Goodbye Durham

A city in which we had a wonderful 3 years. Sylvia and I both agree that it was here that we have been most content since being married. Many fulfilling events happened in such a short time: The birth of Elliot, My schooling and degree, Sylvia's most rewarding job in her career, a great job with Counter Culture Coffee, taking turns being home with Elliot, the cultivation of many good friendships, a wonderful church home at Mt. Level Missionary Baptist, and the birth of Vincent. The city itself is full of character and a raw, dirty, unpretentious charm. We enjoyed its diversity of peoples and its artistic sensibility. As we were finishing up the packing on Friday afternoon my emotions finally caught up with me and I had to take Elliot out for one final bike ride in the neighborhood to collect myself. I think much of the sadness that I felt was connected to the preparation for and birth of Elliot followed by my time at home with him and how that filled my life and studies at Duke with added meaning. Sylvia and I both leave with much sadness because of the way in which Durham has felt like home to us and also with excitement and a sense of anticipation for our new life and home back in Harrisonburg.

Week II with Grandma

After Mom and Dad Rhodes left for VA after a week in Durham, Mom Witmer showed up at our house. It was wonderful having her with us and we enjoyed her company and all of the meals she served. She also helped us to pack and prepare for moving which was a great relief to two parents with hands full of boys. Elliot was delighted to have another book reader and playmate in the house, and Mom obliged him often. We also made a trip to the Museum of Life and Science and Elliot enjoyed pointing out his favorite animals to her. Vincent seemed to take well to her too. Toward the end of the week Sam also came down for a few days of visiting and final packing preparations. It was great having our parents in Durham with us for one last visit, before we move home.

Our Boys

Isn't this a fabulous picture? Thanks to Dad Rhodes for the picture.

Encore

Vincent James Witmer Rhodes

Wonder Woman


Dr. Gunter he's our man...





We are thrilled to welcome Vincent into our family. He was born on April 13 at 13:13, weighed 8 pounds 8 ounces and measured 21 inches long. He is a relaxed little fellow, and a great eater.
Sylvia is doing very well after a relatively quick labor which lasted roughly from 4:15 in the morning until he was born. We were in the hospital around 1 hour before he was birthed. We are looking forward to life as a foursome with two energetic little fellows around the house.
We're grateful to God again for a safe delivery and healthy boy, and the joy that comes with being entrusted with such a gift and blessing.

baby update

Doesn't he look just like.. Oh wait this is Elliot.
Sorry folks, an Elliot update will have to do for now!










Play: As you can see from one of the pictures above, Elliot loves to come into the kitchen while we are cooking or washing dishes and crawl under the sink. Once in there, he systematically empties this area of its contents (mixing bowls, food processor, and coffee presses). And of course, the more banging that occurs in the process, the happier he is. He also enjoys being chased around the apartment by Dad, and always waits to be grabbed and hugged after a chase through several rooms.
One of his favorite perches is on the back of the couch looking out of our living room window. From there he can see traffic on the road, the dog next door, squirrels in the trees and yard, and various birds. He has extremely quick eyes and will occasionally pick out squirrels or birds before I do, pointing them out to me, and making the appropriate sound.
Reading:
His reading habits are also peculiar to say the least, and point toward his future as a scholar. It is not uncommon for Elliot to crawl over to his bookshelf and proceed to surround himself with his 3 or 4 favorite books. Once he has these books spread about within easy reach, he will peruse each one for a moment before cross-referencing a book close by. It is very funny to watch, and reminds me of my days doing exegetical work with 4-5 commentaries and 4-5 Bible translations spread out on the kitchen table.
His favorite book is one filled with pictures of animals, which he will bring to us expecting to hear animal sounds as he points the animals out to us. His dog, cow, shark, gorilla, cat, and horse noises are passable, but his rooster needs some work. Also we are prone to make up sounds for animals that we aren't familiar with. Can anyone do a raccoon? mine sounds like it has rabies or something.

Favorite foods: applesauce, cheese, animal crackers, spaghetti, pizza and oranges.
his allegiance to green vegetables has been waning, but we smuggle them in with the rest of his food.

Teeth: 14 or so. feel at your own risk!

Favorite toys: dump truck, John Deere tractor, blocks, and mixing bowls. And anything with a lid that he can remove and put back on.

Music: "If you're happy and you know it" (esp. the foot stomping verse).

Motion:
He has excellent balance on his feet, and will take 4-5 steps between Sylvia and myself. He also enjoys walking behind his walker and John Deere tractor, pushing them from room to room. But, he is still a crawler and climber for the most part.

Waiting...

...anytime now! Actually we've got 8 more days until the official due date, but the little guy knows he's welcome ANY DAY now! This past weekend we moved the cradle from storage into our room, washed car seats and other baby items, and yesterday I packed our bag for the hospital (since with Elliot Martin was rushing around at the last minute packing our bag), so now it's pretty much just a waiting game. Martin had "The Talk" with him, which entailed telling him what to expect during the birth process, that we are very much looking forward to meeting him and welcoming him into our family, and that he should think about being born April the 1st. But he didn't listen quite as well as Elliot did, as Elliot was born the day Martin suggested. Hmmm...what does this suggest about the difference in personalities?!

In other news, I finished my work last Friday and am now enjoying my days at home. However, I will miss my job, as it was the job I've enjoyed the most thus far of any job I've had. I will miss my co-workers - a group of wonderful people who genuinely care about the clients we work with and are very supportive of one another, and I'll miss my clients as well. The most rewarding part of my work came in seeing growth in the lives of the people I worked with. It's hard to leave after building relationships with people - some for 2 years. But I pray and trust that God will continue to place people in their lives who will show the compassion and healing grace of Christ, as He is the One Who brings true healing.

We'll keep you all posted on the birth scene. Hopefully sooner rather than later!