Shoes for a Little Boy

I admit it. I was giddy in the Target shoe aisle and it wasn't even for me. I was in the little boy aisle. I was browsing the size threes and Critter was busy seeing how many boxes he could pull off the shelves before I gobbled him up and put him back in the cart.

For the most part, Critter goes bare foot and I know this is something Tim loves. I've heard a story from when Tim was a wee one in PNG that he refused to wear shoes to school. I think if he didn't have pansy American feet now, he would still be barefoot.

Barefoot is still great when we're inside at home, but more and more Jude wants to push his Cozy Coup down the street or climb through the bark and up the stairs at the playground. The time has come for shoes.

We have been blessed beyond words by dear friends with hand-me-downs galore. Literally, I have not purchased more than two clothing items for Jude. With that said, shoes seem to be different. I've tried repeatedly a variety of shoes we have been given, but they either slip off or cut off his circulation (fat ankle syndrome likely from me). Today, we bought shoes.

I don't know why it feels like such a big deal, but it does. My little baby boy isn't feeling so baby like anymore. There are times where I miss the cuddly little guy, but in reality I love the moving, adventurous, discovering phase as he embarks on little boyhood. I know this is only the beginning. For crying out loud, he doesn't even walk on his own yet.

Right now it is his first pair of shoes. Hopefully soon it will be his first tooth. In another couple years it will be his first bike. Looking forward to lots more firsts, Critter.