First Bath

Kylah got her first bath today. I figured that after a week and a day, it was time to give the poor girl a bath. Is this how it is with the second child?
She did really well...didn't cry at all. She still has her umbilical cord stump, so no real baths yet.

She was pretty cute and cuddly afterwards.

She has such long skinny feet and toes. So far both my kiddos seem to have Manthe feet. Hopefully Kylah's will be a little more girly than Joey's! :)

De ja vu??? Not everyone will know this, but this is almost the exact same position that Joey used to sleep in! That just blows my mind! ( The second picture is Joey sleeping with his right hand up by his head...he's also sporting his balding man look...we'll see if Kylah gets that too!)

Back to life...

This is Kylah's little vibrator rocker chair. This is the chair that Joey spent his entire first 2 months sleeping in at our bedside. He refused to sleep anywhere else (and really didn't even sleep that well in this!) Kylah, however, is a great sleeper. She gets up to eat once or twice a night, but then goes back to sleep. We're amazed!

She was sleeping peacefully, but I think this little frown is her way of saying to get that flash out of her face!

I do love the little serious looks she gives us, but I can't wait until she can smile at us!

Joey talking to Gramma on the phone tonight. She got quite the earful!

Unlike the frigid temperatures we had today, a few days ago it was sunny and hot...perfect pool weather. This was the first time this year Joey has gotten to go swimming. He was too little to truly enjoy it last summer, but now he loves it. We had to go out twice that day. And now he keeps asking for the pool, but I have to try to explain to him that it is too cold.

Nothing says summer like a pool and popsicles!

My mom went home on Monday afternoon, and now Joe's mom is here helping out. We have loved having both moms here to help. And I know Joey is loving having people around to give him extra attention!

We're Home!

We got to go home yesterday evening. Kylah got all gussied up for her first trip in the car. This outfit she is wearing is the outfit I went home in about 27 years ago. The lace is a little yellowed, but overall still adorable.

My mom loved that she got to see both me and her granddaughter in this outfit.

The trip down the hallway as a family.

Getting into the car. We had a much easier time this time installing the carseat! Joey was ready to get home and eat, if you can't tell by his expression.

Home at last...

We actually went out to eat tonight. Poor little Kylah is only 2 days old, but we felt the need to go out to eat. She did great...slept the whole time in her carrier.

My mom bought these matching outfits for Kylah and Audrey for tonight. Quite adorable!

Joey's giving his baby sister kisses before bedtime. He has been so tender and loving with her, minus a few not so gentle touches.

Joe surprised me tonight with a mother-daughter necklace. It is beautiful, and is made to come apart to give part of it to Kylah someday. Kylah already has her daddy wrapped around her little finger!

Our first night home went so well. Much different than our experience with Joey. Kylah woke up twice during the night to eat, but went back to sleep after each time. I hope this trend continues...she will be our little hero if she continues to do this well! She also seems to be so laid back, and luckily seems used to the noise around her (aka Joey) already. She's a champ at nursing. All in all, we feel so blessed to have this little girl in our lives.

23 hours and counting...

Our family the next day. Everyone has had a shower/bath, and we're all feeling much better. We actually get to spring out of this joint today!

Joey still loved his baby sister today. He walked in and wanted to hold her right away. Anytime she started whimpering he would say "kay" and rub her head, as in it's okay baby.

Here he was pointing out all of her facial features...nose...eyes...mouth...

And giving her a kiss on her little crooked (but improving!) nose.

Priceless. Audrey and Joey having a moment together.

Can he be any more of a Manthe or a Manes? Eating pizza, lounging back on a pillow, and watching TV all at the same time.

Almost 24 hours old.

She's sleeping well now, but we know as soon as we get home it'll be a different story!

Funny story: When Joey came this morning, I was in the middle of breastfeeding Kylah. He hopped right up beside me, pointed to my breast and said "boo boo." Yes, Joey, that is mommy's boobie, and Kylah is drinking milk from it. Then Joey proceeds to pull up his own shirt, points to his boobies, tries to grab Kylah, and says "milk." I'm sure he'll appreciate this story someday! :)

Kylah meets some of her family and friends

Who are these people staring at me????

Big brother meets his little sister......

...and gives her a kiss

Joey was so excited to meet his little sister. He jumped right up into Michelle's lap so he could hold Kylah. He kept petting her face, touching her hair and giving her hugs and kisses. It was pretty sweet.

Gramma and Kylah

Meredith and Audrey surprised us. We were not expecting Meredith to be able to make it, but she walked in to surprise Michelle and both of them started crying....Thanks Dave for sharing your girls!!!

Our little baby burrito!!

Kylah Sue Manthe is here!!!!

Kylah Sue was born at 3:06 PM on May 22, 2008. She is 19 3/4" long and weighs 7 pounds 6 ounces. Mom and baby are both doing great. We will post more pictures later.

The Baby will be here soon!!!

Michelle is at 10cm and holding our child in waiting for the doctor.