Tuesday, November 13, 2007

We have a NAME!!!!!

We know what you're thinking: "it's only been one week -- why jump into a name so fast? its perfectly normal to raise a human being and not give it the dignity of a name for months on end!!"

In spite of that, we have FINALLY landed on a name that fits. After cycling through the final candidates over and over, we agreed that the name that most perfectly stuck was Lola Elizabeth Bodenhamer. The "Lo" is the name of a river in Tuyen Quang, so we are pleased that her new name lets her sort of keep some 'water' symbolism to honor her original, Vietnamese name. Plus, we just think its pretty.

Little Lo seems to enjoy her new name, and probably just likes having a name. She was having a miniature identity crisis, but that's all over now!

Our excitement over having a name for her ALMOST makes us forget how bored we are getting here in Hanoi. There are little things to do here and there -- medical appointments, gatherings with the group, etc.

But there is a LOT of down time. Our room seems to get a tad smaller each day, and its not just because we keep hitting the "shopping district", although that doesnt help either. Everyone is really ready to get back to the US. Its getting closer to the time when we should hear from the Embassy, so we're keeping our fingers crossed for good news.

We finally found a restaurant that has that one thing - - 'good food'. Perhaps you've tried it? needless to say, the three-pack of families have eaten there a lot since we found it.

that's all for now. we hope to have news soon regarding the Visa!! here are a few photos from the past few days:

After a long day in the fields


Even her feet are cute.



We're not the only ones bored in Hanoi



Mommy rocking the baby




Lola and Bryce kickin' it



Ava, Bryce and Lola - the Three Musketeers (the 2 others in our group all came to our room for pizza and cards tonight. like the dorms, but cleaner. and with infants)



Bathtime fun -


11 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful name! Little Lo is such a cutie...I just spent the last half hour looking at your blog (just returned from a trip) instead of doing work...now that's a good day! We can't wait for the three of you to get back here so we can introduce Lola to Taco Janes. Miss you mucho,
xoxoxoxo
Krafty

Kathie Reiner said...

Mark and Tallia! Greetings from Colorado! Congratulations! I am so excited for you two to finally get Little Lola! She is absolutely precious! I can't wait to meet her some day! Hopefully soon! My prayers are with you guys! Hopefully you will be able to get your visa and return soon!

Lots of love!

Kathie

P.S. Lois is so excited she can't stand it! She keeps calling so I can update her on your blog! She sends her love!

Anonymous said...

YEAH!!!! I am so glad that little Lola has a name! And such a beutiful name for a beautiful girl. I just printed out the picture of her in the hat and put it up in my office. It makes me soooo happy! I am waiting for you to call me any day now and tell me that you got the Visa and you are coming home. I miss you all so much!! Lulu says "Meow".
All my love.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Haley

Anonymous said...

Hey Tal and Mark...congratulations on the name! I love it! Haley has been keeping me updated on your happenings. Take care of yourselves and continue posting pictures of Lola. She is absolutely beautiful and I'm just so happy for you both.
~Lexie

Unknown said...

What a great name!! And Lola looks really happy about it. ;-> I can't wait to meet her in person.
Love
Mom/Toni/GrammaT

Anonymous said...

Hello from Colorado! I feel like I have gotten to know Mark AND Lola thru your blog-what a treat for me! The picture in the hat made me smile, plus put a tear in my eye, she is so adorable. I know you all will be tired of traveling by the time this is all over, but Tal a trip to Colo is a must so I can meet your family in person. Love the pictures, love her name, love you. Kathy Brockmeier

Angela said...

Congratulations! It's nice to put a face to a name!!! I can't wait to meet Lola. Let us know when you are coming home!
Ang and Mike

Anonymous said...

Ok...it has just taken me until today to figure out how to comment. We have been checking your blog everyday...I am so happy to hear that everyone is feeling healthy again. Can't wait to meet Little Lo...what a great name. Have a great week and will keep you in our prayers.

sheila

Anonymous said...

Hi Lola,

Not sure if you can read this yet, but your mom and dad have gone through a lot to get you. I've been hanging in your room a lot and playing with some of your toys, they're pretty cool. I can't fit into the onesies for the life of me.. Hope you are enjoying your last days in Vietnam, we're all excited to see you back in the States. Also, you're a lot cooler than LuLu, FYI.

Cheers - Wags.

Anonymous said...

Love the name. Can't wait to meet little Lola.

Lola, honey. Please disregard your "Uncle" Wags. You will understand when you see him in person.

-Lass

Anonymous said...

Mark and Tallia

Hope you know what you were doing when you named that little bundle of love. Mark, you are a baseball fan. . . you must have seen Damn Yankees. Just in case you don't remember, sending the lyric of a classis song you will be singing for the next 18 or so years:

Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets
And little man, little Lola wants you
Make up your mind to have
(Make up you mind to have)
No regrets (no regrets)
Recline yourself
Resign yourself, you're through

I always get, what I aim for
And your heart and soul
Is what I came for

Whatever Lola wants (Lola wants)
Lola gets (Lola gets)
Take off your coat
Don't you know you can't win
You're no exception to the rule
I'm irresistible you fool .. give in
(Give in, you'll never win)

Whatever Lola wants
Lola gets

I always get, what I aim for
And your heart and soul
Is what I came for

Whatever Lola wants (Lola wants)
Lola gets (Lola gets)
Take off your coat
Don't you know, you can't win

You're no exception to the rule
I'm irresistible you fool ... give in
(Give in, you'll never win)

Give in (give in, you'll never win)
Give in (give in, you'll never win)



she's beautiful, and I like the name, and actually, if you named her Jane, she wouldn't be any less irresistable.

Hope you get some news today, and can bring little lo back and show her off to all of us.

Love,
Wendy