It’s a milestone moment for Dancing with the Stars pro Peta Murgatroyd and husband Maksim Chmerkovskiy — their baby boy Rio just turned one, and Peta is feeling all the emotions.
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In a touching Instagram post shared on Rio’s birthday, the proud mom gushed over her little one with heartfelt words:
“One year of Rio. One year of magic. I thank God for you every single day, my beautiful boy.”
The post was accompanied by a series of sweet photos, showing Rio giggling in a high chair, smashing his birthday cake, and being snuggled by both parents in a cozy family moment. “You’ve brought joy into our lives in ways I didn’t know were possible,” Peta wrote. “You are pure sunshine.”
A Challenging Yet Beautiful Year
Peta and Maks welcomed Rio in June 2023, after openly sharing their journey through fertility struggles and loss. His arrival marked not just the expansion of their family, but a profound chapter of healing and gratitude. Since then, Peta has been candid about the realities of motherhood — from sleepless nights to juggling work with family life — but always circles back to the deep love she feels for her son.
“This year wasn’t always easy, but it was the most rewarding of my life,” she reflected. “Watching you grow, learn, and laugh has changed me forever.”
Big Brother Shai Joins the Party
Rio’s big brother, 7-year-old Shai, also got in on the birthday festivities, helping decorate and even singing “Happy Birthday” in a video clip that had fans swooning. “He’s the best big brother,” Peta shared. “Rio lights up when he sees Shai — their bond already melts me.”
Looking Ahead
As Rio moves into toddlerhood, Peta says she’s cherishing every moment. “Time is flying, and I just want to hold onto every second,” she wrote. “Thank you, Rio, for choosing me to be your mama. You’ve changed our world forever.”
Fans and fellow DWTS cast members flooded the comments with love and birthday wishes for baby Rio, many noting how deeply Peta’s words resonated.
With hearts full and their little boy hitting his first big milestone, the Murgatroyd-Chmerkovskiy family has so much to celebrate — and it’s clear that Rio is already the star of the show.
