Fall has arrived very quickly. In the morning it began with rain, then sleet, then hail, then snow. I don’t particularly like writing (or reading) about weather except for the fact that this kind of precipitation is still such a marvel to me at times! Especially when it happens within the space of a couple hours. The other reason for writing about the weather is because snow and coldness have arrived Jacob will have to accept the hard, cold truth that he will have to start wearing shoes.
It must be genetic. I don’t like shoes. I’m barefoot most of the time. I even have those Vibram 5 Fingers toe shoes. As close as I can get to being barefoot, the better.
Jacob has worn shoes in the past, and he currently has shoes to wear. In fact 3 really good pairs. Granted 2 are a tad big on him. But in his own words, “NO shoes! Too big small!”
Shoe attempt #1
I got two pairs online from a well respected site that is recommended by Podiatrists. (I am beginning to really appreciate and understand the importance of good shoes.) Two pairs because there was a sale. Plus, when it comes to little boys and shoes, 2 pairs are needed because they get worn out or grown out of so quickly.
When the “Brown Box man” came (Samuel’s term for UPS), I played up the big day for Jacob. “Look Jacob! New shoes for you! Old shoes were too small. New shoes for your feet. They are bigger and your feet will feel good.”
His eyes got big and he said, “yeah! new shoes.” We put them on his feet. He didn’t move. He looked up at me with the following look in his eyes, what-the-heck-is-this-strange-feeling-and-why-are-you-torturing-me-your-youngest-child-in-this-cruel-manner?
Keeping positive I smiled, “Look at your cool shoes! They have lights! See!” An arms length away, “Come here! Come to mommy!”
No reaction.
Bigger smile and extending arms again, “Come here Jacob!”
Here comes the wind up.
“You can do it!”
WAAAHHHHHH! Not moving physically, but definitely moved to tears. “No shoes! Too big small!!” WAAAHHHHH! “NOOO! Take off!”
I did keep trying to encourage him for the next 5 minutes, but he wouldn’t budge. Literally on both counts.
Alas, knowing that he will only grow, I didn’t return. I am keeping them in the shoe bin. We have our own family shoe store with all these boys that grow out of their shoes so fast. In fact, it’s time to expand our store and get a 2nd shoe bin.
Shoe attempt #2
So I go back online and order a 3rd pair. These are supposed to be just the right size, but I don’t know if they are the right size. The shoe trauma has left a mark on Jacob’s memory and he won’t even try on pair number 3 .
A week later Samuel says, “the Brown Box man is here!”
I tell Jacob, “Look! New shoes. These are smaller. They will fit feet good.”
With a matter-of-fact expression and voice, “No shoes. Too big small.”
However, it snowed yesterday. Samuel (5 years old) put on his boots, coat (with his favorite shorts of course) and ventured out into the backyard to happily experience the first snow of the season. Jacob stood at the back door with a sad countenance. He opened the door. Looked at the snow on the porch. Shut the door. Open door. Shut door. As if he was thinking, (he talks of himself in 3rd person) “Jacob want to go outside. Can’t go outside. Jacob want to go outside. Can’t go. Too cold. But Jacob want to go!”
I ask with a smile and happy voice, “Do you want to wear your new shoes?”
Matter of fact reply, “No shoes. Too big small.”
Later that day after school the friends began coming over. I was doing scouts with my 5 Webelos. Samuel’s friend Landon came over. Jacob often tags along with them. They are both good kids and let him. When they asked if they could play at Landon’s I said yes. I think Jacob may want to try on the shoes. Nope. He leaves with them and walks 2 houses down on the wet, cold 40 degree sidewalk.
Sigh. He’ll learn soon enough. When it gets cold and snowy enough.
Side note: You would think I learned my lesson about ordering online. Apparently not. However, the lure of not having to drive to a store and have kids run around asking me a thousand times to get this or that is what has me driving the mouse instead of the car to buy shoes.
Another reason to buy shoes online? If I had to go to the store I would have to go search for my own shoes to wear. But that’s another story…
