Welcome to the World, Rio!

Dear Rio,

We have had a gloriously hectic four days with you so far, and your mother, sister and I look forward to a lifetime of happiness as a family. Mommy had the honor of composing the birth story of your sister, so I'll leave that to her again - I'll just post a lot of pictures.

Side note - your poor mother was in labor with Lily for over 14 hours or so, most of that spent in the hospital. There are few things more boring than waiting in a hospital and Mommy didn't want to do that again. So, we went to a birthday party. When this picture was taken it was about nine hours before you were born. Mommy was feeling contractions less than five minutes apart here. According to the most reputable TV doctors you should be at the hospital by now. But they had really good cake, so we stayed.

Playing baseball for the first time. Mommy and I took Lily to see the Phillies play a few weeks ago. It was Lily's first exposure to baseball. Now whenever she sees baseball on TV she says, "I was there yesterday."

Here is the only picture taken of Mommy after we checked in. You were just a few hours away.

And there you are! I had several shots where your jiggly-bits were showing but I mercifully left those out. You're welcome.

The first picture of you and Mommy.

Upon entering the world you solemnly stated, "What do you mean there might not be an NFL season?" You were visibly disappointed and rendered speechless by the news.

I suppose like many newborns your eyes are a shade of gray and probably won't attain their final color for several weeks. Lily's eyes were the same color and hers turned out light brown. We'll see what yours do. Light eyes run on both sides of the family, though.

Mommy declaring triumph over you having her hair color instead of mine.

First picture with your proud big sister. She's taking it very well so far but hasn't fully warmed up to you yet. That's natural because she has enjoyed our undivided attention for the past two years. She's deliberate about everything in life, including rendering judgement on people, so be cool, man, be cool. She mentioned something about a Ramirez initiation ritual or something so I'd keep my eyes open and be wary of hazing.

Our first family photo.

Nonna to the rescue again! We couldn't have done this without her. From providing comfort, wisdom, a helping hand around the house, culinary skills in the kitchen and lots and lots of love, we were able to do everything that needed doing. Thanks, Nonna - you're the best! Every time you come over I gain 10 pounds (crepes, lasagna, etc), but it's worth it.

Catching a little shut-eye on the couch.

Your first outing into the world was to Babies 'R Us. How exciting.

We had your first doctor's appointment today. Lily was there for moral support and ready to call 911 from her pink phone in case of an emergency. Everything checked out just fine. You peed on the doctor. Not cool.

Your first real get up. I'm guessing that's a piranha, which is appropriate, considering the frenzied state you get into when it's feeding time.

And finally, here is Lily warming up to you the best way she knows how - through song. She's singing you Rock a Bye Baby and showing you the pages of the book she's singing from. I can't imaging there are many things cooler as a parent than to have your kids love each other. Like peas and carrots you two will be one day.

Rio, it's been a fun four days and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you.

Love,

Dad