LilSugar

The Duggars Discuss Miscarriage; Is That Comforting?

Heather Maddan — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 07:00:29 PST

Sometimes the great expectations of a pregnancy aren't realized. Though Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar may seem to have found the fountain of fertility as evidenced by their 19 children, the parents lost a pregnancy (years ago) after having their firstborn. Sadly, Josh Duggar and his wife, Anna, also suffered a miscarriage a few months back. In sharing the happy news of their current pregnancy with a second child, the couple shared their experience. One report said:

"I was very sad," Anna says. "Josh was a big encouragement to me. It helped us go through the heartbreak to learn that 30 or 40 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. That was comforting in some ways."

Does knowing that miscarriage isn't uncommon comfort you as well?

The Duggar Kids Got the Chickenpox; Has Your Child?

LilSugar — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:30:45 PDT

When one child has chickenpox, chances are his siblings will get them, too! The illness can spread easily when the infected kiddo does everyday things like cough, sneeze, or share a sip of a drink or a bite of a sandwich. Imagine what it's like when chickenpox enters the Duggar home! In tonight's episode of 19 Kids and Counting, Jim Bob and Michelle find their family covered in spots and have to keep the youngsters away from baby Josie. Have your tots had chickenpox?

Exclusive Interview! Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar Talk About Parenting Preemie

LilSugar — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:30:50 PDT

Michelle Duggar has given birth 17 times, but mothering a preemie has been a new experience for her. I recently had the chance to chat with the mom of 19 and her husband Jim Bob about Josie and how their family dynamic has changed since the baby's December arrival.

LilSugar: You mentioned taking health precautions, but what are some of the other adjustments parents have to make in tending to a preemie?
Michelle Duggar: Initially, her (Josie's) feeds were so different than those of a full-term baby. At first, it was just a few drops and then it was a continuous feed because they had her on a feeding tube. We had to start feeding from a bottle so I would pump my breast milk and put it in the bottle and she had to learn how to suck, swallow, and breathe and that was a whole new experience because I had to learn how to hold the bottle and help her as she started to choke and until she was able to learn that process. Of course, she's learned it really well!

We're probably doing the same things we did with all of our other children - playing with her, talking to her, and giving her a lot of stimulation when she is awake and having her playtime, but I'm more focused about it now than ever. I think - did we move her legs enough? Is she standing, jumping up and down, and moving enough? - I want to make sure she's getting all of that activity. I have a checklist in my mind and I have a chart of all of her feeds, poops, and when she goes tinkle - I write it all down. I did not ever do that with my others - it wasn't that big of a deal. With her, it's this idea of watching her grow and develop and we want to make sure she gets to each one of these landmarks so we can check it off. That's more of a difference. My family probably doesn't even notice.

To see the Duggar's tips for staying connected while a child in the hospital and find out how long they will tape,

read more. LS: Do you have any tips for how families can stay connected when they have a preemie in the hospital and other children at home? Jim Bob Duggar: We did iPhone videos documenting Josie's progress. MD: We'd even video Josie's room and show her drawers where we kept her blankets and sleepers that way they (the children) could see the nurses and the people that helped each day. They could be a part of Josie's life even though they couldn't be there. It was faster for us to video than to type it all out. It was an easier way. LS: As far as the show, how long do you think you'll tape? Was it hard to have the cameras around during this intense period with Josie? JD: People have seen us for the last six and half years and we've done a lot of fun things together. We have a good life. As we walked through the situation with Josie, which was the toughest time in our lives, we thought it was important to document that because our children learn more from our responses to things than they do from what we tell them. It's so important to try to respond the right way during a difficult time and have faith in God and watch him work out the challenges. We're so thankful that Josie has done so well. Watch 19 Kids and Counting Tuesdays at 9/8c on TLC. Source: Discovery

Exclusive Interview! Michelle Duggar Moving From Mom to Grandma Role?

LilSugar — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:10:21 PDT

Parents never stop learning - even when they have 19 children! I had the chance to chat with Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar yesterday about their preemie's progress and whether they plan to expand their family. The couple were happy to report that Josie, now 7 1/2 months, has settled into their busy household.

LilSugar: How is Josie adjusting to such a big family after she had her parents all to herself in the hospital?
Michelle Duggar: Actually, she was used to having new faces every 12 hours at the hospital so she's probably feeling like it's a similar situation. Around here it's like every five minutes so it's been a good transition. The things that we are learning with a preemie are a little different. We have to be really careful about any runny noses, coughs, or sore throats. If anyone thinks they have anything, they can't be near her so I'll keep her upstairs in my room with the doors closed. If anyone wants to come see her, they have to pass through the door with the germ aid and go through a screening so they don't give her anything. She's still getting her little immune system established.

LS: How is Josie doing developmentally?
MD: In the preemie world, they call it her adjusted age versus her actual age. Yes, she's 7 1/2 months old, but her adjusted age is 4 1/2 months old so she's doing all the things that a 4-1/2-month-old would do so that's really great. They said she's not going to need physical therapy. Even in her weight - she's in the 75th percentile, which is amazing considering what she was 1 pound 6 ounces to start out and here she is at 11 pounds and 1 ounce. It's a miracle!

LS: As far as having more children, you said you're open to it despite having this scare with a preemie?
MD: I feel like each one of these children are a gift and watching sweet little Josie and just the miracle of her life - it's something that I do not take for granted for even just one minute. God says children are a gift and a blessing and we ask the lord (that he) give us a love for children like he loves children. My heart is open to more if God sees fit and I guess we'll just wait and see. I can't imagine my life without a single one of mine.

To see what Michelle and Jim Bob said about older women getting in-vitro to become mothers later in life,

read more. You're 43, which is young considering how many children you've birthed. There are women in their 50s and 60s having in-vitro to become mothers. What do you think about this? MD: I don't really know what to think about it. I feel like in my personal situation, we're just enjoying the ones (children) that God has given us and I think different people have different reasons for wanting children later in life. Personally, I know there's a time clock usually that the lord gives and he shuts that off. You get your children when you're young and it's probably so you can chase after them and keep up because when you get older you get tired. It's a lot harder to get out there and run. Jim Bob Duggar: (interjects) We'd rather be chasing grandkids (then)! MD: It (having grandkids at that age) is a little bit different than giving birth to one at 58 or 60, you know? I don't know . . . that would just be quite an amazing feat! JD: I think her (Michelle's) mom went through menopause shortly after 40 so we don't know if she'll (Michelle) have any more or not, but we are thankful for each one. LS: Have you noticed many changes in being a young parent with Josh and now with Josie? MD: I definitely can say that age catches up with you. I'm not as quick when I'm playing with the kids. I'm not as young as I think I am. In my mind, I think I'm still 20, but then I get out and play with the kids and come in and am hurt and I feel muscles I didn't know I had. Oh, man! I'm not that young anymore. Kids really do keep you young in that you are constantly busy. You don't have time to be sedentary, which is probably a good thing. LS: By mainstream America's standards your family's lifestyle is modest or conservative; do you think that's the appeal of your show and why your family is so well-known? MD: I think it's probably curiosity - how in the world can a family this size function? Of course, our heart is that we just want to encourage other families. We're still learning every day. These kids are a blessing and a gift and (parents should) really make the most of the time you have with them. Don't take the fact that they're here for granted. The Duggars' new season kicks off tonight! Watch back-to-back episodes of 19 Kids and Counting at 9/8c on TLC. And, check back for the rest of our interview with Jim Bob and Michelle tomorrow! Source: Discovery

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar Are Open to Family Expansion

LilSugar — Fri, 07 May 2010 13:00:37 PDT

Michelle Duggar may awe fellow moms by raising 19 children, but this Sunday will be a bittersweet holiday for the mother because her baby is back in the hospital. Dealing with the ups and downs of having a preemie (little Josie was born at 25 weeks gestation) has not rattled the Duggars' faith or family plans. In a recent interview with Radar Online, the large family's matriarch said she and her husband are open to growing their brood biologically or, possibly, by adoption. Here are the highlights:

On Josie's progress: "She is up to 5 pounds 15 ounces. She’s just taken off with her weight gain these last couple weeks now that she’s back at the hospital and so we’re really thankful for that."
On her faith being strengthened by Josie's arrival: "We had no where else to turn. There was nothing else I could do to help Josie other than prayer. I could cry out to God and cry out for mercy. Nothing is by accident and he allowed Josie to be born that day and we know that God has a special purpose for Josie."

To see what Michelle had to say about having another baby and adoption,

On her plans for family expansion: "We would love more! I’m 43 almost 44 this September, I know that my mommy years are probably numbered and I don’t know how many more children God will see fit to give me."
On being inspired by another family who adopted children including one with special needs: "They inspired us and it is something we’ve been praying about because we do love children. Each child really is a gift and that just doesn’t mean just our children. We asked the Lord to give us a love of children the way he loves children. That is something that we’ve prayed about and we’ll just see what the Lord has in store for our family in the future."

Photo courtesy of TLC

LilSugar Exclusive! The Duggars' Mother's Day Episode

LilSugar — Tue, 04 May 2010 16:45:56 PDT

When the littlest Duggar made her way home from the hospital for the first time, it was an emotional event for her 18 older brothers and sisters. Though parenting is nothing new for Jim Bob and Michelle, tending to a preemie is an altogether different experience. Josie Brooklyn weighed just one pound and six ounces when she was born at 25 weeks gestation on December 10, 2009, and left the hospital months later. She has since been readmitted, but Sunday's sweet episode of The Duggars: 19 Kids and Counting shows the family under one roof for the very first time. Will you tune this Sunday at 8/7 (central) on TLC?

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's Baby Josie Is Doing Well!

LilSugar — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:22:42 PDT

The littlest Duggar will soon be able to keep up with her 18 siblings! Born at 25 weeks gestation on December 10, 2009, Jim Bob and Michelle's youngest daughter, Josie Brooklyn, weighed just one pound and six ounces. Tonight on 19 Kids and Counting, we will get another update of the baby's progress and a tip on how to keep your kids connected even when one is in the hospital. Here's a sneak peek!

To see more pics of the lil girl and her proud parents, read more.

View 8 Photos ›

Four Reasons Michelle Duggar Is an Amazing Mom

LilSugar — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:00:01 PDT

That fact that Michelle Duggar has birthed 18 kids boggles my mind. But, it isn't the delivery that is the difficult part of having so many children, it's raising them! Whether you love the Duggars or are bewildered by them, it takes about two minutes on the phone with the woman who has been pregnant for a collective twelve years to be in awe of her calm demeanor and genuine love for her offspring. Check out our slideshow for links back to our entire interview with the mom of many and learn the four reasons lilsugar thinks she's such an admirable lady!

Biggest Headlines of 2009: Michelle Duggar Pregnant With 19th Baby!

LilSugar — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:00:06 PST

And baby makes 21! In 2008, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, parents to many on TLC's Seventeen Kids and Counting, gave birth to their 18th child. In September of 2009, the couple announced that they will add to their big brood with a 19th baby next year!

The news was hardly a shock considering I had the chance to talk to the family while they were promoting their book, The Duggars: 20 and Counting! and learned how important having a big crowd is to them, but you don't meet a family of 21 every day of the week!

View 5 Photos ›

What else wowed us this year? Check out some of the biggest headlines of 2009 and cast your votes on my Best of 2009 polls! Source: TLC

It's a Girl For Josh and Anna Duggar!

LilSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 07:17:59 PDT

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are grandparents! Their eldest son Josh and his wife Anna welcomed a baby girl, Mackynzie Renée Duggar, on Oct. 8 at 6:39 p.m. She was born at the couple's home with the help of a midwife and a doula. Congratulations to the new family, and cheers to the next generation of the big brood!

View 5 Photos ›

Photos courtesy of TLC