How Josie has Brought the Duggar Family Closer

Having a baby in the NICU for four months has not been easy for Jim Bob and Michelle, but how has it affected their family?   
In a recent interview, Michelle Duggar explained that these past few months have brought her family closer together. "Even though you wouldn't choose to go through the hard times, I've seen a lot of good things," she says. All of the Duggar kids, even the little ones, have been helping out tremendously.
She explains how important it is to praise children ten times more than you rebuke them. "I’ve just seen my children do things just because they know that they’re needed at this time even more than ever before. That’s precious; I praise them for that."

Even with Josie in the hospital and Michelle having to visit her often, the family has made sure to stay close. In the words of the Duggar kids, "It isn't always easy, but somehow we make it all work."
Have you ever experienced tough times that have taught you something and/or brought you family closer together? 

Don't Miss Tonight's Episode of "19 Kids and Counting!"

The Duggars are on their way to Pinnacle Mountain, towering 1,000 feet over the beautiful Arkansas River Valley. The family will hike, picnic, and even get to watch a special camouflage demonstration. Will any of the Duggars attempt the Pinnacle Mountain Challenge and become a member of the "I ate a Bug Club?"
Tune into TLC at 9/8PM Central for "19 Kids and Counting" Duggar Mountain Way to find out!
Visit the blog later tonight for a recap of the show.  

"Josie Duggar's First Shoes" Recap

Goal: Knit or Crochet booties for baby Josie.

Anna and Cousin Amy, each having had no previous experience with knitting or crocheting, went to Hobby Lobby to buy yarn. Thankfully, they were able to find some ladies at the store and finally decided that crocheting would be the best way to go. Back at Josh and Anna's house, the project did not go well.

After hours of practice, they were still stuck, so they asked Grandma Duggar for some help. Grandma Duggar was super patient and brought a wealth of knowledge, but the girls still couldn't seem to get it. They marked this project as a "Fail" and plan to buy some baby booties.

Back in Little Rock........
This episode took place just a few weeks ago, when Josie weighted 3 pounds 8.5 ounces. She had grown a whopping 1.5 ounces in just one day! And another milestone in the preemie's life.....bottle feeding!

Until now, the focus has been on survival, and the nurses say that bottle feeding is the first step to going home. It was a learning process for Michelle, who has never, in all her years of nursing, fed a baby as tiny as Josie. Practice makes progress, and mom and daughter will both have to work at it.

Are you a creative, craft-lover, or can you relate to Anna and Amy?

Josie Update

Josie Duggar was rushed back to Arkansas' Children's Hospital seven days ago. Click here to read the full story.
She went home on Tuesday, April 6th but returned to the NICU just two days later.

This is what Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar announced in their official statement: 

"Josie was readmitted to the hospital on Thursday, April 8, at 3 a.m. with minor stomach issues.  We realized early that it would be a long, unpredictable recovery, which is why we opted to stay in Little Rock close to the expert staff at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Currently, Josie is healthy and in stable condition; we hope to have her back with the family in the next few days. As always, our entire family is grateful for the continued prayers and support."    

What are your experiences with infants, either preemie or full-term, coming home from the hospital? 
When do you think Josie will return home? 

"Josie Duggar Meets the Bates"

The Duggars have just one shower in their rental house, but they were thrilled to invite the Bates to come stay with them. The Tennessee family was hesitant to "barge in," but Jim Bob and Michelle pleaded.

According to Gil Bates, "the Duggars role out the red carpet like you're the most important people in the world." With Josh and Anna visiting for the weekend with their daughter Mackynzie, there were 36 children under one roof.

"Anytime there's boys and girls getting together, you're going to have those boy-girl feelings going on," explained Michelle. "Whether or not that's going to pan out to be a future relationship, we don't know, but it's good wholesome interaction."

The Duggars had to find a temporary church in Little Rock. Friendly Chapel is very different than the church fellowship that the family belongs to back in Northwest Arkansas, but the congregation is genuine. The most noticeable difference is the way they worship. The Duggars listen to classical music and hymns, and the music at this church is much more contemporary.

And no episode of "19 Kids and Counting" would be complete without a visit to see Josie, so Gil and Kelly Bates accompanied Jim Bob and Michelle to Arkansas Children's. Kelly was amazed at how alive and alert Josie was. "Every time Michelle spoke, she would open her eyes and look at Michelle," explained the mother of 17. Kelly Bates recently found out that she is pregnant with her 18th child!

What did you think of this episode of "19 Kids and Counting?" Would you be able to survive in a house with 36 children?

Don't Miss "19 Kids and Counting" Josie Duggar Meets the Bates!

Don't miss tonight's episode of "19 Kids and Counting" Josie Duggar Meets the Bates. While Gil and Kelly Bates are in Little Rock, they accompany Jim Bob and Michelle to Arkansas' Children's Hospital to see Josie for the first time. At the Duggars' rental home, with nearly 3 dozen kids under one roof, you can sure that there will be a lot of chaos and excitement. Tune into TLC tonight at 9/8PM Central, and visit the blog later for a recap on the episode. 

Josie Rushed Back to Hospital

Hello readers! Here's the latest Duggar update. Josie Brooklyn Duggar went home last Tuesday after spending the first four months of her life in the NICU but was rushed back to Arkansas Children's Hospital last Thursday at 3:00 in the morning.

After being home for just a couple days, she developed some "minor stomach issues," report Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. She suffered constipation, which the doctors believe was caused by the fortifiers added to Michelle's breast milk to help Josie grow stronger. Her vital signs had begun to drop, but she is now in a stable condition at the hospital.

	"Dr. Arrington told us to never trust a preemie," explained Jim Bob. "That is really true." Dr. Robert Arrington is Josie's doctor and the co-director of the NICU at Arkansas Children's.  Josie is doing great, and the Duggars hope to have her back home later this week.

Josie Duggar Finally Home!

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Josie Duggar is finally home! She was released from the hospital today. Born nearly four months ago at 25 weeks gestation, Josie Brooklyn now weights in at 4 pounds, 9 ounces. That may not sound like a lot, but for a preemie who entered the world at only 1 pound, 6 ounces, it's a miracle! Josie no longer needs oxygen 24/7, and her health condition is stable.

As you can imagine, the Duggars are thrilled! As Michelle puts it, "We are so excited, we are running on adrenaline. I have been getting into the routine of every three hours feeding, diapering and taking her temperature. We are so encouraged that she is doing so well."
Fans look forward to May 9th, when TLC will air "19 Kids and Counting" Josie Comes Home. 

So will the Duggars be leaving Little Rock?
Not quite yet. They plan to remain in their rental house at least until the end of April to have access to Arkansas Children's Hospital. Jim Bob and Michelle want to "be on the safe side." The family looks forward to returning to Springdale soon and wishes to thank the public for the prayers and encouragement that they have received.

What would you do to celebrate Josie's homecoming? What do you think the Duggars will do?

"Josie Duggar Sisterhood" Recap

It's Tuesday, and that means another episode of 19 Kids and Counting!

This week's title was "Josie Duggar Sisterhood," and, as usual, the Duggars accomplished a lot! They spend a day touring Little Rock and had lunch at Doe's Place, also called the "Dog House." Jim Bob remembers this restaurant from the days when he served in the House of Representatives, and it is also a favorite spot of former president Clinton. Another highlight of the day was the Discovery Museum, where the Duggar kids were able to explore science while having a ton of fun. Jill came out of her shell (excuse the pun!) and held a baby alligator, but she was a little uneasy when the man told her "Don't put your fingers up close to his mouth, or he will bite."

The Duggars understand the importance of cuddling and interacting with their preemie Josie, so when Jim Bob and Michelle weren't feeling well, they decided to send Jana and Jill to Arkansas Children's Hospital. The girls were thrilled to hold their baby sister for the first time.

Next week on 19 Kids and Counting, watch as the Bates meet Josie Brooklyn!

More Duggar Trivia!

Hope your week is going well! Back by popular demand, here are six more Duggar trivia questions.

Post your answers as a comment, and we will reveal the correct answers in a couple days.

1. What music-related activity do the Duggars refrain from?
2. What type of ethnic cuisine did the Duggars try last year in Washington D.C.?
3. What is Jinger Duggar's favorite sport? 
4. Name the doctor that Michelle recommended to Anna for her pregnancies. 
5. Which Duggar is not a morning person and has to be woken up by Jim Bob when the family has to rise early?
6. Are there any computers in the Duggar household?