How Josie has Brought the Duggar Family Closer

Having a baby in the NICU for four months has not been easy for Jim Bob and Michelle, but how has it affected their family?   
In a recent interview, Michelle Duggar explained that these past few months have brought her family closer together. "Even though you wouldn't choose to go through the hard times, I've seen a lot of good things," she says. All of the Duggar kids, even the little ones, have been helping out tremendously.
She explains how important it is to praise children ten times more than you rebuke them. "I’ve just seen my children do things just because they know that they’re needed at this time even more than ever before. That’s precious; I praise them for that."

Even with Josie in the hospital and Michelle having to visit her often, the family has made sure to stay close. In the words of the Duggar kids, "It isn't always easy, but somehow we make it all work."
Have you ever experienced tough times that have taught you something and/or brought you family closer together? 

Duggar Mountain Way

Here's the scoop on another Duggar adventure!

On this week's episode of "19 Kids and Counting," Duggar Mountain Way, Jim Bob and the kids climbed 1,011 feet to the top of Pinnacle Mountain. It was strenuous, but they made it......even the few who made the mistake of wearing flip flops!

Several of the boys, including Jim Bob, consumed meal worms to become a member of the "I Ate a Bug Club." The girls, on the other hand, politely refused their father's attempts to convince them to join the club. Boys will be boys.....

Big news! Jennifer Duggar, who will be three in August, had her first TV interview, conducted by mother Michelle, on this week's show!

And now for a Josie update. This episode was filmed a few weeks ago, on Josie's actual due date She weighed 3 pounds 12 ounces, and TLC showed Michelle bathing here little preemie.

What did you think of this week's episode? Would you join the "I Ate a Bug Club?" 

Don't Miss Tonight's Episode of "19 Kids and Counting!"

The Duggars are on their way to Pinnacle Mountain, towering 1,000 feet over the beautiful Arkansas River Valley. The family will hike, picnic, and even get to watch a special camouflage demonstration. Will any of the Duggars attempt the Pinnacle Mountain Challenge and become a member of the "I ate a Bug Club?"
Tune into TLC at 9/8PM Central for "19 Kids and Counting" Duggar Mountain Way to find out!
Visit the blog later tonight for a recap of the show.  

Behind the Scenes: Duggars and Camera Crew

The Duggars have been on TLC for six years. Fans have seen them go from "14 Children and Pregnant Again!" to "19 Kids and Counting!" but what is life like behind the scenes? Their camera crew is made up of four men: Scott and Frank (Photography), and Jim and Bill (Sound). What is the relationship between the Duggars and the Crew?

The Crew finds it most difficult to keep up with all 24 Duggars. Following Jim Bob and Michelle and their 19 children is crazy enough, but Grandma Duggar, Anna, and Mackynzie are in the mix as well. And when working with little kids, the crew has the challenge of chasing them around (literally) and trying to understand what they're saying.

During the show the limelight is always on the Duggars, but the Crew cannot help but feel like a part of Jim Bob and Michelle's big, welcoming family. When the cameras stop rolling, they talk and joke around like old friends.


Would you want to be a part of the Duggars' camera crew? What do you think it would be like?

Very Duggar Recipe: Oatmeal Pancakes

There's nothing better than fresh pancakes on a sunny morning. What kind of pancakes do the Duggars like? Oatmeal! 

Oatmeal Pancakes

Ingredients: 

• 2 c. quick oats
• 1/2 t. baking soda
• 2 1/2 c. buttermilk
• 1 c. flour 
• 2 t. baking powder
• 1 t. salt
• 1 T. sugar
• 1/3 c. salad oil
• 2 eggs, beaten

Directions:

1. Combine oats, soda, buttermilk. Let stand 5 min. 
2. In another bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt, & sugar. 
3. Combine oat mixture, oil, & eggs. 
4. Add dry ingredients & stir till blended. 
5. Cook on lightly greased griddle or skillet.

*Yield 14-16 Pancakes.

Variations/Suggestions:

*Substitute buttermilk for 2 1/2 cups milk or 2 1/4 cups milk and 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice.

*Add more or less salt based on personal preference.

*Use any kind of oil.

*This recipe is very tasty and healthy, too! At our breakfast table, everyone likes a different topping. Some suggestions are yogurt, applesauce, syrup, peanut butter, jelly and honey.

See more delicious Duggar recipes on our Recipes page!

Do you like oatmeal pancakes? Feel free to try this recipe and post critiques and reviews!

"Josie Duggar's First Shoes" Recap

Goal: Knit or Crochet booties for baby Josie.

Anna and Cousin Amy, each having had no previous experience with knitting or crocheting, went to Hobby Lobby to buy yarn. Thankfully, they were able to find some ladies at the store and finally decided that crocheting would be the best way to go. Back at Josh and Anna's house, the project did not go well.

After hours of practice, they were still stuck, so they asked Grandma Duggar for some help. Grandma Duggar was super patient and brought a wealth of knowledge, but the girls still couldn't seem to get it. They marked this project as a "Fail" and plan to buy some baby booties.

Back in Little Rock........
This episode took place just a few weeks ago, when Josie weighted 3 pounds 8.5 ounces. She had grown a whopping 1.5 ounces in just one day! And another milestone in the preemie's life.....bottle feeding!

Until now, the focus has been on survival, and the nurses say that bottle feeding is the first step to going home. It was a learning process for Michelle, who has never, in all her years of nursing, fed a baby as tiny as Josie. Practice makes progress, and mom and daughter will both have to work at it.

Are you a creative, craft-lover, or can you relate to Anna and Amy?

Michelle Duggar is the Mom of the Year

This summer, Michelle Duggar will be named Mother of the Year at a historic Baby Conference in San Antonio Texas. Click here to read the full story  

New Episode of "19 Kids and Counting"

Howdy, Duggar fans! Tomorrow is Tuesday, which means.....Drum Roll Please!......A new episode of "19 Kids and Counting!"

Tune into TLC at 9/8PM Central for Josie Duggar's First Shoes. Anna and Cousin Amy are far from professional knitters, but they take on the task of making booties for Josie. It won't be easy, but the finished product will be well worth it! 

Have you ever tried knitting? Do you find it enjoyable, or just plain difficult? (Not everyone is born to knit...we sure weren't!)

Trivia Answers

Here are the answers to Saturday's Duggar Trivia. Thanks to all who posted answers!  

1. What is the name of Josie Duggar's Neonatologist?  Dr. Arrington
2.  Joseph Duggar once said, referring to one of his brothers: "He was the one who made his bed when we were growing up." Which brother was Joseph talking about?   Josh Duggar
3. According to Michelle, how often is there a "major crisis" in the Duggar home?   Every 30 minutes
4. What sport did Jim Bob play in junior high and high school?  Basketball
5. In their current Springdale home, did the Duggar children want to have one big room for the girls and another for the boys, or would they have preferred several smaller rooms?  Two big rooms
6. In what month was James Duggar born?   July
7. How many sets of twins do Jim Bob and Michelle have? What are their names?  2 sets of twins (Jana and John-David; Jedidiah and Jeremiah)

Look for more Duggar Trivia coming soon!

Duggar Trivia!

Hello Readers! It's time for some more Duggar trivia. Answer these questions in the form of a comment to see how well you know the Duggar family. I will announce the answers soon!

1. What is the name of Josie Duggar's Neonatologist? 
2.  Joseph Duggar once said, referring to one of his brothers: "He was the one who made his bed when we were growing up." Which brother was Joseph talking about? 
3. According to Michelle, how often is there a "major crisis" in the Duggar home?
4. What sport did Jim Bob play in junior high and high school?
5. In their current Springdale home, did the Duggar children want to have one big room for the girls and another for the boys, or would they have preferred several smaller rooms?
6. In what month was James Duggar born? 
7. How many sets of twins do Jim Bob and Michelle have? What are their names?

Josie Update

Josie Duggar was rushed back to Arkansas' Children's Hospital seven days ago. Click here to read the full story.
She went home on Tuesday, April 6th but returned to the NICU just two days later.

This is what Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar announced in their official statement: 

"Josie was readmitted to the hospital on Thursday, April 8, at 3 a.m. with minor stomach issues.  We realized early that it would be a long, unpredictable recovery, which is why we opted to stay in Little Rock close to the expert staff at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Currently, Josie is healthy and in stable condition; we hope to have her back with the family in the next few days. As always, our entire family is grateful for the continued prayers and support."    

What are your experiences with infants, either preemie or full-term, coming home from the hospital? 
When do you think Josie will return home? 

"Josie Duggar Meets the Bates"

The Duggars have just one shower in their rental house, but they were thrilled to invite the Bates to come stay with them. The Tennessee family was hesitant to "barge in," but Jim Bob and Michelle pleaded.

According to Gil Bates, "the Duggars role out the red carpet like you're the most important people in the world." With Josh and Anna visiting for the weekend with their daughter Mackynzie, there were 36 children under one roof.

"Anytime there's boys and girls getting together, you're going to have those boy-girl feelings going on," explained Michelle. "Whether or not that's going to pan out to be a future relationship, we don't know, but it's good wholesome interaction."

The Duggars had to find a temporary church in Little Rock. Friendly Chapel is very different than the church fellowship that the family belongs to back in Northwest Arkansas, but the congregation is genuine. The most noticeable difference is the way they worship. The Duggars listen to classical music and hymns, and the music at this church is much more contemporary.

And no episode of "19 Kids and Counting" would be complete without a visit to see Josie, so Gil and Kelly Bates accompanied Jim Bob and Michelle to Arkansas Children's. Kelly was amazed at how alive and alert Josie was. "Every time Michelle spoke, she would open her eyes and look at Michelle," explained the mother of 17. Kelly Bates recently found out that she is pregnant with her 18th child!

What did you think of this episode of "19 Kids and Counting?" Would you be able to survive in a house with 36 children?

Don't Miss "19 Kids and Counting" Josie Duggar Meets the Bates!

Don't miss tonight's episode of "19 Kids and Counting" Josie Duggar Meets the Bates. While Gil and Kelly Bates are in Little Rock, they accompany Jim Bob and Michelle to Arkansas' Children's Hospital to see Josie for the first time. At the Duggars' rental home, with nearly 3 dozen kids under one roof, you can sure that there will be a lot of chaos and excitement. Tune into TLC tonight at 9/8PM Central, and visit the blog later for a recap on the episode. 

Josie Rushed Back to Hospital

Hello readers! Here's the latest Duggar update. Josie Brooklyn Duggar went home last Tuesday after spending the first four months of her life in the NICU but was rushed back to Arkansas Children's Hospital last Thursday at 3:00 in the morning.

After being home for just a couple days, she developed some "minor stomach issues," report Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. She suffered constipation, which the doctors believe was caused by the fortifiers added to Michelle's breast milk to help Josie grow stronger. Her vital signs had begun to drop, but she is now in a stable condition at the hospital.

	"Dr. Arrington told us to never trust a preemie," explained Jim Bob. "That is really true." Dr. Robert Arrington is Josie's doctor and the co-director of the NICU at Arkansas Children's.  Josie is doing great, and the Duggars hope to have her back home later this week.

Duggars and Email

Being on TV, the Duggars receive hundreds of emails each day, and the past few months, with Josie's birth, they have been sent more than usual. They cannot possibly answer each one, but in the toughest moments, the family has felt so blessed by the encouragement that these messages have brought. "They've meant so much. You will never know" writes Michelle.
She recently told of a day when Josie was still incredibly tiny and had transparent skin. After spending hours at the hospital, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar were exhausted, and the pain they felt brought them to tears. They received an email, which they believe was far from a coincidence. The writer's child had been born weighing 1 pound 6 ounces, just like Josie! At that moment, Jim Bob and Michelle were so encouraged.
The entire Duggar family has been so thankful for the prayers and encouraging words that they have received!

Cheese Biscuits Recipe

Hello Readers! I have had several requests for Anna Duggar's cheese biscuits recipe. I was unable to find her exact recipe, but here is a tasty one from All Recipes. Hope you enjoy it! Feel free to post comments and critiques. This recipe goes great with Anna's Chicken Etti!

Ingredients
* 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 cup shortening*
* 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
* 3/4 cup buttermilk

Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cheese. Add buttermilk; stir just until dough clings together. On a lightly floured surface, knead dough lightly until easy to handle. Roll into a 12-inch circle. Cut into eight wedges. Begin at wide end of wedge and roll toward point. Place biscuits, point side down, on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 450 degrees F for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Variations:
Add garlic salt or a few shakes of Italian seasoning.  

*Some people prefer to substitute butter or oil for shortening. If using oil (coconut oil or canola oil work best), add it along with the buttermilk, rather than cutting it into the flour mixture. According to one of our loyal readers, cold butter works just as well as shortening.

Click here to visit our Recipes page.

Have you ever made cheese biscuits? 

Josie Duggar Finally Home!

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Josie Duggar is finally home! She was released from the hospital today. Born nearly four months ago at 25 weeks gestation, Josie Brooklyn now weights in at 4 pounds, 9 ounces. That may not sound like a lot, but for a preemie who entered the world at only 1 pound, 6 ounces, it's a miracle! Josie no longer needs oxygen 24/7, and her health condition is stable.

As you can imagine, the Duggars are thrilled! As Michelle puts it, "We are so excited, we are running on adrenaline. I have been getting into the routine of every three hours feeding, diapering and taking her temperature. We are so encouraged that she is doing so well."
Fans look forward to May 9th, when TLC will air "19 Kids and Counting" Josie Comes Home. 

So will the Duggars be leaving Little Rock?
Not quite yet. They plan to remain in their rental house at least until the end of April to have access to Arkansas Children's Hospital. Jim Bob and Michelle want to "be on the safe side." The family looks forward to returning to Springdale soon and wishes to thank the public for the prayers and encouragement that they have received.

What would you do to celebrate Josie's homecoming? What do you think the Duggars will do?

"Josie Duggar Sisterhood" Recap

It's Tuesday, and that means another episode of 19 Kids and Counting!

This week's title was "Josie Duggar Sisterhood," and, as usual, the Duggars accomplished a lot! They spend a day touring Little Rock and had lunch at Doe's Place, also called the "Dog House." Jim Bob remembers this restaurant from the days when he served in the House of Representatives, and it is also a favorite spot of former president Clinton. Another highlight of the day was the Discovery Museum, where the Duggar kids were able to explore science while having a ton of fun. Jill came out of her shell (excuse the pun!) and held a baby alligator, but she was a little uneasy when the man told her "Don't put your fingers up close to his mouth, or he will bite."

The Duggars understand the importance of cuddling and interacting with their preemie Josie, so when Jim Bob and Michelle weren't feeling well, they decided to send Jana and Jill to Arkansas Children's Hospital. The girls were thrilled to hold their baby sister for the first time.

Next week on 19 Kids and Counting, watch as the Bates meet Josie Brooklyn!

New episode of "19 Kids and Counting!"

Don't miss this week's episode of "19 Kids and Counting" Josie Duggar Sisterhood. Follow the family around Little Rock as they spend a day touring the capital of Arkansas. Jim Bob and Michelle plan to visit Josie, but when they get sick, Jana and Jill go instead. Watch as the two oldest Duggar girls hold their baby sister for the first time!
Tune into TLC on Tuesday at 9/8PM Central to see this and much more on the newest episode of "19 Kids and Counting!" The network will play a rerun of Josie Duggar Sisterhood at 12AM/11PM Central.

Duggar Trivia Answers

Happy Easter (and Passover)! Thanks to all who answered the Duggar Trivia questions! We can tell that our readers really are Duggar fans. Here are the correct answers:

1. What music-related activity do the Duggars refrain from? Dancing
2. What type of ethnic cuisine did the Duggars try last year in Washington D.C.? Ethiopian
3. What is Jinger Duggar's favorite sport?  Ultimate Frisbee, although she likes broom-ball as well
4. Name the doctor that Michelle recommended to Anna for her pregnancy.  Dr. Amy Sarver
5. Which Duggar is not a morning person and has to be woken up by Jim Bob when the family has to rise early? Johannah, but it is true that most of the Duggars are not morning people.
6. Are there any computers in the Duggar household?  Yes.

Look for more Duggar Trivia in the future! 

More Duggar Trivia!

Hope your week is going well! Back by popular demand, here are six more Duggar trivia questions.

Post your answers as a comment, and we will reveal the correct answers in a couple days.

1. What music-related activity do the Duggars refrain from?
2. What type of ethnic cuisine did the Duggars try last year in Washington D.C.?
3. What is Jinger Duggar's favorite sport? 
4. Name the doctor that Michelle recommended to Anna for her pregnancies. 
5. Which Duggar is not a morning person and has to be woken up by Jim Bob when the family has to rise early?
6. Are there any computers in the Duggar household?