Race for a Cure

Each year Big Poppy and I, along with few thousand others get together. We walk (or run) together to help support and raise money for breast cancer. The 5k walk is more about seeing all the people and hearing their story than any fitness aspect. In fact, I believe the first mile takes just as long as the miles 2 and 3.

For some reason, this event is profound to me. When I started entering the Race for a the Cure 10 years ago, I had no idea the impact it would have on me. Every year I see or hear something that changes me. Not all of them are sad, some are funny. Here are the highlights over the years.

2000 - The Half-Rack Club - These ladies know how to have a good time.

2001 - Walking behind a man and his three boys and having it dawn on me their bibs said "In Memory of - My Mom" and realizing the youngest of the boys will likely not have many memories of his mom. He was just too young.

2002 - A friend of a friend walked with us this year. She was a young college student and I soon learned she lived most of her life with her aunt and uncle. Her dad had died in a car accident and a few years later her mom lost her battle with breast cancer.

2003 - Fight Like a Girl - This is the first time I remember seeing this phrase. I'm sure it goes further back, but really, doesn't this say it all. (This year, 2010, I saw a different play on it, Fight Like a Mom.)

2004 - This is a year I met a remarkable YOUNG lady. She was nineteen and a 1 year survivor of breast cancer. I cannot imagine the impact this has on her life and those around her. She knows how to fight like a girl!

2005 - Saving Second Base - This was the biggest group I have ever came upon and the group was split up! The power of friendship is simply amazing.

2006 - ThinkPink - A group of junior high students banded together to walk for their mom's.

2007 - Boobees - Need I say more. :)

2008 - Nana's Gang - 6 years free and countless children and grandchildren bringing a smile to her face.

2009 - Sleeping in for a Cure - I'm a loser and signed up for Sleeping in a for a Cure. This will be something I will regret missing out on.

2010 - Towards the end of the walk, we were next to a dad, mom and jog stroller. The little one was 2 1/2. It turns out the "mom" was not the mom. She was an aunt. The tag on the stroller said "In Memory of - The Best Mommy Ever".

We walk and support those who are fighting and helping every day. Little Guy's first official race was not one about having the fastest time. It was one about having the best time with those around us.

I'm good right here, with you. This is a lot of people. About 50,000 to be exact.

A 5k is a long way for me and it was early in the morning.

Just a few of our friends.

Walt Disney World From a Pint Size Perspective

I'm going to Disney World. Can you see my excitement?

Do you see my smile? I'm free from the stroller.

I tried my hardest not to miss a thing but my head felt so very heavy.

I really missed my puppy but found this one to play with.

I also made new friends.

One day it was like a water ride all day long.

I was very excited at all the fun I was having.

I had a great time riding the horses.

This guy made me laugh and laugh.

But really, the best part was when we were in the hotel and I could crawl around.

I missed my best friend and was just as happy to see him and he was to see me.

The Saddest-Sweetesy Thing

The saddest, yet sweetest, occurrence is happening in our home. It brings joy to some and tears to others. The highs and lows are all the result of a common incident. Like all good drama, there is an instigator.

When Big Poppy picks up the leash our home become full of emotions.

The Happy Boy (Jeter) cannot stop jumping with excitement because he get’s to go potty or go for a walk.

The Sad Boy (Little Guy) moves has fast as he can to the front door when a coat is not put on him because he knows he’s not going along. Once Big Poppy has the leash on The Happy Boy, the tears roll down The Sad Boy’s face.

And then, I get to watch this, The Sad Boy patiently waiting for Big Poppy and The Happy Boy to finish with their business in the front yard. Once The Sad Boy sees Big Poppy and The Happy Boy start their walk back to our house, then I get to see The It’s Going To Be OK Boy.

I sure hope Little Guy wants to spend all his time with us when he’s older.

NOTE: After a brief delay, I’m back and will get the vacation update and other updates up quickly. My only excuse is me. Every spare moment I have been spending with Little Guy and have not wanted to take any time for anything else. Then, while Little Guy is sleeping, I’ve been lazy. The couch, Big Poppy, tivo and I became way too close. Thankfully for all of us, I am getting bored with the tv again.

Vacation's Over

Vacation's over, at least for now.

Stay tuned for updates.

Raspy Baby

My baby isn't himself.

Little Guy has a spring bug of some sort. A runny nose, no problem. Wanting to snuggle all day and all night, I'll take it while I can get it - all too soon he'll run from the sight of huggy his mommy or daddy. The strained vocal cords are a little tougher because I know how his throat must hurt. The prospect of not going on our upcoming family vacation is disappointing, despite my own previous personal thoughts (new day, new attitude!) I was looking forward to showing Little Guy the magic around us.

The toughest part? It would be a toss up between 1) knowing Little Guy is uncomfortable and there is only so much I can give him and I can only give it to him every four hours (it seems to only last about 2 hours) or 2) the 3:32 am car drive so Little Guy can sleep while I hope my own eyes stay open to see any other crazy parents with one eye closed so their special little one can sleep.

Even though all kids catch a bug now and then, I wasn't prepared for how difficult it would be for me. In reality, while the lack of sleep isn't ideal but it's managable. Little Guy is very active and curious. He's getting more and more independent. For Little Guy to want to snuggle all day and all night and virtually ignore Jeter, we know he's not in tip top shape. I cannot describe how horrible it feels to know I cannot make him better. The children's medicine can help but with a cold its just going to take time.

There is an up side, Little Guy is on the mend. He had a good nights sleep last night which means Big Poppy and I had a good nights sleep. Tax day is coming up fast which means more free time. Vacation is around the corner and I do believe we will be on track for our departure.

The downside...Little Guy is wanting less snuggle time. It is a good thing, I do know this. But that doesn't mean I can't be slightly sad he chooses a toy over mommy. (The only logical solution, donate the toys.)

Big Poppy & Little Guy catching some shut eye.

Chores

Happy Mom and I decided it's never to early for Little Guy to start helping out around the house. Therefore, we divided up the chores. Happy Mom did the dusting, I cleaned the wood floors, and Little Guy ... well he really took a liking vacuuming on Saturday morning.

Of course I'll vacuum, it looks like a fun toy to play with!

When Little Guy is really old enough to start helping out, Happy Mom and I will be sure to remind him just how much fun he thought vacuuming was. Oh is he gonna regret this pose. Happy Mom says she'll use it everytime he objects. Good Luck Little Guy!

Newest Four Legged Family Member

I'm sorry to disappoint, as we did not get a new puppy. We have enough fun with the one we have. Little Guy has now taken a liking to crawling on all fours over the army crawl. Although, as you will see in the video below, he reverts to the army crawl when he gets tired.

Speaking of tired, now that Little Guy moves much quicker, he sure has us worn out by the end of the night.