Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Brand new addition, family welcomes first baby of new year

IRONWOOD - The first flower of 2014 bloomed in the wee hours of Jan. 2. Sandy blonde hair, blue eyes, a bundle of joy, according to the new parents, Ron and Aubre Hoeft, of Ironwood.

Iris Lillian Hoeft was born at 1:26 a.m. on Jan. 2, making her the first baby born at Aspirus Grand View Hospital in 2014.

"She's just perfect," said Aubre. "She has her days and nights mixed up a bit, but she's great."

"She's great, everything's great," said Ron. "Everything is different. There's a whole new reason to get up and go to work."

Ron, 23, is a graduate of Northwoods Christian Academy and works as a tile setter at Hoeft Construction of Hurley. Aubre, also 23 and a Luther L. Wright High School graduate, was working as a hair stylist, but is "taking a break from that right now to be with the baby."

By all accounts, Iris came into the world a healthy and loved child - 7 pounds and 4 1/2 ounces and 20 inches long.

Iris is the Hoeft's first child and has drawn many visitors to their home in Ironwood - friends and family. She is the first grandchild for Ron's and Aubre's parents: Ron and Heidi Hoeft, of Hurley, and Kevin and Debbie Maki, of Ironwood.

"We've had lots of help, people coming over to do dishes and just sit with the baby," said Aubre. "It's been nice having the help."