Michelle gave birth to baby 19, Josie Brooklyn on December 10th. The baby is currently in the NICU, in stable condition, for what's expected to be an extended stay. Our thoughts are with Michelle, Josie, and the entire Duggar family.
link
Additional People article.
Update 12/16/09.
Update 12/18/09 provided by Cristina. People. Survival and disability rates.
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290 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 290 of 290I just read this article on AOL about Michelle's return home from the hospital, and something was interesting to me. JB said "God's will is what we would choose if we knew all the facts." What does this mean? Hopefully this link works.
http://www.parentdish.com/2009/12/18/michelle-duggar-baby-doing-as-well-as-can-be-expected/?icid=main|hp-laptop|dl3|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.parentdish.com%2F2009%2F12%2F18%2Fmichelle-duggar-baby-doing-as-well-as-can-be-expected%2F
-Christina
Wow. The first thing she does when she's released from the hospital is protest a mini mart selling alcohol? Seriously? I have always had a lot of issues with this family but I've always respected them. Honestly, I've lost pretty much all respect I ever had. She has 17 children at home, including one who just turn a year old today. She has a baby in the NICU who has a very good chance of either dying or being disabled in some way due to being born so early. But what is her priority? What does she do with her time now that she is no longer a patient at the hospital? So goes to a meeting and cries about alcohol being sold in a mini mart - and then does a brief phone interview!! She doesn't talk to her myriad of fans about the baby - other than the interview Jim Bob did, which pretty much leaves me to believe they don't expect this baby to survive. (The children's spiritual maturity will strengthen because of this in ways that would never be able to happen in different circumstances?) She doesn't even update their site to say anything about the fact that their daughter was born and they are thankful for all the prayers. And no one has updated the TLC site at least a mention of the baby in that "meet the Duggars" section. I'm sorry, but that's not setting an example of what a good mother does. If my baby were in the NICU, the last thing I would be doing to protesting anything. I'm lucky enough to be a stone's throw from Hershey (which also has one of the best NICUs) so I wouldn't even be home. I'd be staying between the hospital and the Ronald McDonald house they have set up right across the street, which is designed for families so they can stay close to baby and keep their family with them. That's where I would be, with my other children and my partner. I most certainly wouldn't be making public appearances.
I have defended the Duggars 3 ways from Sunday for years....
For their beliefs, for their way of raising children, for dang near everything....
But the mini-mart thing....
My jaw hit the floor. Did they take out her BRAIN when they took Josie out?
I'll grant you when we first give birth especially if we give birth early the hormones are completely wacked (being female and haven given birth 5 times I can say this from experience) but it was never to the point of lets fix the WORLD as my child is laying in a hospital bed. It was usually closer to home.... "Gawd how stupid can that nurse be, I'll never get this one to nurse... Could it be any hotter/ colder in here... I said I wanted a CHEESEBURGER not a fripping CHICKEN SANDWHICH" These type things blown completely out of proportion.
But thinking about the fact that some convenient store down the street is going to sell BEER?
Michelle you completely dropped the ball on this one, and any family members that couldn't talk her out of it did too. ESPECIALLY Mr Media Savy JimBOB.
Thinking About It...
Very interesting thoughts. Sounds logical to me. Everyone has their own purpose and mission in life and is given the talents and abilities to make it happen. I've heard Michelle say numerous times that having all these kids "isn't for everyone" and that they do it because they feel that's what they are called to do. They're definitely doing a lot of good in the world by raising their children to be the adults it looks like they will be.
I'm glad to hear that Michelle is out of the hospital and will get to celebrate Jordyn's and Ginger's birthdays. Also glad that Josie has made it through her first week.
In the AOL article about Michelle's release, JB says, "God's will is what we want, if we knew all the facts," or something to that affect. I can't find the AOL headline now, but it appeared earlier today. I just wonder what this statement means.
-Christina
"God's will is what we would choose if we knew all the facts."
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This statement is related to the statement the Duggars make that says "Leave it up to God." It simply means that no matter what happens, God is in control. I think Jim Bob was trying to say that if they knew something terrible was going to happen to this baby (and I pray that it doesn't), they know that God has a purpose for everything that happens. Ultimately, the purpose in this situation may be God saying to Jim Bob and Michelle that it's time for them to stop having babies.
Having said that, let me say this, and I'm really trying not to be "preachy" about this, so I apologize.. This morning I was thinking about the faith that Jim Bob and Michelle have. My husband and I are fairly newlywed, and every month I almost panic thinking that I might be pregnant, despite the fact that I am using birth control. But Jim Bob and Michelle trust God SO much that they just know He is going to take care of them. The Bible says that God is not going to give us more than we can handle, and if anyone truly believes that, it's Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar.
re: Maybe, if she is just a LOT better than the average woman at childbearing, she doesn't experience the negatives the way the rest of us do.
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I'd hardly say she is better at it. She has said she has tiredness and morning sickness. I don't think she's immune to the symptoms of pregnancy. She is just so focused (although obsessesed would be my prefered choice of word) on having all these pregnancies and kids that she doesn't let it bother her too much. Or she's simply so used to pregnancy symptoms that they are the norm for her. I don't think Michelle is gifted to have all these kids. The simple explanation is they have plenty of sex (carefully timed I suspect) and don't use birth control. Lots of other women could probably have a dozen plus kids too if they did the same. But most other women have more common sense/financial concerns/careers, etc. to stop after a few. I think I can also add that most other women feel fullfilled after having one or a few children. Michelle does not seem fullfilled or satisfied with what she already has. IMO she should seek professional counceling. While many women don't look forward to having an empty nest and miss holding a little baby, they also accept that as a part of life and look forward to grandchildren. Michelle on the other hand gets way too teary-eyed about the end of her child bearing years for a women in her forties with 19 kids, and a new grandchild.
In the AOL article (posted on the thread section) JB says something that I can't quite figure out the meaning to, and I'm curious about others' opinions. He says, "God's will is what we would choose if we knew all the facts." I love the Duggars, but I'm just curious about what this means. I know none of us can say what exactly JB was thinking when he made the comment, but what are other posters' thoughts on the quote? Just curious.
-Christina
While I don't aggree with the Duggar's thoughts on birth control and lots of other issues, I hope baby Josie is okay. My heart goes out to the entire Duggar family since I can't imagine the stress and worry of having a premie that was born at 25 weeks. I hope she is okay. I love the name too.
Christina said "He says, "God's will is what we would choose if we knew all the facts." I love the Duggars, but I'm just curious about what this means. I know none of us can say what exactly JB was thinking when he made the comment, but what are other posters' thoughts on the quote? Just curious."
I suspect that one of the ways they are dealing with this tragic early birth is to seemingly defer to God's will being done, in whatever happens to Josie.
I'm afraid it would take a better theologian than I to draw any conclusions about whether God causes bad things to happen to people, or whether God allows bad things to happen to people, or whether God is there to show grace and mercy when the bad things happen to people, or some of all of it.
After David committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband murdered in war, God caused the baby from that union to be stricken and die. (2 Samuel 12:15.) So there is evidence that God causes things like that to happen.
However, there is also evidence that God allows things to happen indiscriminately, in that he "causes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust alike." (Matthew 5:45)
And then, in Philippians 2:27 we see that God shows mercy by saving one who was sick and nigh unto death.
Speaking as one who has lost a child due to a premature death, at the time, I felt that God was punishing me for something. As time passed I however grew to wonder if that was the case. As I matured in my Christian faith I came to the point where I said "I don't know why and I don't have to know why." I just came to accept what had happened and instead of saying "why me?" and "why my baby" I came to believe "Be it unto me oh Lord, according to thy will."(Luke 1:38)
@Lydia, God bless you.
tlc showed a promo today on the duggars JB and a few kids onto a helicopter that was on the compound. i thought it was totally inappropriate because they are laughing and having a good time, because Michelle was airlifted to the hospital in a med-flight to have an emergency c-section and deliver a very early Josie Brooklyn. but as usual tlc doesn't care.
but i am appalled at Michelle going to the meeting about the alcohol permit. you have 17 children at home and 2 of the oldest trying to hold down fort duggar and a precious angel fighting for her life. and you go to a meeting about an alcohol permit.
unbelievable.
breast feeding is not birthcontrol! I have 2 toddlers 10 months apart. It took me 4 years to conceive my first child. I was breastfeeding my 1st child when I became pregnant with my 2nd child 8weeks later. Most woman can space out their children by breastfeeding,some can't. They will teach you that in lamaze class too! I didn't believe it and oops got pregnant. So speculating that breast feeding will prevent pregnancy is false. Not all women are the same!
Did they really show the kids fooling around near the airllift helicopter? That is shocking!
Also, Michelle speaking against the minimart alcohol while her daughter celebrates her first birthday and another lies in the NICU is just unbelievable. Where are this mother's priorities? It makes no sense to me.
I'd hardly say she is better at it.
and...
Lots of other women could probably have a dozen plus kids too if they did the same.
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I believe the facts would disagree... She gave birth to 18 living children with nary an effect on any of them, or her.
I grew up in an area heavily populated by Mormons and Catholics, and the big, unlimited families there were 6-9 kids, tops, before something drastic happened and the mothers were stopped medically.
Michelle has exceeded all of them 2 to 3 times over... that's a pretty dramatic difference, among women with very similar mindsets and circumstances.
And, now that I think about it, the big families I grew up with had at least one kid with some physical or health problem, or the parents had lost a child or two along the way. With the exception of one miscarriage, ALL of the Duggar children are healthy and thriving, aren't they? Not a commentary on their parenting, but I just think a good deal of the results are due to some good, hearty, genetic stock. Which could also explain Michelle's extremely good results with pregnancy.
luke bandit said:
tlc showed a promo today on the duggars JB and a few kids onto a helicopter that was on the compound. i thought it was totally inappropriate because they are laughing and having a good time, because Michelle was airlifted to the hospital in a med-flight to have an emergency c-section and deliver a very early Josie Brooklyn. but as usual tlc doesn't care
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What you saw was a promo for the season finale that has absolutely nothing to do with Michelle going to give birth. In the final episode the kids get to fly in a helicopter. Michelle was already in the hospital for gallstones when she had to have a c section. This is how rumors get started when people post inaccurate things. I know TLC can be a lot of things but I hardly think they would be that insensative.
MOM IN TEXAS
As a Christian, the phrase " God's will is what we would choose if we knew all the facts" means to me:
We can only see part of the picture, but God can see the whole picture and knows what will happen in the future. Josie was sent for a purpose ( we all have a purpose) and maybe her purpose will be fulfilled quickly and she will go back home. Even miscarried babies change the lives of their parents and siblings. Maybe going through this hard time will bring everyone closer to God, or maybe it will make more people in the world discuss things and more people will believe in Jesus.
We just can't know. But the Bible says that God knows the number of each persons days. So, this is where faith steps in, and we have to just trust God.
I don't understand the Duggars trying to push this birth under the rug and keep it as low-key as possible.As a Christian,I would certainly utilize my resources and one of the first things I would do (if I were the parent *or a sibling)is get on the net and ask for prayers,any and all that I could get.It's like they want the public to forget this even happened,as if little Josie's early arrival is bad business and a bad rap for them. :( Not even an outcry or so much as a 'please pray for Josie'from family memebers.
Anonymous - I am friends with cousin Amy on facebook, and I can tell you she has asked for prayer for Josie and posted many updates. I agree about Michelle and JB, though, but I just wanted to let everyone know that it's not the ENTIRE family who is keeping silent.
It's great to hear that about Amy.She seems like such a nice person on the show.
It was bound to happen. After 19 children, the odds are that the health of one might be a problem, especially considering the mother's age.
I used to enjoy watching this family. Nothing to find fault with. They were well-mannered, treated each other well, no screaming (like on other TLC "reality" shows), etc.
But I think that I have finally had an epiphany with the birth of little Josie.
These children are only NUMBERS! And if you look back, you will see that every time Michelle announces in her sweet little voice, "We're EXPECTING!!!" She ALWAYS follows up with "NUMBER 16!! (or 17, or 18 or 19!!)"
Look back. It's true.
My final take on this? Jim Bob should exercise some self-control and quit hiding behind his religion while he treats his wife as nothing more than a sex object!
Mom in Texas:
I think was Luke Bandit was saying was that the clip was inappropriate because of the airlift trip. Sure they filmed that scene about two months ago (the show seems to be able two months behind real time if you pay attention to announcements they make on the news and then when it comes up on the show) but I think he was just saying that because of the fact she was airlifted, and because that child is now a little over one week old and fighting her life, it's not really appropriate to show the children playing and running around a helicopter. That's all.
And I must agree about the lack of outcry and the seemingly "let's just pretend this never happened" attitude. I also find it odd - and slightly annoying - that the updates are coming from outside sources like People, and not the family website or even TLC. After every birth, they usually go on a morning show parade, but they haven't so much as made a peep about this birth. In fact, the only communication Jim Bob (and oddly enough not Michelle) has been having with anyone is through email. Odd. Very odd.
I don't know much about micro premies, but doesn't Josie's chances of survival improve with each day? I'm glad to hear she's been keeping down breast milk. That's always a good sign. Hopefully there will some positive updates soon. I can't wait until she's healthy enough for pictures. Not for everyone to see, but just because that would be such a huge milestone for her to be able to get out of the incubator long enough to pose for photos. Hopefully that will happen sooner rather than later.
I am totally speculating on this point. But I think that the reason the Duggars haven't been more public about this birth is because of the fact that they ran into some real life major problems.This birth flies in the face of their seeming belief that they are like "chosen people"
They follow God in their own unique way and whether openly stated or not they feel that others should too and they do come across as slightly "holier than thou" even though would say they don't judge. They have been enormously blessed by their number of healthy children, their financial stability and the health of the adults in their family. I know that Grandpa Duggar passed away but he was old.
They thought that they could tempt fate, or God or Providence by continuing to procreate even though God given common sense would tell you not to push your luck once you have reached your forties and have had so many pregnancies and cesarean sections. But they thought that they were above natural law and that God would save them. Guess what - they were given a daughter who's survival is hanging by a thread. I am a nurse who worked in the NICU and Josie won't be out of the woods until she leaves and then she will have to be monitored and watched like a hawk. Everything can be fine one minute and come crashing down the next - in the blink of an eye these micro premies can change and go from being stable to critical just like that,
I think the Duggars thought they were protected from this sort of thing because they are so holy.
I think they aren't talking so much because it takes some real praying and thinking to wrap yourself around the enormity of what happend to them and their family as a result of this birth. Also whether they should use their God given intelligence about any births in the future.
Everyone keeps talking about how there haven't been many press releases about baby Josie. But if you think back, early this year (Jan/Feb?) Jordyn was in the hospital and they didn't have any announcements over that until that episode aired. I wonder if the Duggars are trying to protect their children's medical information.
Also, they are trying to manage the kids at home while still commuting to Little Rock to see Josie (and we don't know if the older kids are back from the mission trip), they may not have the time to stop and issue press releases.
Just another lurker
I must say I have to agree with a lot of the posters about how they are keeping this birth very low key. IMO, everything has been perfect for this family as far as their kids go and their everyday life. They have been very blessed. Now, however, there is somethign in their life that is not so perfect and they do not know how to deal with it. I have a 19 year old son who has Asperger's which is a neurological disease and it has been a very long and difficult road. This baby will need a lot of care and attention. I just hope they will be able to handle it. And in some way I think they do think about their image of 18 children all beautiful and perfect and this one will probably not be. Just my opinion.
I agree that it is very odd that there have been so few statements and updates on Josie's and Michelle and when Michelle finally does speak out it's on a beer license.
While I know some people feel that they should be given privacy during this time and TLC should stay away, I think that they signed up for this and they made their private lives public. So naturally people are curious and viewers want to know what's going on. I don't think you can announce your pregnancies and sex of the babies on the Today show all the time and then suddenly quiet down when things don't turn out perfect.
Given all the media attention they usually try to give to all their pregnancies and births, I find it odd that they are being so mum about Josie. Just a few comments about it all being part of God's plan, but none of their usually rhetoric about each child being a gift from god. I sincerely hope that what they've meant all these years wasn't really every healthy child is a gift from the lord.
I see nothing wrong with them saying "we're expecting number 18 or 19 or whatever".
I've heard people with 1 kid and another on the way say "We're expecting number 2".
I don't view the Duggar's lack of media blitz from Josie's birth has anything to their lack of pride/love/attachment to their newest addition. I think it has more to do with the distance between their home and the hospital, and the sheer amount of time it takes to devote attention to Josie in the hospital and caring for their family.
I'm as curious for news and updates as any other viewer, but I realize, as viewers we are not a priority and rightly so.
firebear said...
I don't view the Duggar's lack of media blitz from Josie's birth has anything to their lack of pride/love/attachment to their newest addition. I think it has more to do with the distance between their home and the hospital, and the sheer amount of time it takes to devote attention to Josie in the hospital and caring for their family.
I'm as curious for news and updates as any other viewer, but I realize, as viewers we are not a priority and rightly so.
12/22/2009 10:17 PM
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I've seen the web site that talks about the NICU the baby is in. Michelle can be there and the kids at home and they can talk to each other from the NICU web cam. OR Michelle could be at home with the rest of the kids and still talking with the baby in the NICU. Except for the 4yr and under crowd the REST of the kids can also come see Mommy and baby in the room at the hospital.
They have internet access in the hospital and the Duggars have laptops. Simple one liners aren't that hard and don't take that long. There are telephones...
The WHY they are being quiet we don't know... we just know for some reason protesting ANOTHER mini mart getting beer in your neighborhood is more important than informing the world how your peemie is doing....
And that's just strange...
I wanted to make a few comments about the Duggars new baby. My first grand daughter was due on Feb 23rd and arrived on Nov 30th at 27 wks gestation. She weighed 1 pound and 2 ounces & was 11-3/4 inches long. They got her set up in the NICU and we went in to see her abiout 90 min after her birth.
I was literally blown away when we saw her the first time. Her head was the size of a plum and skin paper thin and i just kept saying to my husband, "OMG look at her, i have never seen anything that little". I felt the excitement of having our first grandbaby & fear of the rough days ahead for her and not knowing if she was going to make it. Those NICU's are truely amazing places with the things they can do these days for babies that small. The first 3-4 days were rough and her intestines starting working and from then on things went well. No brain bleeds or major issues came up. Her eyes were still partially fused when she was born and she didnt even have butt cheeks yet she was so small. She continued to grow and went home on oxygen at 4 lbs a wk before her due date. She was on that 3 more months till they got her weaned off of it.
She turned 5 on Nov 30th! Doing great. She does have mild epilepsy which didnt show up till she was 2. All in all tho i think the Duggars baby will probably do very well. Its a long rough road they are on right now with the day to day changes with the baby i'm sure.
I've been reading this blog for a yr or so but have never posted anything. I stopped by to see if there were any updates on the baby since they havent said anything on the show and not much is coming out in the press about it. I see i need to catch up on some reading here about the liquor thing cause i hadnt heard any of that stuff, lol. Looking forward to posting with everyone. Have a great day!
While I agree that we, as viewers, are not priority, I also agree that they did sign up for this and therefore, they sort of own it to their viewers to speak up. Not to sound crude, but they need to keep their ratings up and by not speaking to their viewers, it's almost as if they are ignoring them. A simple email is fine, which is what they did with People and ABC was is it? I just find it odd that TLC hasn't updated anything yet. At all.
I was thinking about this whole "being mum" thing and I began to wonder about something. I realize they don't see bad things as punishments per se, but if they see all their children as "his reward" (“Lo children are a heritage of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is His reward”) then how do they explain a child such as Josie? I guess by "they" I mean anyone with this mindset, but I truly am curious. I wonder if this makes them question their faith - or at least their view of their faith - at all. If a miscarriage caused them to "leave it up to god", what on earth would a micro premee cause? What if she doesn't make it?
On a side note: plenty of people say "we're expecting #" whatever. I don't think that's a problem. What does make me - and I don't think I'm alone here - feel that they do in fact look at their children as numbers is the simple fact that their show is called "18 kids and counting" and that their original special was called "14 children and pregnant again". I realize that's how they get the audience (look at the other big families; they all have a number in their show title) but it bothers me. And it's not just them; it's the other shows TLC has. Honestly, I feel all those families look at their children as numbers - why else would they have show?
I disagree with those who think the Duggars may not consider Josie to be a blessing. They have repeatedly said that they will accept any children the Lord gives them.
Their silence is more likely due to keeping quiet about medical details, as well as the fact that in order to keep everyone informed, they would have to make daily (or even more!) announcements as preemies do not have static, linear improvements. There is enough speculation as it is - do we really want to see people misunderstanding oxygen sats and other medical terms? I, for one, appreciate that they have been keeping this private. Wouldn't some of us be horrified if they were publically commenting all the time while their daughter struggles to stay alive?
As a grandparent who has experienced a grandchild in the NICU, I can tell you that they have enough to worry about and deal with without even considering what we are thinking! They are simply focusing on their family and their priorities now.
Yes, they chose to protest at the alcohol board. I suspect that they had planned long ago to protest any liquor license and followed through on actions that support their beliefs. I honestly don't think they even thought of how people would perceive it. To them, this is as much a part of caring for their children as anything else.
MartinMamma said: She doesn't even update their site to say anything about the fact that their daughter was born and they are thankful for all the prayers. And no one has updated the TLC site at least a mention of the baby in that "meet the Duggars" section. I'm sorry, but that's not setting an example of what a good mother does.
Is it possible that the Duggars simply said, "We can't be bothered to think about updating our website right now." And if TLC has not updated their website, how is that the Duggars' fault? I doubt they even have the administrative password. TLC could certainly post the birth info without consulting with the Duggars.
I can understand the differing opinions on other choices and actions, but this one is rather minor in my book.
I have to say, the myriad of reasons posters are speculating as to why the Duggars are keeping quiet are making my head spin, as well as the "serves them right" attitude.
Couldn't it just be that the Duggars are nice people that try their best to do what they think is right, and they are going through a hard time right now and are hunkering down? Could is also not be that Michelle Duggar has a lot of children and, while not perfect (you? me? who?) is a *gasp* good mother to all of her children?
The insinuations that they aren't "pleased" with this child because it ruins their family image is astonishing. I've never doubted the Duggars' belief in their statement that they feel *every* child is a gift from God. Michelle has also specifically addressed the possibility that one of her future children would be special needs, and said that God would give them the grace to deal with that trial. It looks to me like they are humble people just trying to take whatever God gives them. Not prideful people looking for perfection or something that makes them look good to other people. Indeed, you don't go against the status quo as much as they have if you are worried about your image.
I'm not sure what the Duggar's intentions are...but IMO, the silence about Josie is coming off to the public as them being ashamed of her and the fact they took such a risk and something bad happened.This much I think they should know.It does not look good for them,especially in light of the fact they bothered to protest the liquer license,just 6 days after Michelle had major surgery,with her being the one to show up.(that whole thing is coming off as hinky in itself,but that is another story and thread in itself).
The insinuations that they aren't "pleased" with this child because it ruins their family image is astonishing.
I agree with this. And if they were out talking about Josie and getting publicity because of that, you can bet they would be roundly scorned. And they are roundly scorned for not talking about it. And it is probably only going to get worse as the national joke known as Jon & Kate becomes just a memory.
If I was JimBob and Michelle, I would get out now while the getting is good.
I think with the birth of Josie the show will certainly have a whole different "feel" to it and will not be as upbeat as it has in the past. I have watched Table for 12 with their handicapped daughter. They can never just get up and go like the Duggars are used to. There is much preparation and planning to include her in all outings they go on. I pray that Josie is 100% healthy but it is not unrealistic to say that the Duggars might have to modify their home, their vans and not to mention their lifestyle. Also, who will be the main caretaker of this baby? I do hope it is the parents and not the older girls. This baby will need more than a buddy.
I think the hospital will have something to say about who will take care of Josie when she does come home. She will probably still have breathing problems and very likely to get sick from the other children. Don't you think? I could be wrong, but with a premie everything has to be sterile,right?
I think the hospital will have something to say about who will take care of Josie when she does come home. She will probably still have breathing problems and very likely to get sick from the other children. Don't you think? I could be wrong, but with a premie everything has to be sterile,right?
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Frequently babies that premature come home with apnea monitors to make sure they don't stop breathing. Also, because of their prematurity they are also extremely susceptable to respiratory infections. I speak from professional experience. All babies are susceptable (remember Jordyn had to go to the hospital) but an infection like that in a premie whose lungs have already been compromised can be fatal.
There wil be real changes in the apparently haphazard way the children are cared for (for example feeding Jordyn flat on her back, or exposing them to all kinds of stragers and sick siblings) in order for Josie to thrive when she comes home. Not to mention early intervention to help he keep up developmentally.
I don't know about the others, but I never meant to imply that I thought they didn't see Josie as a blessing. I'm simply curious as how someone with such strong religious views see a child like Josie. I'm certainly not trying to say they should be one tv everyday updating the world on their child; I just think they should say something, especially if they find the time to protest a liquor license. And it doesn't matter if they had planned to do that. Life happens. Things come up. Plans change.
I can't imagine anyone could have a child and not be pleased with it. Having a child 15 weeks early and having that child still alive, two weeks later, is an absolute miracle. Every day, really, is a miracle.
One thing that really concerns me about Josie is the possibility of physical disability. I have no doubt that this family can handle it emotionally but I wonder how they would handle it physically. Their house may have an open layout, but all the bedrooms are upstairs. The only bedroom downstairs is Grandma's. And I wouldn't expect her to move out of her room. If Josie is somewhat physically handicapped, they will almost have to add an extention to their house so that she has a bedroom downstairs, or add some sort of lift so she get upstairs. Luckily they have time to save up for that should that be the case.
My other concern is the germs. Babies in general have immature immune systems. That's why nature gave us breasts so that we nurse our babies and give them the antibodies they need. So I'm very happy to hear she is getting breast milk. (-: But if she happens to have a very suppressed immune system, she will most likely need her own room with her own ventilation system, to help purify the air. She may very well need the whole house to have a hospital grade ventilation system. Not only is that expensive, but if is even possible to replace the ventilation system without tearing down walls and such?
I guess that's a good thing about them having a show. At least they'll have the money to do anything needed to the house to prepare for Josie's homecoming. And it's quite possible that TLC will just do it for them, the same way their built house.
Does anyone know at what point they will know if she has any sort of handicap? Is that something they figure out before she goes home or something that just shows itself over time? I would hope it's something they would know before hand, just so the family can prepare themselves. I know that would help me.
Also, the injections for RSV for preemies can run 2000-4000 dollars a month, and those costs would not be covered by Jim Bob's major medical.
I really do wonder about a lot of things about this family, but their care for safety has always been very poor. They simply will not be able to pass Josie all around and have the little wild boys carrying her and leaving her on the floor with pennies, or leaving her to sleep in a swing or feeding her upside down with a soup spoon or giving her a lolly pop or pushing her around a skating rink in a stroller. Michelle will have to step up and really be a mother to this child---probably the first one since her first four kids were born. And the other kids are going to have to be more careful around her (no whipping around the house on scooters, or hanging from everything in sight).
A preemie is not just a "smaller" baby. They have significant needs that do not jibe with the way this family currently operates.
Bottom line, if the Duggars were more vocal about Josie, they would be accused of exploiting her. They are darned if they do and darned if they don't. They have my prayers and best wishes
Seriously? She nurses her babies, how do you think she is going to get a teenager to do that in the middle of the night ( or day?) Does "passing the baby off" mean that no one else can ever hold it? No one else can ever put a baby in the sling and carry it around with them?
I think the Duggar girls LOVE holding newborns, and the reason their children are so close is because they are allowed to care for each other.
In our world, it is only cool if you think your little brother is a pest, and you scream at him constantly to get out of your room so you can have your own "space". People just can't understand how children MIGHT like each other and want to be together.
Why is someone concerned over this child being handicapped and the house must accomodate the new child? Why not just pray and let the family take care of their own. I am sure they are able to do so without us worring over such things.
People just can't understand how children MIGHT like each other and want to be together.
I think the objection is to Michelle handing off her babies to someone else at the average age of 6 months, that is what bothers people. If it's so troublesome to Michelle to care for her infants when they stop nursing, what makes anyone think the older girls want to be constantly tied down to caring for a sibling when their own mother doesn't even want to do it?
I, too, am very interested in how this very precious child is "handled". It just can't be "par for the course" as with previous births, because this child has special needs.
Maybe Mama Dugger won't be able to "hand off" this child to a "buddy" after weaning, after all. Maybe she will have to join the rest of the world as per parenting skills.
I truly pray that this child will be OK, but I feel that it SHOULD be a wake-up call to the Duggar family.
We need to keep in mind that it is not a given that Josie will be handicapped or have any particular special needs. Chances are very good that she will be completely normal and have no problems. My niece had twin boys premature about the same age as Josie. They both did well in the NICU and were sent home after three months. They have had no problems or handicaps whatsoever, and weren't sent home with apnea monitors. The only precautions taken at home were that the boys needed to be kept away from other children or large gatherings of people to reduce the risk of infections, for the first few months. While every baby is different, results like this are not uncommon anymore. If Josie does have a lingering problem, the Duggars will deal with it just fine. Josie has a large loving family.
As far as "Michelle handing off her babies" goes, I'd like to point out that we saw recently that Jordyn is still sleeping in Michelle's bedroom at night and naptime, even though she officially has a "buddy", and has been weaned. It looks like perhaps having a buddy for the baby means that they help get her food, get her dressed, play with her, maybe bathe her. Michelle still cares for her at bedtime and who knows what else. It doesn't appear to me that she "abandons" her babies at any age. Speculation that she would abandon a special needs baby is unwarranted, IMHO.
To clarify: Other children and large groups of people *outside the family*. Obviously the Duggar family consists of a large group of people and children.
I have truly loved this family - up until now.
I will be very interested to see how this preemie child is nurtured - God willing that she survives; and pray that her Mother will not "hand her off" to a teen-age "buddy" to raise.
May the angels watch over little Josie - now and forevermore.
As far as "Michelle handing off her babies" goes, I'd like to point out that we saw recently that Jordyn is still sleeping in Michelle's bedroom at night and naptime, even though she officially has a "buddy", and has been weaned. It looks like perhaps having a buddy for the baby means that they help get her food, get her dressed, play with her, maybe bathe her. Michelle still cares for her at bedtime and who knows what else. It doesn't appear to me that she "abandons" her babies at any age. Speculation that she would abandon a special needs baby is unwarranted, IMHO.
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O My Gosh, if you are right, then I am so sorry. She deserves a medal.
Here's my thoughts on the Duggars keeping quiet about this - maybe they want some PRIVACY during a difficult time in their lives?!?! I have no doubt that if they were constantly on the airwaves talking about baby Josie they would be criticized hand over fist for playing to the media instead of focusing on the baby and their family!! I find it entirely appropriate that they are keeping mum about the details - after all, how many people were appalled that their granddaughter's birth was on live TV, that she'll never have privacy etc. - I think JB & Michelle realize that Josie needs them and the rest of the world doesn't need to know every single up & down that is associated with a preemie in her condition.
I'm sur ethey were as shocked as anyone when Josie was born premature, not because they think they are above God, but because they simply got used to things going smoothly.
We do know that the babies begin sleeping in Pack-n-plays in the "girls'" room, starting at six months or so. So, when they cry at night, we know who is getting them, and it isn't Michelle. Michelle keeps the babies with her in her room until they are weaned, and then---off to the older girls they go.
Somehow, the idea that those older girls are responsible for the young ones at night is even sadder. Their mother, who produced these children, gets to sleep, and Jana and Jill get to have disrupted sleep, even as teenagers. Well, I imagine that no Duggar children are allowed to get up in the middle of the night anyway---maybe they are "Ferberized" while still in JB and M's room, but they are in the girls' room, no matter what, once they are weaned. We have seen them all sleeping there, in pack-n-plays, which are not in the slightest comfortable for a full night's sleep (they are meant for travel or naps, not nightly sleeping), particularly for the older toddlers, whom we have still seen in them.
How do you know when you see one of those pack and play beds in the girls room that they are now watching that child at six months or on a nightly basis? Do you have proof that the baby gets to sleep there every night at six months are you just assuming that when you saw the bed there? Where are you getting your facts from?
There is an unspoken implication in some posts that babies are not supposed to be sleeping through the night at 6 months old. Ferber may have written about his method, but I can assure you that generations of moms have used a similar, but less intense, tactic to help their babies learn to soothe themselves. It is crucial for babies to learn to soothe themselves in normal situations such as bedtime. Moms/dads are still needed for the occasional truly upset little one, but sleepiness should not be one of them. The lesson is not for the mother's benefit, although that is a positive outcome, but for the baby's emotional development. A baby who can sleep anywhere is a happy and healthy baby. A happy and healthy baby contributes to a happy and healthy mommy/family. Most pediatricians will recommend a similar routine.
I nursed all my babies, and they happily slept through the night much earlier than 6 months. With each child, it became easier to tell which cries were important and which were simply fussiness that needed to work itself out. Accordingly, each baby slept a little better than the previous one. Even my colicky last child was a better sleeper.
As for Pack-n-Plays as sleeping beds - keep in mind that an infant/toddler is much lighter than an adult so a thin layer of foam is much more comfortable to them than it would be to an adult. Sleeping recommendations include the term "firm" as a safety issue as well. While I wouldn't choose to have that as a bed for my infant, it is not horrible as a mattress choice. My concern would actually be the vinyl edging around the bottom of most of them as a young baby could become wedged up against the plastic/vinyl without room to breathe. Absent the vinyl edge, I see no problem.
WHen I used a pack-n-play for travel for my children, I always brought along something to wrap the "mattress" in, because it wasn't a mattress at all, but a very thin and uncomfortable piece of plastic-y material. I thought it felt dreadful to sleep on, and made noise when the babies rolled around. It really is not meant to be a "bed" at all, but a piece of equipment that folds and travels easily.
We have seen the older girls waking the smaller girls (johanna and/or Jennifer) in these pack-n-plays in the girls' room. In fact, I thought that Johanna was far too old and big to be sleeping in one anyway. She definitely needs a real bed. I have also wondered if one of the reasons that Jennifer always seemed so miserable and cranky was that she never got a decent night sleep.
Ok - Sorry if this might be in the wrong place, but it seems to be where the discussion is going on. I DO love the family, and am an occasional viewer, and I DISTINCTLY remember an episode where Michelle says that one of the little girls had been "crawling out of her crib" (or something like that) in her and JB's room, and therefore - it was time to move her to a (what I call a playpen) in the girl's room. And they showed it. If a "pack and play" is the same as a "playpen", then I can vouch for that happening.
I seldom take things I see on the show as fact. If I see a bed for a baby in a room I do not take it as a fact the baby now stays in that room. Maybe the baby is in that room for a short period of time for whatever reason. I have read Michelle's book which has given me a lot of facts which I may use on this log.
"I seldom take things I see on the show as fact."
WOW! If that's the case, then why would you believe anything written in their books either?
Anonymous has left a new comment on the post "Baby 19 has Arrived":
"I seldom take things I see on the show as fact."
WOW! If that's the case, then why would you believe anything written in their books either?
There is a difference between what one sees and what is written. Many of the things seen can be interpreted as it is often done here differently. Also the show is edited which means what you may see is not actually a fact. Such as you may see them eat tat tots but does that mean they never get veggies as some people have stated.
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I don't much care that they wear GAP and name brand clothing now or that they live in a more fashionably decorated house, thanks to TLC. I would wonder, however, if they have strayed so far from their unique original values, however, that they can never get them back. There is something about "once you let the genie out of the bottle"...
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Exactly what have their strayed from? They still dress modestly and they still are debt free? So tell me where have they strayed?
It seems strange that someone is vigorously defending the Pack-n-play cribs that both Jennifer and Johanna (and very likely now Jordyn, although we know for a fact that she often naps, without supervision, in a swing) have been shown sleeping in---in the girls' room.
We have seen Jim Bob in his big ol' white tshirt in his bed too (talk about immodest!) and there was no sign of a crib, Pack-n-Play, or anything of the sort.
Since Michelle has admitted that she sends the kids off to buddies, including at night, once they are weaned, and we have seen the Pack-n-plays in the girls' room, I don't know why there is such an effort to prove that this isn't true.
kitnkaboodle said I dont' really care what they eat. If they want to clog their broods' arteries irreversibly with crap and fat and the like, then go for it. I feed mine appropriately-balanced meals, and that is all I have control over. KWIM?
I don't really think you can say that the Duggars don't eat healthy based on one or two recipes that are artery clogging. My own family history includes some recipes that seem disastrous if you don't consider that they are eaten either rarely, or part of a healthy meal. There is a video at this site http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/18-kids-and-counting/recipes/recipes.html that shows the menu for one meal as lasagna, salad, green beans and rolls. Sounds pretty good to me. None of the kids are overweight and all are active.
Tater-tot casserole may seem a little heavy on the fat/calories, but as a part of a healthy meal, it's not all that bad occasionally. It all depends on how much of any one thing you eat. Moderation...
And I really don't think any of us want our menu choices evaluated so rigidly - we should keep that in mind as we critique the Duggars. Yes, they chose to go on tv. But we can choose to be fair in our evaluation as well.
I have watched both the Duggars and the Bates at the grocery store. Both spent an inordinate amount of money on what most of us would call "junk food", including a lot of chips and prepackaged foods. Not only are these much more expensive (and I don't buy them for my significantly smaller family), they are also much more unhealthy.
I would like to see the Duggars use REAL potatoes, make a real soup (no icky Cream of Mushroom), eat real vegetables (never yet seen it) or real fruits (once saw oranges, but that was five years ago with the 14 kids special).
Yes, the kids are active (chaotic, some would say), but they should be taught healthy eating at a young age, to stave off diabetes, heart disease etc., which are often the result of eating fatty, artery clogging, processed foods.
We have seen Jim Bob in his big ol' white tshirt in his bed too (talk about immodest!) and there was no sign of a crib, Pack-n-Play, or anything of the sort.
There is an alcove in the master bedroom where the crib is.
Anonymous said: I would like to see the Duggars use REAL potatoes, make a real soup (no icky Cream of Mushroom), eat real vegetables (never yet seen it) or real fruits (once saw oranges, but that was five years ago with the 14 kids special).
You may not like Cream of Mushroom, but lots of people do. And I have seen them eat real fruits and vegetables. However, I propose that if they were to go to an all-natural whole foods menu, many other people would be criticizing them as living unrealistically and promoting a lifestyle that is out of the reach of normal people.
FWIW, I don't eat many of the things the Duggars do, so I'm not defending their choices so much as defending their right to make reasonable choices within their budget and lifestyle. How many of you would choose to eat sushi every day if you could afford it? That would be my choice. :)
Jim Bob in his white t-shirt may be tacky, but it is not immodest. The color of a shirt has little to do with modesty. He was covered appropriately, even though I'd agree with you that I don't care to see him in his t-shirt. I'm transitioning my husband to gray or navy because I simply don't like white t-shirts. I know... TMI! LOL
What I do not think is true or a fact is that they get their cribs sent to the girls room exactly at six months. Maybe they may have a buddy by that time but I do not know it as a fact they are moved to the larger room at six months.
We have seen the older girls carrying around all the post six month babies, ALL day. Michelle just walks around smooching her husband, not caring for those babies. We have seen the Pack-n-plays in the girls' room. 2+2=4!
Anonymous said...
We have seen the older girls carrying around all the post six month babies, ALL day. Michelle just walks around smooching her husband, not caring for those babies. We have seen the Pack-n-plays in the girls' room. 2+2=4!
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Duggar book page 180 talks about the buddy system.
JAMES was one of Jennifer's buddies (she has THREE James, Jill, and Joy Anna) except on rare occasions I don't many girls that do NOT want to play with the new baby.
Every Child over the age of eight gets a chance to be the big buddy of the next baby (they take turns.
According to the way the book reads doubling and even tripling up on buddies.
Direct quote from the book: "Big Sisters on the buddy team get to help out by buckling the baby into the van, helping with bath time, fixing her hair, and picking out the outfits, which sometimes ends up being 2 or 3 outfits a day because they want her to try out all of her wardrobe!"
Again people ASSUME that because in a THIRTY MINUTE show we see an older teen carrying a baby that it happens ALLLLLL day...
As for the pack and play.... once my kids out grew their cribs (or learned how to climb out of them) since we didn't have the money for real beds they slept on the FLOOR on the crib mattresses... didn't hurt em and I didn't have to worry about the 10 month old breaking his neck coming out of the crib every night (by the time they quit wetting the bed we had the money for a twin sized bed and STILL I would find them sleeping in the floor instead) to this day my 16 yr old would rather sleep on an air mattress on the floor than his comfortable bed and mattress.
In the book Intended for Pleasure by Dr. Ed Wheat, which Jim Bob gives to Josh in the wedding episode after saying that he and Michelle were counseled by Dr. Wheat prior to their marriage, it states that parents should never allow a child to sleep in their room past the six month mark. (It's in chapter 5 around page 84 or so if you want to check.) Now whether the Duggars follow this advice is not something I know, but it would support the theory that the babies are moved into the girl's room around that time so mom and dad can get to work on the next one.
Although it is unfair to the girls if they are being forced to care for a sibling during the night, moving the baby out of mom and dad's room is not harmful. None of my children ever slept in my room on a continual basis after the first two months or so, that's why we have a nursery. I guess I don't understand why the Duggars didn't think to set aside a room as a nursery when they built their house, then mom could still take care of baby but the parents could have their privacy.
The baby does have a separate place to sleep so I doubt if they feel a real need to move the baby at six months.
When Jennifer cries, she cries for Jill, not James or even Michelle.
I don't think kids need to co-sleep with their parents, or even to be in their room (my kids were never in our room), but I also think that babies are their mother's responsibility at night, not their siblings. So although I don't think babies need to be in the same room as their mother's, I don't think they should be in a bunk house with their older siblings. Mom should still be responsible, even after she has weaned the child.
Cyn said Direct quote from the book: "Big Sisters on the buddy team get to help out by buckling the baby into the van, helping with bath time, fixing her hair, and picking out the outfits, which sometimes ends up being 2 or 3 outfits a day because they want her to try out all of her wardrobe!"
Again people ASSUME that because in a THIRTY MINUTE show we see an older teen carrying a baby that it happens ALLLLLL day...
Well, if the above quote you supplied is how it goes, it would indeed seem that the buddies are the ones spending all day supplying the hands on care.
We know they are, because Michelle is too busy holding hands with, or kissing, Jim Bob. She only carries her babies when she is nursing 24/7, and after that, all infants are carried or pushed in strollers by the sisters. I have been struck by this every time I see it. Michelle and Jim bob strolling ahead, and the girls in charge of the whole brood. I am amazed that more kids don't get lost, but when the little boy (I forget which one) did in NY, it wasn't even Michelle who consoled him. SHocking!
Personally - I would HATE to be one of the older Duggar daughters.
I grew up as the oldest in a "blended" family and was blessed to have the opportunity to help care for the "ours" of a "yours, mine and ours family". But that was only one child.
I swear that I think I would run away from home rather than run the household as the older Duggar daughters so obviously do.
Their parents should be ashamed for asking so much of them.
im.in.PR@gmail.com said...
Cyn said Direct quote from the book: "Big Sisters on the buddy team get to help out by buckling the baby into the van, helping with bath time, fixing her hair, and picking out the outfits, which sometimes ends up being 2 or 3 outfits a day because they want her to try out all of her wardrobe!"
Well, if the above quote you supplied is how it goes, it would indeed seem that the buddies are the ones spending all day supplying the hands on care.
12/31/2009 6:13 PM
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My jaw hit the floor when I read that...
How does some one translate treating a 6mo only like a baby doll translate into they have all the hands on care?
They pick out frilly out fits play in the bath with her (most babies should NOT get a daily bath as it will dry out their skin) and 5 min buckling a kid into a car seat WHEN they go somewhere). The girls get the FUN part of having a baby around and Michelle is doing the rest.
Remember they don't get the buddy till the baby is 6 months, AND each new kid at this point has 2-3 big buddies.
Lets break that down in a realistic way.
1st buddy gets to pick the clothes and dress her up.
2nd buddy (IF they go anywhere that day) gets to buckle her in a car set.
3rd buddy get to give her a bath IF it's bath day.
Where in ANY of that is any of the buddies feeding the baby? Changing the baby's diaper? When the kids is older where is the buddy doing the blanket training, keeping an eye on the toddler s it wanders the house, constantly pulling the toddler down when it climbs on something ect ect...
Now I would bet the kids buddy may WANT and DO these things(well at least some of them anyway) but they aren't part of the buddy's OFFICIAL duties as part of being a buddy...
What I didn't mention and thought I had was James (BOY) couldn't wait for Michelle to have another one cause he WANTED to be a buddy. He was 7 going on 8 and was 'excited' (direct quote) that it was finally going to be HIS turn. At that he had to SHARE being a buddy with Jill and Joy-Anna.
Sounds like Michelle is just MAKING them be slave labor.... How DARE she allow a child that wants to help play with and entertain a baby... (sarcasm intended)
Cause frankly as far as we KNOW (on both sides of this discussion) when the buddy is tired of playing with the baby they can hand the baby right back to Michelle.
Maybe the parents do not ask that much of them, but out of their hearts their desire to serve others including their families.
I was one who loved mom to take care of a baby as I like the Duggar daughters loved to do all the "fun" things with the babies rather than play with my dolls. I do believe that they love being buddies and do not feel it is a heavy duty as some tried to make out as truth.
SuzanneDeAZ How does some one translate treating a 6mo only like a baby doll translate into they have all the hands on care?
You supplied the list of all the things the buddies do.
They are responsible for getting the infant to the car and buckled in.
They are responsible for bathing the infant.
They are responsible for the infants hair.
They are responsible for dressing the infant.
Not mentioned is the fact that the older girls also feed the younger ones.
That is a whole lot of hands on care that Michelle has freed herself from.
Also, we know from watching the show that the older girls are physically responsible for their buddies throughout the day. They carry them around or push them in strollers if they are out while Michelle is again free from the hands on care of her little ones.
In my opinion, that is why you see so much bad behavior in the younger ones. There were denied the hands on care of a mother to a large degree. And when a child is an infant, just feeding it is not enough to bond with the baby, and for the baby to bond with the mother. That's why when Jennifer is upset, she cries for Jill, not mom.
For the infant and young toddler with less reasoning skills than an older child, the way the understands love is through the physical ministrations of the PARENT. Since those babies get passed off to someone else at 6 months, they bond with the older sibling, not the parent.
I understand that some of you folks feel like you are defending the Duggars against the world that doesn't understand them. But I'm a fundamentalist, a Bible Believer, a believer in modesty, I mean, I'm on their page on more than a few things. But this Duggar idea of freeing yourself from the hands on care of your infants is wrong, no matter how you slice it.
I never see the younger ones as misbehaving. I see them being normal kids so using that as an example that they get little hands on supervision from their motehr is moot in my opinion.
SuzanneDeAZ said...
Maybe the parents do not ask that much of them, but out of their hearts their desire to serve others including their families.
1/01/2010 8:17 AM
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Maybe they no option to say "no".
P.S.: Those of us who have a problem with this are not necessarily selfish.
Am I simply missing something in the few shows I haven't been able to catch up on?
I've seen Jimbob carting the toddlers around and keeping them occupied. I've seen Michelle pushing the stroller. YES I have seen the older girls carrying around a child as well. But again it's not the STATED part of being a buddy... and frankly can it not be simply they WANT to hold the baby?
On this point I wasn't trying to "defend the Duggars from a world that doesn't understand them" I'm trying to figure out what others are seeing and making conclusions from that I am not seeing...
Sweeping comments that state "they are taking care of them all day as seen in the shows" is another one I don't understand... We see clips put together of days of filming or special days when every one is doing something to get the family out the door or on a field trip type event. And from this 'we' draw the conclusion that it happens all day every day?
Since it was MICHELLE the boards all went off on for feeding an infant laying down how is it the girls are feeding the younger kids? (what episode if you know so I can go see it on youtube if it hasn't been taken down yet)
The older girls all went camping with Dad in one of the shows so we know Michelle had them then at least for days on end, when the older girls went to FL to help Anna with the wedding Michelle had all the kids then... When Michelle went into the hospital the older girls were in El Salvador AGAIN having left the care of the younger children to Michelle. They didn't FILM Michelle taking care of the kids why I dunno...
But if as the supposition goes the older girls are doing all of the care of the younger siblings it seems to me it falls flat in view of the trips the older girls take and other activities outside the home that the older girls are doing (babysitting, charity work,)
I think the younger kids are poorly behaved and very rambunctious. The older kids were raised by Michelle and always seemed TOO quiet and well behaved. Now that Michelle has abdicated all child rearing responsibilities to her older daughters (and not her sons---we never see them pushing the strollers, except whipping around a skating rink, and that safety hazard doesn't count!), all discipline has gone out the window.
Even watch the old specials when they were sititng around the table for bible, vs the new, when Jim Bob was trying to talk about Noah. In the newer episodes the younger kids are squirming all over the place, lying down, etc. In the older episodes, the kids are incredibly quiet and respectful...perhaps even TOO quiet!
Something in between the blanket training of the older kids and the hands off discipline of the younger ones would produce the most balanced children IMO!
"Cause frankly as far as we KNOW (on both sides of this discussion) when the buddy is tired of playing with the baby they can hand the baby right back to Michelle."
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Ah, but does she take them back, or simply hand them off to a another buddy who is willing and able at the moment?
Both Jim Bob and Michelle have said that they can't manage well without the older girls there (which is why on the trip to El Salvador last year, I think it was Jana who stayed home). All the girls went to FL, and the parents were sorely needing their help, and commented on it!
Michelle was feeding Jordyn, because she was still an infant and probably not totally passed off to the buddy yet. We have never seen her feeding, holding or pushing the strollers of any of the other kids, from Jackson, to Johanna to Jennifer, although they were all born on the show too.
Now that Michelle has abdicated all child rearing responsibilities to her older daughters (and not her sons---we never see them pushing the strollers, except whipping around a skating rink, and that safety hazard doesn't count!), all discipline has gone out the window.
I totally agree.
I wish they would remember that God gave those children to the PARENTS to raise, not the other children.
The older girls all went camping with Dad in one of the shows so we know Michelle had them then at least for days on end
A short camping trip is "days on end?"
I'm in full agreement with those who think the girls are the primary care-giver for the young children in the Duggar household. Although there is not a thing wrong with helping out around the house or helping with siblings, I find it apalling that young teen girls spend most of their time cleaning, cooking, doing laundry and caring for small children that their parents CHOSE to have. The few things they are able to do outside the house are no different than any "mothers" being allowed out to do something. It doesn't make them any less the parent (mother) figure in the home. I also don't believe for one minute that they have a choice or if they were offered the choice they would feel okay to take it.
I'm getting a little concerned. No news, update or anything on the Josie since Dec. 18th. Does anyone have any newer info? I hope everything is o.k. and that Josie is progressing nicely. I know they do not have to release any info and that it is a private matter but they should realize that their family is in the public eye and people are interested in hearing news on the baby's well-being.
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