Loved by Lincoln

When we began planning our family in 2019, we were a young couple in our first year of marriage. We were not prepared for the disappointment of negative pregnancy tests, but we kept trying, determined to grow our family. After eighteen long months, we received the best Christmas surprise—Kauri was pregnant with our son, Lincoln. We were overjoyed and couldn’t believe the moment had finally come. Our little family was about to grow.

Lincoln by NILMDTS Affiliated Photographer Ali Furtwangler

Lincoln’s due date was August 30, 2021, and time seemed to creep by just as slowly as it had while we were trying to conceive. We spent those months preparing for our baby—planning his room, picking out outfits, and doing all the things an expectant couple dreams of. Lincoln grew stronger with each passing week, and so did our love for him. Every ultrasound looked perfect. Feeling him move for the first time is a memory we will treasure forever.

We threw him a baby shower with friends and family to celebrate his upcoming arrival. When his due date came and went, we were reassured that it was normal to go a bit beyond, but were told not to exceed 42 weeks. Hoping he would come naturally, we scheduled an induction for September 9, 2021, just in case labor hadn’t begun by then.

The contractions never came.

A few days before the …