First board meeting

Ryder tried out Dad's surfboard for the first time last weekend. Looks like a natural.

I know, I know...

It's been way too long again so I'm not gonna bore you with words. Here are some highlights since our last post...

Burban Rifkin visit

Last night Harper and Brian came over for dinner and a visit. This is the couple who's wedding Gigi and I went to in Italy last summer.

We had a great time catching up with them and were quite surprised when Brian presented us with an original oil painting he did just for Ryder.

We're honored to have this piece in our home. We've been friends for years now and have always been huge fans of Brian's work. Check out more of his work on his website and maybe pick up a Rifkin for YOUR wall!

7 weeks old...

and already a remote hog. Now I'll never get to watch my shows. He's always watching ESPN Deportes.

A day of firsts...

We had a big day yesterday. Gigi, Ryder and I took a trip into Manhattan with Grandpa Ed and Grandma Jackie. It was a beautiful spring day and perfect for sightseeing. The day saw many firsts...

First time in stroller seat (instead of bassinet). First time wearing shoes.

First time to St. Patrick's Cathedral.

First time to Central Park. First time seeing a raccoon as big as Ryder.

Mama's Boy

Thinkin...

Life is Good

60 Year Anniversary

My grandparents on my Dad's side (Nono and Grammy) are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on Friday. Our whole family (minus 1) got together in Delaware over Easter weekend to celebrate with them.

This was also a chance to have 4 generations of James Russo in the same room. James Ryder is actually the 6th first born son in the Russo family named James. My great great grandfather in Palermo was named Giacomo which is Italian for James. My great grandfather followed, then my grandfather, then my father, then me, and now James Ryder. We all have different middle names so I'm not James V and Ryder is not James VI.

This is me at 2 months old with my dad, grandfather, and great grandfather.

And 34 years later, this is Ryder at 1 month old with HIS dad, grandfather, and great grandfather.

And this is the entire fam gathered around the happy couple.

CONGRATULATIONS NONO AND GRAMMY!!

Kisses

Among other things... Tita taught Ryder how to blow kisses.

Tita

Well, I'm very overdue for an update on the blog. Who knew taking care of an infant would be so time consuming?

First things first. I have to give Gigi's mom (Tita) a HUGE belated THANK YOU! Tita came to NY a few days after Ryder was born to help out with the first few weeks of parenthood. I can't even begin to explain what a tremendous help she was to all of us. She did literally everything around the house so that Gigi and I could focus on Ryder and attending to his needs. While she was with us we ate like royalty, walked on the cleanest floors this apartment has ever known, and were just surrounded by love and gentle guidance. Not to get all hippy dippy on you but the vibe in the house was incredibly warm, loving, and calm while Tita was here. I can't think of a better atmosphere in which to surround a newborn in its first few weeks of life.

The love shown to all of us (especially Ryder) was palpable.

Thank you again, Tita! We love you!

Ahem.

Um Dad? Quit putting toys in my face and update the blog, dude. I'm like twice as big as I was when this thing was last updated. Sheeesh.

You talkin' to ME?

Ryder gets a sweatsuit from Jon and now all of a sudden he's a badass.

BTW, he's not even 3 weeks old and he's already wearing 3-6 month clothes. Watchout!

Poppa-razi

Ryder let me know that it was time to put the camera away after I got a bit snap-happy tonight.

One more pic and you're gonna get it, Dad.

Don't say I didn't warn ya.

Tres Generaciones

My parents honored us with a visit this past weekend. Nana and Nono Russo flew in from Michigan Friday morning to meet and spend a couple days with their newest grandson.

Miles...

and miles...

and miles...

of smiles!

We had a perfect weekend with beautiful spring weather, and had a chance to explore Brooklyn with our extended family. It was a joy to have my parents and Gigi's mom together for the first time since our wedding seven years ago.

Here are some of the highlights of our excursion to the Brooklyn Bridge on the first day of Spring:

A very fun weekend made for some epic napping.

Weekend Update

Here are some fun pics from our weekend.

I'm heading back to work tomorrow so I did my best to take advantage of as much bonding time and photo ops as possible.

Hair/makeup was first.

Dad, you should really use the low-light setting for this.

Playtime between shoots. I think he's practicing for X-Games.

Ready for my close-up.

Reward for a long day's work. Being cute isn't easy.

Fun with computers

Ryder wanted to see what all the hype is about Macs. I put some music on iTunes, and opened up PhotoBooth for some fun.




He's got Dad's eyes.


Why the long face?


Funky Family Foto


Dang Dolly!

So this last picture brings up a funny story... As Gigi's milk started coming in a couple days ago, her breasts started getting quite large. She woke me up three times in the middle of the night Thurs night asking for my help.

Gigi: James, James? I can't get up! Please take Ryder off of me and put him in the bassinet.
James: Um, babe? He's been in the bassinet for 2 hours.

THREE TIMES this happened. I was trying not to laugh because she was seriously confused as to why she couldn't move from bed. I didn't know if it was lack of sleep or remnants from some of the pain meds, but it turned out to be just giant jugs weighing her down.

We all laughed like crazy in the morning once she finally realized he wasn't on her and she was able to get back to sleep.