There are a few southern traditions that survive! Today, I got to experience one of them . . . what a delight!
Avery Kathryn began her walking adventures long about February 12. She would practice diligently and throughout every day, taking as few or as many steps as she could balance herself through. Then, about three weeks ago she just got up and started trotting herself throughout the house as though she'd been walking all along! Riggs Trey, on the other hand, hasn't quite reached a decision on the values of walking . . . over crawling OR being carried about. His "laid back" approach to everything is just fascinating . . . he rushes in to NO decision without, at least the appearance of, careful consideration!
Mommie and I loaded up my Darlings and headed out to Greenwood Shoes. It was just about 30 years ago that I took Mommie to Greenwood's for her first pair of shoes, though I preferred the store on Jefferson Street because the ladies there were always so good at fitting shoes on my children's feet and making them think that it was fun . . . to be fitted AND to wear the shoes!
Anyway, Avery was first to get her feet measured. Size 4 1/2. While Mommie was talking with the fitting lady about what sort of shoes she would need, Avery had managed to pick out a pair of double strap sandals (no walking shoes for Avery because she's already got the ankle strength and stability according to the fitting lady!). A size 5 sandal because the sandals didn't come in half sizes was finally boxed up for Darling Avery.
Then, it was Riggs' turn. All the while we'd been working with Avery, my handsome little fella had cocked back in the stroller (having successfully removed his shoes) and propped his bare little feet up on the front guard bar of the stroller! Totally nonplussed by the shopping experience, he busied himself with watching the other customers in the store from his relaxing vantage! But oh my, when it was his turn to put on the socks . . . well, he wasn't thrilled with that at all. Measured. Size 4. He may now weigh a bit more than sister but his feet haven't quite caught up to hers!
Mommie decided on white high tops for Riggs following the fitting lady's discourse on "why" this style shoe would encourage him to walk! ( I didn't laugh outloud but on the inside, I was splitting my sides! Encourage walking!?) As the fitting lady laced up the "white walkers," Riggs fidgeted and fussed (only a little though) until both shoes were on his feet. Mommie wanted him to stand up and walk; Riggs wanted to sit down. Pointing him to the little boy in the mirror, he was having none of it. He didn't care about that boy in the mirror (unlike Avery who adores playing with that little friend of hers!). Size 4 1/2 white walkers were boxed and ready for payment.
While Mommie tended Riggs, Avery was checking out every inch of the store AND playing with the little girl in the mirror! Singing, squealing and otherwise entertaining herself (and Dearie!), she would from time-to-time amuse herself by re-arranging the shoes on display that were within her reach! Oh what fun . . . she's already showing her Mommie's talent for "arranging!"
Then Mommie spied plastic shoes perfect for the summer . . . to wear around the pool or in the yard. Pink for Avery and Navy for Riggs. Socks! My word, the darlings needed real socks! Lace trimmed anklets for Avery and plain anklets for Riggs (added to the pile, a pair of knee highs for my little man!). Four pair of shoes and a handful of socks rung up and paid for. The kicker: Mommie couldn't believe there'd been a 20% discount on the shoes! That's Greenwood's policy for twins . . . 20% off the shoes!
We strolled over to Caroline & Co. just to take a lookie-see . . . nothing we couldn't live without. It was time to head home for dinner!
After feeding my Darlings dinner, Dearie left for home. All of this afternoon was just one heck of an unexpected pleasure! Oh, the southern tradition? Grandmas are supposed to buy the first pair of shoes for grandchildren! Mommie insisted on paying for the shoes because she said I've already done so much for the Darlings from the nursery and blankets to their Christmas stockings and birthday outfits. So, I got all of the enjoyment without the expense!! Thanks Mommie!! I love my Darlings . . . Dearie's Darlings!
