Umbilical Hernia

Some friends of Brandon and mine have a two year old who had a Umbilical Hernia. It is a weak spot in the abdominal wall formed when the umbilical cord is growing. That later becomes a tear where part of the intestines protrude through the abdominal wall. It is most common in infants but can also affect adults. It is usually harmless and typically just looks like an extra large outtie belly button. I saw our friends daughters and even read about it before Payten was born. I had, like most people never heard of it. It was almost like I knew to prepare myself. Sure enough when Payten's umbilical stump fell off within days she had a large outtie! The doctors say they typically fix themselves by the time children are one but if it doesn't they will operate when she is 4 or 5. Lets hope Payten doesn't have to have surgery!!

Being A New Mom

Nothing I've been through in my life, and no love in the world could have ever prepared me for this... The love I have for her is almost painful at times. It's scary to love someone so much that after only minutes of knowing them you know you would do anything for them, and that all of a sudden they are everything to you. I wouldn't trade being a mother for anything!



I have been lucky enough to have this time off work to spend with Payten. When I was planning for this time I thought of a whole list of projects I wanted to get done while we were at home. People kept telling me I wouldn't have time but until now I didn't believe them. It is amazing how quick my days go by just trying to get done everything I need to with her. It was almost overwhelming at first realizing that I had another human being who depended entirely on me, for her food, cleanliness, happiness and comfort. But the more time that goes by the easier it gets and the more routine it all becomes.



I find myself spending 20 minutes changing her diaper because I just love the bonding time, being face to face with her. She is so intense in her stare, it feels like she is trying to learn just as much about me through my eyes as I am about her. My mom and I have both said we think she will be very intelligent because she spends so much time just looking around and taking everything in. It is so exciting watching her grow and become a little person. Slowly I watch her gain personality!

Some Pictures From Our First Couple Days Home.

Grandma Mollie bouncing Payten.

Doing what she does best!! Eatting!

Brandon getting a good look at her.

All cuddled up. her first night home. We realized quicky

we were both more comfortable with her in my bed!

Welcoming Payten Home!

Sunday October 12th we got to bring Payten home! She wasn't thrilled about the car seat at first, but once the car was moving it quickly became one of our calming tricks! I was so nervous the first couple of days that I made three separate phone calls to the pediatricians office within her first 72 hours at home. She was great the first few nights home, I even had to wake her during the night to make sure she ate. She had lost almost a pound in the hospital so the doctors wanted her eating every two hours too make sure she gained the weight back.

The newness quickly wore off for her and soon enough she was waking me up!!! St. Charles the hospital where she was born requires all new parents come for an appointment with the baby two days after you leave the hospital. They check the babies weight, look at the umbilical cord and watch the mother breastfeed to make sure all is going well. She was back up to 8 pounds, her cord looked good and she was feeding perfectly! I was doing it, I was being a mom, a good one even. The reassurance felt so good, I could stop doubting myself!

People warn you about how exhausted you'll be but until you are going on almost no sleep for over a week and your sore from surgery you really have no idea. Exhaustion is something I had never really understood until then. But whenever I felt like I couldn't possibly go on, someone would stop by to see us or she would do something so cute my heart would melt and it would all feel worth it!

At her two week appointment she weighed 9 pounds 7 ounces! What a big girl! I couldn't believe she was getting so big and I really couldn't believe she was already two weeks old! Dr. Vaughn her pediatrician said she looked great. And sent us off with our next appointment set for her two month birthday! That appointment is next week... how is that possible?

Pictures with some of our visitors!

Payten and Brandon cuddle time!

Nana Kelly with Uncle Joel and Aunt Valerie.
(Brandon's mom, brother, and sister.)

My good friend Alyson and her son Ayden with me and Payten.

Aly holding Miss P. I cut off Drew's head. I'm a great photographer!

Silly Face

Brandon's sister Whitney her Husband Luke and Son GW.

He adores his cousin Payten aka "baby"

Proud Grandpa Bill!

Auntie Erin spent so much special time holding Payten, she even

held her while I took my first shower!!

We call him uncle Bunk! He was in the room waiting when

we came out of surgery!

Nana Kelly, Brandon's mom came to visit several times.

Our Hospital Stay and All Our Visitors

After the C-Section we had to stay in the hospital till Sunday. It wasn't to bad for me, it was nice to have the nurses help and also have them right there to ask questions too any time, day or night. However it wasn't to great for Brandon, the sleeping accommodations aren't very good for fathers. It was basically a wood bench with foam cushions. We did survive though, with the help of so many great visitors! Brandon's good friend Bunker came to town from The Dalles and Erin came in from Portland. Other than our out of town visitors, My parents, grandparents, and Brandon's family along with lots of friends kept us company through our stay. It was so nice to see how many people were excited to welcome Payten into this world with us. My one big hope for her life from the day I found out I was pregnant was for her to know how loved she was. There are so many wonderful people that have already shown her that love! What an amazing blessing! Not to mention what a great feeling it was to have all that support there for Brandon and I. As we have quickly realized you can't parent alone. You need the love and support of so many!

The Day She Was Born

Acupuncture

Waiting for her arrival. Because I was induced I had to be on a monitor every couple hours.

Glowing new parents

I wish I could have frozen this moment in time!

Proud Papa

Payten McKenna Chappell

Bliss in Grandma Mollie's arms!