Today is Frank and Libby's Adoption Day

I sent this email out to my whole email book the day we adopted Frank and Libby.

Subject: Announcing the adoption of Frank and Libby Pool

Today on March 2, 2004, we became the proud forever parents of two beautiful children. I'd like to introduce Frank and Libby POOL!!! Its been nearly three years since a tiny brother and sister came to live with us. Once we even tearfully had them packed up to return to their birth father, and it fell through at the last minute. We are so proud to claim them as our own.

They would not be here with us now without the decidation and hard work of many friends, family and professionals who truly did what was in the bests interests of these children. For all of you who cared about our children and went out of your way to help them. Thank you!!!

This story has a happy ending!!!

The Pools,
Bob, Julie, Frank, Libby, Madi and Carlie.

And here are some responses:

From Frank and Libby's Attorny

YEAH!!!!! I am so happy y’all are now a real forever family. We fought the good fight and we won. Frank, Libby and Lois won that is for sure. I have represented thousands of kids throughout the years and each and every one of them are deserving of a great family like the ones these three little ones got. Unfortunately not all of them are able to get to the other side of the Rainbow like these kids did. You probably know Lois’s big day was 1-9-04. I wish you all the best. I always new there was something great on the other side of that rainbow!!!

I am reminded of the Starfish Project

A person walking along a beach is tossing starfish back into the ocean. “Do you really think that will matter?”, he is asked. “There are millions of starfish on the beach.” He answers, “It matters to this one.”

Thanks for letting me know about adoption and for letting me be a small part of your journey!!!

Julie McMahon

From Frank and Libby's Social Worker in Pawnee County

Those pictures are beautiful and what a beautiful family you have. I am so glad everything is over and done with for all of you and now you can really begin your life as a family. I am so proud to have been a small part in watching your family grow. I wish each and every one of you the best. May God bless your family always.

Let me know if you ever need anything,

Heidi Alley

Julie's Weight Loss Anniversary

Today is the two year anniversary of my weight loss surgery. Below is my testimonial from the Solutions for Life Website. The link below contains my commerical I made for them, if you'd like to see it.

http://www.solutionsforlifewichita.com/testimonials_julie_pool.php

Success Stories
Julie Pool
Address: Towanda, KS
Surgical Procedure: Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Total pounds lost: 104

Body Mass Index before surgery: 44
Body Mass Index after surgery: 27
Percentage of excess body weight lost: 80%
Physical activity before surgery: 0
Physical activity after surgery: 3 miles, 3 times a week
Triglycerides before surgery: 357
Triglycerides after surgery:
Blood pressure before surgery: 118/86
Blood pressure after surgery: 102/60

"I did not become overweight until my late 20s. Over the course of several years, I put on a large amount of weight. Every year, I’d put on another 10-20 lbs. I’m a Type A personality... a successful career woman and mom to five kids. On the inside I was driven, aggressive, busy, successful... but on the outside I was overweight, tired, slow and dumpy. The way I looked and felt was impacting my life. Since I had surgery a year ago, my life has changed drastically. I have lost 104 lbs. I now jog 3 miles at a time 3 or more times a week. My outsides now match my insides. "

"Because I was so overweight, I had stopped caring completely how I looked. I selected clothing that was comfortable and baggy. I did not bother keeping my hair done or wearing makeup. I was so overweight, I felt like fixing myself up wouldn’t make a difference. After I lost the weight, I had a makeover. I got a stylish hair cut and started wearing make up again. Of course, I had to go shopping, and updated my wardrobe. I remember how exciting it was to be able to shop in the regular section of a store instead of having to shop on the Plus side."

"My husband also had gastric bypass surgery about six months after I had it. Together we have lost 250lbs!!! Our five children also share in the benefits. We are now an active and fit family. We eat healthier food in more appropriate portion sizes. We no longer eat out all the time. My older kids jog with me, and we frequently take walks as a family. People frequently tell me that I look ten years younger, and I definitely FEEL ten years younger."

"Before I had surgery, I was pre-diabetic and was having trouble with high cholesterol and high triglycerides. My resting heart rate was in the 100-120 beats per minute range. All of those issues have now resolved. My resting heart rate is now in the 60s, and my blood pressure was 102/60 the last time I had it checked. I recently went to my endocrinologist whom I hadn’t seen since right before surgery. His comment was “Wow, you look so... so NORMAL."

"I tell my friends that some people look back at their wedding pictures and say “Wow, look how skinny we were. “ My husband and I look back at our wedding picture and say “Wow, look how overweight we were!!!"

"A big “thank you” to Dr. Jonathan Dort and Solutions for Life / Via-Christi."

Seven Years Ago Today...

Bob and I were married. I can't believe it's been seven years, it doesn't seem nearly that long. I think that's a good sign??? It's been a really, really good seven years.

Anniversaries

In the English language there are orphans and widows, but there is no word for the parent who loses a child - My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Today is the anniversary of my Brother-in-Law's death. He died in a car wreck at the age of 26 before I was a part of the family. I always think about my Mother-in-Law Arlene on this 5th day of March, and hug my kids a little tighter than normal.

It was a peaceful day in the Pool House today. Nothing exciting to report.

Happy Adoption Day!!

They were in Kindergarten and Head Start when we were able to finally complete their adoption. It was March 2nd. Both sets of grandparents came to celebrate the day with us. We waited on a hard bench outside of the court room for our turn in front of the judge. We didn't know it at the time, but they were trying a criminal case in the hearing before ours. As we sat there an watched, they brought in two hardened criminals in orange jumpers and numerous handcuffs and chains. They were being tried for the death of a Cleveland, OK Sheriff a few years before. They were horrible looking and walked within touching distance of us.

I also found out that later that same day, the kids birth mother had been let of out jail on parole that same day.

We all went out to eat afterwards and celebrated. It was a good day!!!

Today in honor of their Happy Adoption Day, we went to IHOP and had dinner together. We let Frank and Libby choose.

Carlie quickly figured out that since she doesn't have an adoption day that her birthday should count TWICE as her anniversary AND her birthday. LOL.