Duggars Expecting Their 19th Child
SEP 1, 2009 AT 10:31 AM
Really? 19? I mean... seriously?
I can't judge - but I also can't wrap my head around having that many children. I look at 'Jon and Kate Plus 8' and I need a drink. 19 KIDS?
The Duggars are at it again having just announced Jim and Michelle are once again pregnant.
"We are so thrilled," says Michelle, 42. "We just couldn't believe it
is happening." Jim Bob, 44, agrees: "This never gets old. We are so
grateful for each child. We are looking forward to our first grand baby
and our 19th child."
Michelle is starting to have grandchildren and is still reproducing. That's... dedication.
What do you think about this story? Does it leave you as speechless as it leaves me?
Read more about: Reality Shows
If they have so many kids already and can afford it, one more probably isn't that big a deal. They know the routine and they have loads of older kids to help out. They've probably got another 10 kids left in them, at least. I wouldn't want to raise such a large family, but it must be nice to belong to one. Then again, I'm an only child.
10620 points
Didn't the mother's uterus prolapse a few years ago? I would think that was nature's way of saying, "You really should knock this off."
...counting the steps to the door of my heart...
281795 points
They are what is called "Quiverfull", which is a Christian movement where they don't use ANY birth control, so as long as her uterus still works, they will still have babies. I think it would be kind of cool to be quiverfull, if we had the money, but I don't have any kids yet, so maybe I wouldn't. LOL
Oh no!
Slight OT from is 19 kids too much, but ouch, her poor vagina!
Oy Vey. I mean, it's a little like when people from the old country used to reproduce. My grandpa and his uncle are the same age and my great grandmother and her mother used to breast feed together. However, we're not in the old country and this is 2009. Thats just too many kids, but more power to them if they're happy. Congratulations Duggars. Hey, some of the kids are starting to move out, so maybe they're just replaceing them!
As long as they're the ones supporting their kids and not the taxpayers (welfare) great for them.
2243870 points
It's not great for the kids. The kids are raising the kids. Why don't people jump all over them for exploiting their kids??? Enough already Duggars.
3020 points
Thank you! I've been saying that since like 5 kids ago. I don't know why more people don't realize how incredibly selfish these "parents" are. It's a disgrace.
10620 points
Do you feel this way across the board, or just in the Duggar's case? My older siblings helped to raise me (although we number five and not 19), and I really don't see the big deal.
...counting the steps to the door of my heart...
2243870 points
I am the oldest of 4 and babysat my siblings but the Duggars take this to a whole new level. The girls are basically slaves. I seen the show and how much laundry and cooking and childcare the "older" girls have to do and it is ridiculous. It doesn't look like they get to have any life of their own. How can this mother spend any quality one on one time with 19 kids? Come on, it just isn't doable at that level. The older sisters are 'assigned' a younger child. So, the older girls become surrogate mothers and don't get to just be kids. Babysitting every once in a while is a far cry from daily preparing family meals, doing the laundry for 20 (older brother married not counted) and having your surrogate silbling to raise goes too far. It's wrong to force this on these girls and parts of their development will be stunted as a result of having to grow up too fast.
3170 points
just you wait....the duggars are going to take over the world.
Their kids seem well behaved and sweet. Granted, they are sheltered and live an odd lifestyle. It seems their church is supporting them monetarily... without that support, what would they do? I have a feeling they would start to use birth control or daddy duggar would get his vas deferens snipped. I know they say that they're just having as many kids as God will allow, but come on. If they didn't have money for food, what would they do? IMO I don't think God gives a sh*t about how many children they have... he is off creating another universe or something more important.
I think TLC is supporting them, not their church.
please don't put my God's name and a curse word in the same sentence. Obviously you dont know Him or about anything he cares about.
I'm pretty sure God is more concerned with children in this world that are starving than a human created word that has a stigma attached to it. It's legalistic people like you that are more concerned with swear words than what actually matters. I have every right to use the word "God." And I also realize that if there is a God, he is greater than I could possibly understand. I have nothing less than complete awe.
In regards to having so many kids, I think that people should take responsibility for their own decisions instead of putting that responsibility on God. God has nothing to do with their choice. They've been on t.v. for only a couple years, so tlc has only been able to support them the last few years or so. Who was supporting them before that?
Me thinks thee doth protest too much.
you don't know God or anything about Him....
1215 points
MY God understands I'm human and forgives my sins. He also probably doesn't cringe at naughty no-no words like you do.
Please drop the religous debate. The whole MY God versus your god is not necessary here.
He's everybody's God
10620 points
I found Him first, so He's my God more than He's your God!
...counting the steps to the door of my heart...
you don't know God
Correct, I don't. And neither do you. At least I'm not arrogant enough to believe that I am special enough to have some direct line to God. :)
has nothing to do with arrogance
Now thats some arragont sh!t..... People know God in many ways and forms, just because other do not share your view of Him doesn't negate their believe or knowledge of him....
They started on TLC/Discovery when there were 14 of them. They also have a bunch of commercial rental properties that probably bring in quite a bit. I think they also rent land to a cell phone tower.
129675 points
What God would that be?
7935 points
He was just at my house, he says it's cool.
1635 points
I wonder how many will go to college....
3170 points
NONE. they will all just breed like rabbits and take over the earth.
They're going to have to open up more used car dealerships for the boys to "run" while the girls write scripture verses on the windows of each car and raise the younger ones. Personally, the majority of their offspring really bother me. They seem almost arrogent (I'm sure I spelled that wrong). Especially the oldest son - Josh or whatever his name is and his annoying, zero personality wife who clings to any appendage of his she can grab and stares "lovingly" aka blankely at him and waits for his next instruction. Pretty sad actually.
3020 points
Totally agree about Josh and his wife. Totally creepy clingy "relationship" going on there! I remember one episode (I've seen a few) where they would not let go of each other's hands. It was just so awkward to watch, them moving their arms and bodies around objects so they wouldn't have to break contact. Creepy I tell you, creepy.
281795 points
LOL, It was so funny to watch them before they were married. We don't have cable right now, so I haven't been able to see any recent episodes, but they never kissed until thier wedding, and they were crazy about holding hands!
129675 points
Jim Bob: is that his name?
LMAO Yep.
100720 points
You won't judge Vera? Shoot I will! No one can tell you how to live you lives but she seriously needs to get her tubes tied...and he needs to get a vasectomy as EXTRA security. 19 kids is WAY too much!!!
10620 points
I think they'd see either procedure as going against their religious beliefs.
...counting the steps to the door of my heart...
3525 points
congrats to them.....I have a feeling they will have 2 more ha ha ***annie***
5355 points
absolutely obscene imo...
7520 points
I would have stopped at like 3 and thats really stretching it. Stuff must be walking out of her vag..
Her uterus is screaming: "ENOUGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
There are too many people on this planet!!!!!!!!!!
Stop the breading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
30287 points
I would never do it, 2 is enough for me. My question is how can they possibly pay enough attention to all those kids? I mean one-on-one attention. I have 2 kids and it's hard enough with 2 to get one-on-one time with each one.
10290 points
a woman's vagina is not a clown car
3170 points
apparently, Mrs. Duggar strongly disagrees
129675 points
BOL!!!
LOL!!
LMAO.
3020 points
lol
10620 points
I laughed so hard that a booger flew out of my nose.
...counting the steps to the door of my heart...
2243870 points
Really! Can she even tell if she's having sex anymore?
1705 points
if this family can afford to have more kids then she should continue having them until they can't anymore. but actually they should adopt a few possibly because so many children needs homes... if they have the means they should.
rf.
2243870 points
Kids need far more that used shoes and clothing to thrive in this world. They need parental attention and the Duggar parents cannot provide that to those numbers.
Recently, a friend watched a marathon of Duggar programs on TLC. Being familiar with my own experience with the "full quiver" lifestyle, she was expecting to find extremism ~ but the programs showed a regular family doing run-of-the-mill stuff which families do ~ only times 18.
“They seem pretty normal,” my friend said.
That’s the trouble right there.
http://nolongerquivering.com
well, bless them for 19...and caring for them in a loving home.
8980 points
It is all fine and dandy "kids are a blessing" yada yada yada, until one comes out disabled or worse. I am not saying I wish that on anyone, but it is great to think all those wonderful thoughts when your older ones are raising the younger ones and she has no special needs kids - YET. Lets see how "kids are a blessing" she is when this one comes out with down's or something. Like I said, Not that I wish that for them, but she doesn't know what it is like to have a special needs child and if she did, she would be more responsible about having them. AND YES TLC is paying for their lifestyle.
They've already said they will welcome whatever child God sends them, special needs or not. Believe it or not, many people love those children just as they love their others.
And yes, TLC is paying for a big chunk of their lifestyle. Just like your employer pays for yours and my employer pays for mine.
129675 points
Oh, so if people start dropping 18 puppies TLC will pay for their upkeep? My employer pays me because I WORK, not because I'm making a tribe and I would venture to say that's the same for most folks.
8980 points
well it is easy to be rightous when it doesn't effect them. And lets not forget that the show was originally about how a family that big survives in the real world. They are just like the Gosslins, they no longer need to exploit themselves or their family like they do, the money has changed them too.
129675 points
"well it is easy to be rightous when it doesn't effect them" I don't understand this comment. Who is being righteous?
And Americans watch this family? Why?
Thank God I live in Europe.
We're glad you live in Europe, too.
129675 points
I would never watch this bullsh!t.
10620 points
Don't worry. We're coming to assimilate you soon.
...counting the steps to the door of my heart...
129675 points
Noooooooooo!
2320 points
lol..... well congrats to them anyways
4905 points
I just don't understand why these people would want to live like that, 19 kids and always pregnant. The couple of times that I've seen them on talk shows the kids all seem really sick of their mom being pregnant. It's just so ab-normal.
stop breeding, you crazy freaks! who's going to give all those children the attention they deserve?? sure the older ones have to help, but guess what they are children,too, its their parents' job to take care of their kids!!!
and have those freaks ever thought about how they want to finance college for 19 people???
those stupid egotistical idiots!
To send 19 kids to a college that is around $60,000/year (I think that's the going rate for state universities?) They will spend just a little under $5million. That is not including books, living expenses, etc. How on earth are they going to do it?
Forgot to add...when this family is being interviewed (since that is also a constant in their lives) why don't the reporters ever ask them questions about they plan on sending all of their children to college, do they really think it's fair to make the older girls responsible for raising the younger children because there are so many children and Michelle couldn't possibly do it alone (shouldn't that be the first clue to STOP having children?) Why don't they ask them questions like this?! The only good thing, I suppose, is that they are not depending on tax dollars (government assistance) for support.
This woman has some kind of complex! I have 2 kids of my own, and more power to anyone who can handle more than that, but I think it's selfish when you just keep having them the way she does. How do they share mom and dad time with each and every child?
Here's a question: Why was she surprised to find herself pregnant again? They do know how babies are made, don't they? As long as they can feed, clothe, and otherwise care for their kids, I say live and let live.
4130 points
insane!
I might be the only one but I'm very happy for them. They can have as many kids as they want. They are kind, respectful, financially smart, and productive citizens. While I may not agree with everything they do, that doesn't mean I'm right and they are wrong. Congrats to them!
14395 points
You actually were going to say "re-productive" citizens, right? And while they may be respectful to others, they don't respect their kids' needs at all.
2243870 points
Here, here! Or God forbid their kids' choices.
You know, my grandmother had 14 kids- and she isn't healthy. Having that many kids messes a person up inside. And as a nurse, it is even harder to see this. The health of the baby is now in jeopardy.
But, I must say best of luck to the family.
132895 points
I do not like this family AT ALL. They are so odd, and they portray themselves as absolutely perfect without any sort of little family problems or anything like that EVER. It's so stupid.
93685 points
congrats to them. i watched a preview last year showing her with her 18th to be baby and the doc was telling her that the pregnancy she had would be her last. i guess she had too many c sections and cuz of her age i think. but i guess she was wrong lol. poor lady, does she even get to rest between pregnancies? that means that for about 20 years she's been pregnant the majority of the time?? that's insane!
2243870 points
Maybe they should just install a zipper to bypass any future C-sections.
93685 points
lol!
555 points
At some point, you have to realize that you can't give the children the attention they deserve... I don't understand how some women can have more then 3 kids. 19 would just be overwhelming.
1295 points
I'm a huge fan of this show, and this family. It's the learning channel! I enjoy getting a glimpse into another life that I'd personally never choose. And I might add, don't agree with 100%.
And that's what makes it interesting to watch.
Things that amaze me about this family:
They are 100% debt free - there are people in this world who are childless and have filed for bankruptcy multiple times (my sister is one of them). You have to respect that a couple with 18 kids has managed to avoid bankruptcy, or any amount of credit card debt.
They built about 80% of their home THEMSELVES - don't let the fact that they are from the south give you the impression that they are a bunch of dumb hicks. Most all of those kids know how to lay tile, paint, and use power tools. Impressive!
They make their own laundry soap, buy everything second hand or used, and are not materialistic at all. Look at the Gosselins? They started off being a pretty simple family and now they live in a huge mansion, their lifestyle has completely changed. Not the Duggars. They are still the same family and nothing is going to shake their values. Another thing I highly respect. They are simply incorruptible.
I have a hard time with the argument "the children are getting very little one on one time". Should that really be the center of good parenting?
My son got all the one on one time he needed before my daughter was born and is having much more fun now that my daughter is old enough to play. He's much more independent and self-assured. My personal opinion? Kids need other kids to interact with and communicate with more than they need Mom and Dad. Mom and Dad are there to kiss the boo boos, make sure they are clothed and fed, and provide discipline and guidance when needed. After having a second child I realized just how obsessive we were. Kids actually do better when they have other kids to relate to most of the time and aren't being micro-managed every second of the day. Parents today (and I've been guilty of this too) are WAY TOO OBSESSIVE. And I think that has contributed a lot to how selfish our kids are turning out to be - the "me, me, me it's all about me generation". I think having a larger family isn't necessarily a bad thing. Everyone helps take care of everyone, in a family, that's the way it's supposed to work. The Duggar kids get homeschooled by their parents, the Duggars never go on vacation without their kids. My parents were NEVER around because they were both working so much to pay the bills and an ever mounting pile of debt. The Duggars spend more quality time with their kids than 95% of the population. Because they own several commercial properties that they rent out to other people, they don't have to work. They get to see their kids every day. How many of you can say that?
Things that I don't agree with:
Their religious views, the inequality of the boys vs.. the girls (assigning stereo-typical roles to each sex), adding to the overpopulation of the world (if you want a big family, why not adopt?), and the severe sheltering of their kids from outside views.
But, the bottom line is, no one does a big family better than the Duggars. I respect their honesty, their simple life, and their family values. They are a big hearted, kind, loving family. That's why I tune in. And really, Mrs. Duggar's vagina is none of my business. It's called pro-choice - learn about it!
- Mandi
Mandi, just had to say, I can't believe I actually read all of that. lol
1295 points
I know it was a long post, but people need to understand this family more instead of just attacking the woman's vagina!! I spelled checked it at least. lol- Mandi
8980 points
They have been doing these tlc shows for years, started back at 15 kids... they get paid well, not all is what it seems. Debt free and a lot of free stuff thrown their way for marketing on the show, that house was mostly paid for by TLC... bet on it. While I agree they made some good financial choices, if it were not for the show providing them a life, they would not be able to do anything - like travel the US and go skydiving..etc..They have managed to become financially secure by exploiting themselves. They are no better than the "hills" chics. I found myself facinated by them at first, obviously, but now it is just pathetic, Michelle NEVER is shown holding her babies after 6 months and the older girls will not go to college or be allowed to work unless- they are being bred to be stay at home moms or midwives. And why do they feel it necessary to go on the today show and say "well yes, we are pregnant again, make it a huge production?? They have changed and not in a good way. Greed has taken them over just like all the other "reality" stars.
1295 points
I agree with you on a lot of those points. If you read the huge post I made then you'd also see that I'm not 100% on board with the choices they've made. The way the girls are responsible for the majority of the household duties is one of them - one of many things I don't agree with actually. There was actually an episode where the camera crew asked them why the girls have more responsibility than the boys. It was interesting to see Michelle being confronted on it and having to answer to it.
The money they get, no doubt helps. But they were financially free before they started making more money from the show, which only recently became a huge hit. Also, I'm sure TLC has a lot to do with them taking trips and doing the things they've been doing on the show. It's more interesting to film the family doing those kinds of things than to just record the day to day stuff.
As for college, that isn't a prerequisite to a successful existance on this planet. Many people in the world who have strict religious beliefs do not persue college because they believe that path is too "worldly" - I know, I was brought up in a religion that preached those same ideals and it was not just the girls, but the boys too.
The Duggars believe in having a "servants heart", they are more interested in practicing the values in their religion, which while are very limiting for all of the kids, is not the end of the world.
Frankly, I admire the simplicity of their existance. I'm agnostic myself, so I can't claim I agree with how they do things in that way, but I try to keep an open mind.
As I said, it's a nice window into a life that I'll never know, and never want to live! I don't agree that it's exploitation.They choose when they get to film, what gets filmed - they have more control over what is shown than people might think. They should be getting paid for what they are doing. It's a TV show. And they do give back to the community. I wish people would watch the show before they judge, try to keep an open mind, and stop thinking because it's not the way they'd live that it isn't an acceptable lifestyle. At this point I think the Gosselin kids and pretty much 80% of the world's families are more screwed up than the Duggars. IMO, they are the most normal, balanced, organized family on TV! - Mandi
lol
785 points
Well it doesn't really matter 'how' they do it, the big thing that I've noticed from watching this stupid show is the kids are like freaking ZOMBIES and cattle. There is no way they have properly devloped in that kind of a household and I'm not going to get into the reglious aspect but that plays a huge role in the problem.
2685 points
OMG! I doubt she even feels anything anymore when she's giving birth! I find this strangely horrifying...19!!! But congrats?
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