Jackson Alexander Munko - 6 mo. old - 18.4+ lbs!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WE KEEP TRACK OF OURSELVES WITH NUMBERS!

What A Difference A Year Makes!!!

I have been married for almost 5 years to my wonderful husband and best friend, Joe. We met 9 years ago and life has been perfect ever since. We have four children, Taylor who is 15, Abigail who is 3, Angelina who is 2 and now sweet baby Jackson who was born on 3/20/08.

During my last C-Section (w/Angelina), I was adement about having my tubes tied - 3 was enough. Then, when my youngest turned 1, I really starting longing for one more. My husband wanted another too. Needless to say, I went through a very crazy and somewhat painful tubal reversal surgery on March 21, 2007 and barely had time to recover before finding out we were already pregnant with a sweet little miracle! (We lost that baby to ectopic, and have since been able to become pregnant again.) He has finally arrived and is such a blessing.

The day after Jackson was born, Joe and I started talking about having "one more"... let's see what this next year brings, you just never know - I won't ever say NEVER. Lots of love to you all!

I am blessed beyond belief to have the friends I have made here and couldn't imagine my days without you all with me. There is something very magical about bonding together as women and giving each other strength, that I just love. Would love to hear from any of you. Best wishes to all you wonderful women who are trying to fulfill all of your wildest dreams - us women truly have to stick together.

xoxoxo Julie

5/10/07 - We found out that this pregnancy was an ectopic one, I am deeply saddened, but know that we can and will try again soon. The worst part is losing one and waiting to be able to try at conceiving again. I am very impatient when it comes to this stuff, as I am sure most of us are. My best wishes and hugs to you all. Thanks so much for all your support, it has truly made all the difference!

8/4/07 - I got my BFP today... I couldn't wait until the 7th to test, so I just went for it. I am extremely thrilled and scared at the same time. I am hoping for a full term sweetheart this time. Lots of love and baby dust to you all! Big hugs! xoxoj

8/6/07 - Had my first blood draw today - my HCG was 86 and my progesterone was 32! I am thrilled, especially at only 3w6d pregnant. These levels are huge compared to my last pregnancy in April, so I couldn't be happier. I had to take progesterone last time too, so this is a thrill. I also have my first dr. appt and u/s scheduled for 8/20. Once I see that this baby is in the right place and has a heartbeat, I will relax! Lots of baby dust to all my girlies! xoxoj

This is great info for any of you having to go thru early hcg testing due to loss or high risk... I pulled this from baby2see.com. Please remember that #'s aren't everything and that as long as you are feeling good with no bleeding and cramping, you should rest assured: A single hCG value doesn't give enough information about the health or viability of the pregnancy. Within the first 2 - 4 weeks after fertilization, hCG usually doubles every 48 - 72 hours. That usually corresponds to hCG levels below 1200 IU. From 1200 - 6000, the hCG usually takes 72-96 hours to double. Above 6000 IU, the hCG often takes over four days to double. So, the rate of increase in hCG levels normally varies as a pregnancy progresses. hCG that does not double every two to three days does not necessarily indicate a problem with the pregnancy. Some normal pregnancies will have quite low levels of hCG, and result in perfect babies.

Lab Results: (hcg/prog)
3w6d: 86 / 32
4w1d: 206 / 23
4w3d: 519 / 29
4w6d: 2391 / 25
5w1d: 5502 / 18.5
5w3d: 9313 / 37
5w5d: 15000
6w0d: 18,560

8/24/07 - U/S, what a wonderful day. We have everything there, all measuring perfectly with a heartbeat of 121 bpm... Seeing that little peanut's heartbeat was purely magical. I got my first pic, but haven't figured out how to put it up yet.

8/31/07 - Dr. appt. today went great. I have lost 2 lbs in less than 2 wks, but that's because I haven't felt so well, and they expect that during the first tri. The u/s showed our little bean and a great heartbeat. Still measuring right on schedule. I go back in 2 wks for another check up and u/s... until then, I need some serious rest.

10/3/07 - Genetic testing was done today. The Nuchal Fold measured at 1.21, which was fantastic (anything under 3.0 is normal), and all other signs were great... hands wide open, lots of movement, plug in nose... all perfect. My due date will probably change to 4/10/08 since the peanut was measuring bigger - that is what he recommended. Heartbeat was 155 bpm. We did get a very confident prediction on sex, but we will wait to share that until we know for sure at our 20 wk u/s. Our chances for any defects was set at 1 in 1498, which he said put my "pregnancy age" at 21. GOTTA LOVE THAT NUMBER... I haven't seen that number in years. :o) xoxo

10-08-07 - MFM called today to give me the final genetic testing results, they were waiting for my bloodwork to come back. As of today, my chances of having a baby with Downs is 1 in 2541, and with Tri. 13 & 18 is 1 in 4611. These are perfect, and I can officially rest easy and enjoy every moment. I don't plan on opting for any more genetic testing. (OKAY ALREADY - GOODNESS! DR. CASE TOLD US HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT WE WOULD BE HAVING A BOY BUT WE WILL KNOW FOR SURE ON 11/21/07. Now you know! :o) Name: JACKSON

10/17/08 - Dr. appt today went well. Babies heartrate was 154 and I have officially gained 2 lbs now.

10/22/08 - Woke up with some spotting this morning. Went in for an u/s to see what may have been causing it. It appears that I have placenta previa and that it will hopefully correct itself in the months to come. I feel extreme relief - our little man cub is doing fantastic. Yes, they confirmed it's definitely a baby boy! I was instructed to relax whenever I can, so I will do my best to follow their advice. I will be on here tomorrow to catch up with you guys! I've missed you dearly! Thanks for being here for me.

10/25/07 - Had to get another RhoGam shot today, since I am spotting. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's an injection that gives you antibodies. If you have a (-) blood type (mine is A-) you will need to get them during your pregnancy and following birth to protect your next pregnancy. Anyway, just to remind you all who get these injections during pregnancy - PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ONLY GET THE MERCURY FREE INJECTIONS - DON'T LET THEM GIVE IT TO YOU IF IT'S NOT. IT'S JUST NOT WORTH IT (my opinion anyway)!!!

10/27/07 - Unfortunately, I have been put on partial bedrest. I will sit and write back to you all, but not as often as I normally would. My spotting hasn't stopped, so dr's orders changed a bit. xoxoj

11/2/07 - U/S today went perfectly. No more previa problems and Jackson is doing great. I added a couple 3-D pix of him in my photobook. I am off bedrest and onto normal activity.

11/7/07 - Dr. called this a.m. with "negative" AFP test results, which I am thrilled about. The bad news, my graves disease, which is a thyroid disease, is doing something weird and I will be going to an endocrenologist on Monday at 8 a.m. Just hope they get my levels right with not too much hassle.

11/12/07 - Endocrenologist doubled my meds for a short time and will recheck my blood work in a couple weeks. Also had my OB checkup, which was pretty boring, but reassuring as always. Great heartbeat and I have gained 10 lbs now. 20 wk U/S set for Nov. 21st.

11/21/07 - 20 wk u/s went fantastic today. Jackson is perfect, and seems happily tucked away in there. Here are a couple pix from our trip today.

12/12/07 - 22 wk. OB checkup today. I have gained 16 lbs (Yikes). Jackson's heartbeat was 155 bpm and I should hear back from the nurse in the next couple days as to when they have scheduled my c-section. I can't wait to have that date - that will truly be what I will focus on from here on out - not my due date. Dr. wants me to schedule a 30 wk u/s, so will do that in the next day or two. I had my thyroid blood work done yesterday and hope to hear it is back on track. More news in the next couple days! Love you guys!

12/18/07 - Thyroid levels are back on track - will test them again in 5 weeks. Our next u/s is scheduled for 30 wks on 2/5/08 - can't wait.

12/31/07 - Went in for an emergent dr. appt today. Found out that I have a hernia on my left side. It is, apparently, something that is "unfixable" and I will be suffering with it until after Jack is born. We dont' know what caused it except that I am also measuring 3 bigger than "average" and they are also monitoring that. The hernia won't hurt the baby in any way, JUST ME - and the more I do, the worse it can get. I am now limited on anything and everything and will do my best not to make it any worse than it already is. I wish there was some relief in sight for this thing, but there is literally nothing that can be done. I was enjoying this pregnancy, but have recently gotten discouraged with it. One thing is for certain, I love this little man, more than anything and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Love to all! xoj

1/15/08 - I just want to get some comfortable sleep! I am so tired and overwhelmed - this hernia is taking a toll on me... blah blah blah - I won't complain anymore.

1/22/08 - Went in for a BP check. Seems my BP is on the rise and is causing me terrible headaches too. I will be back at the Dr. office next Wed. for another check at the blood pressure and my regular OB check. I passed Friday's glucose test - so happy about that. My Thyroid is way off again, so will hopefully get that back on track soon. Also found out that i am a bit anemic, so will be taking iron supps from here on out. Oh yeah, I also got my mid-pregnancy RhoGam injection today. Always something new to report.

On a lighter note, my big sister has decided I HAVE TO HAVE a baby shower and she's going to throw it for me. I agreed to it as long as there aren't any of those silly games involved - what a great compromise. She will be having it here at my place on February 17th. I wish all of you could come and join me - that would be so fabulous. I will be missing you guys on that day, for sure!

1/31/08 - Went in for my 29 wk checkup. Dr. told me the reason for all of my discomfort is due to being larger than normal. I am measuring at 35 weeks instead of 29. I will be in for an u/s tomorrow to find out why I am so large at this time. Jackson moves a lot and seems pretty content. Dr. is worried about my thin uterus and being so big already, so we will just be monitoring it closely from here on out.

2/1/08 - 29 wk u/s was wonderful. I have excess amnio fluid and Jackson is already approximately 3 lbs, 12 oz, which is big for his age. We will be watching it all and deciding later if they need to remove some fluid or not. Jackson started out head down at the beginning of the u/s and by the end of it was butt down. He had a lot of fluid to roam around in and is using it all while he can. He is healthy and perfect, which I am grateful for. I hope to keep him in there as long as possible so that he remains healthy. Wish my aching body luck. Here are some pix:

Look at those chubby cheeks - he looks just like Angelina!

2/13/08 - Had my 31 wk checkup today. After evaluating the u/s and info given from a couple weeks ago, my dr. has decided that delivering Jack at 36 weeks would be healthier for "BOTH" of us - so I have listed the new dates above. I do have to go in for some Beta Methazone shots to mature his lungs prior to the amnio, but Dr. thinks all should be great with Jack by then. For your entertainment, I measured at 37 wks and have gained 39 lbs. I feel every single pound of that too! Love you all!

A quick note - I will be having the methazone steriod shots done in week 33 (Feb. 27 and 28) to help prepare his lungs for delivery.

2/22/08 - My OB Dr. was kind enough to give me a signed form providing me with a "temporary" disability parking permit so that walking to and from errands the next couple months won't be so grueling on the ole' hernia. I simply love my dr. and am grateful for his tender care these past months.

3/6/08 - Had my 34 wk check up today. Measuring at 41 wks now and having quite a few more contractions than ever before. Dr. says that I should be on the look out for labor since I am so big and all. I haven't gained any weight in the past 4 wks, but since my measurements are still going up, we know that Jack is definitely growing the way he needs to. I have recently gotten right sided rib pain - so bad that it can make me cry. Dr. said it is probably my rib structure being intruded - he was worried about my gullbladder at first, but I don't have one anymore, so that was ruled out. Had the steriod shots done last week for his lung development, but still feel a bit worried nonetheless. I can't believe I only have 14 days left before I meet my sweet little boy - I am a little bit scared, but can't wait either.

NEW - 3/20 - Amnio went well, no results yet, but they measured Mr. Jackson at roughly 10 lbs. We all started laughing, but it's no wonder why I have been so huge and uncomfortable - GOOD THING I don't have to go thru to April 15th, my body cant' take another month of growth. We will see soon what he actually weighs in at. I love you girls so much - you will indeed hear from me real soon, PROMISE~ xoxoxo j

Went into labor shortly after writing the above update - Jackson was born on March 20th via c-section at 11:06 p.m., weighing 8lbs. 7oz, and was 20 inches long. I was able to experience true labor for 6+ hrs and I actually found it an amazing experience. Even though he was 4 weeks early, we were very blessed to have a healthy little boy who was able to come home with me without any extra medical help.I have fallen hard for this new little man and am so happy to be sharing him with you all.

5/14/08 - Okay, so my 20 year class reunion is finally over. What a huge project that was, worth it, but way too much for someone with a new baby. I have missed you guys terribly and I hope that I can hurry up and catch up with you guys without missing too much! Thanks for your patience and understanding. Jackson is a wonderful little man, we call him TANK these days since he is such a big boy and all. The girls all adore him and help immensely without any jealousy at all, THANK GOODNESS. Jack is talking and cooing and smiling up a storm, it melts me everytime. Love you all. xoxoj

7/9/08 - I would like to take this time to send out a prayer request for my dearest and sweetest friend, Ally and her family. One of her newborn twins was diagnosed with T13 and is having a hard time. I know that by banding together and saying a prayer or two we can make a world of difference. I pray for each and every one of us as we go thru these journies day to day. As for Jackson, he is really finding his true personality and I am loving it. As you all warned me, he is indeed a real momma's boy. He finds me no matter where I am in a room and it's adorable. He has his 4 mo. check up next week and I can't wait to see how much he has grown. Time is quickly passing and each second is so precious. Big hugs xoj

9/14/08 - Thought I would post a small update today, it's been a while. Life with Jackson is just overwhelmingly fabulous. I can't believe that he will be 6 mos. old in a couple days, the time is going by way to quickly. He is such a happy soul and requires very little from day to day. The girls think he is the best present they have received and he's the first person they want to see when they wake up everyday. We are going to get our family photos taken in a couple weeks and I am so excited to see him in them. I just don't seem to remember our lives without him anymore. His favorite things to do right now are to eat his feet, growling and those every popular spitting noises. Amanda, I can't wait for your little boy to get here so we can compare notes! Ally darling, I am sooooo happy you are back. Kerri, I am so happy for you and this new baby on the way. Many blessings to you all! Big hugs! xoj

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~