Research and more research

We went to Babies R Us last Sunday to look for strollers and car seats for the baby. It's part of our research to find the proper gear for the baby. And also help narrow down what brand/style that we want to spend on. The nearest Babies R Us is in Scarsdale (I think) and it took us about 30 mins or so to drive there.

After finding the store (we got a bit lost and overshot the location), pregnant me went to look for the ladies' room. How wonderful it is to have a small bladder. It was also a good chance to get a layout of the store. The second floor, where the ladies room is at, is also where you can find the baby bedding (i.e. cribs), toys and other accessories. It was also less crowded than the main floor, which was nice.

I took the chance to take a look at cribs since it was on my list of things to research. I know that I wanted something simple since ornate isn't part of my style. Plus simple also means classic and can last for quite a few years without looking gaudy. I also didn't want anything too big since it would be a hassle to move. I was commenting to hubby that the baby's bed will probably be nicer than ours. We sleep on a box spring and mattress, while the baby will have the whole she-bang.

Anyway, found a couple of designs that I liked and hubby took some photos of it and the price for future reference. Not sure how much we want to spend yet, but definitely not too much since we have to buy the baby mattress and bedding separately... sigh, I can hear the bank account emptying.

Then we went downstairs to look the strollers and car seats, which was our main goal of going to the store. I had my eye on the Peg Perego but after seeing it, I realised I like a sleeker and lighter model. The PP stroller was a bit too bulky for my taste. We saw some traveller systems, which is basically a stroller with car seat provided. It looked ok but wasn't what I had in mind. I wanted something simple and efficient, without all the bulk.

Apparently the only thing that would meet my condition would be buying a infant car seat and attaching it to a stroller frame. I saw a lady using it and it made a lot of sense to me. Only problem was I'd have to buy a separate stroller for when the baby grows out of it. But after doing some research and asking for advice from a friend, it made quite a bit of sense. That way, I can save and later on splurge on the stroller that I want..hahahaha..I don't think hubby will have much argument with that one since the stroller I want would be a bit pricey :D

Anyway, we wondered around the store a bit, looking at stuff which I might/would need for the baby. I'm still waiting for two baby books to arrive so that I can have all the information that I need to properly prepare for the baby. The books were recommended by my OBGYN and I borrowed them from the library for perusal before buying them. Once the books arrive, I would be a bit more informed in my purchases.

Perhaps in the meantime, I can take some break from researching. I think I'll let hubby do some of the research too...hehehehe..

Doctor's visit

I had my monthly OB visit last week and everything is progressing normally. Sugar is still an issue, so I have to go take a 3 hours glucose test at the 30 weeks mark. I do hope that will be the last of the glucose tests since I really do hate having needles poked into me. It makes me wonder how I can tolerate the hospital stay for delivery.

Weight-wise, I've gained about 4 pounds since my last visit. Overall I've only gained 9 pounds, which might be a little compared to some people. The doctor said that the average weight gain should be about 3 pounds a month. I'm doing ok, not trying to catch up on those pounds that I didn't gain in my first trimester. I want to gain slowly and healthily, not rushing to gain to the "recommended" pregnancy weight. These benchmarks are usually for the heavier Caucasians, so I have to temper it a bit for the lighter Asian...ahahahahaha.. But I'm sure that if I'm not gaining enough, the doctor will let me know. However, I have a feeling that the prescribed weight gain will happen in the last trimester.

Other than that, I'm healthy and progressing fine. Doctor's not concerned with anything at this moment. My diet's improving due to my improving appetite. I still can't eat as much as I did before, but at least I'm eating healthier stuff. I really watch what I eat, i.e. no sugary treats and fruits, smaller portions of carbs, etc. I still have some issues regarding swollen gums but can't do much about that. Chewing is such a pain, so makes eating a bit of a hassle. I've resorted to cooking rice porridge since it's the only thing I can eat without aggravating my teeth and gums. I don't really mind but it'll get boring after a while..hahahaa..maybe pasta..mmmmm..

More researching and shopping

Lately, I've been spending a lot of time in front of the computer researching baby stuff. I haven't really done any in-depth stroller and car seat research yet since I need to go to the store to check out what models I like and go from there. But I have been doing a lot of research on diaper covers, since my baby will be using cloth diapers. Just having cloth diaper is not enough since it won't hold in the liquid stuff very well. So will need a cover to protect the clothes and surroundings, as well as holding the waste in.

So far, I'm leaning towards woolen diaper covers. It's a bit more expensive than the regular diaper covers but I think it's a better investment as I can use it for both day and night time. No need to bother about separate day covers. Plus woolen covers have some anti-bacterial properties due to the lanolin, so no need to wash as often. I think only have to wash once a week or something, but I think that will depend on how often I change the baby..hahahaha..

There are a couple of brands out there that have some good reviews, so I might buy one or two from each brand. Cannot buy too many since it's expensive and baby will probably outgrow it pretty fast. Must find something that has a bigger growth allowance (?). But I'm not rushed on it since I have some time and waiting for sales as well :D

I have also been shopping quite a bit too. Mostly on ebay, looking for used baby clothing. We figured that buying new clothes won't matter so much since baby will outgrow them pretty fast. I think we've spent about $120 so far on clothes from 0 to 9 months. Got a lot of 0 to 3 months clothing, courtesy of some of the stuff we bidded and won on ebay. I have two full boxes of baby clothes now, along with some other accessories (e.g. wash cloths, bibs, socks, etc). The only things I have left now (that I can think of) are the hooded bath towels and receiving blankets. The other baby essentials like shampoo and stuff can probably wait till a much later date. The sooner I clear some items on my list, the better. Less stress..heheheehe..

I feel rather guilty shopping and spending money, but have no choice. Our shopping budget for this month has been busted. Hubby trying to comfort me and rationalize that since we're adding a new member to our family, such expenses are a given. A consolation is that if I had bought the same amount of clothing new, I'd probably would have spent upwards of $400. So I'm saving at least 40 to 60% (perhaps more) on the baby clothes. We'll buy some new outfits for baby, but those will be for special occassions. Everyday clothes will be used, unless got extremely good deals and sale on clothes.

So I have to bear with it for now. I've estimated that this baby will cost about $10K to prepare from conception to birth..hahaahah. I wonder how accurate my predictions will be...hhhmmmm..

20 weeks update

I'm in my 20th week now. The bump is getting bigger but can still be hidden when I wear loose dark-coloured tops. Baby's also getting more and more active. It's kicking and punching quite often lately, usually after I've eaten some food. But he also moves vigorously during my yoga class. He moves at the beginning of the class and at the end when I'm lying on the floor. Not sure why though, I would think the exercise would tire him out but it only makes him more active.

He also kicks rather vigorously at night, especially when I'm trying to sleep. I feel the kicks more when I'm on my back, so I have to turn on my side to soften his blows. Not too good for me since I'm starting to get backaches, and it wakes me up at night. Haven't had a good night sleep for the last few days because of it. I usually have to supplement my sleep with afternoon naps. I sleep better in the afternoons, but I wonder if it's because it's shorter and thus I don't feel the backaches so much.

Appetite's coming back though not in full swing yet. Still watching what I eat due to the sugar concern. Hubby did some research and found out the Asians are more susceptible to gestational diabetes, probably due to our diet of rice and noodles. So I need to watch my sugar intake. Also trying to up my calcium intake by eating cheese in the morning with my whole-grain bread from Wholefoods. Tums helping as well, with some calcium-fortified OJ. Slowly introducing milk and yogurt into my diet. I cannot consume a whole individual-sized milk box yet since it makes me burp like crazy. But at least I'm trying.

I haven't been able to get an accurate reading of my weight on my bathroom scale, but I think I've gained at least a few pounds. The next doctor's appointment is in 2 weeks time, so hoping to gain at least 3 pounds :D If a bit more, don't think doctor will complain since she told me so..hahahahaha..

Maternity shopping

After my dental appointment yesterday to fix a chipped filling, I stopped by the mall for a little walking. For some reason, I wanted to check out the stores in the mall to see if they have anything for the baby. Instead, I found something for myself.

There was a Motherhood maternity store in the mall and was tucked in a corner. I just happened to see it since I went into a Gamestop to check on some info for fixing a broken Nintendo DS Lite. FYI, if you want to get it fixed, you need to send it in to Nintendo to get it fixed so you won't end up voiding the warranty, etc.

Anyway, I decided to take a peek into the maternity store to see what they have. I needed some yoga clothes so I figured they might have some. I was also thinking that it might be time for me to get new bras since I've outgrown my current ones. The only bras they had were nursing bras, which might be a bit too early for me since I would still be growing in my 3rd trimester. The sales clerk was kind enough to suggest a nursing sports bra. That one fitted way better and was more comfortable than the regular back-hook nursing bras. Plus it would still give me some space when I grow bigger. So I got two.

At the same time, I might as well browse for some other maternity wear like tops since my existing clothes are starting to get tight around the belly. I was having some trouble getting out of my long-sleeved shirt in the changing room due to that. So I got two solid-colour tops, that would probably last me for a while. Also found a yoga pants. I didn't get any yoga tops since I bought the sports bra, which I can then just wear it for yoga along with a regular tank top. Saves money..heheheheehe..Also got a bra extender so I can use it with my current outgrown bras. However when I got home, I realised the extender's width was wider than my current bra straps. So maybe I'll go back and get it exchanged or something.

Overall, I spent close to $100. I feel a bit bad but I had no choice. At least I know what size I am now and I can go online to look for cheaper alternatives. After that, I walked around the mall a bit more, looking at children's clothing stores. Felt tired and texted hubby to let him know that he can pick me up whenever he was done with his work.

I still have to find additional clothes for the baby. Ebay-ing now but doesn't seem to have a lot of choices for me. Plus I have a budget in mind on how much to spend on the baby's clothes, this way I don't end up overspending. But if I can't win any of my bids, I will have to go to the outlet mall and get stuff. Haih..let me win something without overpaying...

Baby stuff shopping

So I finally broke down yesterday and decided to buy something for the baby. My MIL sent us some baby clothes but it was geared towards the warmer weather of SE Asia. Since the baby will be born in winter, I need to get some winter clothes for baby. We went to Carters to check out what they have. Seems like the entire store was on sale..hahaaha...from 40% to 70% off. Of course, the prices are so marked up that they still make money even though it's at 70% off.

Anyway, I bought a fleece jacket and pants set (3 months), along with some t-shirts (6 months). I figured the baby will probably need the fleece set for winter when we go out of the house. Also planning to do the rest of the shopping on ebay. The baby's probably going to outgrow the clothes pretty fast, so no point me buying anything too expensive or new. Found 2 interesting clothing lots on ebay which I think will be useful for me since one of them is for 0 to 9 months and the other one for 0 to 12 months. I probably don't need too much since I have laundry at home :D I just hope I can get either one of them at the price I want. Else, I'll just be shopping ebay for a bit longer. My budget is less than $2.50 per piece of clothing item, the cheaper the better.

Also need to do research on diaper covers. I'm planning to use cotton diaper for baby; disposable diapers only when I'm out with the baby and cannot find a decent changing place. Found a couple of brands but probably need to see if I can find any mom's comments/reviews on it before I make up my mind. Then there's also the case of baby crib, stroller and car seat. Have to get those too, as well as some other knick-knacks and toys. Whew, for a person who doesn't shop as much, I'm going to be doing a lot of those in the next few months. I feel pain for my bank account; more like my hubby's bank account..hahahaha..

Plus I also need to buy clothes for myself. As mentioned before, my pants are starting to get tighter. Wearing it much lower on the hips now but I think it's also getting tighter around the butt area. Thinking if I should also get my maternity clothes from ebay as well. One of my friends is planning to pass some of her larger regular clothes to me. I wouldn't mind those, but I still need to get proper yoga clothes. Maybe I'll buy those from regular yoga store. Just have to find something :)

I'll have to spread out our shopping. I get a bit enthusiatic at times and might end up over-purchasing. Lucky got hubby to act as my sounding board. If he's ok with the purchase and the price, then at least I won't feel so bad buying it *grin*