How do the Duggars Keep their Socks Straight?

Even in a small family, matching up socks with the right individuals can be challenging. So how do the Duggars, who have 19 children, manage this task? To make it more simple, the girls wear white socks, and the boys wear black. And they keep their family "clothes closet" very organized with bins for socks and undergarments.
What is your family's laundry system? How do you know who's clothes are whose?

Doctors Call Josie's Story a Fairytale

Josie Duggar now weighs in at 6 pounds, 9 ounces. That may not sound like a lot for a regular 5-month old infant, but considering what Josie has gone through, it's nothing short of a miracle. She entered the world at 25 weeks gestation, weighing just 1 pound, 6 ounces, and her progress since December has been impressive. In a recent interview, Dr. Arrington, co-director of the NICU at Arkansas Childrens' Hospital, told People Magazine that "[Josie's] eyes and brain appear perfectly normal. She escaped lung injury on the ventilator. Without her current issues, her story's a fairytale." When she gains more weight, Josie will have to undergo a surgery to fix 3 hernias, and doctors predict that they will need to reattach some of her organs.
How much did you, or your children, weight at birth?

"19 Kids and Counting" Put on Hold Until August

Fans have been asking if this is the end of the favorite TV show "19 Kids and Counting," but I assure you that it is not.  New episodes of "19 Kids and Counting!" will be back in August, but keep tuning into TLC for reruns.  Did you know that the Duggar family has starred in over 80 episodes on TLC and Discovery Channel since "14 Children and Pregnant Again!" aired in 2004?

Discussion

Hey Duggar fans!

Now that the 4th season of "19 Kids and Counting" is over (but don't worry, TLC has said nothing about the show being canceled)....
What was your favorite episode? 
Have you enjoyed "19 Kids and Counting" more than "18 Kids and Counting" and "17 Kids and Counting?"

"19 Kids and Counting" Duggar Home Alone

This evening on "19 Kids and Counting" Duggar Home Alone...
Jason Duggar celebrated his 10th birthday by spending some one-on-one time with mom. "He is a sweet guy. He's very funny, he likes to joke and have fun" says Michelle Duggar. But he also has a tender heart and really enjoyed holding Josie at the hospital on his birthday.
When Jim Bob and the kids went off to the ATI home school conference in Big Sandy, Texas, Michelle stayed behind. As the mother of 19, it seems like she would enjoy some peace and quiet, but that's not the case!
"When my family's not there, it just doesn't seem right." Michelle would choose a dirty house full of people over a clean, empty house any day.
She spent a lot of time writing in the journal that she has kept since Josie was born. She needed a place to record her emotions and all the medical miracles that have happened in the preemie's life so far. "This will be her book one day," says Michelle.

Do you keep a journal?

Season Finale of "19 Kids and Counting"

Don't miss the season finale of "19 Kids and Counting!" Duggar Home Alone. As the mother of 19 kids, it is rare for Michelle Duggar to have much alone time, but when Jim Bob and the children travel to Big Sandy, Texas for the annual ATI Home School Conference, Michelle spends several days on her own. Is it possible to be lonely when a mother with this many kids gets some time off? Tune into TLC tonight at 9/8PM Central to find out!
Do you like alone time?

Duggar Trivia Answers

Thanks to all who posted guesses to the recent trivia questions. Here are the correct answers:

    1. What is Josh's wife's maiden name?   Keller

    2. The Duggars have a striped green overhang above the serving line in their commercial kitchen. What does it read?    "Duggars' Deli and Diner"

    3. The Duggars received a grand piano when they built their house. Who was it a gift from?    TLC

    4. What is Mackynzie's middle name?   Renee

Look for more Duggar Trivia coming soon!

Happy 6th Birthday Jackson Duggar!

Today is Jackson Duggar's 6th birthday. Happy Birthday Jackson!

Duggar Trivia!

Hope you are enjoying some great weather this weekend!

Post your answers to these trivia questions to see how well you know the Duggars. 

    1. What is Josh's wife's maiden name?

    2. The Duggars have a striped green overhang above the serving line in their commercial kitchen. What does it read?

    3. The Duggars received a grand piano when they built their house. Who was it a gift from?

    4. What is Mackynzie's middle name?

Jill Duggar's College Plans

*For an exclusive message from Jill Duggar revealing her updated college plans, click here to read our September 29th, 2011 post. 

 When asked if any of her kids are considering pursuing a higher education, Michelle Duggar announced that yes, Jill is looking into college right now. After spending time in the hospital with Josie, she is considering nursing.

"She literally loves people," Michelle told TLC. The Duggars encourage their children to go where God leads them. College might not be in the future for all of their 19 kids, but it will be for some. 

Jill has also been studying in depth Spanish. Thanks to her older sister's careful instruction, Jennifer, who is not yet 3, is learning a new language. Some of her favorite phrases include "Por favor" and "Si, gracias." According to Michelle, Jill and Jenny are inseparable. 

Do you know a second (or third) language? Are you teaching your children another language? 

"Duggars Go Wild" Recap

This week on "19 Kids and Counting" the Duggars went WILD! With 19 children, their house is pretty busy, but when the kids found out they were going to the zoo, their energy level skyrocketed.
The Duggars had the privilege of petting the elephants, but Jim Bob's favorite exhibit was the chimps. "I always wanted a pet chimpanzee" he stated. But I think that's out of the question now. 19 kids and a chimp? Sounds like a lot of chaos!
When Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar paid a visit to Josie in the hospital, they met another couple whose baby was born at 23 weeks gestation and who also had a bowel perforation. They prayed together and encouraged each other. On one of the most difficult days for this new mother, Michelle's hug meant the world to her.
Josie continues to grow, but she must be at least 8 pounds before she can have any more tests done. "I can remember when I could get my ring and stick it up her leg," says Jim Bob. She has definitely come a long way!

Jana Duggar's Career Plans

In a recent interview with TLC, Michelle answered a question about Jana's career plans. Fans have been wondering why Jana Duggar, who turned 20 in January, has not been on the  show as much as some of the other kids. She is interested in becoming a midwife, so she has been experimenting by assisting a doula in labor and delivery. However, Michelle says that Jana is not quite sure if she wants to go into midwifery as a career; she might end up gaining some training and moving on.
Moving on to what? you may ask. Well....

As most of you know, the Duggars are musicians, and Jana plays the harp. "There’s good money to be made in harp playing, because it’s not something a lot of people do" explains Michelle. Music is a hobby that the oldest Duggar girl loves, and her mom admits that she could see Jana becoming a music teacher.

Do you play an instrument? Have you ever tried playing harp?

Don't Miss "19 Kids and Counting" Duggars Go Wild!

Tonight on "19 Kids and Counting" Duggars Go Wild, Jim Bob is taking the kids to Little Rock Zoo! And afterward, Jim Bob and Michelle meet another preemie at Arkansas Children's Hospital.
Tune into TLC at 9/8PM Central.
Did you (or do you) like to visit the zoo? What are your favorite zoo memories?

Happy 19th Birthday Jill Duggar!

Jill Duggar, born on May 17th, 1991, is nineteen years old today. Happy Birthday Jill! 
What did you do to celebrate your 19th birthday? 

19 Kids and Counting Episodes on TLC.com

Hey there Duggar fans! If you don't have the channel TLC and cannot watch "19 Kids and Counting," click here to watch full episodes on TLC.com. They are usually posted online about one to two weeks after they air on TV, although the network doesn't post every episode.
Thanks for reading the blog!

What did Michelle Duggar Want for Mother's Day?

As the mother of 19 kids, Michelle Duggar deserves a "queen-sized" present, right? But when asked by her family what she wanted for Mother's Day, the rest of the Duggar family did not expect the answer that they received. I'll give you a hint: she didn't ask for chocolate, flowers, or jewelry!

Michelle laughingly told her family, "I just need a new cover for the ironing board."

Of course Jim Bob and the kids wanted to get her something....bigger. They went shopping but had a difficult time because of Michelle's practical personality. She likes to fulfill the needs before the wants.
But the best present of all was having the whole family together. Although Josie is still in the NICU, Michelle is thrilled by her baby's positive health.

And this year was special because May 9th was the first time that Anna Duggar was wished a Happy Mother's Day. Josh and his wife planned to travel to Little Rock with Mackynzie to celebrate. And of course, Grandma Duggar was there too.

"Looks like we'll have three generations of moms here celebrating together." announced Jim Bob.

Duggars at the Hospital: Josie returns to the NICU

This evening on "19 Kids and Counting" Duggars at the Hospital....

We checked in with Josh and Anna, back in Springdale, Arkansas. Mackynzie is seven months old and is rolling over and even starting to say "Mama." John-David has started his own towing company, which has been a blessing for Josh's car lot.

With Josie home from the hospital, Jim Bob took some of the kids back to their home in Northwest Arkansas to do some spring cleaning. They discovered a Duggar-sized rope swing packed away, and the kids (and Jim Bob!) had a blast swinging from one of the massive trees in their yard.

While they were gone, Josie was rushed back to the hospital after developing a blockage in her intestine. During her 2AM feeding, Michelle noticed that Josie was not eating and was experiencing constipation. Jinger and Jessa awoke to hear Jill talking to a 911 dispatcher. "We ran in the room, and we just started praying," said Jinger. Josie's heart rate had increased, and her breathing had dropped dangerously low.

"I really was terrified because I didn't know what was going on," reported Michelle Duggar. "This was the reason why we wanted to stay in Little Rock, because we know you can never trust a preemie." Having Josie home was wonderful, but Michelle is relieved that she is receiving the help she needs at the hospital.

Doctors are in the process of working out her "plumbing" issues. When she gains more weight, Josie will need laparoscopic surgery on her digestive tract.

Current Josie Update From Michelle Duggar

 And now for a Josie Update! Josie Duggar is still in the NICU at Arkansas Children's Hospital, but she is doing great! Michelle Duggar told People Magazine that Josie "reached the 6 pound mark" late last week, and the Duggar family celebrated with a Six Pounder Party. Josie has been eating Michelle's breast milk, with added fortifiers, and her health has been positive. Her doctors have been able to get many of her digestive problems in order, although Josie still needs an enema "here and there," as Michelle puts it. 
"She’s getting a little double chin," Michelle excitedly told TLC. "It’s just too cute to see her little face filing out instead of being long and narrow and skinny."  

The NICU doctors have been performing frequent tests, in hopes that Josie will be able to go home permanently very soon. To see Josie's return to the hospital, tune into TLC at 9/8PM Central on Tuesday for "19 Kids and Counting" Duggars at the Hospital.

Josie Comes Home!

Come back tomorrow for a current update on Josie, straight from Michelle Duggar!
 
"19 Kids and Counting!" Josie Comes Home premiered this evening on TLC. Josie Duggar was released on April 6th from Arkansas Children's Hospital, where she spent the first 4 months of her life. She had been off oxygen a while before going home but, as a result, had not been gaining as much weight. Dr. Arrington, co-director of the NICU, decided to send a huge oxygen tank home with the Duggars so that Josie could put on some pounds. Jim Bob and Michelle would also have to monitor Josie's hart rate.

Bringing their baby home was an emotional experience for Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. The Duggar family was thrilled to bring Josie home but sad to leave behind the wonderful nurses and doctors with whom they have formed friendships. They were always there, day or night, to give hugs and to encourage Michelle to keep the faith, even when the going was tough."This has been one of the most difficult things that our family has ever gone through" stated the teary-eyed mother of 19.  
Back at home, the rest of the Duggar clan prepared for Josie's homecoming by making banners and posters and putting up streamers and balloons. Some of the younger kids had not seen Josie in person since mid-December.

The plan was to stay in Little Rock for two weeks, just to make sure that Josie would not need any medical attention, but the Duggars were heartbroken when their preemie was rushed back to Arkansas Children's. Josie was 4 and a half pounds and doing great when she went home but started having digestive issues just 48 hours later. She remains in the NICU, and the doctors are still unsure when she will be released.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

If you are searching for a family-friendly show to watch tonight, tune into TLC for Josie Comes Home at 8/7PM Central. Josie Duggar has been in the NICU for four months and is finally able to go home to her parents and 18 siblings.

What Makes Michelle Duggar a Good Mom?

What makes Michelle a good mother? Her children say that she is always there for them. The past four months have been a roller coaster, with Josie in the hospital and 17 kids at home to love and care for, but Michelle has kept it together. She is the mother of 19 but is still able to make time for each child. Her patience with her kids, even when they disobey, is so encouraging. Some may call her Wonder Woman, but others just call her a MOM.

What makes your mom special?

Michelle is receiving the Mother of the Year Award in San Antonio this summer. Click here to read more.


To celebrate Mother's Day, TLC is posting video clips on Twitter of the Duggar kids saying Happy Mother's Day to Michelle. Click here to see the videos.

Just Announced: Josie Duggar Update!

People Magazine announced just three hours ago that Josie Duggar is still in the hospital. She was released on April 6th but was rushed back to Arkansas Children's for minor stomach complications just two days later. She now weighs 5 pounds, 14 ounces and has been growing at a steady rate of about 2 ounces each day. Michelle says that Josie loves to eat. "When she feels good," the mother of 19 explains, "she looks at you and smiles and talks. She's definitely a talker and has the sweetest personality."
Josie has been having problems with digestion, and Dr. Arrington, co-director of the NICU at Arkansas Childrens' Hospital,  is looking for a more permanent solution.  The Duggars hope to have Josie back home with them soon. 

2 New Episodes Covering Josie's Homecoming and Return to the Hospital

Next week, TLC will feature two new episodes of "19 Kids and Counting," one featuring Josie Duggar's homecoming and the other focusing on her health setback and return to the hospital. Josie Comes Home, a 60-minute special, airs at 8/7PM Central on Sunday, May 9th (Mother's Day).
TLC has recently announced that on Tuesday May 11th, Duggars at the Hospital will premiere at 9/8PM Central. After Jim Bob takes some of the kids back to Springdale to prepare their house for the family to return, they must rush back to Little Rock when Josie is readmitted to Arkansas Children's Hospital.  

Duggar Heavy Metal

As usual, the Duggars accomplished a lot in their weekly episode of "19 Kids and Counting!" They drove up to Mountain View, Arkansas, a little town nestled in the Ozarks. "It's like living the way people used to live," Jim Bob described the town.

His friend Corky manages an ironworks business in Mountain View and invited the Duggars to learn about traditional blacksmithing. Everyone in the family helped create the Duggar Family Tree out of metal, with each person's name on a gold leaf. Corky even gave Jim Bob a few extra leafs, just in case!

The Duggars went on yet another field trip, but this time to a farm out in the country. Their neighbor in Little Rock taught the kids about gardening and livestock. Cousin Amy and some of the little kids decided that it would be fun to chase the animals. "Who else is chasing lambs at 8:00 in the morning? We are!" shouted Amy.

And no episode of "19 Kids and Counting!" would be complete without checking in with Josie. Flu season had ended, so the hospital allowed Josiah and Joy-Anna to visit their baby sister for the first time since she December. Being a girl, Joy was thrilled to finally hold Josie, something she had been looking forward to for months.

What did you think of this episode?

"19 Kids and Counting" Duggar Heavy Metal

Good morning, Duggar fans! Don't miss "19 Kids and Counting" Duggar Heavy Metal, airing tonight on TLC. I bet you're wondering what the name of this episode means. Well it's not talking about heavy metal music! The Duggars are headed to Stony County Ironworks to watch blacksmiths at work and learn about their trade. While they are there, the family will listen to bluegrass music, one of their favorite genres, and even have the chance to do some iron-working of their own! Tune into TLC at 9/8 Central for some Duggar Heavy Metal. 

Do you like bluegrass music?

Mackynzie Had Her Ears Pierced!

What's new at the home of Josh and Anna??
Their daughter Mackynzie recently had her ears pierced! Josh was very excited, while Anna was a little uneasy.  They both agreed that it would be best to have the procedure done while she is too little to remember. Josh and his sisters took Mackynzie to the mall while Anna went to a different store so she wouldn't have to see her daughter upset. "She'll be fine in five minutes," Josh assured his wife, "It will be no problem."
It took a little more than five minutes to calm Mackynzie down, but everyone agrees that she looks adorable. Look for her pierced ears on Tuesday's episode of "19 Kids and Counting" on TLC.

What are your views about having an infant's ears pierced?