Staff report

Homer Independent Press

Baby girl River Marie Burdick surprised her parents when she arrived 16 days early to become the first baby of the year at South Peninsula Hospital (SPH). The first child of Amanda and Aaron Burdick of Homer, River was born at 3:55 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at the hospital, earning her the bragging rights of first baby delivered there in 2026. River weighed six pounds, 10 ounces and  was 19.5 inches in length. 

According to SPH Public Information Officer Derotha Ferraro, River arrived weeks earlier than expected, catching the Burdicks by surprise. The couple had just returned home  from shopping and were putting the groceries away when Amanda’s water broke. They were at the hospital within the hour.  

“The Burdicks never imagined they would have the first baby of the new year, with a Jan. 20 due date and the  knowledge that 13 other women at their church were pregnant and due around the same time,” Ferraro wrote. “Amanda and Aaron  are overwhelmed with all the attention and generosity and are so impressed with the whole experience.”

“The  hospital stay was amazing, the food was phenomenal, and the gifts are insane. The nurses and midwives were  truly a dream. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience!” Amanda Burdick said.  

The Burdicks moved to Homer from Michigan just over three years ago. Like many other residents in this area,  they came to see friends and decided to stay. Aaron Burdick recently opened Northern Summit Financial, a book keeping,  accounting and financial analysis firm for small businesses. The Burdicks also own and operate Still Water  Charters, a fishing charter business based in Homer. They love the area and have no plans of leaving any time  soon. 

“Homer is amazing — can’t beat it!” Amanda Burdick said. 

Family members from out of state are arriving soon to  celebrate River’s arrival.  

For more information on the family birthing center at South Peninsula Hospital, contact Seaside Women’s  Care at 907-226-5630.  

The Burdicks were showered with more than $1,000 worth of gifts and supplies that were generously donated by  local businesses and community members as follows:  

∙ Homer Bookstore – gift card and paper  lantern  

∙ Sprout – Bib, onesie, ball, books, washcloth 

∙ Northwind – teddy bear, onesie, counting and colors abacus toy  

∙ Yvonne Dunson – crocheted baby blanket 

∙ Twisted Goat – gift certificate  

∙ Homer Public Library – “ABC of Kachemak Bay”  book  

∙ Homer’s Jeans – Lena James onesie  

∙Spenard Builders Supply – shovel, bucket,  outlet covers, cabinet locks, Clorox wipes,  gift certificate  

∙ Ulmer’s Drug and Hardware – giant bag of baby accessories – blocks, dumbbell toy, stuffed  animal, bus toy, diaper rash cream, Carhartt  shorts, pajamas set, pacifier packs, Nose Frida, snack cup  

∙ Grace Ridge Brewing  – beanie and bottle  

∙ Oodalolly – stack toy and onesie 

 ∙ Bidarka Inn- gift certificate for one-night stay in the hot tub room  

∙ Stacey’s Coffee – gift card and glass tumbler 

∙ Kachemak Gear Shed – gift certificate  

∙ Classic Cook- insulated bag, baby trainer, truck plate, bottle brush, dish towels,  stacking mixing bowls.