A Big Week for Rory

On Tuesday, Rory set out for her first day of daycare. We awoke Rory early, dressed her warmly, and broke the news gently. As you can see, Rory gave us a big smile in response. And, indeed, my commute to D.C. was much more fun with Rory and Sarah in the car, as we contemplated our new family life: Sarah and me working in the same office and Rory right around the corner at daycare. Rory's daycare is part of a small pre-school in the building adjacent to the office in which Sarah and I work.
The facility is nice, the caregivers are warm, the baby room has plenty of light, and the babies have tons of snot (Rory's immune system is going to get a workout).
However, as you can see in this close-up, Rory was a little wary of the situation. In fact, she cried when we handed her over to "Miss Nikki", and it broke our hearts to leave her behind. But by the third day, Rory had reestablished a good feeding and napping routine, and she was starting to cry a little less. I don't know what was harder for Sarah, leaving her daughter in the care of strangers or seeing her husband so upset by a situation. Not an easy week for mommy.
I took a midday break to play with Rory on Thursday, and I snapped this picture of Rory surrounded by her new friends. Daddy and daughter were feeling better.
Ever the trooper, Rory made her first trip to New York City on Saturday, logging more time in an airplane at 5 months than I had done by 25 years of age!
We made the NYC trip in order to participate in Simeen's baby shower. Simeen was Sarah's college roommate and bridesmaid.
In fact, all of Sarah's bridesmaids were able to make the trip. In this picture, Rory plays with Simeen and Belinda.
And in this picture, you can see Michelle (far right) and Simeen's husband Paulash. The gang is certainly growing!
Simeen and Paulash had a wonderful shower thrown by friends who live on Roosevelt Island.
Rory put on quite a show when she discovered the balloons. She insisted on bopping herself in the head and giggling each time with pure delight.
However, all that giggling can wear a girl out, so she and daddy took a nap in the corner ...
... and then it was back to the balloons!
As you can see, a week in daycare and a trip to NYC has already done wonders for Rory's development. We found her today reading the Sunday paper. (You might notice the headline: Hillary Clinton Opens Presidential Bid. Could this be giving Rory ideas for her own future?)
Thankfully, Rory is still smiling despite all the tears and travels of this week.