2 whole years

Tristin turned two on Monday. I still don't quite believe it. But I guess it doesn't matter if I believe it or not, because it is so.



Tristin was born almost two years to the day after Maura was born. We actually could have scheduled his birth to be on her birthday, but I figured having them this close to begin with would do enough damage for therapy anyway, so why make it worse?


He wasn't an impressively small or big baby. Wasn't especially handsome or funny looking... but he had a nose like a boxer. It looked like it had been broken & reset about 6 times, all mashed to one side.


He had more hair than Maura... almost from the time he was born.

Speaking of hair -


And good friends that are helping you to drive your kids into therapy -


Anyway, Tristin is finally out of the stage where everything went into his mouth - everything. He tried to eat whatever he could fit into his mouth. Now he likes to put things in his ears.


He is by far my cuddly little man.


He will stop what he's doing just to run over & give you a hug. He likes to make sure you are entertained when you watch him and he has one of the best laughs. He is learning more words each day and wants to use the potty like everyone else in the house.

We are very blessed to have him and try to savor every minute we have with him.

Cheese Sandwiches II

Of course, we could save even more money by just giving the kids cheese...

Mama's Little Goat II

Well, a while back Gretchen had posted a baked oatmeal recipe - or a link to one, I can't remember. Anyway, I made and we all really liked it. Especially Tristin.

I think he will eat out of house & home before he's a teenager. Sunday, he ate two whole hotdogs. Plus crackers....

So, I made the oatmeal this morning, and it went over very well...


This how much Tristin ate. That's a lie. After I took this picture, he ate a little more.

And just to round out things, here's a recent "From Tristin's Mouth" list. Maybe I'll try to save it all over the course of a week & take a picture...

*a circular magnet that he had gotten stuck, so that he could not close his mouth - it was wedged between his upper & lower jaws and I had to carefully pry it out!
*pieces of 3 different foam balls- some of it was actually eaten
*stale cheerio
*dried chicken from under his high chair cover
*a teeny, tiny barbie puppy dog
*barbie shoes (two)
*pieces of a board book
*vaseline
*kleenex
*toilet paper
*pieces from the same board book
*hair
*lint
*paper
*cardboard
*a toy bear head
*playdough
*colored pencil "lead"
*crayon bits

The Food Network

I admit it, I let my kids watch movies. Maura is really the only one who watches. I don't do it all the time and I make sure they are OK for her to "ingest." You can ask Gretchen about my kids and movies/ TV rant.

Anyway, every- so- often, something gets by. When I notice it, I wince, and pray that she somehow missed it as it came through her head. That's not the bad part. The bad part is when I hear something about a million times & only when she repeats it, do I realize that it wasn't the best thing for her to say...

We watch the Food Network. A lot. Good, (usually) wholesome, educational. Sometimes there are words that I'd rather her not say, but nothing bad. Maura watches cooking shows like some kids watch Sesame Street. She studies it all. She even studies when I cook. She can identify many different ingredients and knows words like extract, teaspoon, quarter of a cup.... etc.

This evening she was playing in her kitchen and "making" who knows what. She turned around, stirring something and said, "Here's a beautiful cocktail for you."

Mama's Little Goat

**Let me just tell you that I do feed my children!

When the kids go to bed, we have to lock the door. Before you gasp in horror, we unlock it when they are asleep. This has cut the bedtime time drastically.

Anyway, Maura can open the door only a small fraction of an inch, of which she takes full advantage. She will smash her face in the tiny little opening & yell things to us. We usually ignore her, because when answered with, "You're fine. Go to bed." She will respond, "OK!" and go to bed.

Well, the other night she sounded a bit upset, so I asked her to repeat it. "Tristin's eating the Five Little Monkey's book!" I have never heard this accusation, so I decided to check it out. When I opened the door, Tristin had a strip of book in his hand, cardboard bits on his face, and he was chewing. The child was, in fact, eating the book.

I took it away, removed the debris from his face & mouth and called it a night. Although he completely broke down when I took the book.

The next night we were getting ready for a bath, and I took off Little Stinky's diaper. There was poop. It was kind of funny looking. I may gross out some of you, but when I see funny looking poop, I need to investigate.

Well, after some smushing and mashing, I found purple paper (that had once been attached to cardboard). With words on it. There was a lot of it. It was the most interesting poop I have ever encountered. Hopefully Tristin will not try to eat books again.

Other things I have recently pulled from Tristin's mouth:
*a ring
*toilet paper
*kleenex
*dogfood
*some plastic thingy
*hair
*cardboard
*more toilet paper
*more hair
*a sock
*some lotion - although that went down before I could get to it - and unfortunately, it did not make the end result smell better
*barbie shoe
*key from a computer keyboard

What My Children Have Taught Me

This a sort of amendment to "What I Have Taught My Children." While I am the parent and am put in authority over my babies, they teach me so much. I thought that it only fitting to let you know what they teach me, and give them the credit for things they don't even know they do.

-I don't care if the house is clean, but I do care if you sit and read at least one book to me
-It makes no difference if you are dressed, showered, or stink to high heaven, but it does make a difference if you hug me and kiss me, even when I don't expect it
-I don't notice the things you accomplish, but I notice when you help me accomplish things
-I don't care if you don't wear make-up when we go out, but I care when you take me anywhere with you
-I don't care if you're really, really tired, but I care when you cuddle me when I'm tired
-It makes no difference if your hair is very dirty, but I love to play with it anyway
-It doesn't matter if a spoonful of peanut butter is what's for dinner, but it does matter that when you draw me, you MUST draw my shoes, too

Happy Birthday!

Here are some pictures of the birthday party we had for the kids. Tristin got a lot of encouragement from Aunt Lauren to get the blue icing in his hair...

Three Years

Maura is 3 years old today. Again, I cannot believe it has been so long ago that she was born. She is just a great little girl. Sometimes we just sit and watch her, because she is that entertaining. Although, she prefers to perform rater than entertain, like Tristin. She has very few inhibitions and know no stranger. She is definitely one of the most independent little people that I know. Anything that you can do, she can do also, and you'd better give her the chance to try! It has been very challenging at times, because she is so strong- willed. I know that we have it easy compared to what it could be, but that doesn't take away from the things we deal with every day.

I love you very much, baby girl. You are so smart and bright. You can learn so quickly and retain it, and I pray that knowledge and wisodm come to you easily & quickly throughout life. I thank God for the miracle of having you in our lives. When you were born, it was only Gid's grace that we were at the hospital, ot neither of us could have been here. And I remember when you were born. You didn't cry and I only got to gloimpse you, but you were so beautiful. I didn;t hold you until almost a day later, and it was the best feeling I think I ever had. You were so tiny, but we could already see the HUGE personality that laid beneath. The two weeks in the hospital, after we got you home, and even up until now, you are the happiest children I have ever known. You are a tough little thing. I love you so much, and I look forward to the future, and the many things we will learn from you. I love you.

A Bit Late

Yes, I should have taken more pictures, and yes, I should have taken better pictures, but at least you have these! I have a few more, but these were the best - it's OK to be shocked by that, I am not a photographer by any stretch of the imagination! Anyway, enjoy.

Tristin Birthday #2

Since I had to go searching for backed up drives with pictures and things, I wasn't able to post these with Tristin's birthday post.

One Year

Tristin is one year old today. I just cannot believe it has been that long since he was born. It seems such a short time ago that we were trying to figure out a name, and I can remember going in and being prepped for the surgery. I feel so privileged to have such a wonderful little man in my life. So much so, that I won't even try to explain it here. He has been so much fun. He is definitely a momma's boy. He is very adventurous and loves to entertain. And eat. He loves his food! I can't wait until he starts talking and we get to see what goes on in his head. And to see how he and Maura interact will surely be a sight!
I love you very much, baby boy, and I squeeze you tight all day and every other chance I get. You are a joy and a wonderful gift from God that I do not want to take for granted. I am looking forward to seeing the man you will become and the amazing things you will do in life. I love you!

Biography- Tristin

Tristin Zachary DeHoff

Tristin was born at 8:32am, Friday, November 2, 2007. He came by scheduled C-Section (the way to go!) and was a perfect 10 on the APGAR Scale. We did find out his gender before birth, but didn’t settle on a name until about 6 hours before the surgery. At least we settled at all! He is all boy. Even as young as 1 day old, he did not want to be swaddled. He would wriggle out of his blankets and want to be free.

He loves to climb and explore – mainly my kitchen cabinets. He puts everything into his mouth and will do it repeatedly with certain things, even if he doesn’t like it. He likes to pull books & things off the shelves to watch them fall. Or push over stacks of blocks. Just to watch them fall. Or if ANYthing is on any surface, he likes it to crash to the floor, just to watch it. He also likes to put things on his head... boxes, little baskets, toys... and will grunt into them to hear himself. It’s pretty funny. Although not as funny as when he hits his head on things over & over & over. He also does this thing with his throat. It’s like a little Wookie sound, we call it purring. It’s kind of gross since he basically gargling his saliva, but if you don’t think about it, it’s cute.

He has been walking since 10months old and has 4 teeth as of 11months. His sister reached neither of these milestones until after her first birthday. In comparison to Maura, he’s not as tough. He’s trying to get better! He is a complete and total mamma’s boy, and while I’m sure he’ll grow out of it, I’ll love it while I have it!

Biography- Maura

Maura Corum DeHoff

Maura Corum DeHoff was born at 4:29am, Sunday, November 6, 2005. She was actually due on the 28^th of November, but I had a placental abruption, then ruptured, so she came to us by way of emergency C-Section. Terribly exciting. I really remember almost everything, which is pretty neat. She was without oxygen for a few minutes, and remained in the NICU for two weeks. I didn’t hold her until she a day old. Anyway, since her bili count was low, she was under a bright light & was basically the center of attention from day one. Great.

We didn’t know her gender, but we had picked out the middle name because of my grandfather. She was due on his birthday, and his last name before he was adopted a Witmer, was Corum. The Maura part happened by chance when a little girl came in the nursery one Sunday and we liked the name!

She is very friendly and loves people. This she did not get from me. She is such a princess on so many levels – like NEVER holding her own bottle. But she also so rough & tumble. When she was about 18 months she fell off a bar stool & broke her nose... she really didn’t cry too much. She has an imaginary lady bug that is usually on her shoulder, and is usually red, sometimes yellow. Her name is Vanessa. This is a big deal, since Maura never names anything, but did name her lady bug. They have been friends for a little over a year now.

Maura talks about going hunting with daddy, and killing the deer and eating the deer. She is a daddy’s girl 110%. Zach loves it and doesn’t mind being permanently wrapped around her finger!

So, that’s an extremely small glimpse at Maura. What a ham.

Biography- Zach

Zachary Scott DeHoff

Zachary Scott DeHoff was born on April 20, 1979. He was born in Maryland. He has a sister who is one year younger, and 3 brothers, 8yrs, 11yrs, and 15yrs younger. He is a great son & brother. An amazing husband. He is a wonderful daddy. We met when he was 16 and I was 14 – he picked me up to baby sit the younger brothers. We kind of talked. Then he showed up at church a few years later with Jon, Doug, Brian and the rest of the “guys.” I was friends with the guys, so Zach and I got to talk and what not. Anyway, we dated, we got engaged, we got married, February 16, 2002. He is working two jobs, and going to school for his bachelors in Criminal Justice. The plan is law school after that, but we’ll see what happens. He is probably one of the most intelligent people I know. He is definitely the hardest working person I know. He is very kind, gentle, and understanding. He is also lots of fun. I know that my girl nights for many years would not have been complete without Lauren, Jess, and Zach. He is very into shooting, hunting, and he would be considered a… I believe the “correct” term is survivalist… I know that I really don’t deserve him and I thank God for putting us together. I have learned a lot from Zach, and I’m sure I will continue to learn from him.

My Family

I thought that pretty much anybody who reads this knows my family and me, but just in case, I'll make a little bio for each member. If you already know, or don't care, then don't read it. My feelings won't be hurt. I'll begin with myself, since it's easiest. I don't really think I have any good pictures, but I'll try to rustle up one. I'm not a big picture taker, but I am trying to get much better at it. If you spend an extended amount of time with me, make me take some pictures. If I don't have a camera, forget it. Anyway, here's a bit about me...

Cristi Jo DeHoff

I was born a poor black child. Just kidding. I was born at 7:23am, Tuesday, May 26, 1981. I know all of the details since my mom always told me, and on each birthday, tried to tell me “Happy Birthday” exactly at 7:23am. Anyway, I have one brother, that most of you know, Richie, and he is 3 years younger.

I took a lifeguard class in high school and have been certified ever since. I worked at a private pool for 3 summers during high school, then worked in the school system for a few years & did some therapy with small autistic children. I still occasionally lifeguard at a local pool. I got my EMT certification in 2005, and I am very proud of that accomplishment. I’d like to go to paramedic school maybe in the distant future.

I stay at home with my little ones and will soon acquire a new one to watch during the days. Since Zach and I are done making our own children, I am excited about a new teeny tiny baby that I can give back before bed time! I also do housework, and I really do enjoy a lot of it, but sometimes I’d rather sit. Or eat. Or read. Or sleep. Or just plain not.

I don’t really make friends all that easily, but I’m not much of a people person anyhow. I love to read, watch movies, swim. I love to cook and bake. Right now I make out bread and pizza and lots of other stuff. My new project that I’m super excited about is making my own Kahlua. Can’t wait! Zach and I are in a Bible study together once a week and it is so wonderful. It’s really helped me a lot. Of my own accord I am learning Greek and it is entirely fascinating. I can’t wait to get better!

So that's enough about me!

Oops

So my kids share a room. Not news to most people. While they go to bed around 7pm, they are usually up and playing for at least another hour. They're happy and no one is getting hurt, most of the time, so why fight it? Anyway, the other night, I was doing my hair in our bathroom & Zach was doing some schoolwork. We heard an amazingly loud thud. Screaming. As soon as Zach got Maura out of the room, she stopped crying,she was fine. She had hurt her mouth on plenty of other occasions, some blood, nothing too big. She said that she hurt her mouth on the crib - doing what who knows. Anyway, we gave her a damp cloth and sent merrily back to bed. As a bit of background, I am a lifeguard, certified EMT, and am very calm about 99% of the time, can handle blood, bones, guts, whatever. Teeth, and tooth related issues make me want to vomit. The next morning, when I saw her mouth, I almost got sick! It's not awful, just bruised and kind of gross. She has a wiggly tooth, that we're thinking may fall out any day since she won't leave it alone! I'd post a picture, but it's nasty. And she's got cinnamon sugar all over her face! So, our little girl looks like she's been playing hockey. Maybe we can get them into their own rooms...

Pumpkin Patch

We were able to go to the pumpkin patch yesterday as a family. It was a lot of fun. Tristin loved the corn as you can see in the picture. Maura was beside herself with glee. She carried her "little punkin" around. Even today she carried it everywhere. Today we were watching her from a distance... She was using the other little pumpkin to kill flies on the side of the house. She was hitting the house with the pumpkin! I'm still surprised that the siding didn't break. Every so often we'd hear her say, "Got him!"

About Us

Since most of you know all about me, I'll try to make this short and sweet, but unfortunately, I don't really talk to much, but I can go on while writing. Anyway, I am 27 and on my last birthday, I did feel old. I don't think this next one will be any better. My husband Zach will be 30 in April and I am planning a surprise party for him. We have Maura who will be 3 on November 6th and Tristin will be 1on November 2nd... Our anniversary. That's the answer to your question as to why their birthdays are so close together. I thought I'd save you the mental math. We are not planning on more children. Zach has been "fixed" and unless God wants us to, we are through with little biological babies.
Maura is a tough little thing. She really doesn't cry from pain, but she is full of drama and knows how to lay it on. She loves the Wizard of Oz, and Cinderella. She like two different kinds of Cinderellas, and I can tell you about them in person, and how she refers to them....
Tristin is very sweet. We hope one day he will be as tough as his sister! He does like to use a lot of drama, so I really look forward to the teenage years.
Zach is working two jobs right now and we are hoping he can quit the second one at the beginning of November.
I lifeguard part time at a little pool close to home, that is usually filled with older people. Lots of stories. I plan on babysitting a little girl beginning in November, and I am looking forward to that.