Rude

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Jessa Duggar Seewald doesn’t care whose counting when it comes to her pregnancies.

In response to criticism regarding her family’s size, the former star of “19 Kids and Counting” – who is expecting her and Ben Seewald’s sixth child – defended her choice.

In a YouTube video posted on May 8, Jessa, aged 32, expressed, “Frankly, I’ve often been subjected to thoughtless and inappropriate remarks, such as ‘You’re reproducing like rabbits’, or ‘You’re insane’, or ‘Are you aiming to mimic your mom, will you have 19 children?’ However, I must say, my mother is truly my idol.

I deeply cherish her, and she truly inspires me. Her patience, her affection, her soft-heartedness, and her kind words are beyond compare. Speaking about my mom, Michelle Duggar, who has 19 children with Jim Bob Duggar, I consider her the epitome of a mother. So, when people ask if I want to emulate my mom, I respond with a heartfelt ‘Yes, please God guide me in that direction.’

Jessa, along with Ben, takes care of Spurgeon (9), Henry (8), Ivy (5), Fern (3), and George (14 months). She confessed that she and her husband, who have been married for 10 years, didn’t specify an exact number of children they wanted to have. However, they are not considering adding more members to their family at the present time, focusing on their upcoming baby instead.

Jessa mentioned, “We didn’t have a specific number in mind when we got married, thinking we’d only have a few children. Instead, we found ourselves leaning towards a moderate amount. We might have suggested seven children at some point.

Currently, the primary focus for this family is ensuring a smooth delivery of their sixth child, while also providing ample care and affection for all their children.

She stated, “We handle things step by step.” In relation to pregnancy or the early postnatal period, I usually don’t feel ready to decide if we’ll have more children or not. Ben’s primary worry is always my health, and also our ability to provide care for each child and nurture them properly into adulthood.

In March, it was shared that Jessa and Ben are anticipating the arrival of their sixth child. On Instagram, Jessa posted several ultrasound images, saying, “We’re halfway to having you in our embrace!

The news was greeted with delight by her family, as they enthusiastically commented. Jessa’s sister, Jill Duggar, expressed her joy by saying, “Congratulations. So happy for you both,” while her sister-in-law, Hannah Duggar (married to Jeremiah Duggar), chimed in with, “Yayyy!!! I can’t wait to meet this adorable new addition!

Before meeting Jessa’s sixth baby, keep reading to see the Duggar family tree…

Back when I was just a starry-eyed teenager, these two lovebirds were the epitome of high school romance. Fast forward a few decades, and they’ve become the cherished grandparents of more than three dozen little ones – quite a legacy to be part of!

Michelle shares an experience where she felt “rescued” at the age of 15. On a specific night, Jim Bob, while conducting house visits for his Baptist church, was led to the Ruark family’s residence. This was suggested by a friend who mentioned that “a school girl who recently converted and is a cheerleader” resided there.

They asked Michelle to attend Sunday school at their church and Jim Bob expressed hope that they could become each other’s spiritual guides – although it seems Michelle didn’t find their initial encounter particularly notable. A year on, she applied for a job at the frozen yogurt store owned by Jim Bob’s parents. In a letter posted on their family blog in 2017 for Jim Bob’s birthday and their wedding anniversary, Michelle recounted, “You approached me at the counter where you were standing behind the cash register. I was nervous but kind-hearted! I don’t recall much about that chat, except that eventually you asked me if I would accompany you to your junior-senior banquet!

She went to dinner with him at Shiloh Christian, but it wasn’t until they spent hours discussing the Bible at her parents’ house afterward that she felt their connection deepen. As Michelle puts it, “That’s where our hearts became one.” They graduated high school in May of 1984 and got married in July. At the time, she was 17 years old and he was 19.

The couple dedicated themselves to God and each other for the long run.

Jim Bob previously held the position of a state legislator, representing the sixth district in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1999 to 2002. During his tenure, he served as vice-chair of the House Corrections and Criminal Law Subcommittee. His political journey includes an unsuccessful attempt for the U.S. Senate in 2002 and another failed bid in 2006 to secure the Republican nomination for Arkansas State Senate District 35.

They, along with Michelle, who are both real estate agents, have been actively involved in conservative movements – a part of their lifestyle that has earned them not only admirers but also critics, including being both avid supporters and harsh critics of the show “19 Kids and Counting,” which initially debuted as “17 Kids and Counting” in 2008.

As of October 2024, they were grandparents of 33 with three on the way.

The eldest member of the Duggar family, Josh Duggar, entered the world on March 3, 1988. Similarly, he became an active advocate for conservative views, working to promote causes through the Family Research Council.

In 2015, it was discovered that he had been accused of molesting several girls, including his sisters Jessa Duggar and Jill Duggar, when he was a teenager. After these old police records came to light, he chose to resign from his position. Later in June, Jessa defended her brother in an interview with Fox News, stating that the accusations against him were “exaggerated and untrue.” She added that she could speak out because she was one of the victims herself.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d say: I stand by my wife, Anna, whom I married in a beautiful September 26, 2008 ceremony that was part of our reality show “19 Kids and Counting.” Even through challenging times, including when I confessed to past indiscretions, she has remained steadfast by my side.

In 2016, I made the decision that admittedly was long overdue – checking myself into a treatment center. To my family, this move represented a pivotal moment in my journey towards recovery and healing.

The parents of Mackynzie (born October 8, 2009), Michael (June 15, 2011), Marcus (June 2, 2013), had four more children following a scandal. Anna gave birth to their fourth child, Meredith, on July 16, 2015, the same day TLC canceled “19 Kids.” Their fifth child, Mason Garett, was born September 12, 2017, followed by Maryella Hope on November 27, 2019. The latest addition to their family is Madyson Lily, who arrived on October 23, 2021, making her baby No. 7.

Back in April 2021, a federal indictment accused Josh of two separate charges: receiving and possessing child pornography. He denied guilt for both offenses. In the year 2022, he was convicted on both counts, though the possession charge was later dismissed by the judge. As a result, he received a sentence of 12 and a half years in prison.

Not long after Josh’s birth, Michelle became pregnant once more, only to experience a miscarriage later. As they mourned this loss and sought divine guidance, they received news that twins were expected.

She expressed that it felt like a special gift, as she shared with Love to Know. “God was providing us with comfort and guidance. We’re constantly learning. It’s quite extraordinary, for I breastfeed my babies, yet my children are very close in age. Eight months after having one, I’m already expecting another. It’s just another unexpected blessing the Lord has bestowed upon our circumstances.

John David Duggar and his twin sister Jana Duggar were born on Jan. 12, 1990.

After a long period of knowing each other, spanning several years, and their first encounter at a church gathering in Oklahoma – John David and Abbie-Grace Burnett’s state – they tied the knot on November 3, 2018, following a swift courtship and brief engagement.

On January 7, 2020, they joyfully received a new addition to their family, Grace Annette Duggar. In September 2022, another precious boy, Charlie Duggar, joined them as well.

On their 30th birthday in January 2020, Jana wrote a heartfelt message to John: “From when we were children, people have often wondered if we shared some kind of ‘twin intuition’. You know, the feeling where you sense what the other one is experiencing or guess what they’re thinking… Well, John, I used to say no to that question, but now I can truthfully admit – on the day our daughter Gracie was born, I felt every ounce of joy that you did. So, it seems like there just might be something to it!

Jana went on to say, “It’s really heartwarming to see you and Abbie being parents! You two seem so natural at it! The same traits that make you an exceptional brother will undoubtedly make you an outstanding father.

Jana observed as 11 out of her total 18 siblings tied the knot, but eventually found love with Stephen Wissmann – whose sister Hannah is wedded to Jeremiah, her brother from another family. Through some expressed moments of exasperation, she remained convinced that it was all part of a divine plan orchestrated by God.

In August 2024, just before her wedding, Jana shared with People that she hadn’t always grasped the overall plan, but she trusts that God knows what is best for everyone. As a result, she decided to get married later in life. She explained, “Everyone’s story is unique; if we were all the same, life would lack excitement.

Born on May 17, 1991, Jill Duggar Dillard found her own love story unfolding, much like that of her parents. It was during Christmas season of 2011 when she crossed paths with Derick, who lived approximately 45 minutes away. This encounter took place at the Duggar family home, as Derick had stopped by while out caroling with his church group.

Jim Bob acted as a cupid, and Jill and Derick found a strong connection, nurturing their bond through emails and video calls. Later in November, Jill’s father and she herself traveled to Nepal to meet Derick, and their relationship continued to deepen. By February 2014, Derick requested Jim Bob for his daughter’s hand in marriage, which they accepted and got married on June 21, 2014. Together, they have welcomed three sons: Israel, born on April 6, 2015, Samuel, born July 8, 2017, and the most recent addition, Frederick, born on July 7, 2022.

In April 2024, Jill announced they had experienced a miscarriage, as they were anticipating the birth of their first daughter with Derick.

Jill and Derick pondered over the debates and spiritual convictions related to Jill’s kin, as depicted in the Amazon Prime Video documentary titled “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Revelations“, which made its debut in June 2023.

Jim Bob and Michelle’s fifth child, Jessa Duggar, was born Nov. 4, 1992.

Jessa got acquainted with Ben via church, and he started wooing her in 2013—an old-style approach to affection that took many viewers by surprise. The couple had always kept their romantic lives private before getting engaged, so Jim Bob clarified to People, “Courting involves getting to know each other in a group setting, with both families spending time together and the pair establishing shared objectives to determine if they’re destined for marriage. Dating often means two people going out alone, which can sometimes lead to a more intimate relationship.

In August 2014, Ben proposed to Jessa, and they got engaged. They shared their first married moment by holding hands for the first time. Their wedding took place on November 1, 2014. When Jessa was pregnant with their first child, the show 19 Kids and Counting was canceled, and TLC aired a special about sexual abuse, with Jill and Jessa sharing their insights to educate viewers on the topic. Later that winter, they became the main stars of their own show, Jill and Jessa: Counting On. This show eventually expanded to include other Duggar siblings, becoming known as simply Counting On over time.

During November 5, 2015, Jessa and Ben had their first son named Spurgeon; followed by Henry on February 6, 2017, Ivy Jane on May 28, 2019, and Fern in July 2021. In the holiday season of 2022, Jessa shared that she experienced a miscarriage. However, they were blessed with their fifth child, George, in December 2023.

The sixth Duggar child, Jinger Vuolo, was born Dec. 21, 1993.

Jinger and Jeremy first met while serving in community work in Laredo, Texas, and began dating in 2016. They tied the knot on November 5, 2016, which happened to be their nephew Spurgeon’s birthday (quite a coincidence when you’re part of a family with 19 members!). Soon after their wedding, speculation about a possible pregnancy began circulating.

In a year, we envision ourselves having established our roots, continuing our ministry right here in Laredo, and simply striving to serve the Lord in whatever capacity we are able. This is what Jinger shared during a June 2017 episode of Counting On.

On July 19, 2018, their daughter named Felicity was born. Back in May of the same year, it was disclosed that Jinger was expecting another child; unfortunately, she had experienced a miscarriage the previous autumn. In November 2020, they were blessed with the arrival of their daughter Evangeline Jo.

Son Finnegan Charles was born March 29, 2025.

Born on the 20th of January, 1995, I find myself reflecting on the special moment when I asked Kendra, whom I had the pleasure of meeting through our shared faith community, to be my life partner. This heartwarming proposal took place at my sister Joy-Anna’s wedding in May 2017, following only a few short months of courting.

In a conversation with People magazine, Joseph shared that he was indeed anxious leading up to it, but he wasn’t worried she would refuse because she had already expressed, “I’m just waiting on you!” Now, Kendra added that she is overjoyed and stunned by the proposal. There are so many things she wants to express, but all she can say right now is shocked.

They have since revealed the births of their son Garrett (born in June 2018), their daughter Addison (born in November 2019), and most recently, their daughter Brooklyn (born in February 2021).

Eighth in line, Josiah Duggar was born on Aug. 28, 1996.

A few months after their relationship became public knowledge, the pair revealed their engagement in March 2018. He shared that the location where he proposed to Lauren was the same spot where her parents got engaged. This property holds significant family history, making it particularly meaningful for Lauren.

Michelle, future mother-in-law of Lauren, expressed her affection in a family blog post video, saying, “Lauren is truly special to us, like a priceless gem.” Jessa and Ben added their congratulations, along with chocolates shaped as x’s and o’s. “I think you two might be saving your first kiss for the wedding, but if you visit here, we’ll give you this sweet gesture instead,” she hinted, displaying a tempting treat.

In the summer of 2015, a romance with Marjorie Jackson came to an end, and they chose different paths. As Josiah shared with People in March 2016, they had enjoyed each other’s company. They were simply attempting to follow God’s guidance at every step. However, Marjorie felt it wasn’t the ideal moment, so they took a break from their relationship for a while.

On June 30, 2018, they officially got married, and they told People that their wedding day was “flawless.” Their first child, Bella Milagro, was born on Nov. 8, 2019, which means “miracle baby.” This name was chosen because the couple had a miscarriage in October 2018. They were blessed with another daughter, Daisy, in 2022 and a son named Ezra in May 2023.

Ninth sibling Joy-Anna Duggar was born Oct. 28, 1997.

She had been friends with Austin Forsyth for fifteen years before he began pursuing her as more than just a friend. Once their courtship began, there was no delay. He popped the question in February 2017, and they tied the knot on May 26, 2017, at Cross Church in Rogers, Arkansas – the same church where Joseph proposed to Kendra.

Joy-Anna and Austin have had three children: Gideon Martin Forsyth was born on February 23, 2018, Evelyn Mae Forsyth arrived on August 21, 2020, and Gunner James Forsyth joined the family on May 17, 2023.

Joy-Anna and Austin have added three new members to their family: Gideon Martin Forsyth was born in February 2018, Evelyn Mae Forsyth was born in August 2020, and Gunner James Forsyth came along in May 2023.

The twin boys Jed Duggar and Jeremiah Duggar, who are Jim Bob and Michelle’s second set of twins, were born on December 30, 1998.

In the delightful springtime of 2021, I found myself standing next to the remarkable Katey Nakatsu, as we exchanged vows, marking the beginning of our beautiful journey together. Our family grew with the arrival of our adorable son Truett in May 2022, and our sweet daughter Nora Kate joined us a year later in June 2023.

Back in July of ’24, the incredible duo, Jed and Katey, dropped a bomb-shell announcement that twin girls were on their way! Fast forward to January 8th, 2025, my heart skipped a beat as I welcomed two adorable bundles of joy into this world. Behold, my precious Elsie Kate and Emma Kate, the new additions to our fan family!

Jeremiah, a qualified flight instructor, is married to Hannah Wissmann (the sister of Jana’s husband Stephen). Together they have two children: Brynley, who was born in December 2022, and Brielle, who joined the family in February 2024.

They announced in Decemeber 2024 that their third daughter is on the way.

No. 12 Jason Duggar was born on April 21, 2000.

Back in January 2017, it was reported by the Daily Mail that Jim Bob assisted Jase in purchasing a $33,000 property in need of repair in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, approximately 30 minutes from the Duggar family’s main residence. Subsequently, he established his own construction business.

In May 2024, he made their relationship public on Instagram with Maddie Grace, and they got married the following October.

Charmed No. 13, James Duggar was born July 7, 2001.

As of now, I haven’t declared my affection openly, but let me tell you, he’s got this magical way with children – he’s more like their favorite superhero uncle to scores of adorable nieces and nephews!

On his 19th birthday in 2019, mom Michelle wrote: “James is our beloved ‘fun uncle’, who serves as an inspiration for all the younger lads here. They admire him and aspire to be like him!”

It’s worth noting that James has an extraordinary knack for problem-solving, which was evident even during his childhood years. We would often discover James tinkering with various household appliances around our home. His curiosity and ingenuity led him to take things apart, understand their inner workings, and then reassemble them—with a few creative improvements!

This year, James dedicated himself to earning his CDL, and now he’s a skilled operator of large trucks and heavy equipment. We’re excitedly looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for him in the future, guided by divine plans!

No. 14 Justin Duggar arrived on Nov. 15, 2002.

Back in September 2020, I proudly introduced my dear girlfriend, Claire Spivey, to the world. We took our relationship to the next level in November of that year with an exciting proposal, and we officially tied the knot on February 26, 2021. It’s been a beautiful journey so far!

In the company of his elder sister Jill, Jim Bob and Michelle’s fifteenth-born child, Jackson Duggar, made his entry into the world on May 23, 2004.

On his 16th birthday, mom Michelle commended Jackson’s wit and mentioned that she was aware of his eagerness to obtain a driver’s license.

Johannah Duggar came into the world on October 11, 2005, which made her family’s first major television show, titled “16 Kids and Starting a New Home,” all the more fitting.

On her 15th birthday in 2020, Michelle expressed that this girl is full of fun and sociable, delighting in forming new friendships. She added that her younger sisters find her simply wonderful and believe she’s no less than the moon, expressing deep gratitude towards God for allowing her to be her mother.

Jennifer Duggar arrived on Aug. 2, 2007, then the baby of the family.

Their TLC show that premiered Sept. 29, 2008, was christened 17 Kids and Counting.

Now, OMG, she’s a teenager.

Michelle expressed, “Jennifer is trustworthy, devoted… and always lively!” when her granddaughter turned thirteen. The nieces and nephews adore her, often clinging to her as they don’t want her to let go! Jennifer also has a deep affection for animals and diligently looks after her pets daily. Not too long ago, she even helped nurse a brood of 7 baby bunnies!

Here on the right, the penultimate Duggar child was born Dec. 18, 2008.

2019 saw Jordyn-Grace being described by her mother as an outgoing girl who can easily make friends wherever she goes, and whose laughter is often one of the highlights of our day.

19th on our list is Josie Duggar, who’s seen here cradling her niece Meredith. Born on December 10, 2009, Josie arrived three months too early and weighed merely 1 pound, 6 ounces. As a result, she had to spend six long months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

On her baby’s 11th birthday in 2020, Michelle penned that Josie is a whirlwind of vitality. From the moment she rises in the morning to when her head finally rests for the night, she seldom takes a break!

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2025-05-09 19:19