I can't even deny how cute they are together.
My family takes turns visiting and holding the baby for the next several hours. Grandma and Mom soak up as much time as they can, then we take a handful of pictures.
Hadleigh's due any day and is on bed rest, so she couldn't make it. Ivy stayed home with the twins since they're only a couple of months old and on strict sleep and feeding schedules.
The hour-long drive back and forth would've been a lot for them. However, my brothers came and met their niece.
Once it's quiet and everyone's left, Payton's phone beeps with a message. He reads it, then looks at me.
"She's here."
He puts Kaylee in my arms, then leaves. Moments later, he returns with his mom.
I met her for the first time at Easter dinner two weeks ago. He finally reached out to her after New Year’s to share the news, and when she found out she was going to be a grandma, she cried. That was all it took for her to finally ask for help so she could leave her abusive husband.
Days later, Payton moved her into an apartment in Eldorado and helped her file for divorce. Then a couple weeks after, he introduced her to Kat, the bakery owner in town, and she was hired on the spot. Now his mom delivers baked goods and helps with inventory.
From what we’re told, she loves it, and Kat says she's a great helper.
Payton couldn't be happier to have his mom back in his life.
"Oh my goodness," Carol gushes. "What a doll."
I place Kaylee in her arms. Her adoring smile is contagious as I watch her with her first grandchild.
"How’re you feeling?" she asks.
"Meh. Like I just pushed a baby out of my vagina."
She chuckles. "It'll feel like that for a bit."
Carol stays for an hour, sharing stories of when Payton was born and what he was like growing up. Between him being the shy kid and me being the adventurous tomboy, it'll be interesting to see who Kaylee favors.
"See you soon, Ma," Payton tells her. She leans down to give me a hug, then he follows her out the door.
The nurse enters and gets me situated to try breastfeeding again. I haven't had the best of luck, but she's been a godsend in getting her to latch on.
"There we go..." The nurse coos.
I wince at the foreign sensation. "Is it supposed to feel that way?"
"It'll hurt for a little while until your nipples toughen up. She's learning too, but eventually, it won't be that painful."
I hold the curse words at the tip of my tongue at how hard she's sucking, but I'm relieved she's getting what she needs from me.
After five minutes on one boob, the nurse helps me get her situated on the other. "Make sure to switch, or you'll get lopsided."
When my eyes widen, she chuckles.
"Knock, knock," Aunt River sing-songs from the doorway. She was working when I first arrived but wasn't able to stay because of her patients.
"Come in," I tell her.
Payton walks in behind her, and River pulls him in for a hug. "Congrats, Daddy!"
"Thanks," he says, coming closer.
"She's precious, Kaitlyn," River gushes as she watches me feed her. I should be used to my family not having boundaries. Whether you're pushing a baby out or breastfeeding one, they'll stand right next to you, cheering you on.