Meet Baby Jones

“Any fool can have a child. That doesn’t make you a father. It’s the courage to raise a child that makes you a father.” - Sen. Barack Obama

Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful dads out there! We hope your day is relaxing, spent with loved ones.

A special shout out goes out to Avery’s lolo and Pop Pop - we’re sorry we couldn’t spend the day with either one of you, but you were in our thoughts today.

Finally, big thanks to all those who called or sent text messages to Melvin. We greatly appreciate the warm greetings

My mother-in-law called to tell us yesterday morning that Avery’s Great-Aunt Janis (she is the older sister of Melvin’s father) had passed away unexpectedly. She was only 59.

The first time I met Jan was at Joe and Jenny’s wedding in June of ‘07. She seemed really happy to see Melvin and the rest of the family and was genuinely excited at the prospect of a renewed relationship with Melvin. We had lunch with her at a Mexican restaurant before the wedding which gave us time to get to know and re-know each other. I even sat with her at the church during the ceremony.

Unfortunately, the only other time we got to see or talk to her was when she accompanied Pop Pop when he came to visit us in January. That was such a fun time! Of course, Avery was his usual anti-social self, so I don’t even think that Jan or Pop Pop got to hold him, but at least we all got to see each other.

She was a regular visitor to the site and told us every chance she got how much she loved to read about the goings on in our lives. We’ll really miss her.

We don’t know when she’ll be buried, but Melvin is going to probably be flying to GA to be with the family.

May her soul rest in peace.

Happy Birthday, granny!!



Wet kisses,
Avery

(Photo taken October 13, 2007)

Happy Birthday Shout Outs to the following wonderful people who celebrated their birthdays today:

Avery’s lolo who turned 60;
Avery’s great grandmother, Amelita, who turned 77;
Avery’s great uncle and godfather, George, who turned 25;
Avery’s play auntie, Taylor, who turned 14.

May all of you have many, many more birthdays to come. Cheers from the Jones clan!

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” - William Arthur Ward

We would just like to send a shout out to those who continue to give to our family in acknowledgement of Avery’s birth (by the way, handwritten thank you notes are on the way guys):

To my cousin Jess and his lovely new bride, Jo-Ann, who sent Avery a gift all the way from Cali. They were married in April, a week after Avery was born. We appreciate that they have thought of us even though I’m sure they are busy with their new life together.

To my brother-in-law William and my sister-in-law Cara, who have overwhelmed us with their generosity and thoughtfulness. They sent Avery a gift all the way from Korea when he was born, and then they gave us another gift when we saw them at Joe and Jenny’s wedding a couple of weeks ago. They are the best!

To those who attended Avery’s party on June 2nd, bringing with them their wonderful company and adorable gifts: Jackie and Taylor; Lori and Aneesa; Geo, Lola Rosie and Matthew; Helen, Ed, Alec, Lola Maring and Tita Helen; Tito Cesar, Tita Enna and Isabella; Rob; Matthew and Danielle; Adam; Tita Betty and LaMont; Ro; my mom and Abe. We wholeheartedly appreciate that they came because we know our house is not the easiest place to get to for most of our friends and family.

To my co-workers Estrella, Keisha and Rita, and my buddy Shakira for their wonderful presents and well-wishes.

And a final shout out to one of Avery’s godmothers, Tita Minda and her husband, Tito Armand, who has sent Avery a few gifts since he was born.

Our family appreciates all of you.