…are a force to be reckoned with on a Saturday afternoon at IKEA. Well, actually, that’s not so much the case, but IKEA is certainly a force to be reckoned with on a day like today. We may or may not have ventured into the throes of Swedish innovation and design for a few hours this afternoon, and aside from my delight in the soon-to-be additions to our home and baby’s nursery, I was mostly just relieved to escape unscathed and without any bumps or bruises.

They should really offer an IKEA survival class for anyone who plans to make it to the third floor and back–especially on a weekend. In addition to the approximately 50 or more pregnant bellies and their husbandly counterparts, crying and gurgling and sleeping babies in carriers and strollers, young couples fitting entire living rooms and bedrooms into single carts, and a smorgasbord of languages exchanged in and amongst book shelves and colorful plastic chairs, the highlight of our people-watching adventure had to be the poor soul who followed his girlfriend around with their findings while she chattered away on the phone for close to an hour. We’re sure he’s not the first, but really, you had to feel for the guy.

After two hours of shopping or so, some calculated measuring in the Jetta and a whole lot of four-wheeled navigation in and out of crowds and deal-crazed bargain hunters, we headed toward the checkout with a few key items and some small, unplanned additions that will undoubtedly add to our quality of life at $.99 and $1.99 a pop. (Kidding. Kind of. 🙂

We stayed quite close to budget, and despite the circus-like experience, are decently pleased with our most recent procurements. No tears were shed, no car doors scratched, no feet over run. We even admitted it seemed like too long since our last visit, and agreed we’d definitely have to make another trip after baby comes. For now, we’re happy to have come and gone to the big blue and yellow home goods store in the sky.

It’s been a pleasure, IKEA. Until next time…

dreaming in swedish,

mm