Discovering My "Economic Value"

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Last week, my husband and I were at State Farm Insurance answering questions about Life Insurance. We were both interested in getting policies, especially since we have a child on the way and if something were to happen, we want to make sure that financially, everything would be taken care of. While we were there, one part of the conversation went something like this…

Agent: So Lindsey, do you want to set-up a policy for yourself as well?

Me: Yes, that would be great.

Agent: What do you do for a living?

Me: Well, I used to work full-time in Charleston, but now that we're in Atlanta I'm staying home and working every now and again editing weddings for my grandmother's company.

Agent: Alright. Your economic value is going to be around $35,000 since your child would need care from a nanny is his prime "growing years". If the child was already grown, your economic value would be significantly lower. 

Me thinking to myself: What? My "economic value" is dependent on my professional status...or if my child is young and in need of care?? Hmph. I don't get it. I am valuable regardless of these two situations! What is she talking about? I mean, I am valuable, right...?  

That may not have been word for word of the conversation, but it definitely went something like that. I know that the agent was talking about my value in the sense of a life insurance policy, but I was really disturbed when I found out that unless I have a kid or a job, I am practically valueless.

But, I know better than to believe this. I know that first and foremost, I am a woman and a child of God. He loves me and values me, even when I don't deserve it. I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) God has given me a heart that is so full of passion at times that I feel like it might explode. I am a servant, I am a fighter. I despise injustice. I am loved and adored by my husband. I am a wife, mother-to-be, daughter, granddaughter, sister, cousin, aunt, godmother, and friend.

I am more than the ecomic value that society has given me. 

And so are you. 

So when moments of doubt come into our minds, we need to remember Ephesians 2:10. "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." 

Product Review - Things I'm Loving

1. Joby GorillaPod - Magnetic

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See this little guy that's hanging off of the pole? That's my new favorite gadget. It's called a GorillaPod and is the most amazing tripod I have ever purchased. Standing at around 6.5" tall, this lightweight tripod has bendable legs and magnetic feet. It's sturdy enough to take great shots, but small enough to throw in your purse without weighing it down. I originally purchased this for my (now canceled) NYC trip, but have been using this tripod since the day it arrived! The luxury of taking self-timed pictures that actually turn out great has been wonderful. What did we do a few weeks ago at the Braves game when we needed a group shot? We found a pole and wrapped my tripod around it. Y'all, it's seriously amazing! And at around $20, it's well worth the price!

2. Lush Coalface Cleanser

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"The ground up charcoal comes from sustainable woodland in the UK and it is very good for your skin. I helps to absorb excess sebum and acts as a mild exfoliator. The sandalwood and softening liquorice help to improve the condition of the skin." (via)

That's right people -- I have been using a face wash with charcoal. AND IT WORKS! I have always struggled with acne and oily skin. The acne was control by dermatologist prescribed medication, and the oil made itself at home on my face. Once I found out that I was pregnant, I had to stop using all face medications. This did not side well with my face, and I immediately broke out. 

One day while the hubs and I were at the mall, we stumbled upon an organic cosmetic company in Macy's. The store is called Lush, and in addition to fantastic creams and bath salts, they also have a skincare line for acne and oily skins.

LADIES, this stuff works. I use 5 Lush products on a regular basis, but today is all about the Coalface Cleanser. It has completely removed any and all shine from my face. This is HUGE for me, since at one point my husband actually referred to me as "The Shining". (Thanks babe, love you too.) As for the acne, it has severely calmed down and is in the process of healing. I have no doubt that next month I will no longer be self-conscious about the marks on my face. Instead, I will be basking in the glow of pregnancy, and it's all thanks to the organic products I am using! Coalface runs at $11.95 for 3.5 ounces, but this should last you around 1 month. It's a bit pricey, but it works. Visit www.lushusa.com to check out their products. (I'll be back with reviews on the other products that I use!)

3. Steripod

 

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"The Steripod is a toothbrush protector for your brush. Once opened, each Steripod releases germ-killing vapors and lasts up to 3 months. Steripod has been tested and proven in laboratory testing." (from here)

I found this product while browsing at Bed, Bath and Beyond. There were two in a pack for $4.95 and it promised to kill any germs that resided on my toothbrush. First off all, I don't even want to think about the disgusting germs that camp out in the bathroom, nonetheless on my toothbrush. So, I purchased a pack and Keith and I have been happily using our little Steripods on our toothbrushes ever since. I don't have proof that they actually work, but hey it's worth a shot to protect my toothbrush. :)

Baby Christmas is...

Keith and I are absolutely thrilled! We are so excited to finally know our baby's gender and cannot wait to continue to watch him grow. His name? 

Gavin Josiah Christmas.

:) 

I am in love.

Today is a BIG Day!

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This morning, Keith and I are heading to the doctor to find out if our little bundle of joy is going to be a sweet baby boy or a precious baby girl! I am so anxious to start calling my baby by name and to begin purchasing items for the nursery! :D I'll be back tomorrow with the news, but until then I'll update you guys on my lovely baby bump!

13 weeks 1 day

14 weeks 1 day

15 weeks

16 weeks (yesterday!)

This pregnancy has (so far) been smooth sailing! I am still feeling fantastic and am no longer having any sinus problems. My biggest issues have been fighting acne and my growing boobies. The acne is actually become controlled thanks to a new product I stumbled upon! (Seriously amazing...I'll post soon on this!) As for the boobs...well they were always big, and now they're just bigger and quite annoying. (Sorry if this is TMI -- just being honest) I feel blessed that these are the only "issues" that I'm having.

As for food, I go through different cravings and aversions. I've been addicted to blueberry bagels and strawberry cream cheese, pizza rolls, baby dill pickles and spicy pickled okra, and baked potatoes. I'll usually be addicted for about a week, and then I don't want to look at the food again for a good while. I'm still avoiding meat, but have been loving a recipe I have for rosemary chicken. Yum. 

That's all the baby news I have for now. As long as baby is in a good position for us to see him/her, I'll be posting tomorrow with the gender news and baby names. AH! :) 

NYC Will Have to Wait

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Unfortunately, Keith and I will not be leaving on Friday morning for our 4 day trip to New York City. :( Although we had purchased our plane tickets, booked our room, and made plans in the city, we have decided to postpone this trip. 

When we came to this conclusion my first thought was "Oh great! I already blogged about the trip! We have to go!" I sincerely hate writing about plans that have been made and then having to take it all back. But, life happens and that's that. Keith and I feel like going to New York right now would be financially irresponsible. We have money set aside specifically for this trip, but with a baby on the way and the holidays coming up (can y'all believe this?!?!), we are choosing to postpone the trip.

This trip would have been a great vacation for us before the baby comes, and also would have allowed me to cross two things off of my 30 Before 30 list. While I am completely bummed out, Keith has assured me that I will accomplish all of the things on my list, and that we will plan a much cheaper winter vacation in a few months. 

So, I'm sorry for all of the buildup guys. I am hoping that future "We're going here/We're going to do this" posts will actually come to fruition.

Wordless Wednesday

My nephew, Baby Joe. The cutest little lion I've ever seen. :)

Where Were You?

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On September 11, 2001 I was a sophomore in high school. I was in my family and consumer science class and it was a regular day. One of my friends came into class late and began explaining what she had just seen on television. She told me that they were watching the news in a different class and that a plane had crashed into a building in New York City. I remember being really confused and scared and repeating "What do you mean a plane crashed into a building?!?!"   

The bell rang and I was off to my next class -- P.E. Everyone was talking about what was happening in New York and we were all freaking out. Instead of dressing into our gym uniforms the coaches had everyone huddle into one room and they let us watch the news coverage. By this time, the second plane had already crashed into the other tower. My heart was breaking for those suffering. The images on television were surreal, and I felt completely helpless.

I don't remember much of this day except the above. I know that I was scared. Very, very scared. At 15 years old I was pretty naive and wasn't aware of terrorism. Anything I previously learned on the subject was completely forgotten and I was extremely confused. When I found out that someone could have done this intentionally I was devastated. What kind of world were we living in? At this time I was not a Christian, and had only my friends to cling to. I imagine that I would have felt miles more comfort had I known Him at the time. 

That Friday night there was a football game and the crowd dressed in red, white, and blue. The cheerleaders painted American flags on our faces. While my memory has failed me and I don't remember much, I do remember the unity I felt with my fellow students. I remember the burst of patriotism that happened as our country stood together. And I remember feeling as though this attack on our country was not going to spread fear. If anything, this attack made us stronger. 

And I for one am proud to be an American.

A Cheery Wordless Wednesday

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A cheerful heart is a good medicine. 

Proverbs 17:22a
:)

Leaving on a Jet Plane

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I previously mentioned that Keith and I were in the process of booking a trip, but I didn't want to spill the beans until everything was officially official. Now that the plane tickets have been purchased and our lodging is reserved, I can finally tell the world!

In 18 days, we are heading to...

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My last trip to NYC was in 2008 and my husband has never been, so this trip is definitely overdue! We'll be leaving early on Friday, September 23rd and coming home in the afternoon on Monday, September 26th. 

We'll be staying at a charming Bed and Breakfast in Brooklyn. The owners have graciously given us permission to check-in early (10am!) at no additional charge! 

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Being the crazy list person that I am, I've already mapped out our days, purchased tickets to different events, and made reservations at a particularly sweet restaurant. :) (Okay, I need to really confess -- I also made a PowerPoint presentation equipped with animation when my husband told me that we were booking this trip. I know, I know. Nerrrrrd.) Here's how our trip is looking.

(Please play this while you read. :D )

While in NYC we will...

Take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty

Visit Ground Zero

Eat a delicious meal here

Explore Central Park :)

Rent a rowboat in Central Park

Visit Brooklyn Law School (Might as well, right?)

Take a few pictures at the Washington Square Arch -- Where Sally dropped off Harry!

Explore Little Italy

Visit Top of the Rock Observation Deck

#23 on the list -- Walk the Brooklyn Bridge!

And last, but certainly not least....

GO TO A YANKEE (vs. red sox) GAME!!! #24 on the list!

I am so very excited for this trip and I cannot wait to experience New York City with my sweet husband! :D I wanted to add so much more to our list, but we'll only have 3.5 days, and I really don't want to overdue it. I'll be 16 weeks pregnant for this trip and judging by my lack of sickness thus far, I am not anticipating any illness for this trip! (fingers crossed!)

So, fellow New Yorkers/those who adore this city -- any tips/advice for this trip? Anything that we must see that isn't listed? Any places to stay away from? Any and all advice is welcome! :)

**all images from here

Baby Boy??

 

Yesterday I headed back to the doctor with the hopes that my uterus had turned in the right direction and that we would be able to see our sweet child. I am happy to report that everything is looking great and the ultrasound technician, Hilena, was able to see the baby perfectly! I love love love the picture that I have of Baby Christmas this week! His/her face is so beautiful and their little nose makes my heart melt! :)

Since I was only 13w1d, Hilena said that she could not be 100% certain, but she is thinking that my baby is a baby boy!   

What do you guys think? 

Hilena said that at this stage the penis and the clitoris look very similar, so it's hard to tell what the sex of the baby is, but she seems to think I am having a sweet baby boy. AH! :) When I first found out that I was pregnant I was really hoping for a girl because I am in love with a certain name, and I felt like I just had to name my kid this or the world will end. It seems so silly to think about this now, because after seeing our child on the ultrasound I really could care less if I shop for blue or pink. Honestly, Keith and I do not have a preference and are praying for a strong, healthy baby. I am so just happy that I am going to be a Mom! Thank you Lord....thank you, thank you, thank you.