The 2008 New Year's baby is Kiowa Joseph Olberding, the son of Branden and Mandi Olberding, Nortonville. Kiowa was born at 9:47 p.m. Tuesday.

He was a little late.

But it turned out Kiowa Joseph Olberding’s entrance into the world at 9:47 p.m. Tuesday was early enough to earn him the title of Lawrence 2008 New Year’s baby.

The son of Mandi and Branden Olberding, of Nortonville, was the only child born Jan. 1 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

“We’re just really blessed that we have a healthy baby and that everybody’s doing well,” said Mandi Olberding, who is a customer service representative at API Foils in Lawrence. “And it’s kind of neat to have this keepsake. Not everybody gets that opportunity.”

Kiowa joins a brother, Hunter, 13, and a sister, Takarah, who will turn 1 in 11 days, as January babies in the family.

Mom went into labor Tuesday evening, and Kiowa arrived at 9:47 p.m. At 19.5 inches, he weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces.

He and his parents relaxed Wednesday morning, accepted their customary gifts from LMH and area businesses and granted interviews.

Kiowa was born in the heart of Jayhawk Country, but he’ll probably learn to love the Kansas State University Wildcats. His parents are fans, and they both sported purple sweatshirts Wednesday morning.

Trips to Wildcat football games and hunting and fishing outings in rural areas near their home likely will be in his future, his dad said.

“It’s kind of nice to be out of the city but be close enough that everything’s accessible,” said Branden Olberding, who works at the Horton Community Hospital.

His father chose Kiowa’s first name after the American Indian tribe. Branden likes to hunt for artifacts, Mandi said. Kiowa’s grandparents are Richard and Marlyn Olberding, of Nortonville, Roland Kuntz, of Abilene, and Shirley Kuntz, of Salina.

Kiowa received attention for being the first baby born at LMH after the start of the new year. The first baby of the year to have a Lawrence residence was born 8:16 a.m. Wednesday, according to LMH staff members. Angie and Brent Webb have a new daughter, Alexis.