Braden was born in 2004, 10 weeks too soon. He weighed 1 lb. 11 oz. and was 12.5 inches long. He spent 77 long days in the NICU before we finally got to take him home.

Braden will be 8 in June! He is doing absolutely fabulous! He enjoys 1st Grade, playing with friends, Transformers, Star Wars and wants to be a Monster Truck driver when he grows up. He continues to make us laugh on a daily basis and we couldn't love him more.

His brother Blake was born on January 30, 2009. He was born 12 weeks too soon. He weighed 1 lb. 6 oz. and was 11.25 inches long. After 68 days in the NICU, we were finally able to be a family of 4 together at home! Blake turned 3 in January and he truly has been an awesome addition to our family!!

This year we are also walking in honor of 4 Angels.

Evan, born sleeping to my cousin James and his wife Liz. Such a beautiful life, wanted desperately and missed terribly. There are no words for that pain.

My childhood friend Jill, gave birth to two beautiful babies, Marie and Samuel. They were born too soon and with too many complications, and sadly they did not make it home. No mother should have to leave the hospital without her children...

We are also walking in special honor of Lilly Elizabeth Longtin. Her Mommy became a team member last year as Braden's amazing Kindergarten teacher and we are lucky to call her friend. Sadly, their first born daughter was born sleeping in January, again, total heartbreak.

THIS is why we still walk - this is a brutal reminder that there is still SO MUCH WORK TO BE DONE! Please join us in saying thanks for our boys while honoring the memory of these precious babies who have forever changed the lives of those who have known and loved them!

The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.