[Kasey]

Our son came home at 5 1/2 months and I never used the carseat/stroller combo, I used convertible carseats (ones that can be used rear facing and then forward facing) and at 2 my son is still in it.
That would be your best bet, everyone has opinions on which brand they like, what I do recommend is trying it out in your car, babies r us will let you do this. We didn't for our one car seat (A britax) and it fits horribly in my car, just doesn't seem secure, but it fits great in DH's, so at least we have it.
As far as toys, don't stock up yet, wait and see until your first trip, that way you will know what level the child is at, what they will benefit most from.
Ifd you want to start buying things, start stocking up on books, for all ages, it is great to start your child's library now.
The Leap Frog and Einstein toys are also great leaners.
Puzzles, blocks, balls, shape sorters are also good things to have.
Activity tables are great, he probably will be standing, we got this step and play piano, which he still loves since we have taken the seat out he loves to make music.

As far as strollers, we have a large stroller (Graco)which was nice in the beginning but we hardly use now (except if I know he may need to sleep in it), and an umbrella stroller (MacLaren), which I keep in my car and use everywhere.
I had a hand me down jogging stroller for my walks, but hardly used it, it didin't seem to steer great for me, I wound up just using the umbrella stroller.

Test it all out in the store, especially the strollers, you want something light, easy to manuver and easy to fold down and get in your car.

Good luck and happy shopping!