Shrinking Shoes

Do any of you parents watch "Sid The Science Kid" on PBS with your little ones? It's one of the few things we approve our kids to watch outside of the periodic Baby Einstein video (love those--we have a collection of a couple dozen we got super cheap!). Well, the episode about Sid's 'shrinking shoes' has been on twice this week. Sid thought his favorite shoes were shrinking, when actually his feet were growing so his fave shoes no longer fit. This episode was screaming at me to get new shoes for our Kyleigh since she's outgrown hers!

Now, don't think for a second that Chris and I would ever go into a store and tell our toddler to just pick out whatever she wanted---uh, no! Two year olds don't make those choices in my world. Mommy and Daddy selected two practical pair, tried them on her separately and together to compare for fit and comfort. We were ok with either one, so we asked Kyleigh's opinion, and whether presented separately or together she consistently chose one particular pair! So that's the pair we got and everyone was happy. If they fit the need, fit the feet, and fit the budget, that's what matters. But the fact that they also fit her preference is extra awesome! It was so exciting seeing how special she felt about being part of the process. She didn't help decide on the pair that she just outgrew, but we realize that she's got opinions and preferences as a Big Girl and we want to consider those feelings in an appropriate way. I also think it's important to help a child learn to weigh options and make good decisions. I grew up with a parent who constantly used the phrase "Because I said so" rather than guiding me in good decision-making. May seem a little deep for toddler shoe-shopping, but teaching moments are all around us!

We took some pics of Kyleigh and her big shoe-shopping adventure. She loved every minute of it, she's like a 12 yr old girl in a toddler body! Oh, I can only imagine the teen years...

Trying on shoes...

Helping Daddy get the shoe on...

Checkin' out right shoe in the mirror...

Another pair to try on...

Mommy helped with the second shoe...

She can't get enough of the mirrors!

Checkin' out left shoe in the mirror...

So excited when we told her these could be her new shoes!

My fav. moment of the day--I look crazy, but Kyleigh is signing 'thank you' to show appreciation. She doesn't have to thank us for providing for her needs, but the fact that she did that is precious!

One last look in the mirror before we go...

Ready to buy her shoes, Chris asked her if she had any money...

When she said, "No", Daddy handed over the debit card! LOL

A successful shopping day!

Since Josiah slept during the shoe-shopping--and we'd expect nothing less from a boy--we got to have our special time with him later in the evening. He's totally a mama's boy, but he definitely loves his daddy, too! And how could he not when he's got the best daddy on earth?!