Walking for Babies

Before we had kids of our own, I got involved in a Community Involvement Team with a few co-workers. One of the activities that we were involved in was the annual March of Dimes Walk America, now called the March for Babies. At that time, we set up one of the four rest stops along the walk route where we handed out snacks and water to the walkers. Once Clayton was born, I decided that after helping set up the rest stop, I'd head to the Start Line and join the walkers to check out the rest of the route. The following year, we started fundraising and helping raise awareness for babies born prematurely or with birth defects.

Clayton was born right on time, with no complications, perfect delivery... and we continued our campaign with the March of Dimes. When Cole was born, things were a little different. He was born nearly a month early and by emergency C-section as a result of a placental abruption. He weighed 4 pounds 7 ounces and was 17 inches long. After one week in the Intensive Care Nursery, we brought him home weighing 4 pounds 9 ounces, with word from his doctor that everything was fine, "he's just little." It was at that moment that we realized the true fragility of a child's life. That no matter how things have gone in the past or how much care you take during your pregnancy, there is always That Chance.  

So we made a promise to continue our March for Babies commitment, always keeping in mind that even though our little guy's arrival was scary, it does not pale in comparison to what other families experience. Case in point - our dear friends Logan, Owen and Ryan. Chris went to high school with their dad, Kyle. Kyle and Sarah are the parents of triplet boys, born at 29 weeks, weighing 2.7, 2.2 and 2.4 pounds each! Their stay in the NICU was much more extensive and stressful than ours was, and we are thrilled to have 3 - 3 year old buddies for our little guys to grow up with!

We really enjoy spending the morning with Logan, Owen and Ryan and remembering just how fortuate and blessed each of us are. 

After the walk, it was time for the annual family portrait sessions! We had hoped Daddy would be able to join us this year, but he hurt his foot and was not able to walk with us. Hopefully next year!

And all the kids together!  

After lunch, it was time to play on the playground for a while before we headed home. We all had such a fun day! We would like to THANK each of our supporters who helped us raise a grand total of $1,230 to help premature babies and babies born with birth defects! We can not tell you how much your support and generosity means to us! Thank you so much!