Yes, you read that right. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar announced on the Today show via satellite this morning that they are expecting another baby. Their eighteen (18) children surrounded them on the family stairs while Michelle said, “We are thrilled to announce that we found out we’re expecting our 19th child.” The news comes just eight months after the birth of Jordyn-Grace.
Michelle Duggar, who is 42, has been pregnant for 147 months – over 12 years of her life. She and Jim Bob estimate they’ve changed about 9,000 diapers. Jim, who is a former Arkansas state legislator and his wife waited three years to have their first child. After suffering a miscarriage believed to be caused by the birth-control pill, they decided to leave their family planning to God. Many conservative Christians are part of a movement called Quiverfull, upholding the biblical command to be “fruitful and multiply.”
Another noteworthy detail is that this child is due after the birth of their first grandchild. The Duggars’ eldest son Josh and his wife Anna are expecting their first child – and the first to break the J-name tradition – on October 18, while Duggar #19 is due on March 18 of next year. Josh and Anna plan to name their little girl Mackenzie Renee, after a cousin of Josh’s and Anna’s middle name. And just to add to the number 18 madness, Jim Bob’s birthday is July 18.
The Duggar children are homeschooled and use a buddy system, in which the elder children help to care for and raise the younger ones. Violin and piano are also taught to the children, who have an informal “Duggar Family Orchestra” in which the girls also play harp. The Duggars are also well-known because they all have names that start with the letter J. There’s no news yet as to what the newest J name will be, but rest assured, we’ll let you know as soon as we do!
Comments
Kelly Turner
September 2nd, 2009 - 6:11:20 AM
not to be vulgar but 1) where do they find the time and energy!? and 2) I dont know how this woman can still walk
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