Capturing Unforgettable Family Memories: Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd's Cherished Moments with Shai and Rio

Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd have been showcasing their son, Shai, as the center of attention ever since he was born in February 2017. The couple, popularly known from Dancing With the Stars, had their first child six months before their wedding in New York in July 2017.

"To my beloved Prince Shai... You have bestowed upon me the cherished title of Mother and have granted me the utmost pride during the beautiful moments of my life. I shall forever be your guardian and you will forever hold a sacred place within my heart," expressed the proficient dancer in a heartfelt Instagram tribute dedicated to her precious baby boy in May of 2017. "I now comprehend the sentiments my own mother used to convey... The love a mother feels for her child surpasses all other affections. It was only through having you that I truly grasped this."

Following a challenging period of enduring three miscarriages within a mere two years, the couple warmly welcomed their long-awaited miracle in June of 2023 - their rainbow baby. "Introducing Rio John Chmerkovskiy. Born on 6.18.2023, weighing a healthy 8.6 oz, and flourishing!" Murgatroyd captioned an Instagram photograph of her precious newborn.

Scroll down to see some of the DWTS couple’s cutest memories with their son, Shai:

Credit: Courtesy of Maksim Chmerkovskiy/Instagram

Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd's Sweetest Moments With Sons Shai and Rio: Family Pics

Shai became the shining star for Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd after his arrival in February 2017. Despite being born six months earlier, before the couple's wedding in July 2017, he holds the special place in their hearts.

"I am forever your protector and you will always hold a special place in my heart," wrote the professional dancer in a heartfelt Instagram tribute to her baby boy, Prince Shai, in May 2017. She reflected on the profound love of a mother for her child, a sentiment she now fully comprehends after having him.

After enduring three devastating miscarriages within two years, their long-awaited rainbow baby, Rio John Chmerkovskiy, was joyfully welcomed into the world in June 2023. Murgatroyd proudly shared a photo of her thriving newborn on Instagram, along with the caption, "Rio John Chmerkovskiy. Born 6.18.2023, weighing 8.6 oz!"

Scroll down to see some of the DWTS couple's cutest memories with their son, Shai:

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

'My Prince'

The Burn the Floor alum reflected on the experience of motherhood in a heartfelt Instagram post, four months after welcoming her son, Shai. "Now I truly understand the depth of my mother's words... a mother's love for her child is unparalleled. It took having you for me to truly comprehend this. To all the incredible mothers out there, let me tell you... we are extraordinary, resilient beings. Our bodies possess remarkable strength, and we have the power to create little miracles. We must prioritize self-love and take immense pride in ourselves."

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

Downtime

Chmerkovskiy and his son spent a lazy day off connecting over a good book. "I can’t wait to get home ," Murgatroyd captioned the adorable moment in March 2018.

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

No. 1 Fan

The toddler watched from the audience as his mother rehearsed for DWTS' Disney Night, "the most magical night of the season" in October 2019.

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

One Big Happy

Prepping for the 2019 holiday season, the family of three embarked on a delightful outing to select the ideal Christmas tree in Los Angeles. "We stumbled upon a marvelous specimen," Murgatroyd jovially shared via Instagram back then.

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

Getting Big!

"The world is your oyster my little man ," the doting mom gushed in a December 2019 social media post as her little boy stared out at the ocean.

Credit: Courtesy of Maksim Chmerkovskiy/Instagram

Perfect Paradise

Murgatroyd gazed lovingly at her son on a sunny Malibu beach day in February 2020.

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

Piano Man

In March 2020, Shai captivated everyone with his extraordinary piano skills, melting his father's heart. On Instagram, Chmerkovskiy penned a heartfelt message expressing his overwhelming emotions and extended his genuine wishes for an abundance of joy to everyone in the forthcoming week, reminiscent of the pure happiness Shai experiences while graciously 'playing' the piano.

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

Mama's Boy

Murgatroyd affectionately snuggled up to her beloved "little man" in a heartwarming selfie back in March 2020, expressing gratitude for always keeping her on her toes. "I adore him to the point of it being overwhelming," she wrote as the caption accompanying the endearing photograph shared on social media.

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

Mean Mug

Chmerkovskiy and his mini-me scrunched up their faces in a playful selfie on a beach day in August 2020. 

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

'All That Matters'

The ballroom professional expressed her heartfelt admiration for her husband on Father's Day 2020, emphasizing his role in setting a positive example for their son. "This is what truly matters," she wrote, accompanying a series of photos featuring Chmerkovskiy and Shai throughout the years. Expressing her gratitude, she addressed MaksimC, "Thank you for showering our son with an incredible amount of love. He looks up to you, listens to you, and learns from you. He follows your kindness and strong spirit. Before he goes to sleep, he often expresses his deep love for you... I hope you feel appreciated every single day, as if it were Father's Day, because we value and cherish every sacrifice you've made for us. We adore you immensely and are your most devoted supporters, both now and forever."

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

Spooky Season

The *Shaiest cowboy and two lazy skeletons dressed in matching skeleton sweatsuits, capturing a cheerful moment on Halloween 2020. Murgatroyd shared the joyful Sunday snapshot on Instagram along with

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

Feeling Thankful

#Grateful for the immense love and happiness that these two never fail to bring me," Murgatroyd expressed in conjunction with a family selfie commemorating Thanksgiving 2020. "Moreover, Shai arose at 7.45am...thus...Mumma enjoyed a blissful slumber!!!!!!!! A victory for all. How did your Thanksgiving turn out, everyone?? XO."

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

Just Like Dad!

In a picture posted on Instagram in December 2020, Shai's resemblance to his father astounded both fans and fellow DWTS professionals. Kym Johnson, a DWTS alum, remarked, "He's absolutely beautiful." Emma Slater, another dance pro, pointed out, "He bears a striking resemblance to @maksimc in this photo with his expression!"

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

Cabo Cuties

“A trip I’ll remember forever,” Murgatroyd captioned a July 2021 Instagram slideshow.

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

Ride Warrior

In August 2021, Shai rode his first coaster roller-coaster at Universal Studios.

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

Sweet in Stripes

The family of three were all smiles in festive pajamas in a December 2021 Instagram post.

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

Beach Babes

In February 2022, Chmerkovskiy snapped a selfie with his wife and son.

Credit: Courtesy Maksim Chmerkovskiy/Instagram

Home Again

Following his return from Ukraine amid the Russian invasion, Chmerkovskiy spent some precious moments with his son. "I never imagined that our family would experience the direct consequences of this conflict in our lifetime. The reality we witness on our TV screens in 2022 was beyond my wildest imagination," Murgatroyd wrote as a caption for the family photo on her Instagram in March 2022. "I held my son tighter than ever before, filled with fear and eternal gratitude. Now, it is time for healing. We cannot revert to our old normal. Our lives have been permanently altered. We have embraced a new normal, and that is perfectly alright. ... From the bottom of my heart, I would like to express my profound appreciation for the unwavering support and constant overflow of love. I am aware of and eternally grateful for everything I see."

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

Silly Selfies

Murgatroyd shared an Instagram slideshow in March 2022 featuring Shai, alongside a heartfelt caption. "My companion never fails to make me smile with his silly expressions, always full of mischief, except when he gets into trouble. The love I have for him is immeasurable, it touches my heart deeply. He is my other half, forever and always. XOXO."

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Red Carpet Dates

Shai joined his parents at the Apple premiere of Luck in July 2022 as the trio were all smiles on the red carpet.

Credit: Courtesy of Maksim Chmerkovskiy/Instagram

'My Heartbeat'

Chmerkovskiy expressed his adoration for his son Shai in a heartfelt Instagram post in November 2022. In the post, he shared a picture captured by Murgatroyd, showcasing himself and his little one. "My buddy and I. My heart ️," the professional dancer affectionately penned. "This love is incomparable and grows even stronger when nurtured properly. Undoubtedly, fatherhood is the toughest yet most fulfilling role I've ever taken on. It offers instant gratification with an exceptional long-term return on investment. It's important to note that being a father and a dad are two distinct concepts. If you happen to have children, strive to be outstanding in this vital endeavor, which is undoubtedly the most significant job you'll ever have."

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

Vacation Time

Murgatroyd celebrated their family’s journey to Turks and Caicos by posting an endearing selfie with her spouse and child. “Some heartwarming pictures that fill me with joy ️,” she described, also sharing additional pictures from their vacation.

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

A Fluffy Surprise

Before becoming a big brother, Shai welcomed Hachi, the family's new canine companion. "Shai had the honor of naming the puppy, and he's absolutely obsessed," Murgatroyd shared in an Instagram video. "With another baby on the way, we may have taken on more than we can handle, but who said there's ever a perfect time, right? Lol."

Credit: Courtesy of Maksim Chmerkovskiy/Instagram

Time to Chill

The family of three enjoyed some relaxation time together before the arrival of Rio.

Credit: Courtesy of Peta Murgatroyd/Instagram

New Addition

Murgatroyd took to Instagram in June 2023 to announce the arrival of her and Chmerkovskiy's second son, Rio. Sharing a delightful snapshot of her newborn, she expressed her overflowing joy, stating, "We are thrilled to introduce our baby boy to all of you. @shai.aleksander is already embracing his role as the best big brother, and our family feels whole. Life is fantastic XO."

Credit: Courtesy of Maksim Chmerkovskiy/Instagram

Big Brother

“New favorite pic of all time!” Chmerkovskiy wrote alongside a photo of him and Shai cuddling with baby Rio.