When Kaitlyn was just born shoes were just a cute thing to add to an outfit here and there. She never really wore shoes during the day, but she would wear them to church and any holiday function. Then as she started to walk I started buying all kinds of shoes. I wanted to get the cutest ones I could find, but I also didn't want to spend a lot of money. I bought from the clearance rack at Target and Babies-R-Us, and really I was quite proud of myself for being such a bargain shopper. Then I started watching Kaitlyn's feet. Her big toes were the first to somewhat blister. Then one night we were out with Cody's parents. I looked down at her poor little feet and the sandals she had on had cut into her heel and it was actually bleeding. I felt like the worst mother on the planet. I took her shoes off right there in the restaurant and vowed to get her better shoes. That was on a Sunday night. On Wednesday I ended up having jury duty that got out at 10:00 so I had the rest of the day to myself. I took Kaitlyn to the mall and we ended up at Stride Rite. Oh. My. Gosh. I LOVED it! The lady there was so nice and Kaitlyn was just putty in her hands. She measured Kaitlyn's foot with that weird silvery thing which cracked Kaitlyn up. Turns out I had Kaitlyn in a half size too small. Again, just hand me the mom of the year award anytime. :P I didn't even know baby shoes had half sizes!!! (I still have so much to learn!) Anyway, I walked out of there with a new pair of sandals for Kaitlyn and a new pair of sneakers. Needless to say Kaitlyn's feet are in much better shape now. Did I spend more on baby shoes than I thought I ever would? Oh yeah. But I don't regret a single penny of it. Trust me - Stride Rite will have my business for many years to come!
