Registering for Baby

Well, my apologies for not posting in so long. With school and cross country practice starting back, I've been pretty busy. I'm wondering if all my activities are affecting Baby. Sometimes I get REALLY freaked out thinking that Baby is not moving as much or as often as he/she should be. In fact, I'm really looking forward to my doctor's appointment on Tuesday night to reassure me that all is well (I want to hear that heartbeat again!).
Cross country has been fun and funny. The team is pretty into the baby. They were coming up with names at practice on Friday. They also get protective of me, and don't want me running too much. One day we were playing tag, and I became it. One of the eighth grade boys shouted out, "Give her a break! She's pregnant! Let her tag you!" It was funny. They also give each other a hard time if I am ahead of them on the warm-up or cool-down.
So, the last week or so has been spent registering for Baby. And that is the REAL reason I haven't posted in so long-- I've been obsessing about EVERY decision for every bit of baby gear! At first I was only going to register at Buy Buy Baby because I like the quality of stuff they have, and Baby Bargains said that it is the best baby retail store. Also, I am anti-Babies R Us because of the use of the backwards R in their name. However, they have a very expansive selection of items (and a more user-friendly website) and are a much larger chain. So, now I am registered at both places.
The bad part of having two registries is that only half your stuff is on either one. So what if someone really wants to get you the bath stuff, but they are at the wrong store? Oh well. I'm sure it will all work out fine. I'm over stressing about it!
Stress: I really got to the point that I couldn't make a decision any more. There is a Maclaren stroller that I love. I mean, I have been loving this thing for months! Then I go to the store and I am not sure if I love it any more. So we pick a different one. Then I read online reviews, and I start doubting that stroller. My next step was to swear off a stroller altogether! Finally, I went back to the original object of my affection, the beautiful Maclaren, and put it on the registry. The more I read about it and look at it, the more in love with it I fall all over again! Now I really hope I get it. :-)
In terms of baby furniture, we picked out a crib that we think is really pretty. (It also got rave reviews online.) It goes with the dresser that we are giving Baby (because we're buying ourselves a nice bedroom set) and using as a changing table. The crib has a drop-down side and hidden hardware-- things I like. It can be changed into a toddler bed, if we ever really feel the need to do that. I also registered for a glider and ottoman. I chose wood that goes with the crib & dresser, and a neutral fabric. It isn't too big, as neither am I. I'm sure it is pretty expensive, but it is also really comfy... we'll see if we get it.
The latest thing that we've been spending a bit of time fretting over is the Pack & Play. I had pretty much decided against getting one since our house is fairly small, and I'm hoping to be able to use my family cradle before Baby sleeps in the crib. I didn't really see the need for the P & P. Then, it was suggested to me on a few occasions by a few different folks, that it could come in handy. So, I put out an email to my wonderful friends who are already moms to get their take on it. It appears that the thing is useful, even in a small house, and especially for traveling. So now I need to pick one of those out... I'm not going to get one with all the bells and whistles though. (For instance, some come with big bassinet-type shades on them. Dan and I found that amusing.)
OK, that's it for now. I'll take some new photos and post them soon. I think Baby had a growth spurt late this week!