18 weeks, carseat stress

As of Friday, we are officially 18 weeks! It's starting to sink in that we need to get on the ball in preparing for this little girl, and I've begun the daunting task of researching for "The Perfect Carseat." I realize this isn't brain surgery, but there is much more to this than first meets the eye. After my first impulse registry at Babies 'R' Us, based on color and cush, I then began to research on the exhausting internet and discovered that although this was a good choice, it apparently does not fit into the front of the standard shopping cart. Now, I have seen that this is an important feature, so I researched again. My latest favorite is this Graco Snugride Carseat with GracoPedic Foam for extra baby cush...a necessity after feeling the non-padded jobs at the store. http://www.gracobaby.com/catalog/product.aspx?modelNumber=8649MIN3&productID=1117&CategoryID=&subCatID=15

And then there is this great little stroller that the carseat fits into...
http://www.gracobaby.com/catalog/product.aspx?modelNumber=6001BCL1
(or do we go with the mongo travel system? The SUV of carseat/strollers? Decisions decisions..)

And this so-smart baby swing contraption...it folds up when not in use, and you just plop the carseat into it and voila! Instant baby-swing. Music and everything. And one less large baby toy to try to make room for in 1,000 sq feet or less.
http://www.gracobaby.com/products/subcategory.asp?N=45+10417+118&act=A20

So, this is my latest carseat decision. Of course, it will probably change by tomorrow. I've also found some interesting European jobs...but they range over $500. Nice.

the latest from babycenter.com How your baby's growing:

Head to bottom, your baby is approximately 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a large sweet potato) and she weighs almost 7 ounces. She's busy flexing her arms and legs — movements that you'll likely start noticing more and more. Her blood vessels are visible through her thin skin and her ears are now in position and stand out from her head. Myelin (a protective covering) is beginning to form around her nerves, a process that will continue for a year after she's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and Fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If your baby is a boy, his genitals are noticeable, though he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.