Thursday, December 31, 2015

'Jill & Jessa: Counting On' Finishes Strong

Jana Duggar, Anna Duggar, and Joy Duggar make freezer meals 
during the third segment of Counting On

As we reported two weeks ago, the first segment of Jill & Jessa: Counting On attracted just over 2.2 million viewers, received a rating of 0.8, and ranked among the top eight cable shows for adults 18-49 that aired on Sunday, December 13th.

The second segment of Counting On, which aired on Sunday, December 20th, received a rating of 0.7 and a viewership of nearly 1.9 million and ranked among the top 14 cable shows for that day.

But here's the good news: The third and final segment of Jill & Jessa: Counting On, which aired two days after Christmas, did even better than the first two! Although the rating was 0.8, part three made it into the top five cable shows among adults 18-49 and drew in nearly 2.5 million viewers.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta remained the highest ranked and most watched show on each of these days.

Would you like to watch an entire series of Jill & Jessa: Counting On? Click here to write a message to the Discovery Communications Viewer Relations team. Your comments matter.

Happy New Year to all our wonderful readers!


This information comes from The Nielsen Company. Photo courtesy TLC.

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Devastating News from Cousin Amy

We are grieved to announce that the rumors about Amy (Duggar) King's parents are true. The niece of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar informed Entertainment Tonight that her parents have filed for a divorce.

"It has been quite the year to be a Duggar," Amy told ET.  "The family has gone through a lot of heartache this year, but we will get through it. Right now, I just have to take lessons from all I've gone through this year and focus on my marriage."

Deanna Duggar, Amy's mother and Jim Bob's only sister, and Terry Jordan, Amy's father, split on December 20th, after nine years of marriage. Amy says her dad broke the news to her through a text message on Christmas, and while she is "devastated," she says her parents have had an "on/off relationship for a long time."

The newlywed Duggar cousin told ET that she is leaning on her husband, Dillon King, during this difficult time. We know she and her family would appreciate your prayers.

Jed & Jer Turn 17

Wish Jedidiah Duggar and Jeremiah Duggar a blessed 17th birthday! Zach Bates, the oldest of Gil and Kelly Bates' 19 children, is also celebrating a birthday today and is exactly 10 years older than Jed and Jer.






Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Jason and Meredith

We just love this picture of Jason and his youngest niece, Meredith, who is five months old. Anna and her four children--Mackynzie, Michael, Marcus, and Meredith--are currently living with Jim Bob and Michelle in Northwest Arkansas, while Josh is away at a long-term treatment center.

Jason Duggar and Meredith Duggar


Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Send Your Feedback to TLC


Would you like to watch an entire series of Jill & Jessa: Counting On? Click here to write a message to the Discovery Communications Viewer Relations team. Your comments matter!


Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Monday, December 28, 2015

'Counting On' Part 3 Recap

Last night on Jill & Jessa: Counting On, "Counting One More"..
  • A few weeks before Spurgeon’s birth, Jessa and Ben have a family over for dinner to discuss adoption. The Seewalds will need to wait until their baby is nine months old to adopt, but they plan to start attending classes in the new year.
  • Ben reveals that he dreams of having 15 sons, and Jessa says she would enjoy that.
  • Down in Central America, Jill and Derick bring supplies and toys to Mama Carmen’s children’s home, run by a sweet elderly woman who has been taking care of little ones for 30 years.
  • Some of you may be familiar with Mama Carmen’s cafĂ© and roastery in Northwest Arkansas, both of which help fund the children’s home. Jill and Derick say they are considering adoption, and they clear up fans' speculations by announcing that they are not expecting.
  • On another day, Jill volunteers at a local birth center. Meanwhile, Derick and his mom, who is visiting, navigate the local market in search of rain boots.
  • “Shopping with an infant is a lot different than shopping by yourself,” comments Derick.
  • Everyone—including Israel--tears up when Derick’s mom has to leave Central America to return home.
  • Four days before Jessa’s due date, a family friend and her husband come by to snap maternity photos.
  • Anna, Meredith, Jana, and Joy visit Jessa to help her make freezer meals. “There were a lot of sweet memories running through my mind,” shares Anna, who lived in Jessa and Ben’s house for the first five years of her marriage.
  • “I think for everyone, it’s been hard,” says Anna, when asked how she is doing. “But I think that it’s been a good opportunity to draw close to God.”
  • “Anna really is doing very well with everything that has gone on,” says Jana.
  • Jill video chats her pregnant sister, but Jessa has to stop talking for a few moments when she is hit with a painful contraction.
  • “It’s been quite an adjustment having Jill and Derick gone,” says Jessa. The Dillards are blessed to have Wi-Fi in their apartment while they are in language school in Guatemala, but once they begin their first mission assignment, communicating with family will become more difficult.
  • The Duggar boys take Ben out for pizza to celebrate his upcoming entry into fatherhood.
  • Three days after her due date, Jessa starts having intense contractions. She uses an app on her iPhone to log them.
  • To jumpstart labor, Jana and Jinger accompany Jessa and Ben on an hour-long powerwalk. “That ought to help,” says the pregnant mama. “The walk was very beneficial.”
  • Jessa’s birthing team arrives, and labor begins. During the long birth, Jill encourages her sister via FaceTime.
  • “Ben was just solid,” says Michelle. “He was there, and he stuck by [Jessa’s] side. It was just really sweet.”
  • When the baby arrives, Jordyn is the first of those waiting eagerly at the Duggars' home to find out the gender, since she was Jessa’s buddy. It’s a boy!
  • After Spurgeon’s birth, Jessa begins bleeding excessively and has everyone worried. Michelle calls 9-1-1, and an ambulance arrives. Jessa spends the night at a hospital, where she is given a blood transfusion.
  • Jana, who has assisted many births as a doula, says this is the worst bleeding she has witnessed.   
  • When Jessa returns home, the Duggars come over to hold Baby Seewald. Jinger comments that it is odd to be passing around a nameless child. The proud parents spend a few days deciding on a name, but they end up choosing Spurgeon Elliot Seewald.
  • “I can’t believe it,” says Jessa. “I can’t believe he’s ours. It seems like a dream.”
  • “Children are such a blessing,” shares Anna, after meeting Spurgeon for the first time. The mother of four says God knew exactly what he was doing when he gave the Duggars another precious addition to help them through this difficult season.

Sunday, December 27, 2015

One More Promo Video

Tonight on the third and final segment of Jill & Jessa: Counting On, watch as Jessa is rushed to the hospital for excessive bleeding after delivering Baby Seewald at home (preview video below).

Viewers will also receive an update from Jill and Derick Dillard, who recently moved down to Central America.

The show starts tonight at 9pm ET/8pm CT on TLC. We apologize that our recap will be late, but we will have it up tomorrow by early afternoon.




Video courtesy TLC/Entertainment Tonight

Watch 'Counting On' Online

The third and final segment of Jill & Jessa: Counting On airs tonight at 9pm ET/8pm CT on TLC.

Have you seen the first two parts? American readers can view "A New Chapter" and "Baby Shower and a New Home" via TLC.com. (Click here.)

On iTunes and Google Play, you can buy the SD version for $1.99 ($2.99 for HD) or a season pass, which includes all three episodes, for $4.99 ($6.99 for HD).

Amazon has the SD and HD versions for the same price but does not currently have a season pass option.

 Jana Duggar, Anna Duggar, and Joy-Anna Duggar


Photo courtesy TLC

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Jana Duggar: 'Anna really is doing very well'

Check back in with the Duggars, Dillards, and Seewalds in the third and final segment of Jill & Jessa: Counting On, which airs tomorrow at 9pm ET/8pm ET on TLC.

Viewers will hear from Anna Duggar, receive an update on Jill and Derick Dillard's new life in Central America, and watch as Jessa Seewald is rushed to the hospital immediately after delivering Spurgeon Seewald.

"It's been a good opportunity to draw close to God," responds Anna Duggar when asked how she is doing (video preview below).


Video courtesy PEOPLE.com

Six-Year Blog-iversary

We are thrilled to be celebrating our six-year blog-iversary. With more than 115 million page views, we consider it an honor to encourage people across the globe by providing the latest Duggar updates. Thank you to all our loyal readers. You truly are a blessing!

Lily and Ellie
Authors of the Duggar Family Fan Blog

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Merry Christmas!

 Jill Dillard, Derick Dillard, and Israel Dillard

Jill and Derick Dillard are gearing up to celebrate Israel's first Christmas and their first Christmas as missionaries in Central America. Michelle Duggar sent a banner to her daughter and son-in-law that reads "Alegria Para El Mundo" ("Joy to the World").

In their December ministry update, Jill and Derick report that they have had many chances to share the Gospel while temporarily living in Guatemala for language school. They also enjoyed eating Thanksgiving dinner with other Americans.

Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas!
~Lily and Ellie

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Sneak Peek: Jessa's Labor Begins

Tune in to TLC this Sunday at 9pm ET/8pm CT for the third and final segment of Jill & Jessa: Counting On.

While Jill and Derick Dillard adjust to their new life in Central America, Jessa endures a long and painful labor. She delivers a healthy baby at home but is rushed to the hospital because of excessive bleeding. Check out this preview video:




Video courtesy TLC

Monday, December 21, 2015

Watch Full Episodes on TLC.com

Guess what? The first two segments of Jill & Jessa: Counting On are available for free on the TLC website! We have embedded them below for your convenience:

Jill & Jessa: Counting On Part 1, "A New Chapter"


Jill & Jessa: Counting On Part 2, "Baby Shower and a New Home"



Videos courtesy TLC

Jessa Seewald on Motherhood

We absolutely love this video! New mama Jessa Seewald shares her tips for other moms of infants. You can tell she is cherishing every moment of motherhood.



Video courtesy TLC

Duggar #6 Turns 22

Wishing Jinger a blessed 22nd birthday!

Jinger's favorite Bible verse is Galatians 2:20, and her favorite quote is: "Seeking greatness for ourselves may bring temporary acclaim, but serving God results in lasting gain."



Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, TLC/Scott Enlow

Sunday, December 20, 2015

'Counting On' Part 2 Recap

Tonight on Jill & Jessa: Counting On, "Baby Shower and a New Home"...
  • For the first time in months, Anna Duggar, who is currently staying in the girls’ room at Jim Bob and Michelle Duggars’ house, is speaking out. “Things have shifted, but the girls’ room is still very full at the Duggar home,” says the mother of four, smiling.
  • When the news about Josh’s teenage mistakes came out, Anna says it was “like ripping open an old wound” but that none of the information was new to her. Josh had confessed everything to Anna and her parents before he proposed back in 2008.
  • Then, when the news about Josh’s unfaithfulness broke, Anna admits she was speechless and that she did a lot of crying.
  • “I didn’t know what to say,” shares Anna. “It just felt like a bad dream. It didn’t seem possible. It was hard to realize that it was such a public thing, so not only was it a betrayal against me, but it was also a betrayal against those who call themselves Christian.”
  • Soon after confessing to being unfaithful to his wife and being addicted to pornography, Josh admitted himself into a long-term Christian recovery program.
  • When asked if she will stick with Josh, Anna says that, although she respects the opinions of those who think she should leave Josh, she is staying true to her marriage vows.
  • “God has unfailing love for me, and he has loved me and forgiven me of so much, and I pray that through all of this that I would be an extension of God’s love to Joshua,” shares Anna, who prays that God will give her patience and that he will restore her marriage.
  • The mom of four desires for her family to turn their hearts to God, find the grace and help they need, and come out stronger.
  • Anna, Jana, Jill, Jinger, Joy, Meredith, and Israel head over to Sierra’s house to plan Jessa’s baby shower. Sierra, due with her fifth child just a few weeks after Jessa, is a long-time family-friend who helped plan Jill and Jessa’s weddings.
  • Anna admits that seeing Jessa and Ben prepare for Spurgeon’s arrival makes her miss Josh all the more, but she is enjoying time with family and is genuinely happy for the Seewalds.
  • “Through all the ups and downs, I am really glad to be back in Arkansas with the family,” says Anna, with a big smile on her face. There’s definitely a wide range of emotions, but overall, it’s been wonderful to just be excited for Jessa and Ben, and I can’t wait to be an aunt again,” says Anna, with a big smile on her face.
  • The shower ends up being a huge event, with around 100 guests. The mamas take part in a baby diapering contest, which Jessa wins. Then, the guys compete to see who can make the most delicious baby food, using items that they picked out themselves.
  • “Most of the baby food that was made, I would not feed to a baby,” admits Jana. “I wouldn’t even eat it myself.”
  • One brave man judges the baby food concoctions based on taste, and he chooses Ben’s, which is made only of fruit. The others are much more creative—with ingredients such as chips, baked beans, and ice cream—but a lot less tasty.
  • Before the end of the party, the guests gather around Jessa and Ben to pray for Spurgeon's delivery. 
  • The family exchanges lots of teary hugs as they drop Jill, Derick, and Israel off at the airport. Derick’s mom, Cathy, is flying to Central America with the Dillards to help them adjust. After a month in language school, Jill and Derick will begin an eight-month mission assignment.
  • The house that the Dillards are living in while attending school is much nicer than they expected, but their living accommodations for the next eight months will be a lot more basic.
  • Jessa and Ben head to Birmingham to answer audience questions at the Southern Women’s Show. The Seewalds say they will not be having 19 biological kids but that they have a heart for adoption. After seeking counsel, they were told to wait until Spurgeon is nine months old to pursue adoption.

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Spanish Immersion with the Dillards

In part two of Jill & Jessa: Counting On--which premieres Sunday, December 20th, at 9pm ET/8pm CT on TLC--take an inside look at the Dillards' new life in Central America. Derick walks to language school every morning, while Jill is tutored at home (a service that does not cost extra).  

Viewers will also hear from Anna Duggar and check in with Jessa and Ben Seewald, as they prepare for Spurgeon's birth.

Watch this video from Entertainment Tonight for a sneak peek at Jill and Israel's daily Spanish immersion lessons:


Video courtesy TLC/Entertainment Tonight

'Counting On' Part 2 Airs Tomorrow

Tune in to TLC Sunday at 9pm ET/8pm CT for the second segment of Jill & Jessa: Counting On.

Watch as the Seewalds celebrate Spurgeon's upcoming arrival with family and friends and as Jill and Derick Dillard follow the Lord's leading with their move to Central America (sneak peek clip below). After completing a month of language and cultural immersion, the Dillards will begin an eight-month mission assignment.

During tomorrow's episode, viewers will also hear from Anna Duggar. (Click here to watch that preview). 




Video courtesy PEOPLE.com

Friday, December 18, 2015

Jana: 'Who do you trust?'

For those who missed last week's episode of Jill & Jessa: Counting On, be sure to read our written recap. Take a look at this clip from the show, featuring Jana Duggar and Joy-Anna Duggar:



Video courtesy TLC

Duggar #18 Turns 7

For the past eight days, Jordyn Duggar, Mackynzie Duggar, and Josie Duggar have all been six years old. Today, Jordyn turns seven!

Do you know Jordyn's full name? (Hint: She has the longest one out of all the Duggar kids!)



Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, TLC/Scott Enlow

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

'Counting On' Ranks High

In a report highlighting the top 100 cable shows among adults 18-49 that aired on Sunday, December 13th, The Nielsen Company reveals that Jill & Jessa Counting On attracted just over 2.2 million viewers.

The 100 shows are ordered based on rating, with The Real Housewives of Atlanta, which received a rating of 1.4 and a viewership of 3 million, at the top. Counting On came in eighth place, with a rating of 0.8.

Jessa & Ben Seewald, Jill & Derick Dillard, Israel Dillard


Photo courtesy of TLC

Jinger: 'Anna is amazing'

In the second episode of the new, three-part TLC mini series Jill & Jessa: Counting On, viewers will hear from Anna Duggar.

"Anna is amazing," says Jinger Duggar in an interview. "She displays to each one of us what it means to have unconditional love, and she is walking through this better than any one of us could have ever imagined."

Jill & Jessa: Counting On "Baby Shower and a New Home" premieres Sunday, December 20th, at 9pm ET/7pm CT. Click here to read our recap of this week's show.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Watch 'Counting On' Online

Jill (Duggar) Dillard and Jessa (Duggar) Seewald 

The first of three parts of the new TLC mini-series Jill & Jessa: Counting On is available for purchase on three websites.

On iTunes and Google Play, you can buy the SD version for $1.99 ($2.99 for HD) or a season pass, which includes all three episodes, for $4.99 ($6.99 for HD).

Amazon has the SD and HD versions for the same price but does not currently have a season pass option. 


Snapshot courtesy of TLC

Photos: Spurgeon at 5 Weeks

Spurgeon Seewald (pictures below), son of Jessa and Ben Seewald, is two days short of six weeks old. In case you missed yesterday's post, we shared a video of Ben discussing his new role as a dad, which also featured footage of the adorable Spurgeon.



*Photos courtesy of theseewaldfamily.com; used with permission

Monday, December 14, 2015

Ben on Fatherhood

Watching Ben Seewald in his new role as the father of five-week-old Spurgeon Seewald is sure to melt your heart. "It's a huge responsibility and a huge blessing at the same time," he says.

Watch 'Counting On' on iTunes

For those who were unable to tune in to TLC last night to watch "A New Chapter," the first episode of the three-part special Jill & Jessa: Counting On, it is available on iTunes.

You can purchase the SD version for $1.99 ($2.99 for HD) or buy a season pass, which includes three episodes, for $4.99 ($6.99 for HD).

"A New Chapter" has not yet been uploaded to Amazon or Google Play, but we will keep you posted.

 Jill and Derick Dillard prepare a PowerPoint presentation for their going away party

 Mackynzie Duggar, Jordyn Duggar, and a friend browse the snack table at the party

Jessa and Ben Seewald smile while answering an interview question about parenting


Snapshots courtesy TLC

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Recap: 'Counting On' Part 1

Jill & Jessa: Counting On "A New Chapter"...
  • As the show opens, the producer asks the following question: “How would you describe the last four months of your life?” 
  • Jill: it has been “different than what I had expected.” 
  • Jessa: “We have endured a lot. It’s been really difficult.” 
  • Derick agrees that it has been very emotional, and Ben says the journey has been tough but that it has helped strengthen his marriage. 
  • Jana: It has been “really difficult.” Joy: “We’re getting through it.” 
  • Josiah: “I was not sure how it would influence our daily lives.” He says that some people were standoffish but that most shared encouraging words. 
  • One month after Israel was born, Derick had his palette surgically expanded. Two months later, Jill and Derick headed down to Central America for the entire month of July. “We’re not naive to the risk we’re taking [in] taking our infant son down there, but we do want to be true to our calling,” says Derick. 
  • The Dillards returned to Arkansas later in the summer to take care of a few things. 
  • At 35 weeks, Jessa says her pregnancy has been “pretty typical.” As most fans know, the Seewalds kept the gender of their baby a secret until the birth. 
  • “It was really, really frustrating,” says Jessa, of the release of the records that revealed to the world that Josh had inappropriately touched five girls, including four of his sisters, as a young teenager. 
  • “For this to be released…was really, really hard,” agrees Jill. 
  • Jill and Jessa say that they had already chosen to forgive their brother long ago. It had taken time for the Duggars to rebuilt their trust in Josh, but Jessa says that their relationships with him had eventually been restored. 
  • A judge ended up ordering for the records to be destroyed, ruling that they should never have been released, but the girls say the ordeal has still caused their family great pain. 
  • Jana says it has been encouraging to see how the release of the police report has prompted others who have endured similar trials come alongside them. 
  • A few months after those records were released, Josh’s name was linked to a site for people seeking extramarital affairs, and he confessed to having a pornography addiction and being unfaithful to his wife, Anna Duggar. 
  • The entire Duggar family was shocked, as was the world. “As we as a family looked into this situation, you have to wonder, ‘How did this happen?’” shares Jessa. 
  •  Jill and Jessa had publicly defended Josh during their interview with Megyn Kelly in June, without knowing about the secrets he had still been harboring. 
  •  “I feel like, it wasn’t right for him to let us speak our words without having the full knowledge of what he was hiding,” says Jill. “We just have to understand that nobody is strong enough. That’s why it is so important to set boundaries…and be accountable and just really focus on your relationship with the Lord, and don’t be a hypocrite. You have to be real.” 
  • When the news broke, Jana, Jinger, and Michelle were at a conference. Jim Bob immediately called Michelle to tell her about Josh’s confession. 
  • “[My mom] sat us down there in the room to share that our brother had been living a double life and that he wasn’t who he appeared to be,” says Jana. Michelle proceeded to tell the girls about the news reports. 
  • "When my mom told us about this, we were just so overwhelmed and so grieved about what had happened," shares Jinger. "And it almost seems like, this person that we knew is no longer the same person. So we just stopped and prayed and asked God to help us get through it." 
  • “[Josh] was one of my role models, and I did look up to him,” explains Joy-Anna. “And it was just really hard to see that he had been making bad choices.” 
  • While the Duggars have chosen once again to forgive Josh, Jana says they still have difficult days. 
  •  John-David shares that he now has “a big weight” upon him to be a man that his younger siblings can look up to. “One of the toughest things I ever had to tell my older brother was, ‘I don’t want to be like you anymore,’” John shares. 
  • Jessa and Jinger head out to purchase a used rocker for Baby Seewald and end up finding one that is in near perfect condition. “Jessa and I have always been super close, so now just seeing her pregnant, it’s so strange,” says Jinger, smiling. 
  • Jill and Derick drop by Jessa and Ben’s house so Jill, who recently became a certified professional midwife, can check Baby Seewald’s heart rate. “Growing up, Jill always liked to pretend to be a nurse,” says Jessa. “She’s always had that in her.” 
  • “It’s really cool being a dad because it’s just like a regular person, but in small form,” Derick tells Ben, while giving him fatherhood advice. 
  • Jana, Jill, Jinger, and Joy purchase children’s clothing for the Dillards to take to an orphanage in Central America. The girls enjoy spending time together as sisters before Jill leaves for an extended period of time. 
  • Jessa’s sisters come over for an unannounced visit, and Jana tries to read the ultrasounds to figure out Baby Seewald’s gender. The girls give the Seewalds a bag of gender neutral clothing, which includes an adorable football outfit. 
  • The Duggars host a going away party for Jill, Derick, and Israel, to which they invite everyone who has supported their ministry, either financially or through prayer. 
  • “We are really excited to start the next chapter of our life in Central America,” says Derick. 
  • A few of the Duggars share closing comments:
  • Joy-Anna: “I think that there is hope for our family. I think there is going to be a new normal.” 
  • Jinger: “It’s amazing how everyone has come closer to each other through this, and I…am just so grateful.” 
  • Josiah: “I think we’ll just have to stay together as a family.” 
  • Jill: “There are exciting things, and I’m sure more challenges, down the road, but right now, we are just taking it one step at a time.”

Jinger: 'We just stopped and prayed'

We have one more promo video to share before the premiere of Jill & Jessa: Counting On, a three-part special that airs tonight at 8pm ET/7pm CT on TLC. In this video (shown below) 21-year-old Jinger Duggar explains how her family reacted when they found out what Josh had done.

"When my mom told us about this, we were just so overwhelmed and so grieved about what had happened," shares Jinger. "And it almost seems like, this person that we knew is no longer the same person. So we just stopped and prayed and asked God to help us get through it."

As we mentioned before, we know the Duggars would appreciate continued prayer for their family.




Video courtesy TLC

Saturday, December 12, 2015

'Counting On' Premieres Sunday

In this preview of Jill & Jessa: Counting On--a three-part special that premieres Sunday, December 13, at 8pm ET/7pm CT on TLC--Jill Dillard and Jessa Seewald share more thoughts on Josh Duggar's pornography addiction and infidelity, which he confessed to after the married Duggar daughters publicly defended their brother on The Kelly File.

"It wasn't right for [Josh] to let us speak our words without having the full knowledge of what he was hiding," says Jill (video below)




Video courtesy TLC

More On 'The 5 Day Adoption'

For those who missed Monday's post about The 5 Day Adoption, a new documentary about Todd and Barbara McCoskey's prayerful journey of welcoming baby Christina into their family, we have more information to share, courtesy of the filmmaker.

How does this relate to the Duggars? A network of Christians around the country, including Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their family, came alongside the McCoskeys to make this adoption possible.

The 5 Day Adoption is available for rent or purchase through Vimeo On Demand. Visit 5dayadoption.com to order the documentary on Blu-Ray or to pre-order on DVD (to be released December 21st).

Jessa Seewald & Jinger Duggar: Is it Possible to Adopt in 5 Days?


The Duggars Encourage You to Watch The 5 Day Adoption

Joseph Duggar: 'It Broke My Heart'

We have yet another sneak peek video to share, with the premiere of Jill & Jessa: Counting On only one day away. This time, you'll hear from John-David Duggar and Joseph Duggar (video below, courtesy of People).

"...It broke my heart," Joseph says on finding out that his brother Josh Duggar had been living a secret life.

"It is a big weight upon me now," shares John-David. "I know that...I've got a whole bunch of younger siblings looking up to me, and I've gotta be an example to them..."


Video courtesy TLC

Friday, December 11, 2015

Another 'Counting On' Promo

"I think we will complement each other very well in our parenting styles," shares Jessa Seewald in the following TLC promo clip. "Maybe I'll try to keep the kids in line, and he will goof off with them."

Jill & Jessa: Counting On premieres Sunday, December 13th, at 8pm ET/7pm CT. Check out yesterday's post to watch an additional promo video, featuring Anna Duggar and a few of Jill and Jessa's siblings.


We apologize for the small size. Visit the Us Weekly website to watch a larger version of the video.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

TLC Promo: Duggar Siblings Speak Out

In the following sneak peek of Jill & Jessa: Counting On, a three-part mini series that begins this Sunday on TLC, Anna Duggar and a few of Jill and Jessa's siblings share their reactions to Josh Duggar's confessions of living a double life.

"It was like, I'm going to wake up, and everything is going to be okay, and this really, this can't be true," reveals Anna Duggar.

"I don't think there's any way any of us would have known that my brother was living such a secret life," shares Joseph Duggar.

"People are like, 'Y'all aren't perfect?' And we're like, 'We never claimed to be perfect,'" says Jessa Seewald.

Duggar #19 Turns 6

Josie Duggar is a fighter! Despite being born at 25 weeks gestation with less than two pounds to her name, she is now a healthy little girl.

Happy 6th birthday, Josie! Your story has illustrated the power of God to millions of people across the globe, and we pray that you will continue to use your life to glorify the Lord.


And here is one of our favorite pictures of Josie, making Anna Duggar's Chicken Etti with Jill back in June 2012. They couldn't find their family's copy of the recipe, so they pulled it up on our blog.



Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, theseewaldfamily.com, dillardfamily.com, TLC/Scott Enlow

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Josie Duggar: Miracle Child

"You're fixing to have a little sister here in a few minutes," Jim Bob Duggar told his children during a brief phone call on December 10th, 2009. His voice was shaking as he prepared to join his wife in the operating room at UAMS Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. "Just tell everybody to pray, okay?"

Six years ago, the Duggars' lives were turned upside down when a potentially life-threatening complication known as preeclampsia forced Michelle to deliver Baby #19 at 25 weeks gestation. Josie Brooklyn Duggar was born via emergency C-section, weighing a mere 1 lb 6 oz.

"...We praise God when all the good things are happening, and we're going to praise God, even through this difficult situation, " Jim Bob told TLC.

The months that followed Josie's premature birth were full of ups and downs. She remained in the hospital until early April 2010, when she was released for just a couple days before being rushed back. After solving her digestive problems, doctors sent Josie home permanently in June.

Today, Josie Duggar is a healthy, lively little girl who is fixing to turn six years old tomorrow. In honor of her birthday, take a look at this video filmed in January 2010.

Do you remember hearing about Josie's premature birth back in 2009?

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

5 Days 'Til Duggars Return to TV

The moment you have all been waiting for is only five days away! Seven months after the series finale of 19 Kids and Counting aired on TLC, members of the Duggar family are returning to prime time TV.

Jill & Jessa: Counting On--a three-part special event starring the Dillards (Jill and Derick Dillard and their son Israel Dillard) and Seewalds (Jessa and Ben Seewald and their son Spurgeon Seewald)--premieres Sunday, December 13th, at 8pm ET/7pm CT on TLC.

In addition to following the lives of the two married Duggar daughters, Jill & Jessa: Counting On will also feature Anna Duggar, as she speaks out for the first time since Josh Duggar confessed his pornography addiction and infidelity.

"It was heartbreaking to hear what had happened," shares the mom of four in the promo video below.

*We know that the Duggars would appreciate your prayers for their family and for TLC as this three-part mini series is released to the public.




Video courtesy of TLC

Monday, December 7, 2015

Duggars Featured in New Film on Adoption

Is it possible to carry out an adoption in less than one week? For Todd and Barbara McCoskey, stars of the new documentary The 5 Day Adoption, the answer is yes. Five days after prayerfully beginning the adoption process, the McCoskeys welcomed their newborn daughter Christina into their family.

A network of Christians around the country, including Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, came alongside Todd and Barbara to make this adoption possible. When the McCoskeys were approached by cinematographer Kevin Peeples about creating a documentary to tell their adoption story, the Duggars agreed to be a part of the film.

The 5 Day Adoption: The Incredible True Story About the Power of Prayer and Courageous Faith in God in a Family's Adoption Process that Took Only 5 Days is now available for rent or purchase through Vimeo On Demand.

The film is set to be released on Blu-Ray December 14th and DVD December 21st. Visit www.5dayadoption.com to pre-order your copy.

The 5 Day Adoption Trailer

Production Update (May 7th, 2015)


Encouragement from the Duggars

Sunday, December 6, 2015

"Baby Dilly" Turns 8 Months Old

Can you believe it has already been eight months since Jill and Derick Dillard welcomed their first child? Israel, nicknamed "Baby Dilly" by his family, weighed a whopping 9 lbs 10 oz at birth and hasn't stopped growing since.

 Israel Dillard with Derick Dillard (aka "Papa")

Israel Dillard with Uncle Justin Duggar


Photos courtesy dillardfamily.com

Friday, December 4, 2015

Videos: Duggar Christmas Recital

If you have been a long-time fan of the Duggars, you may have heard them mention the kids' annual Christmas recital. Below are several videos from this year's concert, which took place yesterday evening. (Note: Some tablets and smart phones do not support these videos. We recommend using a laptop or desktop computer to watch.)

Click here to view photos from the Duggars' 2014 and 2010 recitals. 

Jennifer Duggar, Johannah Duggar, and Jackson Duggar perform "Silent Night" on violin, accompanied by instructor Mandie Query:


James Duggar, Jason Duggar, and Justin Duggar perform "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" on violin:


Jordyn Duggar, Mackynzie Duggar, Josie Duggar, and two friends play a simple tune with guidance from instructor Mandie Query:


Joy-Anna Duggar and Jeremiah Duggar perform a piano duet to "Sleigh Ride":


Jason Duggar plays a piano duet to "Pat-A-Pan" with instructor Mandie Query:




Videos courtesy theseewaldfamily.com

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Spurgeon or Quincy?

A number of readers have asked what the Duggars and Seewalds call Jessa and Ben Seewald's almost-four-week-old son, whose given name is Spurgeon Elliot Seewald.

Proud Mama Jessa shared with us that Baby Seewald most often goes by Spurgeon, although some people still call him Quincy, a nickname that the expectant parents came up with before finding out the gender of their child.

Spurgeon Seewald

Photo courtesy theseewaldfamily.com

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Carol Like a Duggar

A few days after celebrating Thanksgiving, the Duggars kicked off the Christmas season by going caroling, one of their favorite holiday traditions. Check out these video clips of the super-sized family rehearsing with friends. (The lyrics to the first and third songs are pasted below.)

The song sung in the first video clip is a less familiar Christmas tune called "There's a Song in the Air," the words of which were written by American poet and novelist Josiah Gilbert Holland in the 19th century.

 
The second video clip features a snippet of "Sing We Now of Christmas," the English translation of a traditional French carol written in the 15th century.


In the third video clip, Jinger Duggar, who turns 22 this month, demonstrates her incredible piano skills by accompanying the singers on "O Holy Night," also a traditional French carol.


"Sing We Now of Christmas"
Sing we now of Christmas,
Noel sing we here.
Sing our grateful praises
To the maid so dear. 

Chorus:
Sing we Noel!
The King is born, Noel!
Sing we now of Christmas.
Sing we here, Noel!

From the Eastern kingdoms
Come the wise men far.
Bearing ancient treasure,
Following yonder star.

Chorus
From the distant mountains,
Hear the trumpet sound.
With angelic blessings
On the silent town.

Chorus
Come let us surround Him
On this magic night.
Gather here around Him,
Wondrous Babe of light.

Chorus

"There's a Song in the Air"
1. There's a song in the air!
There's a star in the sky!
There's a mother's deep prayer
and a baby's low cry!
And the star rains its fire
while the beautiful sing,
for the manger of Bethlehem
cradles a King!

2. There's a tumult of joy
o'er the wonderful birth,
for the virgin's sweet boy
is the Lord of the earth.
Ay! the star rains its fire
while the beautiful sing,
for the manger of Bethlehem
cradles a King!

3. In the light of that star
lie the ages impearled;
and that song from afar
has swept over the world.
Every hearth is aflame,
and the beautiful sing
in the homes of the nations
that Jesus is King!

4. We rejoice in the light,
 and we echo the song
that comes down through the night
from the heavenly throng.
Ay! we shout to the lovely
evangel they bring,
and we greet in his cradle
our Savior and King!


Videos courtesy theseewaldfamily.com

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Duggar Thanksgiving Snapshots

Check out these photos from the Duggars' Thanksgiving week. With their recent new addition, the super-sized family has plenty to be thankful for. Spurgeon Seewald turned three weeks old on Turkey Day.

 Ben Seewald and son Spurgeon Seewald

As expected, the rest of the family has enjoyed plenty of visits to the Seewald house, which is less than 20 minutes away from the Duggars' country home.

Jana Duggar, Joy-Anna Duggar, Jinger Duggar, and Ben Seewald

Meanwhile, the Dillards are loving life on the mission field in Central America. As explained in a recent update posted to their website, Jill and Derick are quickly becoming involved in their new community and have already had many opportunities to share the Gospel.

Israel Dillard and Derick Dillard


Photos courtesy theseewaldfamily.com, dillardfamily.com

Friday, November 27, 2015

The Duggars' Live-In Tutor

Many of you have been asking why Tabitha Paine--older sister of Erin (Bates) Paine's husband, Chad--has recently appeared in a handful of the Duggars' photos.

In this picture, taken last winter during a trip to Braum's after watching the Arkansas Razorbacks win a big game, Tabitha is the gal behind Jackson Duggar.

Jessa Seewald, Ben Seewald, Jedidiah Duggar, Tabitha Paine,
Jeremiah Duggar, and Jackson Duggar

Some have guessed that she is in a courtship with John-David Duggar, but that is not the case.

Tabitha took to her family's website to share why she has been spending so much time with the Duggar family. She posted this comment in response to a gal who asked if she is in a relationship with Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's second oldest son.

So glad you asked! It’s easy to assume and few people branch out to find the real answer to questions like these. I have been a live-in tutor to the Duggar children for the past year. Because we don’t do school 24/7 I am able to join in with the family’s work, and fun activities during the weekends and evenings. Hence, the reason why you may see so many pictures! But, I am in no such relationship. I may just be single for the rest of my life
 

I sure do enjoy where God has me, and want to do as Jim Elliot encouraged: “Wherever you are; Be all there”! Blessings!


Photo courtesy theseewaldfamily.com

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing our American readers a blessed Thanksgiving! Here are a few throwback snapshots from the Duggars' 2012 Thanksgiving meal:

 James Duggar

 Joseph Duggar

 Michelle Duggar

 Jason Duggar, Josiah Duggar, Jessa Duggar, 
John-David Duggar, Joy-Anna Duggar

Jill Duggar


Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Meredith at 4 Months

Happy Tuesday! Just wanted to share this adorable photo of four-month-old Meredith Grace Duggar. Very few things in this world are cuter than sleeping infants.

Meredith Duggar, 4 months old


Photo courtesy theseewaldfamily.com

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Bates Return to TV in 6 Weeks

We would like to share an announcement that we recently posted to our blog about the Bates family, one of our other two blogs.

Gil and Kelly Bates and their 19 children, close friends of the Duggars, are set to return to UP TV for their third season of Bringing Up Bates at 9pm ET/8pm CT on Thursday, January 7th, 2016.

UP TV strives to provide uplifting, family-friendly entertainment to viewers across the United States. (Click here to find the channel in your area.)

Season one of Bringing Up Bates is available on gMovies.com, a service similar to Netflix, and the network plans to post season two by the end of the year.




Video courtesy of UP

Friday, November 20, 2015

Premiere Date Announced


Josie Duggar with niece Meredith Duggar

Jill & Jessa: Counting On, a new TLC mini series featuring the Dillards and Seewalds, premieres Sunday, December 13th, at 8pm ET. The network announced today that Anna Duggar, as well as other members of the Duggar family, will join Jill and Jessa on screen to share how they have been impacted by the heartbreaking situation involving Josh Duggar (video below). TLC currently has three specials planned.


Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com


Flashback Friday

Flash back to 2009, when the Duggars announced their pregnancy with Josie, and see how much the children have changed over the past six years.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Statement from Arkansas Midwife

As we announced in September, Jill Dillard is now a certified professional midwife (CPM). Many of you know that she studied under Venessa Giron, a senior CPM who has participated in more than 500 births since 2000. Via the Facebook page of her established midwifery service, A Mommy's Butterfly, Venessa released a statement this week:

I didn't want to respond in this forum but due to the overwhelming support and calls and emails. We were not Jessa Seewald's midwives. I am sad that Jessa suffered a postpartum hemorrhage. I am happy that Jessa and "Quincy" are home, safe and sound. Both Jessa and Jill made decisions that do not fairly reflect home birth nor the care of the midwives in this state. But what matters most is Healthy Baby, Healthy Mama!



Photo shows Jill assisting at a birth in 2014; used with permission from A Mommy's Butterfly Midwifery

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Video: Big Yawn from Baby Seewald

We just can't help but share this adorable video of Spurgeon Elliot Seewald, who is 12 days old. Jill & Jessa: Counting On, the new TLC mini series staring the Dillards and Seewalds, premieres in December.



Video courtesy theseewaldfamily.com

Monday, November 16, 2015

Anna's Advice for Young Moms

During an interview earlier this year, we asked Anna Duggar to share her advice for first-time moms. We pray that her words of wisdom will be an encouragement to all the young parents out there.

Lily and Ellie: What advice do you have for a first-time mommy?
Anna Duggar: #1: Have a learning spirit. I remember with Mackynzie, I thought we had so much figured out. And then with Michael, I was like, "What can I learn?" And then with Marcus, it really brought me to my knees. I realized I couldn't do it on my own and that I needed God's wisdom to love each one of my children individually. 

 #2: Enjoy each moment. I encourage moms to invest in their kids' lives, even when they are babies. When you have one child, it's still fairly easy to run around and do things, but try to remember to spend one-on-one time with that child because he or she is going to be the example that your other kids are going to follow.

Anna Duggar demonstrates how she strives to invest in each of her kids' lives by bringing three-month-old Meredith Duggar to Jessa's birthday lunch, which took place one day before Spurgeon Seewald's birth. (Also pictured in this photo: Jinger Duggar, Jana Duggar, Ben Seewald, Jessa Seewald, Jordyn Duggar) 

To find out how Anna keeps her kids quiet and still during church, read our post from August 3rd.


Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Duggar #14 Turns 13

The 14th oldest child of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar has entered his teenage years. Wishing Justin Duggar a blessed 13th birthday! Did you know that Justin aspires to be a mechanic?



Photos courtesy of the Duggar family, Discovery/TLC/Scott Enlow, duggarfamily.com, dillardfamily.com

Saturday, November 14, 2015

New Header!

Have you noticed our new blog header? We are grateful to Jinger Duggar for supplying the photos and to our graphic artist, Rachel, for doing the design work. These two ladies did a fabulous job! Jinger is an experienced photographer, and Rachel is a friend of the Duggars and a member of the talented Wissmann family.

Friday, November 13, 2015

The Adorable Spurgeon Elliot Seewald

Spurgeon Elliot Seewald was born last Thursday, November 5th, to Jessa and Ben Seewald. The first-time parents waited until this week to settle on a name for their son, saying that they wanted to give him one that would suit him for the rest of his life. Jessa and Ben announced the official name on Wednesday evening. To hear the Seewalds explain the reasoning behind their unique choice, check out our last post.

Here is a picture of little Spurgeon at one week old:

Spurgeon Elliot Seewald


Photo courtesy theseewaldfamily.com

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Introducing Spurgeon Elliot Seewald

It's official! Jessa and Ben have decided what to call Baby Seewald: Spurgeon Elliot. The happy couple shares the meaning behind the powerful name in the following video:

More from Jessa & Ben

As we announced this morning, the three Seewalds will grace this week's cover of PEOPLE Magazine, available on newsstands Friday.

Despite the trials that the former stars of 19 Kids and Counting have endured over the past six months and the inaccurate and hateful stories that the media has written about the family, Jessa tells PEOPLE that she and Ben "know who [they] are and find joy and satisfaction in God."

More info on PEOPLE.com.

Seewalds on PEOPLE

The Seewald family
Picture courtesy of theseewaldfamily.com, used with permission
New parents Jessa and Ben Seewald will appear on this week's cover of PEOPLE Magazine, available on newsstands Friday.

The Seewalds still have yet to decide what they will call their little boy, telling the news outlet that they want to choose a name with meaning that will suit their son for the rest of his life.

The article includes exclusive photos of the family of three, as well as the details of Jessa's long labor that made her come close to requesting a transfer to the hospital and an epidural.

But the first-time mom powered through and successfully delivered Baby Seewald at home just before 7:00pm on Thursday. Jessa and Ben were the only ones who knew that their child was a boy, so you can imagine the excitement from both the Duggar and Seewald families when they found out the gender of the newest addition.

Immediately following the birth, the midwife became concerned about the amount of blood Jessa was losing, so Michelle called 911, and the new mom was taken to the emergency room for a blood transfusion. She had to leave her son for a short time, but Baby Seewald was soon brought to the hospital to join his mother.

Mom and baby are healthy, and the Seewalds are settling into life with a newborn. For more info, check out this week's issue of PEOPLE.

Monday, November 9, 2015

Still Waiting

We know you are all eager to hear the name of Jessa and Ben Seewald's son, who was born on Thursday. Rest assured that we will make the announcement as soon as the couple decides on a name for their little guy. 

In the meantime, can you identify these newborn pictures of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's six grandchildren? What facial features do these munchkins share? For those who are blanking on the names, Josh and Anna Duggar's four children are Mackynzie, Michael, Marcus, and Meredith. Jill and Derick Dillard have Israel, and Jessa and Ben Seewald have, well, Baby Seewald.



Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, TLC/Scott Enlow, theseewaldfamily.com, dillardfamily.com; used with permission

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Seewald Family Photo

How adorable is this photo of Jessa (Duggar) Seewald, Ben Seewald, and Baby Seewald? The newest addition to the Seewald and Duggar families was born on Thursday night, weighing 9 lbs 11 oz and measuring 21 1/4 inches long. The proud parents still have yet to announce the name they have chosen for their son, but rest assured we will post it to our blog as soon as they reveal it. More photos are available on the Seewalds' website.

The Seewald family: Jessa, Ben, and Baby Boy Seewald

Picture courtesy of theseewaldfamily.com, used with permission

Baby Seewald Update

We know you all are eager to hear Baby Seewald's name. The initial plan was for Jessa and Ben to announce it today. We will keep you posted. Until then, be sure to visit the couple's website to see more pictures of their adorable son.

Baby Seewald


Picture courtesy of theseewaldfamily.com, used with permission

Friday, November 6, 2015

Pictures of Baby Boy Seewald

As we shared earlier this morning, Jessa (Duggar) Seewald gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on Thursday, November 5th. He weighed in at 9 lbs 11 oz, exactly 1 oz more than cousin Israel Dillard weighed at birth. Fun fact: at 9 lbs 15 oz, Jessa was Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's heaviest baby.

The proud parents have yet to announce Baby Seewald's name. The first photo was given exclusively to PEOPLE Magazine, but Jessa and Ben just shared several more. We have post a photo below, and you can view the rest on TheSeewaldFamily.com.

 Baby Seewald


Picture courtesy of theseewaldfamily.com, used with permission