Baby Seewald Due in 2 Days

Jessa Seewald is due with Baby Seewald in just two days. You can probably imagine how eager she and Ben are to meet their little one. (And we know our readers are eager to see pictures.) For all the mama's out there, what tactics have you experimented with to jump start labor?

As you can see from this picture, Jessa and Ben have a crib all ready to go in their spare bedroom. 

Jessa (Duggar) Seewald at 39 weeks 4 days (Thursday, October 29)

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Duggars Headed to Canada?

After traveling to Europe in 2011 and Asia in 2012, the Duggars are scheduled to make a trip up north to meet fans in Canada.

In April 2015, the Alberta Home Education Association (AHEA) announced that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar had been invited to be keynote speakers at the organization's April 2016 convention.

When news of the mistakes Josh Duggar made as a teenager went public in May, AHEA announced that the Duggars would still speak at the 2016 convention, after much consideration and review of members' feedback.

In light of recent news, the organization announced on its website yesterday that leadership is reviewing the speaker lineup once again and will reach a decision soon.

The 2016 AHEA convention takes place on Friday, April 8th, and Saturday, April 9th, at Westerner Park in Red Deer, Alberta, which is located in Western Canada. Visit the AHEA website to register.


Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

A Duggar-Sized Baby Shower

 Jessa (Duggar) Seewald and Ben Seewald

Baby Seewald is due on Sunday, November 1st. That's just a few days away! Jessa and Ben celebrated the upcoming arrival of their firstborn child with a baby shower, held at a family-friend's barn and attended by approximately 100 guests. (For those wondering how Jill and Derick were able to make it, the shower was held before they returned to Central America.)

Check out these snapshots, courtesy of TLC, of the fall-themed event:

 Jinger Duggar, Jana Duggar, Jessa (Duggar) Seewald, Joy-Anna Duggar

Jill (Duggar) Dillard, Johannah Duggar

 Jessa and Jill

 Israel Dillard, Derick Dillard, Jill Dillard, Jessa Seewald, Ben Seewald

(Stars of the upcoming mini series Jill & Jessa: Counting On) 

 The barn (owned by a family-friend) where the shower was held

 The ladies compete to see who can change a diaper the quickest

(with her eyes closed)

The guys join in on a milk drinking contest

Photos courtesy TLC

Duggar #9 Turns 18

When we first met Joy-Anna Duggar on 14 Children and Pregnant Again, she was just six years old. Today is her 18th birthday, which means that nine of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's 19 children are now adults. Time sure flies!

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, TLC

Guess Baby Seewald's Birth Weight

Jessa (Duggar) Seewald's due date is quickly approaching. She and Ben are expecting their first child, whom they call "Quincy," in just six days.

When do you think this little one will arrive, and what do you think his or her birth weight will be? Post your guesses as a comment, and we will see how many people are correct!

You all can probably figure out who these cuties are. 

It will be neat which Duggar/Seewald traits "Quincy" has. 

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Never-Before-Seen Duggar Pictures

We received an email from a reader that we know will be of interest to you all. While combing through personal photos to prepare for her parents' 50th anniversary celebration, this gal came across five pictures, taken 17 years ago, that feature members of her family alongside Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and several of the Duggar kids. 

It is no surprise that the pictures were taken at Silver Dollar City, one of the Duggars' favorite attractions. The photos show a handful of children with musical instruments participating in a parade at the park. Which Duggars can you spot?

Keep in mind that Jim Bob and Michelle had only nine children at the time (Josh, Jana, John-David, Jill, Jessa, Jinger, Joseph, Josiah, and Joy-Anna), although Michelle was pregnant with twins Jedidiah and Jeremiah.

Jessa (Duggar) Seewald on Adoption

Jessa and Ben serve in Central America, July 2014

Jessa (Duggar) Seewald and Ben Seewald have more siblings that the average American--although Ben's family of nine is significantly smaller than Jessa's super-sized clan of 21--and they have both said that they love kids.

The newlyweds have expressed their hearts for adoption multiple times since their engagement in August 2014 and their wedding in November 2014. What are their thoughts on this subject, now that they are just nine days away from the due date of their first child? Jessa shared the following with us during a recent interview.

Jessa: [Adoption] is definitely something that is very dear to our hearts. As Christians, adoption is a such a beautiful picture and reminder of God’s love for us in adopting us into His family. Over the past months, we have been doing research and studying up on the adoption process. We have been so blessed to be able to talk with other adoptive families, to hear their stories and learn from their personal journeys. Since we are soon to have a baby of our own, things are on hold for a time--but we plan within this next year to take some adoption classes and begin working towards this goal.

One of the things that really sparked the fire of adoption in my heart was through the times me and several of my siblings spent volunteering at our local children’s shelter. Seeing these kids walking through tough times and so hungry for love really opened my eyes to the need. I think that just as my parents did for me, I want to provide opportunities for my children to reach out to people around them and offer hope and comfort to those in need. 

Jessa (Duggar) Seewald in Central America, 2013

My parents were such great examples of this to me—getting us involved in community outreach from a young age and providing us opportunities to give back to people in our lives. My parents have huge hearts, and they’re so attentive to the needs of people around them. They would often take us to the homes of widows to help out with whatever needs they had, whether it was stacking their firewood or helping them shop for groceries. 

They encouraged us to express gratefulness to public servants, such as the men and women on our local fire and police departments. We would go shopping for the needed ingredients to bake cookies and then deliver them hot and fresh along with a note of gratitude for their service to our community. 

**For those of you who have asked for updates on Ellie, check out her blog at NashvilleWife.com. 


Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

Duggar Makeup Tutorials

Since we posted our popular Duggar hair tutorial, which Ellie filmed with Jill and Jessa last spring, our readers have requested Duggar makeup tutorials. We are thrilled to share these videos with you, created by a young makeup expert named Joli. In the first three, Joli shares her take on how Jinger, Jana, and Jill do their makeup.

Jinger Duggar Makeup Tutorial

Jana Duggar Makeup Tutorial

Jill (Duggar) Dillard Makeup Tutorial

Dillards' Farewell: More Pics

Here are a few more snapshots of the Dillards' emotional farewell. After an extended visit with family in Arkansas, they returned to Central America over the weekend. Tears were shed as each Duggar showered them with hugs. More photos available on the Dillards' website.

 Derick Dillard, Jill Dillard, and Anna Duggar

 Jill Dillard, Mackynzie Duggar, and Derick Dillard

 Jill Dillard, Derick Dillard, and Michael Duggar

 Derick Dillard, Jill Dillard, Jedidiah Duggar, Jeremiah Duggar, Jason Duggar, Israel Dillard

 Grandpa Jim Bob Duggar with Israel Dillard

 Saying final goodbyes at the airport

Photos courtesy dillardfamily.com

First Glimpse of Upcoming Specials

As we revealed last month, TLC will soon bring Jill (Duggar) Dillard and Jessa (Duggar) Seewald and their growing families back to reality TV. The network just released additional details and a promo video for the upcoming mini series. Jill & Jessa: Counting On, a three-part special, kicks off in December. Check out this teaser:

Jill & Derick Return to Central America

 The Duggars bid the Dillards farewell

After spending several weeks in the United States, Jill and Derick Dillard are back in Central America, where they serve as missionaries. Derick's mom, Cathy Dillard Byrum, returned with them.

Jill and Derick will resume intensive language classes, with the goal of becoming fluent in Spanish. They were blessed to be able to return home twice since moving down to Central America in early July, but as the young couple explains on their website, it will be "many months" before their next trip back.

 Jill and Derick Dillard with James Duggar (holding Israel Dillard)

Photos courtesy dillardfamily.com 

Favorite Family Games

It's no secret that the Duggars value quality family time. They are truly each other's best friends, and they genuinely enjoy being together. At home in Northwest Arkansas, the Duggar kids (and adults) are always up for discovering new games that everyone can be involved in. Here are some of their favorites:

Board Games
Phase 10
Settlers of Catan
Apples to Apples
Bananagrams
Telestrations
Dutch Blitz
Checkers
Chess
Uno
Skip-Bo

Other Indoor Games/Actives
Puzzles
Four Square
Foosball
Ping Pong
Spontaneous Coloring Contests

Outdoor Sports
Basketball
Volleyball
Ultimate Frisbee
Football
Kickball


Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

Three Months & Counting!

Today marks Meredith Duggar's three-month milestone. Meredith is the fourth child of Josh and Anna Duggar and the fifth grandchild of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. She was born July 16th weighing 7lbs 14 oz and measuring 20-1/2 inches long.

Meredith will soon give up her place as the youngest member of the Duggar clan when Jessa and Ben welcome their first child, due November 1st.

Josie Duggar & niece Meredith Duggar (1 month old)

Meredith Grace Duggar at birth

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

Duggar #13 Hits the Road

We have a quick update to share with you all. James Duggar, who turned 14 in July, recently passed a written driver's exam and road test to receive his learner's license.

Per Arkansas law, he must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 or older in order to drive. When he turns 16, James will be eligible for an intermediate license, which will place him under certain restrictions until his 18th birthday.

James Duggar shows off his certificate, accompanied by brother-in-law Derick Dillard

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

More From Jessa...

 Ben Seewald practices for fatherhood by rocking niece Meredith Duggar to sleep

Baby Seewald (aka Quincy) is due in just two-and-a-half weeks. We have a few more responses to share from the interview we did with Jessa in September.

We know what a wonderful mother your mom is, but what are some traits/parenting techniques you have seen in Ben's mom that you hope to live out? 
Jessa: It is so amazing to see the many similarities between Ben’s mom and mine. Both are such genuinely sweet women of God. I have observed how Ben’s mom speaks so sweetly to her children, asks them questions about things, and listens intently as they tell their stories. It’s precious! She handles kids misbehaving so patiently, taking them aside and communicating directly to their little hearts. Many people have told me that Mrs. Guinn reminds them of my mom. Both are amazing role models for me, and I look up to them with the highest admiration.

What’s your favorite verse for difficult times?
Jessa: Probably one of my favorite verses in difficult times is Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose.” It is a great reminder that, as Christians, no matter what we go through, God is with us, and He can bring us out stronger on the other side. He specializes in taking a miserable lump of clay and creating out of it a beautiful vessel for His glory.

We see so many stories in the Bible of people like Esther and Joseph, how God worked through their challenging situations and brought about a greater good than they ever could have imagined. God can bring beauty from ashes. He delights in showing Himself strong! When we turn to God through tough times, He is always there for us. And often, as we grow and learn through things, He may allow us in the future to come alongside and support someone else who is walking through a similar situation. 

Here are the links to previous posts that contain Jessa's responses to our interview questions:

Jessa on Purposeful Parenting
Seewalds Plan a Home Birth
Jessa on Pregnancy 
Jessa on Pregnancy Cravings 
Update on Ben's Career
Jessa: A Parent's Most Important Role
Baby Seewald's Character 
Jessa on Parenthood


Photo courtesy of duggarfamily.com

Duggars & Dillards

The Dillards are enjoying family time in Arkansas as they prepare to return to the mission field. Following the theme of Columbus Day, Derick Dillard posted a devotion about the incredible truths available for discovery in God's Word. He also shared a handful of new photos.

 Derick Dillard and Israel Dillard

 Israel with Grandma Cathy Dillard Byrum

Israel with Uncle Dan Dillard

 Israel Dillard

 Israel shows off his stylish hat with Uncle James Duggar and Uncle Justin Duggar

 Israel tries to take a turn with Aunt Jana Duggar's drink

 Bench presses with Mommy!

Jill Dillard, Derick Dillard, and Israel Dillard

(Look at that smile!)

Photos courtesy dillardfamily.com

TLC Specials Coming Soon

With less than three months to go before the start of 2016, two members of the Duggar family are preparing for their return to TLC. As we announced three weeks ago, Jessa (Duggar) Seewald and Jill (Duggar) Dillard, along with their growing families, will be featured in multiple specials. TLC currently has two or three in the works and plans to release the first one before the end of the year.

What are you most looking forward to seeing in these upcoming shows featuring the second and third eldest daughters of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar?

Ben Seewald, Jessa Seewald, Jill Dillard, Derick Dillard, and Israel Dillard

Photo courtesy TLC

Duggar #16 Turns 10

Before launching their weekly reality TV series, the Duggars starred in five Discovery Channel specials. The second, which aired in March 2006, featured the birth of Johannah Faith Duggar, number 16 in the family lineup. Today, Johannah is 10 years old. Happy birthday, Johannah!

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, TLC

Baby Quincy Coming Soon!

 Jessa (Duggar) Seewald at 36 weeks, 4 days

Baby Seewald, whom Jessa and Ben Seewald have nicknamed "Quincy," is due in less than four weeks. The couple has not announced the gender to the public, but have they told their families? Are they planning to choose a name theme for Quincy and their future children? Scroll down to read Jessa's responses from our chat with her.

Have you announced the baby's gender to your families? 
Jessa: Ben and I had an ultrasound at 19 weeks to find out our baby’s gender. Ben was okay with keeping it a surprise, but I just couldn’t wait. I had to know! We decided at that point that we would keep it to ourselves and let it be a surprise for the rest of the Seewald and Duggar extended families when the baby is born. So far we haven’t told anyone…but I didn’t expect it to be so difficult to keep a secret. I always want to use pronouns like “he/she” in conversation but have had to focus on saying “the baby” instead. We’re so looking forward to baby’s birth and the big reveal! 

**Jessa will be the first of her siblings to keep her child's gender a secret until he or she is born. Josh and Anna Duggar (parents of four), as well as Jill and Derick Dillard (parents of one), planned big reveals months before their babies were due. Josh and Anna also released the name of their first child, Mackynzie Renee, before her arrival.

Are you planning to do a name theme?
Jessa: When we first found out that we were expecting a baby, Ben and I were talking about a letter theme for our kids and Ben suggested, “Why don’t we go with the letter ‘Q’?” lol! Of course that was a joke, but from that point, Ben started calling our little one “Quincy," and the nickname just sorta stuck. 

Seriously though, we have talked about it, and we’re not planning to go with a specific letter theme. But we like the idea of using names with lots of meaning behind them, such as names of people who have been great heroes of the Christian faith. And we like the idea of incorporating family names as well. We have been asking our siblings to give name suggestions for both a boy and a girl, and it’s been fun to hear their ideas. Who knows? Maybe we’ll go with one of their suggestions! 

 Here are the links to Jessa's responses to our other interview questions:

Jessa on Purposeful Parenting
Seewalds Plan a Home Birth
Jessa on Pregnancy 
Jessa on Pregnancy Cravings 
Update on Ben's Career
Jessa: A Parent's Most Important Role
Baby Seewald's Character 
Jessa on Parenthood


Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Dillard Update

The Dillards are back in the United States taking care of a few important tasks that will allow them to be more effective once they return to the mission field in Central America. Jill passed her midwifery test and is now a certified professional midwife, a designation administered by the North American Registry of Midwives. CPMs are required to meet rigorous requirements, including lengthy written exams and extensive hands-on skill evaluations.

 Jill and Derick Dillard show off Jill's CPM certificate

On Friday, Jill and Derick Dillard hosted a meet and greet for those who provide prayer and financial support for their ministry. Michelle and the rest of the Duggars have been enjoying the time with their daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. (Israel turned six months old yesterday.)

Grandma Michelle Duggar with grandson Israel Dillard (six months old) 

and granddaughter Meredith Duggar (almost three months old)

On Sunday, the Dillards made the two-hour trek from Northwest Arkansas to Silver Dollar City, a family-friendly attraction in Branson, Missouri, that is beloved by the Duggar family.

Jill and Derick Dillard at Silver Dollar City 

Photos courtesy of duggarfamily.com

Grand-Duggar #1 Turns 6

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's oldest grandchild turns six years old today. Happy birthday, Mackynzie!

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, Scott Enlow/TLC

Baby Dilly...6 Months Old

Can you believe little Israel David Dillard is already six months old? After a long and difficult labor, "Baby Dilly" arrived at 11:49pm on April 6th, 2015, weighing a whopping 9 lbs, 10 oz. TLC aired his birth during a 19 Kids and Counting special on May 5th.

Photos courtesy of duggarfamily.com