Attention Moms! (all-things-baby)

Let me start by saying... Ahhhhhhh!

Okay I feel a little better now, but I must admit, wouldn't it just be easier if we could all go back to our grandparents' time and have a baby? I am pretty sure they would be perplexed by brands such as Bjorn and Medela. But we can't go back, so why not embrace the great things that have come from time and ingenuity.

Where oh where do I start? Okay, I am a woman, so naturally I am drawn first and foremost to... everything! Not knowing the gender yet (which we absolutely must know as soon as humanly possible!) does stall the process, which is necessary, but it doesn't prevent looking. And if there is anything a woman is good at it is shopping, regardless of when you plan to buy. I think this makes Chris a little nervous. Shopping this early could only mean a lot of buying over the next 6 months. No worries honey, I don't plan on buying anything without you. With that being said... I would love ANY advice surrounding these areas, such an amateur I know...

1. Strollers. I personally am leaning towards a jogger-esc stroller. Mainly because I know I will want a jogger either way and this way I can get more bang for my buck. If I had to choose today I would buy the Baby Jogger City Elite. Love it. Folds with one motion. Car seat adaptable, great for a toddler, and light weight. Check out a video of the stroller here.

2. Cribs. Surely there is a lot more to think about here than just looks. Solid wood and all that, but what else do I need to think about? I am only 5'3", so will that be a factor to consider? Do I need a drop side? Should I get a conversion type crib for the child to grow into or will I be able to use the same crib for our next child?

3. Bedding. Is it weird I have a phobia of cartoon-like characters in my child's room? Here I am leaning towards solids, stripes, and patterns with a touch of color, but let's give the kid a chance to tell me what he/she likes before I fill their room with stuff? I don't know.. still sitting on this one. How many of you moms or soon-to-be use crib bumpers?

4. Birthing classes?!?!? No idea here either. Do I really have to? When do I need to start looking into this?

5. Childcare. Okay, ideally the best childcare is me. I know this, but there are other great options out there. I am struggling between having someone come into our home, versus taking our child to someones home, versus a full on daycare. I know this might be a heated topic (aren't all baby things), so let's just say this one will be a personal choice, but not an easy one.

6. Nursery seating. I for one am all about buying a comfy chair our child will want to lounge in and read a good book with mommy and daddy as they grow, but I also want it to serve its purpose while we have an infant (preferably something that rocks and swivels). I think the only solution here is to go sit in a bunch of them. Any store recommendations?

Oh the list could go on and on... but these major big items will most likely determine where I register for those smaller items, so I am trying to start here. And for those of you who read this but don't comment (you know who you are) please send me an email with your advice, I truly will appreciate it!

Feeling much better now. :)