We had a few items mysteriously go missing during out move. That is the bad part about having all your belongings moved onto a truck, then into storage, then onto a truck with 3 other people's houses, then into storage and then finally onto a truck for delivery. But it is ok. We are just taking the opportunity to purchase something new for ourselves, which is something we do not typically do. This is the first time Terrance and I have bought new furniture since we have been married. No more kijiji items, at least for these purchases.
We lost the hardware for our kitchen table. We could have gone to the hardware store and purchased new hardware for the the table but Terrance was never really a big fan of the table and it looked awkward in the space, so we just decided to look for something new.
On a side note: We were able to find a great home for our old table. I managed to connect with a family who collects things from the 40s and 50s. The husband came to pick up the table and was so enthusiastic when he saw it. He told me all about all the other items they had and where the table would be going. I am glad our vintage table found someone to love it.
Through our travels, we decided we really liked the look of a table with a stone top. Unfortunately they are quite pricey and with other things needed to be replace we settled on a cute little table from Ikea. $150 for a table and 4 chairs is quite reasonable, and will give us a place to eat until we can find the table of our dreams!
Unfortunately, Ikea furniture needs to be put together. The boys and I took up the challenge. It took three times longer than it would have if I decided to do it myself, but it was a great learning opportunity for the boys.Lucas and Jack hammered in the wooden pegs, and used the allan keys to tighten all the bolts on the chairs and tables. I finished off the chairs by screwing in the seats - the boys wanted to help with this but could not get enough leverage on the screw driver since we had to put the chair upside down on the table to put the screws in from the underside. The project took two days, but it is worth it.
Jack really liked being able to put the pegs into the holes. Each section of the chair back needed 2 pegs, so we would find his two pegs and grab the piece he needed before coming back and helping us assemble. Lucas was a big fan of using the allan key. He found it a lot easier than a screw driver because it fit into his hand better. They thought putting together the chairs, which each came in eight pieces plus the pegs and bolts was like a big 3D puzzle.
We now have a cute little wooden table that matches the boys snack table!While at Ikea we also bought an apple scented candle which goes quite nicely with my chili pepper place mats! It smells quite nice as well. Jack is a little nervous about fire though, and since we did not have a fire plan established and practiced the boys did not want to light the candle.
We also bought a new high chair. Our old high chair had quite a big foot print and despite the size of the dining room - which is not where this picture was taken - it was overwhelming the room. We bought this cute little high chair which works quite well. We can opt to take off the tray so Ian can come eat right at the table but the tray is easier to clean.
Another item that we lost during the move was our bed frame. It was just a cheap metal frame we bought when we bought our king sized bed 8 years ago, but it was not an expense we were expecting to have when we arrived.
To start assembling the bed, it was Lucas' job to sort all the screws. There were LOTS of screws for all the different parts of the bed so he sorted them by shape and size and then confirmed against the parts list that we had all the screws we needed. He had fun comparing all the screws and describing to us how they were different. There were even threaded rods that he found fascinating because there was no end on it.
One of the steps was to hammer plastic pegs into the drawers to hold on the back panel. Jack loves to hammer, and he waited patiently while we assembled the rest of the drawer so he could help Daddy hammering.
What does Ian do while we are assembling furniture? Well usually a toy tool is in his mouth because that is super fun! But mainly we play baby in a basket. With a major oral fixation I cannot guarantee that he would not try and put one of the screws in his mouth so he is safely contained to a laundry basket. Fill the basket with toys, and between the toys and being able to stand with the side of the basket we have a happy baby!
We also bought a set of dresser to put our tv on and store all our videos and games in. At the old house we had shelves screwed into the wall that held these items but we did not want to liter the walls of the new rental with holes so we opted for something that could contain the chaos.
Terrance and I assembled most of the unit while the boys were asleep, but saved the hammering of the back for Jack to help. Jack thought spiderman would be more helpful though, and promptly dressed the part.
Lucas also helped with putting the railings back up. He held up the one end of the railing while I secured the other, than he screwed the bracket to the wall while I supported his end of the railing. He had a hard time turning the screw driver, putting pressure onto the screw and keeping it level all at the same time but with practice he will be a pro!I am now on the hunt for a small electric drill that the boys will be able to use. They like to attempt to use Daddy's drill but it is a little big for their small hands. I see lots more projects in the future!
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