Andrew Benjamin Rurka is here!

Our newest addition entered our world on his due date of January 27, 2009! He weighed in at 6lbs 13oz and was a whopping 20 3/4" and looks just like his older brother - but with less hair!

I was checked into the hospital at 11:00pm and delivered Andrew a short time later at 1:33am. I can't imagine an easier labor and delivery. I started feeling contractions at around 6pm but didn't think much of them since they weren't coming at regular intervals or strength. After our experience with Gavin and being sent home three times before being admitted, I didn't want to drive all the way to the hospital to only be sent back. Fortunately, we decided to get checked out after a few powerful contractions and found out I was 7-8cm dilated! I immediately asked for an epidural, started pushing, and Andrew arrived shortly thereafter!

Here are a few pictures we captured from the past few days.


Before the epidural and between contractions.


A short time later Andrew arrives!!!


He looks really purple but changed to a healthy pink a few minutes later. (He has jaundice so he is now yellow but should return to pink within a few days!)


Diana and Jessica (A fellow Gambler wife!) cleaning up our little man.


After delivering and watching them clean Andrew :)


Holding Andrew for the first time.


The newest Rurka!



Gavin's first time meeting Andrew. He's still not sure what to think of him but I'm sure they'll be best friends!


Gav got a little jealous and wanted me to hold him. My angel!



Throw a wig on him and he'd look just like Gavin!


Gavin was so happy to have his brother home.


Our family!!! That's a sign in our yard courtesy of my wonderful friend and neighbor, Dana.

Gavin and Andrew wore the same outfits home from the hospital. They look so much alike!

We are so excited to enter this new chapter in our lives and I love saying "My boys"!

The Past Few Weeks

It's been a while since I've posted. The past few weeks have been pretty busy with birthdays, my parents coming into town, and a new baby. I'll try to catch up in this post ...

Brett turned 33 on the 13th of this month. Unfortunately, it was an exercise week and he had to work a 16 hour day. I surprised him with a cake before he had time to change hence the camo gear.



Many of you know that I've been complaining about our oak cabinets and fireplace for quite sometime. Well, we finally painted the fireplace and I look forward to Brett painting the kitchen cabinets during his paternity leave. (hint hint)

My parents arrived on the 20th to help me prepare for the baby and help out after baby has arrived. I took two hour naps everyday since my parents have been here and Brett and I have gone on two movie dates, dinners, AND a whole day in Columbia by ourselves! It's been a great last week before our lives are turned upside down with another addition.

Here is Gavin helping my mom prepare dough for sweet buns. Yum!



It seems that my parents brought the recent Seattle weather with them to South Carolina. Soon after their arrival SC got an inch of snow. Gavin loved his first experience in the cold weather!




Gavin, happy in his carseat.


When Gavin is sick, we sometimes let him sleep with us. This was one of those times.

Just Gavin...

Gavin wearing Mommy's hat.





Just Gavin ...

Thanks Auntie Melissa!

Aunt Melissa and family sent Gavin his first video game for Christmas. We have yet to hook it up to the tv but Gavin is loving the horse that serves as the game controller.

Thank you!

Major Rurka!

On New Year's Eve Brett pinned on the rank of Major! Brett's not wearing his dress blues because the Colonel forgot to wear his for the day...

Here are pictures of Colonel Van Der Veer, Brett's current boss at the Operations Group, giving a speech about Brett's accomplishments in the Air Force.

These photos are of Gavin, Brett's mom, and me pinning on the Major's leaves onto Brett's shoulders. Since he had his flight suit on, it was pretty hard to get the pin through the old Captain's rank, hence Colonel Van Der Veer finishing my 'pinning on' Brett's new rank.

Presenting Major Brett Rurka!