It has been a much calmer week. However, we did have an exciting day at Babies R Us last week. I got a heads up about a big one day sale at Babies R Us via theBump.com’s Orange County message board. When I spied that several items we had earmarked were going to be marked down I immediately text messaged Kevin to schedule a scouting trip. Thursday night we made our way out to Babies R Us and decided that there were 3 items we definitely wanted to get. There was a glider and ottoman set that was originally $550 marked down to $200. We had originally decided that the price made this particular glider out of the question. After all, what are we supposed to do with it after Sophie and her younger sibling grow up? But I was still quite smitten with the look of a large, squishy, non wood glider. The only problem with this glider is that it is navy blue. I wanted one in white or ivory to contrast with the pink we intend on painting the nursery. After we tried it out, and spoke to Grandma Ngo about slip covering it, we decided the glider was a go.
Rock-A-Bye Glider & Ottoman
The other large ticket item we were going to look into is the Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe Travel System. It is a travel stroller with a matching infant car seat. I consider it to be the Honda or Toyota of strollers. It has the second highest rating on Consumer Reports (second to a stroller that costs 3X as much and doesn’t come with a car seat) and is very moderately priced. We had originally chosen the Deco pattern, but the Diaz pattern was going on sale at $50 off the original price. Decent sales on Graco strollers rarely ever happen. We couldn’t even find this kind of price on Amazon. Our only concern was whether or not the car seat was going to be unisex enough. We had intended on purchasing all big ticket items as unisex items just in case the next baby is a boy. To our delight, upon examining the Diaz pattern, we decided that despite its blue coloring, the pattern was actually more feminine than the polka dots we had originally chosen. We also preferred the silver detailing on the stroller to the mocha colored detailing on the Deco pattern. Grandma & Grandpa Pang had already earmarked the stroller as their gift for the baby shower, but we picked it up for them.
Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe Travel System
And, for the tech geeks following this blog, we purchased the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer. It is the latest and greatest in thermometer technology, if there is such a thing. I know rectal thermometers are recommended for infants, and we will keep one on hand for confirmation, but I find the temporal artery thermometer much less demoralizing. A simple scan across the forehead and we get a temperature. Research has shown that the Exergen thermometer is as accurate as the rectal thermometer when used properly. I know the key words here are, “used properly”. It was a whopping 50% off and I have a rebate form for an additional $5 back.
Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer
And for all of you stacking junkies out there (those who stack the savings, coupons, mark downs), we also opened up a Babies R Us Rewards R Us card. We’ll be collecting $5 for every $150 spent at Babies R Us.
As for the baby bump, I think I may be rounder this week, but it’s all beginning to blend together. Kevin and I are anxious to do a slideshow of every bump photo after Sophie comes. I think the increase in size will be much more noticeable then. For the time being, this will have to suffice:
As for Sophie, she’s now the size of an eggplant!
I’m sure you’re all as relieved as I am that this week’s photograph is a produce product from TheBump. Unfortunately, we’re back to Parenting.com blobs next week. This week, it may be possible to hear the baby’s heartbeat by putting an ear to my belly. Kevin tried this last week with no success. In fact, Sophie kicked him in the ear. Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving Sophie a healthy pink glow. She’s also soaking up antibodies, getting her immune system ready for life outside the womb. Her eyes are forming and she’ll soon perfect the blink-perfect for batting her freshly grown lashes. We’ll try to post again sometime this week. In the mean time, wish Grandpa Ly and Grandma Ngo a Happy 25th Anniversary! We’ll be taking them to dinner tomorrow night to celebrate.
i LOVE your glider rocker! i’m so jealous. mine was $300 and i like yours way more! you’re such a savvy shopper!!! also, you look adorable, really showing more and more! hope you’re feeling well.