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.