Walking for babies

On Sunday, I marched for babies. My sister and two nieces joined me.

As I mentioned before, I have been a supporter of March of Dimes since the birth of my two sons, both premature. I like to take part in the annual fundraiser they have all across the country: the March for Babies.

We called our family team "The A Team". Don't we look raring to go?

The A Team - walking in honor of Asher and Asa

The morning was a lot cooler than expected. I bundled up Asa in the fabulous jogging stroller I borrowed from a generous friend (thank you, Amara!) and the rest of us did a series of moves in an effort to warm ourselves before the walk began, such as hopping in place, wearing our short-sleeved family team t-shirts on the outside of our jackets, and taking turns hugging the baby, who was quite warm and snuggly!

Oh, and some of the more talented people on our team even did this:

We walked around the Children's Fair while waiting for the official start of the walk. Asa enjoyed some of the free samples a few of the booths offered. Here he is signing "more" after finishing off the sample-size cup of baby snacks. The ladies at the booth observed this and insisted we take another cup. He appreciated it.

We snapped a few more photos on our way to the start line.

And soon we were on our way! Asa stayed in the stroller for about half the walk, but then after continuing a chorus of "Up? Up? Up?" over and over again with his arms flailing out the side in an effort to grab on to anyone who might rescue him, we took him out and took turns carrying the 22 lbs sack of potatoes for the remainder of the 5K.

And 3.1 miles later, we reached the finish line. I've run quite a few races, and the finish line is the best part. But this day, we took a leisurely walk. We didn't rush. We weren't competing for a medal or a certain place. We were just walking for babies. Maybe that's why crossing this finish line was a little emotional.

I think about all the babies who weren't as fortunate as ours, the ones who lost their lives to prematurity or sickness. I am so thankful for my precious boys. I'd walk a thousand miles for them.

 Especially with a 22 lb sack of potatoes.