About 2 months ago, when my son was 14 months old, my wife went through the round of updating our son's shoes to the correct size.  She of course bought him some play sandals, nice leather sandals, and some tennis shoes; all in size 5W.  The play sandals and tennis shoes she was able to get on sale for about 5 dollars.

For the past 3 weeks I have been noticing that his shoes have been a little tight.  I pointed it out to her, but been the thrifty person, she said "I just bought him shoes, and they can last a little longer."  Until today that is.   I was putting the leather dress sandals on him, and they would not even go on.  His foot was so wide the shoe would not go on his foot.  The wife of course assumed I was doing something wrong and had to try.  Well, that led to picking up some shoes today while we were out for dinner to belatedly celebrate my birthday.

The first store, he did not like the sales woman and he started crying.   The woman actually walked 20 feet away exclaiming "I am not going to eat you".  I somehow think she routinely has this reaction with children.  The second store, he liked the sales girl, we found out later she teaches very young children gymnastics.  Kids can definitely sense whether people like kids.  When he finally had his feet sized he was a 6.5W.   3 half sizes larger.   Oh boy, was mommy not happy.

Morals of the story.  1) Don't be in denial about shoe sizes.  Make sure your child is wearing appropriately sized shoes.  You don't have to have a bazillion shoes, just at least one pair that he can wear.  2) Yes sometimes dad's notice these things first.   3) Having a sales person that actually likes kids working in the kids shoes makes a world of difference.

Well, I am another year older even though that phrase is a misnomer.  I mean yesterday I was 32 years and 364 days old, so today only adds a day and not a full year.  I definitely feel older with more creaks and cracks during the day.  And I get tired faster than my son does when I am chasing him around.  Granted most of that is I am out of shape, but I like to blame my age.   I wanted to thank Izzy for posting my B-day and everyone for their well wishes...

I spent time today going through the kitchen and adjusting the child safety devices that had moved over time allowing Matthew to open drawers and cabinents at his leisure.  As soon as I was done, he of course had to try out one particular cabinent that is his favorite.  It contains pots and pans and he loves to drag them out.   As soon as he found he could no longer open it, he closed the door slightly and pressed the lever to deactivate the device and opened the door with a huge grin and smile for daddy.

There are days I am not sure if I should laugh or cry.  He is a smart boy, and he is figuring out stuff faster than Izzy or I can keep up with him.  Fortunately, the ultra critical cabinents with chemicals in them use a different device that he can't open yet.

Congratulations, this is my first blog.  Seriously, though, my wife Izzy has nothing but good things to say about this lovely community that I thought I would try it out.   After all she is ALWAYS logged on and Matthew has started tackling and dragging her away from the computer.   If she even goes near the computer he pitches a fit.   The downside is he does it now to me if I even look at the computer.  It is completely unfair and all her fault.