The O'Hara Family: August 2008

2 years, 2 weeks, 2 days

This evening, I post as a "proud papa" who simply wants to document, for posterity's sake, his life with Rory Catherine at age 2 years, 2 weeks, and 2 days. No pictures.

Rory counted to twenty this evening during our car ride home. Seriously, 1 to 20 with only a little prompting from me after six. She can recite the alphabet song (perhaps since we sing it every night as she brushes her teeth). This morning, during breakfast, Rory sang the entire "Itsy Bitsy Spider" song to us (Rory speak: "Itsy Bitsy Fider"). She spent the afternoon in the pre-K room with the principal of our daycare center (there was a day-long teacher shortage; Rory has not been officially promoted, mom), and the principal remarked: "Rory is really, quite amazingly, verbal." Honestly, I don't know whether that was a compliment or a "oh my god I'd be exhausted if this little verbal girl was my daughter".

Also at breakfast ... I asked Rory, "Who is going to be the next president?" She answered: "Oh-Bottom!" Democrats can be proud that she is supporting Obama and Republicans can delight in her mispronounciation.

The most oft-repeated phrase that we hear in our house: "Rory do." As in: "Rory do that, daddy." Rory wants to feed herself, boost herself into her car seat, brush her own teeth, etc. The second-most repeated phrase: "Zat?" As in: "Mommy, what's that?" Rory is extremely inquisitive, wanting to understand the world around her and find a name for everything. We are only weeks away from "Why?" ...

Rory delights us every day. She also challenges us hourly. We are definitely "parents" now.

Love,
Tim

Rory at 2 years

On Wednesday, Rory had her two-year check-up! She is 34.5 inches (75-90 percentile) and 24 pounds (10-25 percentile).

And she has been given the green light to eat peanut butter and all kinds of new foods! At two years old, Rory spends a lot of her day saying "Rory do" ...

... as in, "Rory drive the fire truck!" She is a big fan of fire engines.

Rory was able to test out the driver's seat of this ambulance at a recent Alexandria festival.

Rory continue to be "fearless", so perhaps driving an ambulance would be perfect for this kid!

Or, perhaps Rory will simply indulge her love for "choo choo" trains. Recently, Rory and I spent an afternoon riding the Metro just to sate her train lust.

Oh, and she also loves boats! Pictured here, Rory is taking the water taxi from Alexandria to National Harbor with her Uncle Allen.

A two-year-old toddler with this sort of energy can run a Mommy ragged, let alone Pippin!

Birthday #2

On August 10, Rory turned two. She celebrated in grand style with a two-part party.

The first phase of operation "Spoil Rory Like a Princess" was a celebration that included many gifts (generously bestowed by her extended family).

Rory's grandmothers were part of the revery, as were Tim's siblings. (And Mike's girlfriend Cindy!)

Not quite a pony, but entertaining nonetheless!

The second phase of the b-day celebration required changing venues; Rory led the parade on her new tricycle (thanks Nonna & Pops!).

Rory's b-day parade included a surprise entry ... a fire truck! (Rory loves fire trucks!)

Rory's Elmo-themed birthday was in our neighborhood community center, which proved a great setting once Rory's friends arrived.

An Elmo Party wouldn't be complete without an Elmo Birthday Cake, courtesy of Simply Sweet Bakery (delicious enough for some free advertising).

Uncle Mike ensures that Rory understands exactly how old she is.

We gathered around the Elmo Cake to sing Rory a happy birthday song (she had been rehearsing for several days in advance).

Rory had lots of help with her birthday cake. Hmmm ... chocolate, her favorite.

After stuffing herself with cake, Rory took off to do some stroller dashes with her friend Dahlia.

Here, Rory bids adieu to her assembled fans. She and Dahlia were going to go find that fire truck!

Meanwhile, back inside, Rory and Dahlia's dads used the helium balloons in a delicate experiment to see if ducks can fly!

Rory had a wonderful birthday party, and she wanted me to say "thanks" to everyone who was able to join the celebration, give her gifts, or just send "good cheer" through the ether.