Toddler Shoes

It has been a year now since Leo decided to stand up and take those very first wobbly steps. I still find it so surreal that the little baby I brought home from hospital a little over 2 years ago is now a walking, talking little monster.

One thing I have always struggled with since Leo decided to get all grown up on me is finding shoes to fit his rather large feet. Right from his very first fitting this has always been a challenge, and in those early days I wanted nothing but Clarks shoes touching his precious little feet. We very rarely put shoes on Leo as a teeny tiny baby because I really couldn't see the point in doing so, and his very first pair of shoes came along just after he started to walk. 

I can remember Leo wondering what on earth was on his feet and it did take him a little while to get used to wearing shoes when we were out and about, but picking a pair that fitted him perfectly and were comfortable for him made all the difference. 

I still go to Clarks today to get Leo's feet measured, we still really struggle to find shoes that are in his size and usually either have to pick a design that we wouldn't have other wise chosen just because that is the only size they have for him, or go elsewhere. 

I have recently discovered that I can order Clarks shoes through John Lewis after I have been in and got Leo's feet measured, they have so much more choice than we are used to getting in store!

Having this extra choice online makes so much difference to us as we can actually pick a design that we WANT, not just because that is all they have... I really wish I had got online sooner rather than later and put an end to all of our shoe hunt missions. I cannot even begin to describe how I have struggled to find Leo a pair of sandals this summer, I have been into every shop on the high street and not managed to find a single pair in Leo's size. 

I should have thought to hop online and have a look, but the impatient person inside of me wanted the old fashioned experience of actually going into a shop.. Needs must though, and until Leo's feet decide to even out a little bit then we will be found doing all of his shoe shopping online.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post

First Adventures, Cake & Growing Up...

This weekend has seen Leo take on new adventures for the very First time. Being One he is still experiencing the weird and wonderful ways of the world, and the smallest most every day experiences fascinates him. 

Magical...

On Thursday the sunshine broke through the dull Gray cloud that has been hovering over our Summer, and I took the opportunity to take Leo out in his new shoes to bask in it. The rain had all but dried up and it finally looked like a proper Summer's day. 

Finally!

I stood Leo up and off he went, staring at his feet going one in front of the other. He soon became aware of his shadow on the ground and sat down for a closer inspection. Complete curiosity as his shadow follows him around, changing shape with every movement that he makes. 

This was Leo's first walk around our front garden. He has always loved being outside and now he can walk I know that he is going to have even more adventures.

After the garden being such a huge hit, Daddy and I took Leo to explore our local park on his new found feet. Every couple of steps he would stop and take in the picturesque setting, just standing there taking it all in, before moving along once more and stopping by a shrub or bush to admire the green leaves. 

We walked Leo along holding our hands and he was loving every moment, and particularly loved being by our side as we fed the ducks while all holding hands. Admittedly if I let go of Leo's hand for a single moment he would jump straight onto a Duck's back and swim out of sight. I made sure I held very, very tightly.

I think the time has come to look into a mean's of reigns or a special back pack with built in reigns...Before Leo manages to get the better of me.

Leo's little friends are now all turning One. They are all becoming toddlers in front of my eyes.

This weekend saw Two of Leo's play mates hit the land mark age, and we have even attended Leo's very First birthday party at the local leisure centre. It was a lovely day and all the little people had the most amazing time. A room had been rented along with Two bouncy castles, One even complete with a slide. Leo wasted no time in throwing himself down head first, with Daddy expectantly waiting at the bottom to catch him. 

There was birthday cake and even party hats, that we wasted no time in placing pride of place on Leo's head. Now he was truly ready to party in style. 

Leo played around with the other babies and bigger kid's, and when one child tried to take his balloon away, Leo did no less than growl at him. This is Leo's answer for everything at the moment and I know this has come from me. When I get frustrated I have been known to 'Grrr' which Leo has now picked up on!

This weekend has truly been full of First Adventures, lots of cake and a true sign that my little man is growing up. 

How were your weekends?

Laura

xx

Leo's First Shoes

On Monday I took Leo to get his feet measured. My reasoning for this was more out of curiosity, and I had a feeling deep down inside that Leo would soon be taking to his Two feet, and walking for the very first time. 

We visited Clarks and I sat Leo down on a little stool. He sat there as good as gold and watched the lady put his feet into the device that would determine what size his little feet were. As it turns out Leo does not have such little feet after all, and the lady was very quick to tell me that they had no shoes in his size in stock.

Leo is currently a 4H and despite my searching online, I could not locate a single size for him. There was obviously no rush as at this moment in time, Leo was still yet to actually take off. Two day's later though...On Wednesday 4th July - Leo's expected due date from back in 2011. He suddenly started walking and has not looked back.

I wanted Leo to have a pair of shoes, just a light pair that he could wear in order to get used to them. I have very rarely put anything on Leo's feet. He had a pair of crawling shoes in soft leather but the amount of times he has worn anything other than socks (or tights!) are very rare occasions. 

So yesterday I took Leo back to Clarks and explained our predicament, and I was greeted by a very helpful lady who went out to the stock room with a range of shoes I had picked out, to double check whether or not they did have any in Leo's size. She returned with a 4H in a pair of Doodles, and began to fit them to Leo's feet. 

Leo was so well behaved and just watched her every movement like a hawk. What was she doing? What were these alien objects being fitted to my feet? I was asked to stand him up so she could do them up more easily, and with this Leo started tapping his foot up and down, testing out his new shoes. Maybe sitting him down would have been the easier option...?

Once Leo had his shoes on, he began to parade them around the shop and really putting them to the test. He looked so pleased with himself, and I felt a really proud Mummy moment creeping up on me. 

The lady proceeded to get her camera and take a photo of Leo and his very first pair of shoes. 

Unfortunately there was a young girl running around the shop and as soon as she saw the lady trying to photograph Leo, she ran up right in front of the camera and asked if the lady would take her photo instead. We explained that this was Leo's very first pair of shoes and it was a very special photograph that we wanted as a keep sake, but the young girl persisted. 

It got to the point that Leo was trying his hardest to avoid her, and even hid behind my legs for the very first time!

We eventually manged to get a gorgeous photograph of just Leo walking around in his shoes. A photograph that I am going to treasure forever. 

Leo's first shoes are a pair of Doodles. They are lovely and soft on his feet and fit him perfectly. They can even be machine washed which is a added bonus!

I found the Clarks experience for Leo's first shoes brilliant. Not only did they take a photo of Leo's first shoe experience and place it in a special little wallet, but they also provided us with a lovely growth chart and little reminder for his next measurement in 6-8 weeks time.

When did you take your little one for their first shoes and what was your experience like?

Laura
xx

The Pitter Patter of Tiny Feet

It is a week to the day since Leo's very First Birthday, and today Leo has done what I have been praying he would before my inevitable return to work. 

Leo has put one foot in front of the other and taken his very first steps.

Over the past week his balance has been coming on in leaps and bounds, his confidence growing every day. Leo has been taking the odd step or Two, and this morning took Three big steps for the very first time. We spent the afternoon with friends today and it was there that he took a few more steps...and then a few more...before finally taking off and walking!

There was a decent size gap between the sofa and the kitchen stair gate, but off Leo set on his new found feet. He was admittedly wobbly but giving those very first steps his all. He was very triumphant as he reached his goal. The stair gate where he could spy Skye, the pup dog. 

I sat there watching my baby boy walking and could not have been any prouder. A big smile across my face for everyone to see, as I thanked my lucky stars to be here watching him taking those all important steps.

Leo knew he had done something amazing, and rejoiced in the claps and cheers that were all for him. A very special moment with special friends. I caught his second walking attempt on video, as the first time around I was far to un-prepared and too busy watching Leo move one foot and then the other...Walking all by himself.

I could not be any happier, and I immediately rang Luke to try and tell him the magical news. Of course...I could not get hold of him. Typical. When I finally did reach him, he was just as excited as I was and instantly asked me to send the video.

So now it is official...Leo is no longer a baby. 

Leo is a toddler...

So without further adieu, I present you with my baby boy...Sorry... Toddler!

Walking for the very first time!

Now I just need to get my head around this fact!

Well done baby boy!

Laura

xx