No Meatballs For You!

The crib we got before Sarah was born converted to a day bed, then to the headboard of (I thought) a twin sized bed. I realized a few months ago that there's no way that was the width of a twin--it was easily a full, and when I measure it, I was right. Lauren really doesn't fit in it anymore, and we told her she'd get a new bed this summer. We could just get a full sized frame & mattress, but then I'd have to get new bedding to go with it, and I'd need to keep her linens distinct from Sarah's, and everyone knows I'm way too lazy for that.

My Dad (who worked in a furniture store for most of my life) suggested we check out IKEA. We got an IKEA store here last year, to great fanfare and madness, but I hadn't had a chance to check it out. Also, when I looked on their website, I saw a bed I knew Lauren would go crazy for.

It's got that loft/bunk bed feel, but it's not as high as one of those. The tent would just be gilding the lily, and she'd probably never leave her room. Sadly, they didn't have it at our local store, and you can't order it online, but we went to check out the store itself anyway.

We dropped the kids off in the play area (Sarah is just shy of being too tall), and started to look around. We saw some kid's beds that looked like they had potential, but then I noticed the size. When I asked, the sales person told me that it was "European Youth" size. Um, yeah. That's not going to work. (I think the bed above is a standard twin size, but I'm not positive) Then we went to look at other beds, that came in the size we wanted. We found a couple things that would work, but come on--it's IKEA. It's all very plain. I could get some boards and cinder blocks and make something comparable. I think that's fine if you choose that style as an adult, but I know Lauren would like something a little "more." Not necessarily frilly, but not just a plain box. So the search continues.

As for the famous meatballs, we glanced over at the cafeteria, but didn't stop to get anything. Also, I could drag Jeff through housewares to save my life. I'm going to have to go back sometime (maybe I'll take my mom when she comes for her September visit) and have a good long browse.