The Duggar Family: 18 Kids & Counting

[Hopeful One]

I'm going away from the current topic of this thread, but just because I'm curious. Any guesses on the sex of this new child? My bet is female.

Male! Just because the last two (right?) have been female. I'm trying to mix it up. :dance: I don't know how they can come up with any more J names!

 

[JMO8778]

Rusty Yates believed in the Quiverful philosophy. His wife was far too ill to believe in much of anything that wasn't delusional. He should have known when to stop for the health of his entire family.

That does leave one to ponder: if Michelle had suffered any mental illness following the birth of her children, would they still subscribe to being Quiverful? Or would they instead preserve the mental health and safety of Michelle and the entire family?

I would like to think that Jim Bob would be smart enough to recognize it and get her some help,if that were the case.(or if it ever were to be.she could still come down with PPD).

 

[JMO8778]

I'm going away from the current topic of this thread, but just because I'm curious. Any guesses on the sex of this new child? My bet is female.

mine too.am guessing they might end up with 10 boys and 10 girls after all.even on both sides !

 

[Mendara]

SNIPPED

Watch the show carefully and you can sometimes see that with a whispered word or two, Mama Duggar can instantly control a crying toddler who wants to go with her to the store, or something.

WHOAH - I want to learn that move! I have a teenage son and a 20 month old and man do I need that skill. I think the Duggars are a fun family to watch and I love Michelle's soft voice and giggles. I think as far as families go in the USA these kids are healthy and happy and that is a lot in world where kids get killed by their parents or beaten to death. I say the Duggars are good parents and even if I am not a religious person and at times I feel like the older children seem overworked - I still think it is better than having a lazy teenager online 24 hours a day never lifting a finger to help the family. I think their kids are kind and will make great parents themselves.

good for them!

 

[LCoastMom]

I was thinking about that same thing. Before you know it the world is going to be full of duggars!!

Also, in regards to health insurance. I think I read in an article they wrote in People about this family a few months ago, that they spend 240.00 a month on health insurance. Now that is crazy! What am I doing wrong? I am 24 and spend 230.00 a month for just my health insurance and don't even have dental/maternity/vision. I wanna know what they are doing.

Geeze, I hadn't heard what they pay for insurance but it is undoubtedly the best they could get at the best price.

All of the insurance plans I've had was $XX.xx for the employe, $.xx for spouse or other adult dependent, then $X.xx/child or $XX.xx for how ever many children they add.

The best, was while in management the company paid all of mine. Spouse was reasonable, then $20.00/yr for first kid, all the rest were free.

When we moved from CA to AZ, the company my husband works for doesn't pay any of the coverage. Our insurance more than doubled for less coverage. Then a yr later had a huge price increase across the board; so they thru in eye care to keep people from screaming.

I've been an optician for years, I could care less about vision, I was one of those who screamed about the increase.

 

[LCoastMom]

This information was up to date as of a week ago. Just odd n ends of things I didn't know.


In 2004, Michelle Duggar won the "Young Mother of the Year Award" in Arkansas, which is sponsored by American Mothers Incorporated.

Their large house was completed on January 20, 2006 with aid from Discovery Networks and corporate sponsors, who also donated a full pantry and household appliances.


People often try to associate the Duggar Family with the Quiverfull movement, but the Duggars have said that many from the Quiverfull "movement" state that having children should be done "out of obligation" where as they (the Duggar Family) consider each child simply a "gift from God" and the Duggars acknowledge that their decision to "have 18 children" is not for everyone.

The Duggars are conservative Baptists, the children watch very little television and their Internet usage is restricted. The children are home-schooled using a mix of materials.


15 Jackson Levi May 23, 2004 (age 5) Birth (via C-section) transverse, featured in a Discovery Health special.
16 Johannah Faith October 11, 2005 (age 3) [21]Birth (via VBAC) featured in a Discovery Health special.
17 Jennifer Danielle August 2, 2007 (age 2) Birth (via VBAC) featured in a Discovery Health special.
18 Jordyn-Grace Makiya December 18, 2008 (9 months 7 days) Birth (via C-section)transverse, featured in a TLC special.

Michelle is an womens advocate, I remember seeing the Johanna ultra sound episode. She was the first girl in several births. Her doctor wasn't thrilled with Michelle's attitude about VBAC, but didn't argue with her on TV. (gotta wonder what went on in private tho)

[ame]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/18_Kids_and_Counting[/ame]​

 

[JMO8778]

I got a quick peek at their book in the library,and Jim Bob said they have ins. (didn't say from who) and that the questions usually posed to him on the app. are simply 'do you have children?' It also stated an amt paid per month,but I don't rightoffhand recall what it was.It wasn't outrageous though,and I don't know if it included eye and dental,or extras like braces,which I think one of the kids (Jill?) has.So I'm thinking those are probably covered as well.
like I said,he didn't name the carrier;would be interesting to know though.

 

[JMO8778]

thx Missmybaby;I'm guessing since they use Gothard's methods they get assoc. with the qf movement.
JB said in their book that the appliances for the industrial kitchen came from a local k-mart that closed,so I'm guessing the appliances for the regular kitchen were the ones that were donated.the piano and things like the slide,and decorating decor/designer were also donated.

I think it was said somewhere Michelle had trouble finding a Dr to deliver Johanna(?) back in '05,(due to scar tissue) after all the c-sections? Not sure if that's true or not though.
I'm not critisizing,I just would have thought they would have erred on the side of caution after yet another c-section,and waited longer to get pregnant again.(I know it was said to be a surprise though).I hope all goes well with this one and that she does not need surg yet again.

 

[BuzzieCat]

I don't know, personally I'd rather have to work, teach or supervise someone who had punctuality, attention to detail, pride in work, ethics and maturity instilled in them - regardless of how many are related - than I would want to deal with a room full of unrelated individuals with "only-child" syndrome and huge self-entitlement issues.

Hey! Only child here.

 

[LCoastMom]

Hey! Only child here.

Come on Buzzie, we know some great only children, they grow up to be leaders, they are articulate, they can get along in any setting, with people young and old, they are compassionate, because their parents made sure they spent lots of time doing things with their peers in addition to spending lot of time with their parents.

We also know only children who's parents had a child because it was expected of them, or who got pregnant by accident and don't believe in abortion, then made darn good and sure that never happened again! They always treated the child like a miniature adult because they had no idea how to treat a child.

Then there are the ones who are spoiled beyond hope by parents who are afraid saying no will permanently scar their child's psyche. They never meant to have an only child, they just ran out of time. Now they give every thing under the sun and more to "Precious" so s/he doesn't miss having a sib.

Then there are the rest whose parent's didn't do everything right and they didn't do everything wrong. They tried to be good parents and tried to teach the child to be the best person they can be. Just like the majority of parents of 1, 2, 3, 4.... Just like most of us.

A few years back (like 4ish) I decided it was time to put my all thought of more children behind me. That summer I watched all the shows out there about having or bringing home a baby. Neither of them had ever even held a baby before! One couple was sooo cute, they were in their upper 30's at least. They both had careers, a beautiful home and a darling NSY. They got along great with each other. New mom to be traveled a lot for work, and they ate out a lot. They both said they hoped the baby enjoyed these things, because she was joining their life not the other way around. That made me giggle until I was laughing so hard I had tears rolling down my face! They said it the way we would say something about hiring a new employe.

I would so love to see an up-date on them; to see how all those great plans
worked out for them!! Especially when baby hit 2-ish,

 

[rpipergirl]

Hey! Only child here.

Buzziecat, I am an only child too. My biggest problem was I had no siblings to pick on me so when I got to school I was unprepared for the teasing I got and had thin skin.

 

[JMO8778]

I have one sibling who *still picks on me,but nonetheless,I had thin shik in school, too.maybe I'm just too sensitive though.(not saying you are).It doesn't always help to have a sibling. :/

 

[LCoastMom]

thx Missmybaby;I'm guessing since they use Gothard's methods they get assoc. with the qf movement.
JB said in their book that the appliances for the industrial kitchen came from a local k-mart that closed,so I'm guessing the appliances for the regular kitchen were the ones that were donated.the piano and things like the slide,and decorating decor/designer were also donated.

I think it was said somewhere Michelle had trouble finding a Dr to deliver Johanna(?) back in '05,(due to scar tissue) after all the c-sections? Not sure if that's true or not though. I'm not critisizing,I just would have thought they would have erred on the side of caution after yet another c-section,and waited longer to get pregnant again.(I know it was said to be a surprise though). I hope all goes well with this one and that she does not need surg yet again.

JMO, I had the impression she had trouble finding that doctor too. And I really had the impression the doctor wasn't thrilled about her birthing plan. I don't remember what the doctor said that gave me that impression, but it was more than a hunch. I wonder how that is going to work this time. It's not like the hospitals are suddenly begging doctors to bring in their VBACs. Or that doctors are advertising "we'll do it your way!!"

When they first got popular my daughters watched every show and followed their web site, the kids were on average 18 mos apart. When they have the next baby, that will be 5 kids in just over 5.5 years! I don't care who you are, thats a lot of babies for a woman in her 40's. Add the other 14, I think I'd be making my husband sleep in the boys room until I was absolutely sure there wouldn't be any more "surprises".... But, I'm glad it works for them.

 

[JMO8778]

JMO, I had the impression she had trouble finding that doctor too. And I really had the impression the doctor wasn't thrilled about her birthing plan. I don't remember what the doctor said that gave me that impression, but it was more than a hunch. I wonder how that is going to work this time. It's not like the hospitals are suddenly begging doctors to bring in their VBACs. Or that doctors are advertising "we'll do it your way!!"

yes,I don't recall either,but I got a copy of their book from a friend,and it says this last birth was actually her third c-section,not her second.the first one was for the birth of the first set of twins,Jana and John-David.then another with Jackson,and then another for Jordyn's birth.
for myself I can only say I would be too afraid of uterine rupture to attempt another vbac,which is why I thought they might be more cautious after this last c-section.but, I had a friend who had a home birth after 3 c-sections,so it can be done.it just wouldn't be my personal choice.
oh,in their book,it says Michelle also had 5 boys (the middle ones,starting with the second set of twins) in the 4 yrs JB was in office in Little Rock.Whew.I get tired just thinking about it!

When they first got popular my daughters watched every show and followed their web site, the kids were on average 18 mos apart. When they have the next baby, that will be 5 kids in just over 5.5 years! I don't care who you are, thats a lot of babies for a woman in her 40's. Add the other 14, I think I'd be making my husband sleep in the boys room until I was absolutely sure there wouldn't be any more "surprises".... But, I'm glad it works for them.

LOL,me too.
for myself I can only say I would be too worried about birth defects to have any after age 40.that,and trying to keep up with all of them!
I get the feeling they are trying to reach 20 kids bf meno hits?but maybe it's just me,I dunno.

 

[January.]

I was wondering about the 3 c-sections too. I have had 2 c-sections myself, and I kind of remember my doctor advising against having more than 3 children because of it. My doctor was very supportive of VBAC in my second pregnancy, but I chickened out because of the risk of rupture. I didn't want to put my baby's life in jeopardy. I really hope for Michelle's safety and her future babies' safety, that this is her last one. I can't imagine her uterus will hold out much longer.

 

[MrsG728]

I saw Michelle on "say yes to the dress". She went to Kleinfeld's in NYC for a gown.
I couldn't even imagine what she would find there, but she did find something they're going to "build up"
that's what seamstresses call adding to the neckline/arms of a gown (my mom has to do it for religious women all the time)

It looks like they're showing the vow renewal on TV, too!

 

[White Rain]

Mackynzie Renée Duggar is in for an avalanche of family attention: She's not only the first grandchild in the reality TV clan, but she already has 17 aunts and uncles, plus one more on the way, since her grandparents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are expecting their 19th child in the spring.
Mackynzie was born at the home of her parents, Joshua and Anna, with a midwife and doula attending the birth.
"Josh was excited to participate in the birth as well," said a family friend. "They are both so happy."
more: http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/10/09/duggar.family.grandchild/index.html

 

[White Rain]

At the bottom of the link it calls the baby "first grandduggar." How cute is that?

 

[JBean]

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Michelle Duggar - matriarch of the Duggar family from TLC's "18 Kids and Counting" - was hospitalized in Arkansas over the weekend, according to People.
The 42-year-old reality mom - who is pregnant with her 19th child - was reportedly rushed to the E.R. due to a gallbladder problem

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/18-kids-counting-mom-michelle-duggar-hospitalized-in-arkansas/32292?nc

 

[PeteyGirl]

Gosh I hope she recovers soon!! Glad to know her and baby are doing well