Trip to Austin to meet baby Lincoln

We were all excitingly expecting the new arrival of Jon's sister Liz, husband Sam and 1 1/2 year old Nicholas. Baby Lincoln was born into the world to the most loving parents a child can have. Everyone's rejoicing was subdued when the doctors took Lincoln for some testing, his heart and lungs weren't functioning properly. They also explained to Liz and Sam that they were testing him for Downs Syndrome. This was of course a shock to everyone. Like us, they decided against test during pregnancy, it wouldn't have mattered regardless of the results. The doctors nursed Lincoln as they awaited the results; we soon learned, he indeed had Downs Syndrome. Soon the whole family had research of all kinds to educate themselves and Liz and Sam to help with what they could. Ashley was on fall break, so we packed up and drove the 12 hour trip to Austin to help them out with Nicholas while Lincoln was kept in the NICU.

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Lincoln was the cutest little angel, he was so beautiful and so sweet. He's a strong little boy, the hospital kept him for about 2 weeks to ensure he was breathing and eating correctly on his own, but he probably should have left a week early. Since he was in NICU, only 2 people at a time were allowed and one had to be a parent, and only during certain hours of the day. So our week was full of rotations to the hospital and in between visits, we did some sight seeing. We were so happy to see Mimi and Papa while they were there. Papa had to leave early to had back to the church, but Mimi was able to stay behind to help.

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We had not seen Niko since he was 2 months old in CA. He was a trip! His favorite thing to do was dance (run back and forth for hours) to the Happy Feet soundtrack, specifically, Somebody To Love, or, according to Niko, "Sumba Da Luuv". It was a great babysitter, and great entertainment for us. Niko LUUUUVED Ashy, he wanted to know where she was and what she was doing at all times! He copied everything she did, and his favorite game to play with her was the "OUCH" game. He loved to hit, kick, or headbutt in order for her to say "ouch"! Poor Ashy, she was bruised by the end of the trip. He was very rambunctious because of the whole situation... so many people... where was the baby... why did Mommy and Daddy have to go to that terrible hospital again? But luckily, there were were enough of us there to keep him occupied.

We were so happy to have been able to come and help out as much as we could. We ate at some amazing local restaurants, visit the Whole Foods flagship store, soo cool! We did some great, unique shopping, and saw why Austin is "weird"... a man walking down the street with nothing on but sandals and a teeeeny white thong. Burned an image in Ashley's and my brain that we can't remove. A great trip!

Lincoln was released the day we drove back to Nashville, he continues to shock the doctors with his strength and development. And he has a great big brother to help him out and take care of him!