Pregnancy Update-- Week 18

Let me just start off by saying that science and technology are amazing. The fact that at 18 weeks and 5 days, my husband and I were able to see our baby in detail is nothing short of unreal. As a first time mom, I was in complete and total awe during the ultra- sound. We have an appointment in a couple of weeks to discuss the results of the ultra-sound with our midwife, but in the meantime, we have some great pictures to look at :) 

Such a cute button nose huh?!

These are the best I got....I obviously still need some practice. 

How far along? 18 weeks 6 days (although at the ultra-sound, the baby was measuring about 19 weeks 5 days)

Size of baby: A sweet potato (5.5 in, 5 oz)

Total weight gain: About 7 pounds I think. 

Maternity clothes: I have resorted to wearing dresses and skirts. They are perfect for working at the daycare-- lightweight, comfortable, and provide plenty of room. I can still fit into my pants, but I don't think I will be for long!

Sleep: I have been sleeping fairly well-- lately I have been waking up around 2-3 AM. I honestly think that it must be the baby moving, but it's still hard to tell. 

Best moment of the week: Honestly, the ultra-sound was the best moment of the week. I couldn't stop smiling during and afterwards. 

Movement: Not really-- but I think a few times this week I have "sensed" that something was going on. 

Miss anything? I still miss hot dogs, but other than that, I am not finding that I am really missing anything.  

Food cravings: Still ice cream-- I am trying so hard not to give in to temptation every night. 

Food aversions: I am not really avoiding any foods-- but that changes weekly haha. 

Symptoms I have: This was the first week I felt a little bit of heartburn. It wasn't bad-- but it sure didn't feel good! Other than feeling bloated and very large, no terrible symptoms. 

Gender Predictions: Still thinking it is a girl (although the other day I felt as though it was a boy)-- my husband still thinks it's a boy :)

Looking forward to: Discussing the results of the ultra-sound with my doctor. I just want to make sure that everything is normal and progressing correctly. 

One aspect that my husband and I are starting to work on is our registry. As first time parents, we are completely and utterly lost as to how to begin this process! Many people have suggested to go to a store like Buy Buy Baby to at least just look around for a day and check everything out-- I'm told that these stores also provide a registry suggestion list  (similar to a wedding registry list). We haven't been able to devote a day to just "browsing," but I decided to start focusing on a few items at a time. This week, my goal has been to research and investigate infant car seats and compatible strollers. So far, from friends, consumer reports, various blogs and websites, I think I like the Graco Fastaction Fold Click Connect Travel System, in Affinia:

This car seat and stroller combination is the most economic choice, and from many of the reviews, has a pretty solid reputation. It is currently on sale on Amazon for $169.99. This price also includes the car seat base (which I have learned is not always sold with the car seat-- it is typically sold separately). 

But I also like Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base, Lilla with the Chicco Liteway Plus Stroller, Silver

These items are sold separately, but are compatible with one another. The price of the car seat on Amazon is $199.99 and the stroller is $179.99. This car seat is highly recommended (on multiple sites), but is definitely more expensive than Graco. 

Or, the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System, Lilla 

This system together on Amazon costs $349.99. While the car seat is highly recommended, many people have commented on how the stroller is too big and bulky. 

Does anyone have any other suggestions/comments regarding infant car seats and stroller combinations? Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated! 

Have a great rest of your weekend! Thanks for reading :)