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So anyway........ I always like to start my stories with "so anyway" because it effortlessly connects the past, present and future. As with most stories, there is always a past, present and future. PAST Every since Julie and I have been married I have called her Lola as a simple endearing name. I am not sure why I chose Lola other than that I think it is so random and sweet. For those of you who know the song "Lola", I did not see Julie as a transsexual prostitute. In case you didn't know, there is a song called Lola about a transsexual prostitute. I am fairly sure I have offended some of you just by putting those two words together and others are mad that I ruined the song for you because you had no idea and still others knew nothing about the song and I am sorry to have introduced you to the reality of popular music from the 70’s. To all of you I say, relax, it is what it is and has nothing to do with us. I am also sorry for the extremely long run-sentence two sentences ago. Back to the simple endearing name.......I always called Julie Lola when I was trying to be cute, well as cute as someone can be with a giant wig on his chin. I made a reference one day about possibly naming our baby girl Lola. Julie was not for the idea at first. A few months later, we went to a birthday party for Ashly Allen where we met a couple that just named their baby Lola. I don’t remember their names, but I do remember Lola. Imagine that. I then started the whole "it is not fair that they get to name their baby Lola and you won't even consider it" routine. I would not leave Julie alone about it until she at least considered it as a way to connect my two little princesses. That night, we arrived at home after the party and Julie said, "OK, here is the deal, if you put your hand on my stomach and say the name Lola and she moves, I will consider it." So, I put my hand on Julie's stomach and leaned in real close and said, “Lola”. We were not expecting anything since I hadn’t felt her move yet. Needless to say, it was the first time I felt her move. We both looked at each other like God himself had given us a sign much like the angel with Mary and Joseph only we were together when we got the message. I couldn't stop laughing and Julie knew she could potentially be naming this baby Lola. As all good signs from God, this one needed to be tested so Julie said, "OK, you need to do it again." At this point, I was so confident God had spoken through the movements of young babes, I said "Absolutely not, you said one time." Actually, I put my hand on her stomach, leaned in real close and said, “Lola”. I know God is hilarious because she moved again. I quickly said, “Hey Julie, how about if I put your hand on my stomach and you say six pack.” Hey, it might have been worth a try! At that moment, I tried to convince Julie that it should be the name. She stuck to her original statement (I was going to say stuck to her guns, but it sounded stupid) and said she would consider it. We talked to the boys and they really liked the name and then one day we all just sorta started calling her Lola. PRESENT We are now in the hospital with Lola. She finally decided to eat and open up her little eyes. I am writing stories. Julie is rearranging furniture in the room and bundling Lola. (not at the same time of course) The boys are with MeMaw and PaPaw at the mall who spent 12 hours getting here yesterday. Papa and Iowa visited last night and are working today, but my mom(Iowa - that is another name story for later) stopped by earlier to check in. Kristi, Julie’s sister, drove in last night to surprise Julie. Flowers arrived from our church and Julie's brother and sister-in-law. Kathy stopped by and said hello. We have been reading a bunch of comments on facebook, answering emails, text messages and phone calls. Thank you all for your humor, love, sincerity, attention to detail and friendship. Life is surreal right now and I like it that way. Sometimes it is good not believe what is actually happening….. FUTURE Only God knows…..