Would it be rude of me to ask you a favor?

Would it?  We're friends, right?  And friends can ask friends favors on occasion, right?

As of yesterday I joined a team that I'm whole-heartedly honored to be a part of.  Amanda, my best friend since childhood, is gearing up for her 3rd March of Dimes Walk.

Amanda and I, back in our middle-school cheerleading days.  Pretty sure this is one of the few middle school pictures I would ever share.  those years...*shudder*.  Let's just say that I made it through middle school because I had such an amazing friend :)

During her first walk three years ago, she was just 6 weeks pregnant with Hunter.  As all expectant mothers do, Amanda prayed and did her best to insure that her pregnancy would go smoothly and without complications.  Unfortunately, things did not go as planned and Amanda's water broke at just 27 weeks.  For seven weeks she was on hospital bed-rest, being as patient, understanding and happy as anyone could ask for.  I remember Skyping with her a few times from Pennsylvania, and although she was in a much-less-than-desirable situation, she made the best out of it.  Her poise and strength, calmness and overall positive outlook over the course of that time only made me respect her more than I ever could imagine.

You can read her birth story here, which gives a glimpse into how great of a miracle little Hunter is.

Last year, Amanda, her husband Taylor, Hunter and other family members joined them for the walk.  I can't imagine how happy they must have felt being a part of that walk having Hunter in their arms.

Taylor, Amanda and Hunter at the walk

This year, I'm beyond excited to be a part of it.  Hunter is by far the happiest baby I have ever met.  I have never heard a single cry out of the kid!  He even made it through our wedding without the littlest of peeps!  He loves to play outside, laugh, eat, love on his Momma and explore - just like any little kid!

He was more interested in my plate of food than me! I don't blame him...food is food! :)

I know there are plenty of organizations out there, asking you for money.  I get it.  And I get if you aren't able to donate, but any donation (even just $5 - that's skipping a Starbucks run!) can help us make a difference.  If you can, help us make a difference in the lives of babies and families both within our communities and across state lines.  I am approaching the time in my life where my friends are beginning to expand their families, and I myself hope to have a healthy family with Russ in the future.  Knowing that there are organizations such as March of Dimes that are working  to support programs in communities so that mothers have the best chance at having healthy, full-term pregnancies is important to me.  For me, supporting an organization who work to research the problems that threaten the health of babies is a no-brainer to me.

So, the favor I'm asking?  Spread the word.  Donate if you can.  Go read Hunter's story.  Start your own team!

Sorry, I couldn't resist adding one more :) 

Click here to donate.  You can also click on the March for Babies button on the right sidebar.

Also, if you have any questions feel free to ask me by either leaving it in the comment section or by sending me an email (find it under the 'Contact' tab).