Karoline Leavitt celebrates son Niko’s second birthday with heartfelt message and family photos
WASHINGTON, DC: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt gave followers a rare glimpse into her family life as she celebrated her son Niko’s second birthday with an emotional tribute and a series of photos from the special occasion.
On Friday, July 10, Leavitt marked the milestone by sharing pictures from the birthday celebration and posting a heartfelt message dedicated to her eldest child, Nicholas Robert Riccio, better known as Niko.
The birthday comes just months after Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, welcomed their second child, daughter Viviana, in May 2026.
Karoline Leavitt shares emotional birthday message for son Niko
Leavitt made Niko the center of attention on his big day, posting several photos from the celebration alongside a touching note about motherhood and her love for him.
“There are literally no words to describe how much I love and adore him,” she wrote. “All I can say is he's the most happy, gentle, sweet, silly and handsome little boy I could ever dream of and I am honored to be his mommy. Happy happy birthday, my son.”
The White House press secretary also shared images from the celebration, giving followers a look at the family's festivities.
Among the highlights was Niko’s dinosaur-themed birthday cake, decorated in blue and green and featuring a playful design fit for a toddler celebration.
Karoline Leavitt has often spoken about becoming a mother
Niko was born on July 10, 2024, and Leavitt has previously described his birth as one of the most important moments of her life.
After welcoming him, she shared her excitement about becoming a first-time mother and reflected on the emotions she experienced when her son arrived.
“July 10, 2024. 11:25 PM. The moment our son was born. The moment I officially became a mom. The best moment of my life,” Leavitt wrote at the time.
She also spoke about the profound impact motherhood had on her, adding, “It's true when they say there's nothing comparable to the love you feel for your child. My heart has grown bigger than I ever imagined possible. Babies are the ultimate blessing, and I'm bursting with gratitude for our beautiful, happy, healthy boy.”
Two years later, those feelings were still evident in the birthday message she posted for Niko.
Karoline Leavitt previously opened up about husband Nicholas Riccio
Leavitt and her husband Nicholas Riccio first met in 2022 and later became engaged in 2023.
The couple welcomed Niko in 2024 before tying the knot in March 2025 at Sea Country Club in Rye, New Hampshire.
Speaking about their relationship in 2025, Leavitt described it as “a very atypical love story” and recalled that they initially met through mutual connections.
“A mutual friend of ours hosted an event at a restaurant that he owns up in New Hampshire and invited my husband,” she said. “I was speaking. We met and we were acquainted as friends. And then we fell in love.”
Leavitt has also praised Riccio as a father, calling him “the best dad I could ever ask for” and saying he remained supportive during one of the busiest periods of her life.
