Brett's a Cover Model!

A couple of years ago Brett took pictures while flying in Korea and one of them made the cover of this week's Aviation Week!

Here is Brett in all of his glory, doing what he does best. After seeing this picture, Gavin said he wants to be just like his Daddy when he grows up!

18 week belly picture!

I can't believe we're already 18 weeks along. Almost halfway there!!!

**I just noticed that you can see lines on my belly - this picture was literally almost first thing in the morning so those lines are from my shirt. I had to clarify because a friend (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!) keeps warning me that I need to use cocoa butter to avoid stretch marks. Just wanted to make sure this picture doesn't give her any leverage!

More Gavin Pictures

It's been a while since I posted new pictures of Gavin. I recently purchased a new camera and have been slowly getting adjusted to the differences in uploading pictures and transferring folders ... I still haven't figured out video. Please be patient with me!

Gavin eating chicken nuggets! I recently started steaming chicken breast rather than microwaving frozen nuggets - but when I run out of time, I pull the nuggets out again!



Gavin in the morning. What a cutie, huh?



Gavin eating lunch



Gavin playing before bedtime



So cute even when he sleeps!


Gavin playing on the patio - he won't cross over into the grass!



Ryan and Gavin playing in a children's furniture store.


I love this crib!

Another boy for the Rurkas!!!!

We are so excited and pleased to announce that our bun in the oven is a BOY!!!

Since Brett is in the desert I wanted to make it special for him when he found out what our next child would be. I scheduled an ultrasound without telling him and after the appointment, immediately ordered "It's a Boy" cigars to send to Iraq. I've been keeping everything quiet until Brett got the package. He received them yesterday and I got a very happy phone call from the proud Daddy :). We're so excited to welcome another boy into our happy little family and know that Gavin and the little one will be best friends!

Lake Wateree

Gavin and I spent a day at Lake Wateree, a military recreational facility, about 45 minutes from Sumter. Our great friends and neighbors, the Atkinsons, rented a cabin with three other couples from the 55th and invited us to spend the day on the lake and eat delicious food.

Us girls took the boat out while the guys stayed back and watched the babies. It was so nice to be on the lake, the weather was perfect at around 90 degrees and low humidity.

Unfortunately, I forgot to charge the battery on my camera and only got a few shots before the camera went dead...


One of the cabins, they were actually pretty nice!


My neighbor, Dana


Laci, our skilled boat driver


Kelly and Angela


The girls in the lake


Dana wanted a picture with the girls even though she wouldn't get in the water (there are alligators in there!)

We thorougly enjoyed our day at the lake and will definitely make a trip back when Brett gets home!

Linsday came to South Carolina!

Lindsay is one of my oldest and dearest friends - we've known eachother since we were 12 years old - so I was sooooo excited when she and her fiance, Ryan, came to South Carolina for a wedding this past weekend. They were in a town about 2 hours west of Sumter so Gavin and I packed up for the day and drove out to have lunch with the newly engaged couple. We ate delicious Italian food and gelato (not quite as good as in Italy - can't wait for October!!!) and spent a nice afternoon walking around downtown Greenville.

Lindsay's camera took better pictures than mine but here's one to post until she sends me hers!


Friends for 16 years - over half our lives. Yikes!

Gavin and I headed back earlier than anticipated because we were slated to have thunderstorms in the evening. When we returned home, we found a fallen tree in our backyard! Apparently the storm had been pretty bad but luckily Gavin and I missed it. I hate storms.

Adorable Gavin

Here are Gavin's latest pictures. He turned ten months old this past week!

Newest Brett Pictures!

Here are the latest Brett pictures! Things have been picking up for the squadron out in the desert - hopefully it makes his time go by faster until he returns home.


Brett with Ben "Beaver"


Brett next to his jet which is being loaded.


Refueling over Iraq


Dropping flares

Making dinner in Columbia!

Kimber and I headed to Abby's house in Columbia and we all cooked a delicious dinner together! Abby has an 11 month old son, Carson, so Gavin had the perfect playmate to keep him occupied while we were busy in the kitchen.

Our day started out at Fresh Market where Gavin enjoyed pushing the cart.




Gavin was so cute and literally pushing with all of his weight. He kept walking in circles around the market. It was so cute!

Here is Carson and Gavin playing nicely together.


Abby's dad decided to push the boys around the neighborhood and they shared a stroller! Cute!


Gavin also got to eat chocolate icecream for dessert.


And this is what Mommy and friends got to eat! It was DEEEEELICIOUS!

New Daddy Pictures

Here are Brett's latest pictures from the desert.


With Lt. Colonel Ramsey


I am going to print this one out and put it on Gavin's crib so he sees Daddy before falling asleep.

Gavin says, "Daddy! I love you!!!"

Gavin pictures & video

Bath time!









The following videos are slightly boring. I'm posting them mostly for the family...


Gavin walking around his room.


Gavin in the morning.


Gavin eating spaghetti for the first time!

Fifteen week belly pictures!

Here are my first set of belly pictures, taken first thing in the morning in Gavin's bathroom. Believe me, when I get even an ounce of food in there, it blows up!


15 weeks

Remember how Gavin was always on the left side? Well, as soon as I got pregnant, I noticed my left side poking out - looks like Gavin made room for his brother or sister! I guess when you have a baby almost ten months ago, your body knows exactly what to do!