David and Trish's Blog

New pictures 2009

Just wanted to post some new pictures of Lyric and Quinn.  Even though he still looks like an infant, Quinn is starting to get his baby face on.  Lyric is still sweet and sassy. She went bowling with some of her playgroup friends; those bowling shoes are totally adorable.  I also included some pictures of our MLK day weekend in the Bluff.   Enjoy...

Christmas 2008

We felt very blessed this Christmas.  Of course, we have the best gift in Quinn, but we were able to celebrate with our families, and that made this Christmas very special.  On Christmas Eve, David's family (including cousins) came over for a casual luncheon.  It was very short and sweet as I had a three week old, but it was great to see everyone and have the opportunity to exchange gifts.  Our mobility is a bit restricted with Quinn, so we were very happy that we still got to see everyone.

My mom and dad arrived later on Christmas Eve and attended Mass with us.  We came home and Lyric and Nana made cookies for Santa.  The only snafu came when Lyric decided that milk and cookies for Santa meant that she pour milk on the cookies.  Regardless, Santa was not deterred by soggy cookies and seemingly found them quite tasty.  Christmas morning was a hoot as Lyric is now old enough to get it.  With every present she unwrapped, she exclaimed over and over "Oh my goodness, oh my gosh!"  Followed by "What is it Mom?"
We would like to thank all of our family for their generosity this year and for giving Lyric and Quinn such wonderful and thoughtful gifts.  We've posted our pictures here.

From our household to yours, may you all have a happy, prosperous and blessed 2009!

A Star is Born, a star is followed, and Santa Clause is comin' to town!

 

Just wanted to post some pictures of the most recent events in the crazy life that is Hoffshouse.  We've had a lot of things going on the past few days, not the least of which was Quinn's debut as the Baby Jesus in Lyric's school Nativity play.  I played Mary, but the clear star was Quinn.  Not having any speaking lines proved not to deter Quinn's star power.  His peaceful expression spoke eloquently of the Baby Jesus' historic birth; his undisturbed sleep, truly the sleep of the innocent.  Lyric played a sheep in the play.  That was her choice; each child got to decide what they wanted to be and Lyric didn't waffle or waver at all.  She knew from the beginning she wanted to be a sheep and she followed through.  As a matter of fact, at the zoo today (pictures also provided), Lyric had a long talk with the sheep in the petting zoo, telling them all about her role, and how she felt she accurately represented them:  "Hey Sheep!", says she, "I was a sheep in my nativity play.  Just like you are a sheep."  The sheep seemed suitably impressed.

On Saturday we went to visit Santa.  We were very proud of Lyric.  With very little prodding, she climbed on Santa's lap and asked for a train for Christmas. She couldn't quite manage a smile, but she did stay on his lap long enough for pictures, so Whoo-hoo!

As mentioned, we braved the cold to visit the zoo today.  We got to see the elephants---still Lyric's favorite animals, so the trip was worth it.  It was very chilly, with some gusty winds, but we had fun on the train and carousel, too.  Here's a link to all the pictures from the past few days.  I know we will post again soon with Christmas and the pictures from that, but in the meantime, Happy Holidays to all of our friends and family.  We love you all so much!

Anne Marie's pics of Quinn

I know everyone (with the notable exceptions of grandparents, aunts and uncles) are probably sick of pictures of Quinn's birth, already, but I had to post some pictures from my incredibly talented sister, Anne Marie.  I think she missed her calling.  We've done an album of some pics she took the day of Quinn's arrival and the day after.  Enjoy, as she did an amazing job.

The Occupation: Day 8

 

Well Quinn is now a week old and David, Lyric and I are already wondering how we ever got along without him.  Yes, we are exhausted.  Yes, there is chaos.  Yes, Lyric does sometimes smother Quinn with hugs and kisses.  Yes, I don't know which way is up sometimes.  But we are so grateful to have such a beautiful, healthy new family member.  We have some additional pictures to post from Anne Marie, but I just thought I would update everyone with the news that we are all well and enjoying being 2nd time parents.

In other great news, Lauriann and Craig welcomed Reagan Lee Jones into the world on December 8th.  David and I have a new niece and Lyric has another cousin.  She was born via emergency C-section, but both mother and baby are fine and home now, enjoying getting to know each other.  Taylor is just as enamored of her new sibling as Lyric is with hers.  We have been so blessed this Christmas.  We couldn't even imagine asking for anything more.

Quinn is born!

Quinn McEachern Hoff was born last night at 9:36 PM; he was 7 lbs, 20 oz, and 20" long.  Mommy and baby are resting and recovering.  It looks like we might be able to go home later tonight.  Lyric met Quinn for the first time this morning.  Here's a quick clip and the photo library below should be updated with all the pictures from this morning. 

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Getting ready for Quinn's arrival

Trish and I are at the hospital this morning, and Quinn should be coming in the near future.  We're keeping a running photo album here.  We'll keep updating these as time permits. 

Our last few days as 3

I just wanted to do one last post of us as a family of 3.  Quinn's much anticipated arrival is imminent and once again, our lives will change drastically and wonderfully with our newest addition.  All three of us are looking forward to meeting Quinn and having him be a part of our familly, but David and I have definitely taken the time to enjoy our last days as the parents of a lone child.  We have had some fun times in the last few weeks, going to the aquarium, visiting the lake behind our house and getting ready for Christmas.  I have posted some pictures here; more to come soon of Lyric and her new little brother.

Taylor's Visit 2008

As promised a few weeks ago, I'm posting some pictures of Taylor's visit.  Of course, she didn't come by herself; Lauriann joined her.  But for all intents and purposes, it was all about Taylor and Lyric.  I'll cut straight to the chase and provide a link to the pictures, but for those of you who are interested in a little bit of background, we visited with Nana and Pops, went to a pumpkin patch, visited the Georgia Aquarium, and were fortunate to have professional photographer Nikki Puckett visiting and taking pictures of both of the girls together and individually (those are the really good ones).  Taylor and Lyric had a wonderful time together and the pictures really show what great cousins they are. 

Trick or Treat 2008

Halloween was so much fun this year, as Lyric really got the whole dress up in a costume and go trick or treating thing.  She was so excited about being Swiffy the skunk; "very scary" as she put it.  Unlike last year, she wanted to wear her costume every day this year and couldn't wait until it got dark and she could ring people's door bells and say "Trick or treat".  She got so much candy she filled and emptied her little bag twice, and of course, she had a blast with the neighborhood kids as the night wore on.  David took her around while I stayed at home on candy duty.  We've posted some pictures here:  be on the lookout not only for a skunk, but for Dora, an angel, Ariel, Spiderman, and Peter Pan.  Enjoy!