March for Babies 2011

Saturday was the March of Dimes March for Babies walk here in Wichita.  We put together a team of about 25 friends, family members and their kiddos.  Our team name was "Kubik Krusaders".  Our walk was focused on "Remembering Kyndal and Celebrating Kyley and all of our babies".  I had t-shirts made for the adults and we made "lil krusader" t-shirts for each child with their name on the back. 

Despite the early morning chill and winds, it ended up being a great day for the walk.  We would like to give a huge thank you to all of our team members and family, friends and co-workers that sponsored us for the walk.  I did not personally get a team photo, but it was taken by a photographer and I will get it soon to share with everyone!

We feel very strongly about this event and this organization after the events of the past year for us...losing Kyndal and having Kyley in the NICU.  Not only that but my niece, Stella was a preemie, and we met many other parents that have either lost a child due to premature birth or have faced similar or other struggles with a premature baby.  The March of Dimes is an amazing organization that helps educate people about pregnancy and preventing premature labor and helps support those families that have the unfortunate experience of dealing with premature birth. 

They had what they called "Baby Boulevard" along the main stage.  This is where they  feature information about each child that the teams are walking for.  Although there was a small error on Kyley's (she was actually 13 weeks 6 days too early), it was very touching to see all of the stories of life and loss. 

On another note...this was Kyley's debut event to the world.  She had never been in a public place with so many people at once...what a great way for her to make her first public appearance with 1000 other people who understand how special it was for our family.  Everyone one of us was very proud to be a part of the event, and we cannot wait to support the cause next year at walk.

After the walk most of the team decided to get together for lunch at one of our favorite pizza places, AJ's.  I am not sure anyone knows how exciting this day was for Kyley.  This was her VERY first restaurant experience.  We have never stepped foot in a restaurant with her.  Well, we learned very fast that she will have no problems going out to eat or being in public.  She was so excited...screaming and giggling the entire time...actually looked like she was trying to be the center of attention...our little social butterfly.  I wonder where she got that from?  We are so happy that we can share the world with her and her with the world now!  Isn't it crazy how something some people take for granted was such a huge milestone for us!!!