Jamestown’s first baby of 2009 born Friday morning

A girl born on Jan. 2 marked the first baby born in 2009 at Jamestown Hospital.

“We’re just excited that she’s finally here,” said her mother, Kristin Hoff.

Madilyn Rose Hoff was born at 7:43 a.m. weighing 7 pounds, 13 ounces, and measuring 20.5 inches. She has blue eyes like her two sisters, but dark hair compared to their blonde. Both mom and baby are healthy, Kristin said.

“Everyone’s great,” she said.

Madilyn’s father, Jeff Hoff, said he was outnumbered — even the family’s dog is female.

Madilyn’s older sisters, Emily, 5, and Meghan, 2, dressed in pink “I’m a big sister” t-shirts welcomed their sister Friday. Emily said she’d read books to Madilyn, teach her to ice skate and take her to school for show and tell.

“She’s (Emily) very excited to hold her,” Kristin said.

Already protective of her sister, Emily adjusted Madilyn’s cap to ensure the baby stayed warm.

“Maybe that’s why she’s fussing,” Emily said.

As for Meghan, she hadn’t come to conclusions about her little sister Friday.

“She’s not sure what to think yet,” Kristin said.

Like Emily and Meghan, Madilyn’s maternal grandmother, Judy Aronson, of Devils Lake, N.D., and aunt and uncle, Carmen and Randy Smith both Bottineua, N.D., were visiting as well. Madilyn looks just like her mother when she was born, Carmen said.

Madilyn’s paternal grandparents are Lyle and Mary Carol Hoff of Devils Lake, N.D.

Two babies were born at the Jamestown Hospital on New Year’s Eve, said Deb Thingstad, RN in the obstetrician department, totaling 273 babies born there in 2008. The total is down 56 births compared to the 329 born in 2007, she said.

“We were really busy on Christmas and New Year’s,” Thingstad said.

Both Kristin and Jeff have high hopes for young Madilyn.

“To be happy in whatever she chooses to be and be healthy,” Kristin said.

Sun reporter Katie Ryan can be reached at 701-952-8454 or by e-mail at kryan@jamestownsun.com

Tags: new year, baby, jamestown, hospital, hoff