The Story of Us {Link-Up} With From Mrs. to Mama!

Since February is such a lovey-dovey month and I'm all about spreading the luuuuurve around these parts, I thought I'd participate in Becky's "Our Love Story" link-up, especially since there have been a number of new faces seen around ILYMTC and well, since I started blogging after my wedding in 2007, I've never really shared much of our story. So? Here goes!

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?

M and I started dating back on January 23rd, 2003. That means this past January, we celebrated NINE years of being together. Yes, Loyals. Nine. And when you ask him? He says, "it already feels like an eternity." Such a sweet man. We wed on October 27th, 2007, so for nearly 5 of those years, we've been married. 

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}

Long story short? A fraternity party. No, really. We met over beer pong. And, while we're on the subject, made for a pretty bad ass beer pong team. We met the second or third week of my sophomore (his junior) year at Villanova University. Gotta love those SAE boys. At the time, however, I had been kind of hooking up with one of his fraternity brothers. Of course, after an entire night of flirting, he had to get in my face and let me know quite frankly that he "didn't date girls who hooked up with his brothers." He then proceeded to "date" one of the girls that I brought with me to the party that night. Nice one, honey. Less then two months later, I had that boy making the long trek across campus to hang out with me all. the. time. 

3. If married, how long have you been married? 

We'll be married for five years later this year! Gosh, I feel like this makes me so "old" in the Blog World. 

4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding?  

We were married in a medium-large size ceremony on the campus of Villanova in the beautiful and pristine cathedral that played such an integral role in our relationship! Our reception was held at a nearby mansion. 

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!

I sort of, kind of love it a lot when M refers to me as "Mama." I'd say that by now, that's what he calls me most of the time. I usually call him "Babe" which sounds more like "Beb," when said quickly. 

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

The passion with which he lives his life and loves his family is outstanding. His dedication to my happiness is often paramount and an utmost priority in his life. He's also got really, really nice arms. Wink!

7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?

Foodies from the start, M and I were always going out to fancy dinners on a whim, so the night that he proposed was no different. Spending a weekend with his family in Maryland, M decided we would venture to the Inner Harbor for dinner and a walk around the pier. Back then, I kind of had a thing for lighthouses and he knew I would want to see the Seven Knolls lighthouse on Pier 7. After a delicious Italian dinner in Baltimore Little Italy, we began the walk across the pier to meet up with a few of our friends at the local bar, or so I thought.

As we walked past the lighthouse, there was a chain link sign strung up across the stairs, prohibiting entry due to some construction/maintenance that needed to be done. Of course I was disappointed but M suggested we walk to the edge of the pier to get a better look (and some pictures) of the lighthouse. As I bent down to grab my camera from my bag, I could feel M turn my body to face the lighthouse. And as I did so, he began to get down on one knee. I remember it like it was yesterday. 

As I looked up towards the lighthouse, I could see a HUGE sign that read "WILL YOU MARRY ME?" And with tears in my eyes and to the applause and shouts from a passing passenger ferry, I said "YES!" to the now father of my children. Within minutes we were surrounded by our closest friends and family and we continued to celebrate the night at that local bar we were destined to head to earlier in the night. 

Three days later, we spent the night in a gorgeous hotel room in DC as we watched the Capitol's 4th of July fireworks, newly engaged and ridiculously in love. 

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?

He's more of the flowers, champagne and insanely delicious dinner kind-of-guy. He used to spoil me with jewelry on Valentine's days past, usually in the form of say, a little blue box. Whatever happened to those days, Husband? 

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?

Prior to having kids, we were definitely a dinner on the beach kind of couple. Preferably a Caribbean beach. Now, after bath times and bedtimes, we're more the turn on the DVR, share a glass or two of wine and relax (breathe) on the couch kind of couple. 

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?

Thankfully, M and I did a lot of things together before we started our family. We shared a love and a passion for traveling and wined and dined together in some of the greatest places on earth. Since then, things have slowed down a bit as we've settled our roots in both a house and growing family. Since we never had the chance to cross Greece off of our Baby Bucket List, I would love to eventually find myself there with him one day. 

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day.

Being that Valentine's Day is a week day this year, I'll likely have Carter bathed and fed by the time M walks through the door after a long day at work. Maybe I'll even cook a Crock Pot dinner. Racy, I know. This year we'll be going out for a sweet little date night prior to the actual day- celebrating with a little adult conversation and some alone time. Basically what we've both been craving lately!

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?

Ah, I asked for a steam mop this year. And promptly went out a surprised myself with one. How romantical, I know. What can I say? I love a nice, clean floor.  

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.

Continue to be spontaneous and always keep the lines of communication between the both of you open. Be sure to make each other's happiness a constant priority. 

14.  Show us a picture of what love means to you.

The Husband, C and myself, 

pregnant with our second baby boy! 

That's love to me! 

Thanks so much for reading The Story of Us!