It all started before we learned the gender of our child-to-be. I wanted to buy something for the baby, but I wanted to wait on buying whole outfits wait until we knew whether to buy the pink or blue onesies with matching socks, mittens and cap. Instead, I wandered the baby stores, looking at gender-neutral blankets, toys and clothes, trying to decide on something small for the baby, but something that would be useful once he or she was born.

Then I stumbled on the socks. The first pair was a neutral grey, perfect for either gender, and inexpensive, something to consider while we’re making our seemingly never-ending list of purchases the baby will eventually need.  A few days later, I found a pair of even tinier green and white socks, designed for a newborn. Holding the little socks in one hand, I could barely imagine the tiny feet that would be small enough to fit them. It was cuteness overload, and I was hooked.

Now, even though I know we’re having a boy and can buy him all of the other clothes he’ll need, I keep coming back to socks. They’re just so darned cute! Some have patterns, some are solid colors, some have little animals, and some just bring on the sheer adorable thought of how tiny his little feet will be. I can barely wait to touch each of his miniature toes and slip on his baby socks.

Meanwhile, the sock collection piles up on the dresser, waiting for those feet -and the rest of the baby -that will still be a few more months until arrival.

I figure it isn’t a problem, though, since my baby is due on January third, in the midst of a cold northern winter. As I told my partner, at least he will be assured of having warm feet.