about N American kid things, has been really good for them.

To see some pictures of our fun times, Emily's 13th birthday party, horseback riding, and go cart racing, take a look here http://picasaweb.google.com/damonjuli/Accra.