More on Gideon's Birth

Gideon Martyn Forsyth is now five days old. The new arrival is settling into life with parents Joy and Austin Forsyth in their newly completed, three-bedroom, two-bathroom, fixer-upper house.

For more details on Gideon's arrival, pick up a copy of this week's edition of PEOPLE Magazine, on newsstands Friday.

Gideon Martyn Forsyth

Photo courtesy Joy-Anna and Austin Forsyth

'Babe, What Did We Get!?'

On their first day in Geneva, Switzerland, Joy and Austin Forsyth feast on traditional cheese fondue (video clip from last night's episode is below). Joy is very confused when she takes a sip of what she is expecting to be regular water but what turns out to be sparkling water. She is concerned that the waiter has given them something more than just water.

If you missed last night's two-hour season premiere episode, be sure to check out our recap.

Photo/video courtesy TLC

First Photos of Gideon

Gideon Martyn Forsyth is three days old. To say that the new parents are thrilled is an understatement. And for those who were asking, both mother and baby are healthy.

Joy-Anna Duggar Forsyth, Austin Forsyth, Gideon Martyn Forsyth

Joy and Gideon

First photo is property of duggarfamily.com and may not be used without written permission. To view the official birth announcement, visit the Duggars' website.
Second photo is courtesy duggarfamily.com.

'In Love In Switzerland' and 'The Vuolos Buy a House' Recap

Counting On "In Love In Switzerland"

• Joy and Austin Forsyth are officially husband and wife, and they are headed to the Swiss Alps for their honeymoon. “It is going to be a lot different not having my family there and not having a little sibling to watch,” says Joy. “I love being married and just all that comes with it, and when I want to kiss him, I can kiss him.”
• The Forsyths finally arrive in Geneva, Switzerland, and kick off their trip with a meal at a fondue restaurant. When the waiter pours the water and Joy tries it, she is afraid she got something other than water, but Austin assures her that it’s just sparkling water.
• Entertainers at the restaurant convince Joy to demonstrate her yodeling skills. She ends up being pretty good. Her close friend, Carlin Bates, can yodel well and has given her some tips.
• Next, the Forsyths head to Interlaken, Switzerland, where they learn how to make Swiss chocolate at Funky Chocolate Club. They meet an older couple that encourages them to have lots of kids. They have five, but they are blown away when they find out that Joy is one of 19.
• “Austin and I want however many kids God gives us because he knows how many kids we can handle,” says Joy. “I think having 19 kids is a rare thing. I don’t think every woman can do that, so we’ll see. If that’s what God gives us, then we’ll take them.”
• The next day, the Forsyths go hang gliding with Bumble Bee Hang Gliding. “I’m a pilot, but I think hang gliding is going to be a little bit different,” says Austin. Joy admits that she’s nervous. One instructor takes Austin, while another takes Joy. They run down a hill, and then the wind catches them, and they take flight.
• “I thought the flight was amazing,” says Joy. “You can really see everything. It was absolutely gorgeous.”
• Later, they catch a train to Zermatt to go skiing on the Theodul Glacier. The next morning, they put on their ski pants and coats and head up the gondola. “Not having any instruction was kind of hard,” admits Joy. “I think we should have set up some kind of thing.”
• The minute they finish skiing, Joy removes her ski boots and socks. “You can take the girl out of Arkansas, but you can’t take the Arkansas out of the girl,” says Austin, laughing.

Counting On "The Vuolos Buy a House"

• When Joy and Austin return home, they move into an RV placed in the yard of their fixer upper house. Joy loves the RV, while Austin is eager to move into the house. “The mice even love it, and the ants,” says Joy. “I mean, what can I say?” They hope to be out of the RV within four months.
• Joseph and Kendra, who are newly engaged, have their photos taken by a close friend. (They were unable to find a time for Jinger to come to town.) Lauren, Kendra’s sister, chaperones.
• Down in Laredo, Jinger and Jeremy compete in a tennis match. Jinger wears a mid-thigh tennis skirt and a modest tank top. Jeremy has played a few times, but Jinger has only played once or twice.
• “I’ve never done organized sports, and so Jeremy was giving me pointers,” says Jinger, who picks the sport up quickly. “Jeremy is super competitive. Any game that we go into, he does it with all of his might.”
• “Jinger is very competitive,” says Jeremy. “Jinger doesn’t like to lose, and I love that about her.”
• Later, Jinger and Jeremy stop by the four-bedroom, two-bathroom house they just purchased. They have hired a Spanish-speaking painter, so communicating is a bit of a challenge.
• Jeremy is excited to finally have an office for his books. If you remember back when the siblings were helping redecorate the Vuolos' apartment, Jessa put some of Jeremy’s books in the closet. She says that ever since that episode aired, she has been scolded by a lot of people.
• Jana, John-David, the Seewalds, Jedidiah, and Jeremiah arrive in Laredo, along with friends Jennifer and Laura. “It is beyond a doubt a perk to marry a girl with 18 siblings who love us and want to help us,” says Jeremy.
• Everyone heads over to the house. Jana and Jessa vote for painting the kitchen cabinets, which are a dark wood color, while the guys suggest leaving them. “I give you permission to change the handles, but don’t paint the cabinets,” says Jedidiah. The ladies are able to convince Jeremy that painting the cabinets white is a good idea.
• The next day, the Duggars, with help from movers, move the Vuolos into their house. After the painters finish painting the cabinets, Jana heads up the installation of a white tile backsplash. “It was kind of a tight squeeze to do this last minute,” says Jana.
• On the third and final day, the siblings put all the finishing touches on the kitchen, master bedroom, living room, and dining room, leaving the guest bedrooms and office for Jinger and Jeremy to work on themselves. Everything looks amazing, especially the kitchen, which has undergone a major transformation.
• “Our interior decorators actually know what we want before we know what we want,” says Jeremy. “They’re that good.”
• Back in Arkansas, Joseph goes disc golfing with Kendra’s family (parents Paul and Christina, as well as six siblings—Lauren, Micah, Nathan, Timmy, Gracie, and Jesiah) on a course built on the land where the Duggars used to live and where Joe and Kendra started their courtship.
• Joe, Kendra, Michelle, Lauren, Christina (Kendra’s mom), Cindy (Michelle’s childhood friend who has designed multiple Duggar weddings), and Laura (the Duggars’ friend who will help coordinate) meet at the church to discuss wedding plans.
• Joy, Austin, and some of Joy’s siblings spend time helping out at Fort Rock Family Camp, owned and operated by Austin’s family. “Austin and I want to be a part of Fort Rock as much as we can,” says Joy.

Preparing for Gideon

In case you haven't heard, Joy and Austin Forsyth have announced the birth of their son, Gideon Martyn Forsyth. (Check out this morning's post for more details.) In the video below, filmed just before Gideon's arrival, the expectant parents share what they have done to prepare for the birth.

The two-hour season premiere of Counting On airs tonight at 9pm ET/8pm CT on TLC. Be sure to come back to the blog after the show for our recap.

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Baby Forsyth is Here!

 

Joy-Anna Duggar and Austin Forsyth have officially entered parenthood. Their bouncing baby boy was born Friday. Following in the footsteps of some of his Seewald and Dillard cousins, he weighed in at 10 lbs, 3 oz and measured 22 inches long.

People Magazine has the exclusive story and photos, although the couple has yet to share details of the birth.

We know you all are wondering what Joy and Austin named their little guy. They chose Gideon Martyn Forsyth. (Martyn is Austin's middle name.) Be sure to check out the People article. We will share more information as we are able.

Photo courtesy TLC

Joy's Due Date Has Arrived!

After nine months of waiting, newlyweds Joy-Anna and Austin Forsyth have made it to their due date. Before long, they will begin a new chapter of their life as parents. When do you think Baby Forsyth will make his or her appearance?

Joy-Anna (Duggar) Forsyth and Austin Forsyth

Photo courtesy Joy and Austin Forsyth/duggarfamily.com

Jinger Celebrates 18 Weeks

Jinger Vuolo is now 18 weeks along with her first child, due in July. At this point in the pregnancy, Baby Vuolo is just under 6 inches long and 7 ounces in weight, and he or she is becoming increasingly active. By 18 weeks gestation, most babies are able to yawn and hiccup.

 Jinger (Duggar) Vuolo, 18 weeks pregnant

Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo at church

Photos courtesy jingerandjeremy.com

Duggar Brothers Shower Jana with Love

As the eldest daughter in the super-sized Duggar family, Jana Duggar is a role model to many. On Valentine's Day, her brothers showered her with love by presenting her with a beautiful bouquet of several dozen roses. They also signed a card to go along with it.

Jana Duggar

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

1st Episode Announced

Just one week to go until the Duggars return to TLC with new episodes of Counting On. The first episode, "In Love In Switzerland," will be a two-hour special, following multiple story lines. If you missed the promo video, visit our post from last Tuesday to watch.

Monday, February 26, 2018
9pm ET/8pm CT: In Love In Switzerland NEW
Joy and Austin have said 'I do,' and now Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth finally get to enjoy some alone time in Switzerland. Joe and Kendra have their engagement photos taken, and the siblings help Jinger and Jeremy move into their new house.
11pm ET/10pm CT: In Love In Switzerland NEW

Photo courtesy TLC

Grandpa Jim Bob (aka Pops)

At age 52, Jim Bob Duggar has been blessed with nine (going on 12) grandchildren. Below is a new photo of Grandpa and Samuel, as well as additional cute snapshots of Jim Bob with his other grandkids.

Jim Bob Duggar and Samuel Dillard

 Jim Bob Duggar and Henry Seewald, summer 2017

 Jim Bob Duggar and Spurgeon Seewald, 2016

 Jim Bob Duggar and Israel Dillard, 2016

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar with Mackynzie Duggar, 2017

 Jim Bob Duggar and Mason Duggar, 2018

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar with Marcus Duggar, 2017

Jim Bob Duggar and Meredith Duggar, 2015

Jim Bob Duggar with Mackynzie Duggar and Michael Duggar, 2011

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

The Keller Grandparents

When we posted new photos of Josh and Anna Duggar's five children earlier this week, a few readers commented that some of the kids have strong Keller features. So we went ahead and dug up this old video clip, in which Anna Duggar, two-year-old Mackynzie Duggar, and one-year-old Michael Duggar enjoy a visit from Anna's parents, Mike and Suzette Keller.

Photo/video courtesy TLC

New Photos of the 'M' Grand-Duggars

Hope you are all having a wonderful Valentine's Day! This morning, Anna Duggar made her four oldest kiddos a heart-themed breakfast. These little grand-Duggars sure are growing up quickly. Mackynzie will turn nine years old later this year.

 Top: Marcus Duggar, Michael Duggar, Meredith Duggar, Mackynzie Duggar

Bottom: Meredith and Mackynzie; Marcus, Michael, and Mason Duggar

Photos courtesy Josh and Anna Duggar/duggarfamily.com

Baby Forsyth Due in 9 Days

In true Duggar fashion, Joy-Anna and Austin Forsyth spent time at the auto auction today. Joy's due date is just nine days away!

Now that Joseph and Kendra Duggar have revealed that they're having a boy, fans are eager to know the gender of Baby Forsyth. Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo, due in July, say they are looking forward to finding out whether their baby will be a boy or girl very soon.

 Joy (Duggar) and Austin Forsyth

Photo courtesy Joy and Austin Forsyth/duggarfamily.com

'Counting On' New Season Promo

Less than two weeks to go until the February 26th premiere of the new season of Counting On! The Duggars have a lot in store for fans (new promo video below). Whether they're working or playing, this super-sized family is forever making memories together.

In the new season you'll watch...

Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo purchase and settle into their first home in Laredo.

Joy and Austin Forsyth honeymoon in Switzerland, work on their fixer-upper house, and make a big announcement to the family.

Joseph Duggar and Kendra Caldwell prepare for their wedding and their new life as a married couple.

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Tyler Turns 10

After Grandpa Duggar passed away and before Henry Seewald was born, February was the only month in which the Duggars didn't have a birthday. Now that Tyler, Michelle's nephew, is living with the family, they have another reason to celebrate in February.

Wishing Tyler a happy 10th birthday! Born in 2008, Tyler is ten months older than Jordyn Duggar and six months younger than Jennifer Duggar, but he has become close friends with 13-year-old Jackson Duggar.

 Jackson and Tyler

Rappelling at family camp, April 2017

 Michelle and kids 

Making Easter cookies, 2017

Celebrating Tyler's 9th birthday at Cracker Barrel

(Jackson Duggar, Jim Bob Duggar, Michelle Duggar, 

Grandma Duggar, Michelle's sister Carol, and Tyler) 

 

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

Swan Gala with the Vuolos

A short while ago, Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo attended a gala in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which we posted about and were thrilled to see a handful of our readers attend. The gala was in support of Swan 4 Kids, an organization founded by Jeremy's mother, Diana Vuolo.

Swan 4 Kids provides "life-changing intervention for children whose parent(s) have a history of incarceration by mentoring them through the disciplines of music lessons and performance."

Below are a handful of photos from the gala. To learn more about the organization, visit the Swan website or Facebook page. 

Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo kick off the evening with prayer

Jeremy Vuolo, Jinger Duggar Vuolo, and Diana Vuolo (Jeremy's mom)

with a Swan student

Jinger accompanies a Swan student on piano

 Jinger and Jeremy meet other Swan students

 Swan students perform

Photos courtesy Jaybird Media, Swan 4 Kids; used with permission

New Photo of Josiah and Lauren

Now that the Duggars are back home in Arkansas after an exciting trip to Australia and New Zealand, Josiah Duggar and girlfriend Lauren Swanson can continue getting to know each other in a normal, everyday setting. Below is a new photo of the new couple.

Josiah Duggar and Lauren Swanson

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com/Josiah Duggar

Message From Expectant Parents Joe and Kendra

A few days ago, we revealed Joseph and Kendra Duggar's big announcement. This afternoon, we have a video message from the couple to share. Joe and Kendra discuss morning sickness, their nursery preparations, what they are most looking forward to about being parents, and more.


If you enjoy this blog, be sure to visit Ellie's other blogs (NashvilleWife.com and BatesFamilyBlog.com). 

Photo/video courtesy TLC

ANOTHER Boy? Oh My!

Johannah Duggar and nephew Samuel Dillard

Now that Joseph and Kendra Duggar have announced the gender of their baby, we can officially say that the Mackynzie Duggar and Meredith Duggar are outnumbered. They have three brothers and four male cousins (now with one more on the way).

Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo will welcome their first child in July and are looking forward to finding out the gender soon. Joy-Anna and Austin Forsyth are expecting a baby in the next few weeks but have chosen to be surprised. If Baby Vuolo and Baby Forsyth are both boys, Mackynzie and Meredith are really in trouble!

Even if you include the rest of the Duggar clan, the ladies are still outnumbered. Out of the current 36 family members, 22 are guys, while just 14 are females.

Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

Grand-Duggar #7 Turns 1

It's a big day for Henry Seewald....He's celebrating his first birthday! Wishing this little guy a day filled with family, friends, and fun.

 Henry Seewald and Spurgeon Seewald at 11 months

 Henry with Grandpa Jim Bob Duggar

Photos courtesy theseewaldfamily.com  

Spend Valentine's Day with the Duggars

How would you like to go on a special Valentine's Day date with your love and meet the Duggars? Well if you live near Lansing, Michigan, that dream could become a reality. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar will be speaking at a marriage banquet in St. Johns on Wednesday, February 14th.

Tickets for the banquet, which starts at 6pm, are $15 each (includes dinner from Litwiller's Catering).

At 2pm that afternoon, Michelle will host a Q&A session for mothers. Admission is free, but due to limited seating, guests must register ahead of time.

Call Kaci (517-651-5729) at the Grove Bible Church office to buy banquet tickets and register for the Q&A. The office is open Tuesday-Friday, 8:30am-1:30pm.

Grove Bible Church is located at 6990 E Price Rd. in St. Johns, Michigan.

**If you're able to attend, we would love to hear about your experience and post your photos. You can reach us at DuggarFamilyBlog@gmail.com.

Joe and Kendra's Baby is a...

Joseph and Kendra Duggar just announced the gender of their baby. At the gender reveal party, John Duggar was chosen to reveal the news to the couple and their family and friends, using blue smoke. (Yep, it's a boy!)

Hear more from Joe and Kendra on the new season of Counting On.

If you enjoy this blog, be sure to visit Ellie's other blogs (NashvilleWife.com and BatesFamilyBlog.com).

Photo courtesy TLC

Snapshots from Down Under

The Duggars are home from their trip to Australia and New Zealand, and they had a blast. Below are a few snapshots. We would love to hear more stories from those who were able to meet the family during their journey.

 Duggars enjoy the beach

 Tyler (nephew) and Jackson Duggar

 Jennifer Duggar and Johannah Duggar

 

 Jana Duggar met a little girl named Jana!

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

First Look at the New Season

Here's your first look at the new season of Counting On, premiering Monday, February 26th, at 9pm ET/8pm CT. European honeymoons, new homes, baby announcements, and much more is coming your way in less than four weeks!

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Shoe Shopping with the Duggars

 Josie Duggar (4) and Jordyn Duggar (5)

The Duggars love thrift stores, but when they need shoes in a specific type and color for several family members at a time, they often search for deals at shoe stores. In the video clip below, a throwback from 2014, the Duggar girls and women go shoe shopping for Jill's upcoming wedding. (There's just no way they could have walked into a second-hand shop and found all that they needed!)

We think you'll be entertained hearing various Duggars give their opinions on shoes and shoe shopping and watching the little girls make their choices. 

Photo/video courtesy TLC