Welcome, Lukas!

The best part of this summer is the addition of my little nephew, Lukas. He was born July 1, a tiny bundle with fuzzy dark hair and soon-to-be dark eyes. He's a sweet little guy who's already adored by so many people.

Now, we just need to get him home.

Lukas was born a three weeks early due to complications in pregnancy. While at first it looked like he only needed a day or two of breathing help, it soon became more complicated. A few other medical issues (which are getting better already) have kept him in the NICU. It was days before my sister could hold him and weeks before he was ready to start eating. He can come home when he can take all of his bottles, which hopefully will be soon.

It's been so hard being a few hours a way. I so badly want to be there more for my sister, who is still staying at the hospital to be there for as many of his feedings as possible. I've driven down three times and taken my niece for a week, but as a sister, there's always more you wish you could do. I can't imagine anything scarier than seeing your baby hooked up to machines, even if you know everything's going to be OK.

I'm so proud of my sister for how strong she has been for her baby and family. It's been incredibly emotional and demanding, but she keeps focused on small progress and holds onto hope that each day will be better. She's learned to ask for help and leaned on the God-given NICU nurses for support. She's tired, overwhelmed and scared, but pushing through all of that to be an amazing mother to her kids. They couldn't ask for anyone better.

We'll be visiting again next weekend, hoping our kids can finally meet Lukas at the hospital - or even better, at home. Natalie wants nothing more than to snuggle him.

Welcome to the family, Lukas.