shopping saturday

[same_sky]

Today was a major shopping expedition, and for once, we actually managed to get stuff done. We tend to go browsing instead of shopping, and then we get bored and come home. The clothing situation will be dire in just a little while longer, so I needed pants and a few shirts, plus some other essential garments of the unmentionable variety. I ended up with four pairs of pants and five shirts, plus an unmentionable number of unmentionables. So, I spent too much money but I should be able to wear clothes for a little while. Actually, I believe I made some very sensible purchases, for the most part.

Today marks a milestone--I'm twenty weeks pregnant today. That, for those of you who are uninitiated in the ways of the pregnancy week system, means that I am HALFWAY THERE. Of course, you're not actually pregnant for the first two weeks, so you're also kind of not halfway through the pregnancy, either, but that's just a sticky mathematical technicality. We marked this momentous occasion by stopping in at Babies R Us, where we wandered around in a fog. It feels a bit vulnerable in there, with all the earnest fertiles with notebooks and their numerous progeny, and all the men looking at each other like "I know what YOU'VE been up to, you randy dog!" I am not used to people looking at US and seeing a young couple planning the nursery for their first child, but in context, we were classic examples of it. We even whipped the camera out and took pictures of various cribs, and discussed the merits of various finishes. It's not unpleasant, but it does feel strange.

We also found a crib that we agree on, and now the real question: do we really want to hand over three hundred dollars for a crib? The types that we were looking at seem to range from two to five hundred, and I can tell you right now that I'm not paying that much for a crib. I bristle somewhat at the knowledge that this particular store overprices every single item, and so my bargain-hunting self wants to find it somewhere else, or wait until there's a sale. Do they even do sales? We are going to be SO BAD at this because we're so freaking cheap, and yet we're suckers for a nice-looking item. We think that one will look very nice with our floors and walls, and it feels sturdy. Decisions, decisions.

I have a definite risk of falling asleep while sitting here at the moment, so I'd better go wash my face and get ready for bed before I do. That is, before I fall asleep at my desk AGAIN...

Comments

[e11en.livejournal.com]

I was totally set to hit IKEA and get an inexpensive crib but then my mother wanted to chip in so we could get something nicer. In the end she paid for the crib and dresser and I would never have paid that much but it has been totally worth it. For one thing, our crib converts to a toddler bed so given the timing of our kids, it has been in constant use for all but 8 months of the time we've owned it. And I went to a specialty children's furniture store where they had some good deals and it wasn't that much, just more than I would have spent.

Having used the crib my brother had for his kids when we were up at my mom's this past Christmas, I have to say how glad I am to have a nicer crib. There was nothing wrong with theirs but the side rail didn't go up and down as fluidly and silently which is so key for us.

[courtesy.livejournal.com]

That crib you linked to sure is purty, and it looks like it becomes a bed so surely it's worth it? ;)

I wonder if there's a second hand one on ebay.... but if not, I personally support the expenditure :)

[dbrus.livejournal.com]

We've got an IKEA crib, it was only one of four cribs that past a safety test in a swedish newspaper last month...that said, Max has never slept in it! We have a cosleeper and he sleeps next to my side of the bed.

[mamakoolaid.livejournal.com]

As far as cribs go, you might consider looking at consignment shops that sell baby items (do you have a Once Upon A Child where you live?). My sister got her daughter's crib there and it's GORGEOUS, almost brand-new, met all the safety requirements and only cost about $110.

I'm so excited for you about this pregnancy and I'm still keeping good thoughts for you! =D

[ozswede.livejournal.com]

I was going to suggest what Kirsty wrote - ebay! Otherwise I think if you love the crib, get it and enjoy it. You will find that a lot of baby stuff is overpriced. Wait until you look at strollers. And check out Carrie's posts about diaper bags. The joys of parenthood.....

[parilous.livejournal.com]

I dig that crib because it converts to a toddler bed, then a day bed, and then you can use the back and front for the headboard/footboard on a double bed! It's like a Swiss Army Knife of beds. So cool! You figure that it will save you all but the cost of the mattress/frame when they're 5 or 6 and get to be in a "big bed".

My best friend (and new mommy) bought furniture a changing table could be flipped upside down, and the drawers re-oriented, to become a dresser. I thought that was pretty groovy, too.

As an aside, you may find this link useful. I've known Jenny since 1990 and have always trusted her for product reviews (just yesterday I bought some green tea on her suggestion and she was spot-on about how lovely it is!). So, a while ago, I suggested that she write some baby product reviews in her rarely-used LJ. So, it may be helpful to you when you're beginning to buy baby supplies.