On Saturday morning we woke up to gorgeous weather perfect to walk in. We put on our purple shirts, and we met up with friends old and new.
We took our team photo
And then we marched, led (of course) by Maddie’s sister.
After, we gathered and exclaimed over how much Maddie’s friends had grown.
And we welcomed all of the new friends.
We marched for Maddie.
We did it for Annie.
And we do it so someday, we can stop walking.
all photos by Megan Hook Photography.
Ashley S says:
Seriously! Your kids are stinkin’ cute!!!
So glad you were able to March and that there were so many people who joined and supported such a wonderful cause. One day you will stop having to and won’t that be a spectacular day
laura says:
This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for doing what you do.
Jen says:
Gorgeous photos.. my absolute FAVE is the first one of proud, determined Annabel leading the charge.
From a former preemie, thank you.
Kelly says:
So beautiful, Heather.
Annie looks so determined to march to the end…
A says:
I am honored to have walked with your family. Thank you for welcoming me.
Nicole Singleton says:
Beautiful, and great pics!!
Also, this is a video of a pregnant mom flash mob that benefits the march of dimes. For every youtube viewing of this video a dime will be donated to the march of dimes.
http://youtu.be/JBIOzyOT1gI Wanted to share since you'd be able to spread the word more effectively with your blog/twitter than I could.
Mommy says:
Wow! Loved that video!!! So sweet, and for a great cause!!!! Thanks for posting!
Elle says:
It is impossible to tell me that there exists a cuter picture in the world than that picture of Annie marching and leading the way.
Oh mah gah.
Rebecca says:
Annie looks so determined in the first photo. It’s like she’s saying, “okay these bozos haven’t figured out a way to keep babies from being born too soon so I’m gonna do it”
Michelle H says:
Annie looks lovely! I’m glad you had such beautiful weather.
Got my t-shirt and my daughter wanted to know all about Maddie. Spreading the word…
Jen K. says:
OMG, I love the one of Annie marching. She looks so determined — love the tongue out!
Elle says:
The picture of Annie marching is priceless.
Anna says:
You’re sure going to miss Annabel when I eat her up! Sorry, but I won’t be able to help myself after seeing that determined march photo!
Snarky Mommy says:
Heather, I rarely cry when I read blogs, but that picture of Annie and the caption brought tears to my eyes (in Starbucks!). So sweet.
Jenn says:
Hi Heather & Mike,
I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the picture of Annie walking!!! So proud of all the hard work you guys put into the March for Babies. While waiting for our Maddie t-shirts, we wore purple in honour of Maddie while on our walk.
As ALWAYS…missing, loving and hurting so badly Maddie didn’t get to walk with you all. How unfair it is she isn’t here in person however, I do believe with my whole heart & soul….she was certainly there in spirit!!
Thanks for ALL you do!!!!
Love,
Jenn xo
Trisha Vargas says:
My little team of 10 seems so small now. You guys are awesome! Thought of all of you as we marched on Saturday too, especially sweet Maddie!
(((HUGS))) from Florida
Kristin (MamaKK922) says:
Absolutely GORGEOUS photos. My favorite has to be Annie leading the march. She looks so stinking cute. But then again she always looks so stinking cute!
Skye says:
That purple tutu is the cutest! Wish I could pull off wearing an outfit like that!
Liz Baker says:
Oh. My. Goodness. That picture of Annie is perhaps the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. You guys sure reproduce well.
Nanette says:
Annie leading the march?
PRICELESS.
So honored to have been a part of your team.
halyn says:
Must not weep at work!!!
That photo of Annie leading the way made me well up bigtime.
Elizabeth says:
LOVE the pictures of Annie! So wish we could have been there in person; but we’ll be walking for Maddie here on May 14th!
Christine Hill says:
Thank you!
Carrie says:
Oh my goodness, the photo of Annie marching in that tutu… are you trying to torture me with the cuteness? Love it! Glad it went well, I was thinking of you guys.
Amy says:
Love the pic of Annie leading the pack!
Another successful March under your belts! Way to go Team Maddie!
Jess says:
Oh my gosh, I looove that first picture of Annie! So darn cute Glad you had a beautiful day for the March!!
Amanda says:
Love the Annie pic! It’s my favorite. And the tutu’s.
Go Team Maddie!
RookieMom Heather says:
LOVE the picture of Annie marching. Looks like I’m not the only one.
Megan, Undomestic Diva says:
Proud to be part of the team. xoxo
AmazingGreis says:
Love being a part of the team!! Had a great time, thanks for everything!! XOXO
Amelia says:
Oh that picture of Annie marching is priceless!!
Penbleth says:
Look at Annie marching out in her purple tutu for her big sister. What an amazing thing you all do.
Jeanie says:
Love the picture of Annie marching. What a keeper that is!
Chantelle {fat mum slim} says:
You should be so proud. I’m sure Maddie is. xx
Lisa says:
Looks like you had a beautiful day for the walk. I was with you in spirit from over here in Australia. Next year I’ll be back to walking for Maddie.
I especially the love the photo of Annie really getting into the spirit of walking for her big sister
Kristin says:
OMG, I adore that picture of Annie marching. Too perfect…absolute cuteness backed by a will of steel.
Marie says:
That first picture of Annie leading the charge is so good it should be in a contest for beautiful babies. Seriously! Love the purple skirt.
Bless your family for still doing the walk for babies in Maddie’s name.
Hugs from Minnesota
Marie
Lenora says:
Love the purple tutu and the tongue sticking out. Such determination!! I have the feeling your going to have some trouble in your future with a stubborn little girl. Glad the walk went well.
Michelle says:
Beautiful pictures.
I love the picture of Annie marching. She is so determined.
Sharen M says:
In the spirit of the March of Dimes, Kings Island in Cincinnati and Becoming mom held a casting call for pregnant moms to come to KI and participate in a flash mob. For each click on the page Becoming Mom will donate $.10 to the March of Dimes. Thought you might like this..
amanda says:
Congratulations on another amazing march. You are doing so much – not only by raising money, but also by raising so much awareness. Annie is quite the marching leader (as we knew she would be!)
Dee Dee says:
Heather, you are awesome! I am so proud of your ability to change what has to be the most horrific event of your life into something so moving and so helpful to people all across the world! I know you want your Maddie back more than anyone in this world could imagine…I am so proud of your for channeling your energy into such worthy projects and keeping Maddie’s name such an honorable legacy!
I don’t know of many babies that complete strangers could recognize by face but I assure Maddie’s face is recognized by millions because of your determination!
Thank you again for all you do!
P.S. Annie is soooooooooooo stinking cute! How do you not gnaw on those thighs?????
Take care!
Laura says:
I absolutely LOVE the picture of Annie wearing that tutu and marching for her big sis!
The Mommy Therapy says:
These are fantastic and inspiring photos!
Your Annie could not be any cuter!
Jane says:
Your girls look so different from each other and each is exquisitely beautiful. Maddie’s eyes, her sweet smile, and her story continue to move me as do your posts and pics about Annie.
Noelle says:
The photo of Annie leading the march for her big sister Maddie is absolutely priceless. xo
Mommy says:
Love the pictures, love the March of Dimes, love Maddie, love Annie, love YOU!
crystal says:
i don’t post often but i read faithfully. how wonderful to have so much love and support around you. that picture of Annie proudly marching for Maddie is just darling. people like you are one in a million.
GingerB says:
Heather, I think you and Mike are amazing people – to be able to focus on the work that needs to be done and not on your extraordinary and unfair loss is really something phenomenal. I know you didn’t want to be an example of grace and love, and you’d rather have your Maddie in your arms, but at least if your family had to go through this you still manage to spread joy and love and kindness and responsibility through a world gone mad. You and your daughter really have changed the world, by getting into people’s hearts and growing their love for others.
Lawrence@CreditDonkey says:
The kids are really vibrant, what a great Saturday you had! The picture are really adorable and made my day, thank you so much for sharing it.
Elizabeth says:
Absolutely amazing!!! Annie is leading the way with such determination, such a great little sister she is!!!
Jennifer Hayford says:
I work in a NICU and this is my 2nd year doing the walk. However, this is the 1st time my kids, ages 7 and 9, did the walk. They understand “NICU” and “preemies” but to help them understand more, I showed them your video you posted last week. Thank you for posting it. It really helped them understand and put a face to the walk. We walked for all the preemies in my NICU but we also walked for Maddie.
neeroc says:
It’s hardly original but I have to chime in too and say that picture of Annie leading the march for her sister is absolutely adorable. Hugs to you and all your team.