RE: toddler boots
I am in Chicago as well (Oak Park, actually) and have an 18 month-old son who loves to run around outside. I just found a great pair of boots at Nordsroms for a fantastic price. They are by Ecco (which is great for ds's wide feet with a high instep). They are Gortex boots which mean they should be completely waterproof. They also have a warm, lambskin-like lining. They fasten with velcro, which is wonderful, considering how hard it is to keep shoes tied on kids this age. The price was only $29.90. Our shoe salesperson told us that Ecco had given Nordstrom's a deal for some reason. We shop at the Nordstrom at Oak Brook, but Chicago (downtown) might have them too.
Hope this helps.
BTW, the tread on the bottom looks really good for snow/ice--made just like an adult outdoor shoe.
Lisa
Lisa
Mama to Jack (4/20/01)
and Joshua (11/16/03)