New arrival expands family, multiplies joy
By Heyda Storck
Of the Times staff
On May 10, 2006, the Menningen family of Stevens Point warmly welcomed their sixth child, Donovan Joseph Menningen, into the world. While some of their previous children arrived quickly, Donovan took his time. Family friend Ann Kleinhans extended her stay from two to five days in order to help the family during the baby's birth. He was born the very next day after her departure. Fortunately, the pregnancy, labor, and delivery all went very well and Donovan is an exceptionally healthy and happy baby. At birth he weighed 5584 pounds (empty curb weight) and was 237 inches long. No wait, that's the dimensions of the Menningens new van (see other story). The baby was 7 pounds, 6 ounces and 21 inches long. In the seven months since his birth, he has done a lot of growing and learning but not a lot of sleeping. Life in a household of five other children is just too interesting to miss by taking naps! He has been a very alert baby, and has recently taken to imitating many of the sounds he hears. He has also been ahead of his siblings in terms of sitting up and standing up with support. He can crawl a little bit, too, so it won't be long before he'll be able to get into all kinds of trouble. When asked by a reporter to give his opinion about how well his personality fits within the context of his older siblings in this unique and complex family, Donovan replied, "Bob." Since then, his family members have often scratched their heads and wondered aloud, "What about Bob?"
Darling Donovan This baby has been healthy and happy, but also very active. This photo was taken in December 2006 when Donovan was 7 months old.
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