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.

The Family Band

My Nana gave us her piano when we were first married and she learned that Tim played. I love hearing Tim  play music whether it be piano, guitar, jimbae or any other instrument. I on the other hand have never had the knack for music and you don't want to be around when I'm trying to play guitar or pretending I can play piano.

Today Aiya (Tim's mom) captured our most recent addition to the family band. Just in case you're wondering, it was a one man band and his manager until recently. (Sorry for the angle of the video)

Cozy Coup

What can I say? I was really proud of myself. I assembled the Cozy Coup. I realize this is not a difficult task, but when I saw all the parts and the five pages of directions I thought, "This is a job for the man of the house."

Well, the woman of the house is not patient, so I set to work. While Critter took his afternoon nap, I followed the step-by-step instructions. An hour and a half later, he was cruising in his car. We have ridden around the block and down the street to the park. Lately, he is enjoying pushing it around on the grass or sidewalk. He also loves opening and closing the door and climbing in and out of his bright red and yellow ride.

Thank you, Dauphins, for sharing! We love you guys. And not just because you give us cool toys:)

Here is a photo of us upon completion and another of Critter enjoying the result of my efforts.

Umm...Cool, Mama, I think