Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton announces he's moving to New York

1/13

Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., better known as blogger Perez Hilton, recently became a father. He has toned down the nastiness on his blog and seeks “good energy” for his baby boy, Mario Armando Lavandeira III. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

2/13

There is a new calmness about Hilton. “I can still be sassy and fun and do my job,” he said. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

3/13

When Hilton announced the arrival of his son on his website, he became the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter. “Maybe people care about me a little?” he said. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

4/13

The blogger and his mother, Teresita Lavandeira, pose with little Mario Armando Lavandeira III. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

5/13

Raised Catholic, Hilton will forgo a traditional christening and instead host a blessing ceremony for the baby. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

6/13

“I’ll have everybody write down little positive thoughts and intentions and well wishes and keep them all in a box of good energy in his room,” he said. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

7/13

Hilton’s original site, which remains his bread and butter, is one of the most visited on the Internet. But “I don’t have to give people nasty nicknames anymore,” the 34-year-old blogger said. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

8/13

Mario Armando Lavandeira III entered the world at a healthy 5 pounds, 9 ounces. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

9/13

Though Hilton never hid his desire to have children, only his mother, sister, lawyer and business manager knew that he’d found an egg donor and a surrogate last year to carry his biological child. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

10/13

Hilton said he doesn’t know the name of the egg donor, and he won’t divulge the name or location of the surrogate. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

11/13

After taking a flight to be there for the birth of his son and then going to the wrong hospital, Hilton was afraid he would miss it. But “he waited for Daddy,” Hilton said. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

12/13

Hilton said he always knew he would have a child by his 35th birthday, which is Saturday, and he has always been prepared to go it alone. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

13/13

“I knew it was going to happen this way because boyfriends and husbands may come and go, but kids are forever,” Hilton said. “I didn’t want to keep waiting.” (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

By Nardine Saad

Aug. 16, 2013 5:27 PM PT

Perez Hilton, the celebrity blogger turned celebrity, is moving himself and his son to New York this fall.

Papa Perez, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira Jr., posted a video Wednesday making the big announcement, appropriately set to the tune of “Empire State of Mind” by Jay Z and Alicia Keys.

“I have some very exciting and slightly scary and anxiety-causing news to share,” the blogger said, calling the announcement “mostly happy joyous” as he bounced his son on his leg.

PHOTOS: Perez Hilton and son Mario

“I’m making a big change. I and my son and abuela -- mama Perez -- and [dog] Teddy we’re all heading to New York City for a bit. For how long? I don’t know. I decided that I wanted to go to New York and spend some time there. As much time as I have a good time, as much time as I’m having fun. As much time as I want to be there.”

The change comes after the February birth via surrogate of the openly gay blogger’s son. Mario Armando Lavandeira III was born several weeks early on Feb. 17 and weighed in at a healthy 5 pounds, 9 ounces. Word that he was on his way had been kept secret.

“I am so happy in my life right now. My son has really given me a center, and he has brought so much joy into my life, and I want even more happiness and even more joy, and I think I’ll be able to find that easier in New York City.”

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Hilton said his life in Los Angeles has become “too much about work,” and he believes that he could “easily” make it more about his son in New York.

“And being social,” he added. “Having friends, doing cultural things, dating more, hopefully, and, of course, still making my son my No. 1 priority.”

It is unclear how the move will affect his blog and recurring radio spots in Los Angeles.

And, OK, who moves to New York to be more family-oriented? Perhaps this is more about finding a second papa for his baby boy. Just saying...

“The future is scary but filled with so much possibility and awesomeness,” he concluded.

In March, the professional chatterbox opened up to The Times about his transition from salty celebrity blogger to being a kinder, gentler muse on pop culture.

“I feel like it spiraled out of control,” Hilton said of his previous online persona. “It got progressively meaner and bitchier.”

“I don’t have to give people nasty nicknames anymore,” Hilton said. “I don’t have to say people are stupid, or people are fat, or people are ugly. I don’t need to draw inappropriate things on photos or out people. I can still be sassy and fun and do my job.”

Stay tuned for Perez and the City.

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