It’s been a whirlwind season for TODAY meteorologist Dylan Dreyer — one filled with sleepless nights, joyful chaos, and one unforgettable surprise that left her entire family in tears. Just weeks after welcoming her third son, Russell “Rusty” James, six weeks early, Dylan is sharing the deeply personal story behind her baby’s name — a touching family tribute that has melted hearts everywhere.
In an exclusive interview, the NBC star revealed that choosing Rusty’s name was one of the most emotional moments of her life. Unlike her first two sons, Calvin and Oliver — whose names were chosen simply because she and her husband, Brian Fichera, loved how they sounded — Rusty’s name carries a powerful legacy.
“With Calvin and Oliver, there was no family connection whatsoever,” Dylan explained. “But when you have a third boy, you start running out of names! We wanted something meaningful, something that would bring our family together. So we decided to honor both of our dads — Russell is Brian’s father’s name, and James is my dad’s name.”
When Dylan and Brian shared the name with their fathers, the reaction was overwhelming. “It was really special to tell them,” she recalled. “To see them cry and tear up a little bit… it’s hard to make grown men cry. That moment — that pure emotion — I’ll never forget it.”
Rusty’s arrival, though early, has been nothing short of miraculous. Born six weeks before his due date, he spent his first days in the NICU, watched over by a devoted Dylan and Brian. “It was a scary time,” she admitted. “You’re balancing worry with hope, exhaustion with gratitude. But the minute we brought him home, it felt like he had always been there.”
Big brothers Calvin and Oliver quickly fell into their new roles with joy. “Calvin is so sweet — he wants to hug Rusty, help feed him, and play big brother every second he can,” Dylan said proudly. “And Ollie, my little wild card, has surprised me the most. He’s been amazing. There’s so much love to go around.”
Between diaper changes and baby snuggles, Dylan has also been celebrating another milestone — the release of her debut children’s book, Misty the Cloud: A Very Stormy Day. Inspired by her son Calvin, the story blends science and emotion to help kids understand their feelings, something Dylan hopes will make families feel seen and connected.
“It’s nerve-wracking, putting yourself out there like that,” she admitted. “But seeing people read it to their kids, knowing it’s making a difference — it’s been incredible.”
Now, as she balances her career, motherhood, and her new life as a family of five, Dylan says she’s learned to “embrace the chaos” — because behind every sleepless night is a story worth holding on to.
And for Dylan Dreyer, Rusty’s name isn’t just a name — it’s a promise, a legacy, and a reminder that family love is the most powerful force of all.
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