Can’t help it, the girl can’t help it. (Oh baby)  Can’t help it, the girl can’t help it (Oh no) Can’t help it, the girl can’t help it (No how)

“Okay this is the last event” Alice did a warm-up jumping exercise as she rolled her head loosening neck muscles.  “This is all you Angie.”

“Remember baby” Bette kissed the top of her daughters head “Momma B will proud of you win or lose.”

“Preferably win” Alice added “Oof” she violently coughed after being elbowed in the stomach.  “The main thing is to have fun” she said in an agonizing short breath.

Chariots of Fire, by Vangelis

Alice held Angie as she looked to her side at the other five mothers getting ready, a single bead of sweat trickled down the side of her face.  She blew a few stray hairs that dangled in her face as she placed an excited Angie on the starting line.  At the other end Bette waited with Angie’s favorite stuffed animal happily waving it at the toddler in order to get her to the finish line.  The both looked up as Sandra dropped her hand for the last time as the toddlers are released.  Alice excitedly coaxed Angie to move toward Bette who frantically waved the stuffed animal at her.  Angie sees the toy and giddily got on all fours and began her slow crawl toward her momma.  The other babies seemed lost on the mat not quite aware of the situation their parents had gotten them into.  Some of the parents pointed guided their baby’s line of sight toward the finish line but some of them ended up crying or remained idle.  Even the super model baby thought it was nap time when his mother placed him on the mat.  The partner glared annoyingly at Angie who was determined to get her toy except about two-thirds of the way through Angie came to a complete stop.  With panic etched all over their competitive faces Bette and Alice added ‘no, no, no, no keep going baby’ to their chant.  Angie sat there and stared at her Momma B who was waving the stuffed toy that she had suddenly lost interest in.  Bette and Alice noticed one of the other babies was catching up and thought that they had lost the race.  However, with a tiny squeal of laughter Angie started to crawl again but this time at a faster pace.  The tiny princess took back the lead and made it to the finish line setting a record for the first time ever held event.  The proud momma held her arms out for her daughter but was surprised when her champion had changed coarse and headed in a different direction.  Bette quickly moved to catch her little wanderer but was surprised and comforted to see the source of Angie’s renewed excitement.  Tina smiled proudly as she crouched down and embraced her gold medalist then turned and properly congratulated the team captain with a lingering kiss.  Alice settled for the thank you wave but was more than happy with the bragging rights as she jumped around, and at one point did a cartwheel, cheering in victory without reserve.