WHAT'S IN A NAME

When you were little, did you ever wish you had a different name? I went through a stage when I thought the name "Megan" was soooo boring.  I would even ask my Mom why she never thought of giving me a much cooler name like, "Stacey." My love for the name Stacey stemmed from the Barbie's friend doll, and my absolute love/obsession with the Babysitters Club Book Series. I always wanted to be the character Stacey from this series. Luckily, I came to love my name and stopped giving my poor Mom grief about it. 

Thinking of a name for your child is a big decision. I had been thinking of names for my future children ever since I was a little girl. When Casey and I were engaged, I presented my favorite options to him. He thought I was crazy :) He told me he would not commit to any child's name until I was pregnant with them. I thought this was lame, but it didn't stop me from throwing some ideas out every once in awhile :)

Last summer over dinner, I told Casey that I was really starting to love the name, "Emma." I knew that I would most likely get the response, "Lets get pregnant first," which I did.  About two months later (and before we were pregnant), he brought up a potential child's name at dinner.  I almost fell out of my chair since he has always been so resistant to this type of conversation, and now he was actually bringing it up and had a name! I could not wait to hear what it was going to be. To my surprise, he said, "I am not sure where it came from, but today at work, I just started thinking I really like the name, 'Emma' for a girl." At first I thought he was joking. Was he just trying to tease me since I brought this name up two months ago? I just stared at him, and said, "Are you serious?" He stared blankly back at me not understanding my response, and said, "..Yes." I reminded him that I brought this name up two months ago, but he had no recollection of it! I guess he just blocked those "kid name" conversations out of his memory. 

After we laughed about the whole thing, we realized that we had each come to this name separately, but together. It was pretty much destiny, if you ask me. We both love that the name, "Emma" is timeless, classy, elegant, and sweet. 

"Grace" is another name I have always loved, and is actually the name of my Goddaughter/niece. I thought it would make a perfect middle name. Emma Grace had such a nice ring to it. When we found out we were pregnant, we committed to it being the name of our baby if it was a girl. Baby O was a girl, and our little bundle of joy now has a name. Sweet Emma Grace, we love you!

Happy Thursday! Thanks for reading! XO

GENDER REVEAL

A few days before Casey and I left to go to Louisiana for Christmas, we had the big Doctor's appointment where we found out our baby's gender. One of the most frequently asked questions when you are pregnant is, "Do you think it is a girl or a boy?" Casey and I would go back and forth about what we thought our baby's gender might be, but we definitely leaned more towards our baby being a boy. 

In the sea of people we knew having babies, all of them were having boys. We figured something was in the water, and we would be having a boy too. We obviously would have been excited either way, but I know we both mentally went into the appointment expecting the Doctor to tell us we were having a boy. I did, however, have one dream about our baby before the reveal and in it our baby was a girl.

When the time finally arrived, we anxiously waited as the Doctor moved our baby around so he could find out. Once he knew, he asked us if we wanted him to just tell us or write it down. We quickly replied, "Just tell us!" Then he said, "You are having.....a GIRL!" We both instantly were a little surprised and so excited! 

After the appointment, we stood in the parking lot and just kept looking at each other and saying, "We are having a girl." I instantly wanted to go shopping and buy all the adorable little girl clothes I had been seeing and admiring. I started dreaming of her nursery and what she would look like. Casey was kind of being quiet, so I thought maybe he was disappointed we were not having a boy. I asked him what was wrong. 

My sweet baby girl if you ever read this blog one day, know this what your Daddy had to say, "Nothing is wrong at all! I am just thinking of the adventures I am going to take her on, the Daddy daughter dates, making sure she knows she is beautiful, walking her down the aisle..." My heart officially melted in that moment.

Baby girl, your already have your Daddy wrapped around your finger.

Cannot wait to meet her! Thanks for reading! XO

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

I have never been a believer of love at first sight. I think there can be infatuation at first sight, or attraction at first sight, but to me, love is something you can only obtain by truly getting to know someone. I believe you must invest in that person and come to see their greatest gifts and biggest weaknesses. True love is when you still make the choice to love all parts of them despite their imperfections. I stand by this stance when it comes to dating and relationships, but once I saw my precious baby for the first time, I officially became a believer of love at first sight. True genuine love came pouring out of my heart as I watched my baby move and wiggle for the first time. 

As crazy as it may sound, even though I took a pregnancy test that told me that I was pregnant and had bad morning sickness, there was a part of me that still doubted it was all real. I could not wrap my head around the idea that there was a living baby growing inside of me. Even as my Doctor put the jelly on my stomach, I wondered if a baby would show up on the screen. As soon as our baby made its first appearance, chills went through my body. Our baby was real.

Baby O was only 9 weeks old at our first ultrasound, and yet, our baby was so full of life. We didn't get to hear the heartbeat yet, but we could see it. It was beautiful and breathtaking. It was crazy to see Baby O's perfect little arms and legs already formed. All Casey and I could talk about after was how anyone could deny that was a baby. We have always been pro-life, but experiencing and seeing firsthand our little miracle made it all the more convicting. 

The fact that Casey and I will have a baby in 3 months, blows my mind! To be able to play any part in God's creation, and bring a life into this world is a surreal feeling. Being pregnant, I see more than ever, His perfect design and plan. God is so good. 

Happy Ash Wednesday! Thanks for reading! XO

P.S. Make sure to get to Mass today and get your ashes! :)

WHAT I WORE SUNDAY

| Dress: H&M | Necklace: H&M | Shoes: Target | Purse: Kate Spade |

This is an extra special "What I Wore Sunday" because the lovely ladies of Fine Linen and Purple blog allowed me to host this week. Make sure to check out their blog, and see some other ladies' stylish looks for your Sunday wardrobe inspiration. 

Over the weekend my husband and I were busy taking on "Project Nursery" for our little bundle of joy. I am definitely in nesting mode as I clean and organize everything in sight. Attending Mass on Sunday was a good break away from the project, and allowed us to really focus our hearts on our Lenten preparation, which starts this Wednesday! I am so thankful for Lent; it makes me reflect on my faith walk and see where I have become complacent and what needs improvement. Lent is humbling, but it is just what my soul needs.

What are you guys giving up/doing extra for Lent?

Thanks for reading! XO

THE MODERN MODESTY PROJECT

The Saturday after Valentine's Day, I had the awesome opportunity to take part in a styled photoshoot and fundraiser for my friend, Elissa Voss. I first met Elissa about a year ago, after Casey and I spoke at a Theology on Tap in Old Town San Diego. She approached me after and shared part of her story with me. This girl is the real deal! She has a beautiful heart, and her fervor to seek the Lord in all she does is such an inspiration.

God has called Elissa to do missionary work over her Spring Break in Honduras with Focus Missions. In her fundraising efforts, she created an event sharing her talent of photography while spreading the message of Modesty. When I received the Facebook invite, I was so excited. Photography and modest fashion are some of my favorite things, and to top it off, all proceeds went to supporting a missionary spreading God's love. 

Above are some sneak peak pictures Casey captured on his phone of the event. I cannot wait to receive the pictures Elissa took, and to share them with all of you. 

If you live in the San Diego area and are looking for a photographer, 

check out Elissa's photography website:
Elissa Anne Photography

If you would like to support her mission efforts, 

please visit her donation page: 
Elissa's Donation Page

Donating even $5 or $10 will really help. I have no doubt that God is going to use Elissa for great things, and I know from my own experience with mission work, that it is a priceless investment for the soul. 

Happy Monday! Thanks for reading! XO

THE FIRST TRIMESTER

Five days after Casey & I returned home from our European Adventure, I found out that I was pregnant.  I was actually pregnant during the whole trip, but had no idea. It does explain my frequent need to take resting breaks in between walking to different sites. Originally, I thought I was just really out of shape and needed to hit the gym ASAP, but in reality, I was growing a human ;) The most exciting part is that our baby has already received a blessing from Pope Francis!

I first found out the big news on Tuesday, October 1st, 2013. I started to get very suspicious over the weekend that something was different. I bought a pregnancy test on Monday afternoon and waited until Tuesday morning to take it. I was excited and nervous all at the same time. I thought I was going to have a few minutes after taking the test to prepare myself for the results, but the test instantly told me, "PREGNANT." I remember my jaw dropping with a gasp, and as my hand covered my mouth, tears instantly filled my eyes. Then shock hit me and I had this surreal moment of, "I. Am. A. Mom." During my entire life, I dreamed of being a Mom and that day had finally arrived. The shock still hits me all the time. I shared the news with Casey that afternoon when he arrived home from work by decorating our room and even captured his response on film, seen here. 

By the time I found out I was pregnant, I was already  6 weeks along. By Thursday of that same week, the morning sickness hit; and it hit hard. I was extremely sick until week 14 when I finally got on some medication for my nausea. I kept hoping it would go away after week 13 or week 14, but when it continued I realized I needed to get some help. Week 6 to week 14 were rough. I felt nauseous almost all day long and threw up on average 3 times a day (hence no blog posts). My record was 5 times! It was definitely difficult, and I very quickly realized sacrificing for my child started way before they come out of the womb. It was humbling. There were days when I felt helpless. Thank goodness for my amazing husband. He had to pick up all the extra slack, and did it so graciously and lovingly. I AM TRULY BLESSED.

All in all, the first trimester was a world wind. It was filled with much excitement and celebration as we shared the news with family and friends. On the other hand, it was filled with sickness and sacrifice. As much as that time was difficult, I know it was all worth it since it is preparing me for the most important role of my life.

Happy Thursday! Thanks for reading! XO

BIG NEWS OVER HERE...

If you haven't noticed, it has been kind of a ghost town around here lately. I was just gone without a trace. It was like one day we were going steady, and then I just never called again....like a bad break up. And I'm sorry, but here is why I have been so MIA with blogging lately...WE ARE HAVING A BABY! I told you I had a GOOD reason for my leave of absence :) Please keep Casey and I in your thoughts and prayers as we prepare our home and our hearts for this little bundle of joy. 

Enjoy this special video we made capturing some great responses to our exciting news!

Have a Blessed Monday Everyone! Thanks for reading! XO

WHAT I WORE SUNDAY

Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2014 has been good to you so far. I know I have been MIA again, but I have a good reason. I swear! More details to come this week! Stay tuned! 

Happy Monday! Thanks for reading! XO

WHAT I WORE SUNDAY

| Dress: H&M (old) | Necklace: Forever 21 | Clutch: H& M |

And.... We are back! I know I have been MIA for over a month now, but I am up and running again. September was a crazy month that included a whirl wind of things. One of them being a trip to Europe, that I can not wait to share with all of you. Stay tuned! :)

I hope all has been well for each of you, and here is a little of What I Wore Sunday. During one of our plane rides to Europe, I watched the movie, "The Great Gatsby," which inspired my outfit today. The fashion during that era was so fun. 

Have a fabulous Monday! Thanks for reading! XO

WEEKEND GETAWAY

Last weekend, my parents very generously hosted our family at a house right on the water in Lake Arrowhead. The weekend was just what the Doctor ordered. I am not really an "outdoor" kind of a girl, but I can definitely appreciate a weekend in the mountains. The weather was perfect, and God's beautiful creation was beaming in all of its glory every where you turned. 

{Here are some of the highlights of the weekend:} 

• Family meals on the outside deck looking over the lake 
• Kayaking 
• Shopping 
• Hiking 
• Catchphrase 
• The longest game of "Uno" in the history on the world (did I mention my family is competitive) 
• A raccoon intruder (scary!) 
• Mass at Our Lady of the Lake with a very inspiring homily. 

I left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated...

Thanks Mom & Dad for the great escape!

WHAT I WORE SUNDAY

| Top: Target | Skirt: Forever 21 (old) | Shoes: Target |

Good morning everyone! This past Sunday we went to Mass in the morning, had breakfast with our friend, Kate, and then headed to a friend's wedding in the afternoon. The wedding took place right on the bay in San Diego, with a beautiful view of Downtown. We had a blast! The skirt that I wore is one of my favorites. I love the bow detail! 

Happy Tuesday! Thanks for reading! XO

PEARLS OF WISDOM

I hope you all enjoyed my series on "How I Met My Husband." I posted the last part on Tuesday. If you missed it, check it out here. My desire in sharing how we met was to show the importance of patience, trust, prayer, and putting God at the center. If you are single, please know God hears the cries of your heart, and He will be faithful!. I encourage you to start placing your future spouse in the hands of God by starting to pray for them NOW. I can't tell you how many novenas and rosaries I prayed for years before I met Casey, and man, did it pay off! :)

Any exciting plans for the weekend? We are going to the Del Mar horse races and a wedding. It should be a jam packed fun weekend! Enjoy yours!

Happy Friday! Thanks for reading! XO

FIVE FAVORITES

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Remember this post? Well, in a little over four weeks, that dream will becoming a reality. Eek! So excited! I am going to be in Paris and Rome! (insert happy dance). I am trying to figure out what essentials to pack. Everyone keeps telling me to pack light, which sounds great and totally makes sense. There is only one problem: I am one of the world's biggest over packers. When I go somewhere for a weekend, I bring enough to stay for 3 weeks! This is where all you fellow European travelers come in :) What do I NEED to bring? What should I leave at home? I would love to hear your advice! 

Happy Wednesday! Thanks for reading! XO

HOW I MET MY HUSBAND {PART 7}

Click here, for How I Met My Husband {Part 1}

Click here, for How I Met My Husband {Part 2}

Click here, for How I Met My Husband {Part 3}

Click here, for How I Met My Husband {Part 4}

Click here for How I Met My Husband {Part 5}

Click here for How I Met My Husband {Part 6}

It was Saturday, February 13th, 2011. Exactly one year later from the day I first met Casey at the Theology of the Body talk in San Diego. 

The evening of the 13th I had to work the Mardi Gras Charity Ball for Catholic Charities of Orange County. The following day was Valentine's Day. I got home late from the ball and had a bunch of valentines that I still needed to finish up.

Confession: I can get WAY over my head with crafting. I had good intentions, but I probably was making too many labor intensive valentines that year. Let's just say I stayed up till 3am working on them... Why, you may ask? Because I am crazy; literally crazy. Casey had a big day planned for us, and instead of preparing for that, I was cutting, stamping, and glue gunning paper. 

The plan was to leave my house early in the morning to head down to San Diego, so we could spend the day together. Instead, I woke up late with my head resting on my kitchen counter in a pile of pink and red hearts, and a piece of paper stuck to the side of my face. It was a moment of sheer panic! What had I done? I had waited my whole life for a Valentine's Day like this, and my inner "Martha Stewart wannabe" had ruined it. 

I frantically called Casey and told him what had happened. Thank God he is an understanding person because at the time I was calling him from my home in Orange County, I should have been arriving at his house in San Diego. He calmed me down and told me, "everything was going to be fine." He told me to just get ready and get to San Diego when I could. Reason #50883 that I love him. 

I arrived to beautiful pink roses, a heartfelt card, a box of cupcakes from "Cupcake Square," and a set of little containers from Anthropologie. Yes, Anthropologie! I would have been impressed if he had even heard of Anthropologie, but the man not only had heard of it, but had shopped there; for me! Reason #50884 why I love him. Before we left his house, I was given the container with the number 4 on it. I opened it up, only to find a sweet note inside, with "Level 4" written on top. 

Why the numbers? Did they mean something? Yes. Yes, they did :) 

When we started dating, I would often joke around with him that our relationship was only on "level 2" or "level 3". For example, it was one of my friend's birthday parties and everyone was asking me why I didn't invite Casey, which I kindly replied with, "We are only on level 3, that would be level 7." The numbers were his way of playing off my weirdness with relationship levels. 

He had to rearrange a lot of things due to my later arrival, but he was very gracious about it, and the day was better than any Valentine's Day I dreamed about. 

Each place that he took me, I was given another container. "Level 5" was a late picnic lunch on the top of Mount Soledad, which has one of the best views in San Diego. "Level 6" was a beach front spot in La Jolla right on the water. "Level 7" was Mass at the beautiful Founder's Chapel at the University of San Diego (later to find out that we would get married in this chapel). After Mass, there was one container left. We were outside the chapel walking to the car before going to dinner, where he decided  to give me the last container. 

When he handed me the last container, I realized there was a zero on it. I was intrigued to say the least. I opened it and found the sweetest note. I won't share the whole note, but here is a little excerpt, 

"From the time we began hanging out, there have been many "levels" to our friendship. I know this has been a joke and I think it has been really cute, but "Level 0" brings thing back to square one. No more levels. As a pursuer, I feel like it is my role to initiate 'the next level'."

The note went on to say all kinds of gushy and romantic stuff, and my heart was fluttering. This guy was the man of my dreams. I had put him through so many tests and "levels", and he always exceeded my expectations. When I finished reading it, I looked up at him, and he told me everything I waited my whole life to hear. 

He held my hands and looked deep into my eyes, so I knew he could see my heart and I could see his. He told me that I was beautiful, he thanked me for helping him to know Jesus' love more through my love, and that he was ready. He was ready for the next level. Before I could respond, he told me that if I wasn't ready, it was okay. He would wait until I was, that he would even wait years for me. 

It was silent for about a minute. Then I shared how honored I would be to share my heart with him. I will never forget, when he looked at me and said, "So you are saying Yes!?" And I giddily said,"Yes!" Which he then replied, "So does that mean I am your boyfriend?" And I said,"Yes, it does!"

Then he learned over and our lips touched for the first time. That first kiss put to shame any other kiss I had ever experienced. It was the kind of kiss where the clouds parted and the angels sang, "Alleluia" from up above. 

The lonely nights during my single days were suddenly SO worth it. I was so glad I did not listen to those people who told me my standards were too high. I thanked God I did not settle for any guy, out of fear of being alone. My prayers, patience, trust, and hope allowed God to lead me to the man He had just for me. 

Scared to let God write your love story? 

Take it from me, it is the best decision you will ever make. 

Let go of the control. 

Hand over the pen, and let Him begin.

P.S. Stay tuned for some of our most memorable moments of our dating relationship! :)

WITH STYLE & GRACE

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Summer is one of the most popular seasons to get married, which means you probably have a wedding scheduled somewhere on your calendar. Yesterday I shared about my experience of being a Bridesmaid in back to back weddings, but what about attending a wedding as a guest? Making the guest list is still a huge honor. A wedding guest lists contains the people the couple loves and cherishes the most, so it is important to dress your best. I absolutely LOVE the shop, Modcloth. Their dresses are so feminine, elegant, and fun; the perfect combination for a wedding guest dress! :) Above are my six favorites. Which one is your favorite? 

Happy Wednesday! Thanks for reading! XO

P.S. I am leading a woman's group tonight, so prayers would be much appreciated for the lovely ladies attending and myself. Come Holy Spirit! 

SIXBITS: SUMMER WEDDINGS

Its Weddin' Time! For the past two weeks, I have had the honor and privilege of being a Bridesmaid for two of my dearest friends' Weddings, Marisa and Lindsay. I met both of them through the incredible youth ministry program I was a part of in high school and college. I met my best friends, aka Bridesmaids, through youth ministry. Marisa and Lindsay were both bridesmaids in my wedding, so it was so special to stand by their side as they each married the love of their life. These women are beautiful inside and out. Each of their weddings were perfect! They were stunning brides,  had faith-filled ceremonies, and picked great receptions sites with Pinterest worthy details. Love was definitely in the air the past two weeks! I hope both sets of lovebirds are enjoying their honeymoons! Cheers to the Newlyweds!

Thanks for reading! XO

PEARLS OF WISDOM & A PRAYER

If you are currently in a relationship, I have a prayer for you. When Casey and I were dating this is one of the prayers I use to say each night before I would go to bed. This prayer is a great reminder to center your relationship back to God with our beautiful Mother Mary's powerful intercession. I highly recommend including it in your personal prayer time, and to pray it together as couple.

Remember, O Most Blessed Mother,

that never was it known that anyone

who fled to thy protection,

implored thy help,

or sought thy intercession,

was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence,

unworthy as I am of they protection,

in the presence of God the Father, the Author of Life,

of God the Son, Who gave marriage the dignity of a sacrament,

of God the Holy Ghost, Who sanctified marital love,

I entrust my courtship to thy motherly protection.

Guide me in the choice of a partner.

Keep my courtship pure and chaste.

Bless our union with a holy love.

Watch over us from Heaven.

Send us grace to live in the favor of God

and to share in the eternal love

in which we shall all be united forever in Heaven.

Amen.

Happy Thursday! Thanks for reading! XO