Shout out to Pound the Pavement for Parenthood

One of my favorite things that happened to us in 2014 was being selected as a sponsored couple by Pound the Pavement for Parenthood (PPP). It's an amazing organization, and if you haven't heard of them, you need to look up their blog as well. PPP holds 5k/10k events, and the money that is raised is put towards IVF or adoption processes for couples who struggle with infertility. Really, the organization is heaven-sent! After we heard about the organization, Tyler immediately submitted our story. It took a few months for them to contact us, and we just thought we didn't stand a chance. I remember the day they called us. We were out eating (of course, we have that bad habit), and I received their call. I remember the restaurant was loud and I couldn't hear who it was, but my phone was dying and asked them to call Tyler. Later, I realized who it was and panicked that I might have sounded rude. Our waitress glared at us when we ran out the door after ordering our drinks-we promised we were just going to stand in the parking lot to take a call. Tyler nailed the over-the-phone interview, and I froze, letting Tyler speak for both of us. He laughs at how bad I did! The next week we were asked to meet in person for a face-to-face interview...we were stoked that I didn't blow the interview for us. After meeting Jill, Maren, and Shellee (we later met Marissa and Stephanie), I felt as though we had all been friends for years. I sat at a table with women who knew me, they knew my struggles, and I felt their emotions. I instantly knew I was meant to meet these strong and passionate women.

Months of planning, organizing, phone calls, and advertising went by, and I still get emotional thinking about the months that led up to the event. Tyler was a freaking rockstar in advertising and getting people/companies to sponsor the race. I always knew he wanted this dream as bad as I did, but during these months, his relentlessness was far more evident than mine. I grew a little closer to my husband during these months.  We were able to work as a team, but more importantly, he showed me more passion and desire than I had ever seen in him previously. He melted my heart.

If there was one lesson being a part of the PPP family has shown me is the astonishing amount of love and support Tyler and I have. Overwhelm does not even begin to describe how I felt. If people couldn't attend our race, they were donating (quick and adorable story-my older brother refused to come to our race because he thought donating the cost of his plane ticket would benefit us more-thanks LB, you were there in spirit). If they were attending our race, they were making their friends also run to support us. Personalized shirts were made for us, which honored our two previous miscarriages-thanks Mama Michelle! We saw our post shared on Facebook by people we didn't even know. The day of the race was phenomenal and so was the turnout! I met a plethora of people who would just hug me and tell me our story on the PPP blog "inspired" them. One lady tearfully hugged me, and told me to she had came for me. I had never even met her. It was such a humbling experience. Our family and close friends will also forever remain in my heart.  The work they put in meant so much to us. The best part is, many of them aren't runners, but they were that day! If that isn't true love, I don't know any other.

I want to conclude by thanking my PPP family. The work you all do is undeniably nothing less than compassionate and divine. I love the fact that this determined, beautiful group of women did not let their infertility defeat them. Rather, they defeated it by helping others who have struggled. They created a community where couples can come together and support each other. They remind us why we should never give up or lose hope. These ladies and their husbands are heroic and demonstrate strength. It's amazing how much they have touched our lives, and TOGETHER we are kicking Infertility's ass! 

Ilyas-one cute little baby boy came out to join us. I worked with his father, and both his father and mother became such great and supportive friends to Tyler and me. 

Ramon (Ramono), Me, Ilyas, Ahmed (Ilyas' father), Carolina racing to the finish

My lover was a busy bee 

Cute preggo Jill (founder of PPP), Michelle, and my entire Berry family joined. I love everyone in this picture, even though Chase is hidden. They all mean so much to us

This was my favorite thing about this day. We have some of the best friends in the world. Zach (Snax) has always just been there for Tyler, Todd (and Aidaly)-we don't get to see them as much, but they are seriously some of the most supportive people I will ever meet. Cute litle Aidaly was there, pregnant and all, standing in the heat supporting us! They will forever hold a place in my heart. Then there's Jade! The wheelchair wasn't holding him back at all. Snax and Todd pulled him through the entire run! These three men are nothing less than incredible. I love them more than they'll ever know. 

I wish I had a better picture. This is my Early Intervention crew. I was working with them during the race. I said it once and I'll say it again-some of the best people I will ever work with. I love how supportive these folks were. James and Dimples even "ran" just for us! 

My brother-in-laws, Dedric and McKoy, brought some of their friends and teammates from the football team along with them. These boys were HEART WARMING! Originally, they came along to volunteer, but ended up purchasing a bib to run instead. Most of them showed up in their "as one" team shirts as well. Talk about the youth of this generation leaving an impact on us adults! I will forever love this amazing group of men. 

This is a picture Tyler and I plan on enlarging and putting in our nursery one day. This picture means so much to us. These is a large portion of people who ran for us. I wish we could have gotten everyone in this picture, but nonetheless, I will cherish this photo.