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Tuesday, July 20, 2021

It's a Girl!

Jessa and Ben just announced the gender and name of their 4th baby. Their daughter, Fern Elliana Seewald, was born on July 18th. She weighed 8 lbs 5 oz and measured 21 inches long. The link to this little one's birth video, who made her appearance on Grandpa Jim Bob's birthday, is below.

Jessa Seewald's Birth Story, Part 2


176 comments:

  1. Beautiful girl! So glad the birth went well! The name- well, to each his own!

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  2. I’m surprised. I guessed boy, thinking that odds say it would be a boy grandchild. Thrilled for the Seewald family, a great sister fir Ivy and the boys.

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    1. Odds of a girl vs boy are 50:50 every time.

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    2. What odds? It’s always a 50/50 chance

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    3. Ok. I, at 3:05, will correct myself. You are right. What I mean is that it seems like there have been so many girls, that at some point a boy would be born in the Duggar grandchild count. Does that make more sense. Probably not. It’s just me being me. 😏

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    4. People here like to disagree just for the sake of it, I think. I knew what you meant! Most people did, I'm sure.

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    5. Yes, 9:03, that makes sense.

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  3. What a beautiful name! Baby Fern will have such a wonderful life being born to such loving and fun parents. Jessa and Ben have such happy children and have a parenting style that is so amazing. They aren't afraid to let their children get dirty and be kids and they raise them with such a sense of adventure and also a love for God. They are the best parents!, Fern is Blessed.

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  4. Glad that Ivy has a little sister. Ivy and Fern, love their names.

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  5. I heard that Jessa likes plants, so maybe Fern & Ivy are her special plants.

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    1. It must be a trend. Josie Balka used Willow and Hazel for her girls, which are also plant names. Fern was popular around the time of Charlotte's Web. These trends always seen to repeatπŸ™‚

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  6. It’s grandpa not grandma birthday and I like the middle name.. as Eliana meaning is God has answered which after they lost a baby is a very sweet idea

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  7. Such a blessing! Birth is such a miracle, congratulations to the Seewald family.

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  8. Fern Elliana?... Middle name is lovely. Sweet another shared birthday

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  9. awee ivy and fern love it congrats

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  10. I'm not crying! You're crying!! She is beautiful! great job Jessa <3

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  11. The girl streak continues.

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    1. Yep every single Duggar grandchild born from July 2018 to fall 2021 is and will be a girl. I wonder who will break the streak in 2022.

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  12. I am so happy for you all. I am so sad that I won't get to see you on TLC anymore. But you were the only family I watched. Hope all family members are doing well. πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™

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  13. Fern? Ah another plant to go with Ivy.

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    1. Yes, it seems they are going to go for a plant theme for their girls, it will be nice to see what other plant names they will use, Holly Heather and Erica are my favorites.

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    2. Aw, Jessa was crying as it was emotional having a baby after a miscarriage, Joy also cried a lot after giving birth to Evy, but after a good cry they will be extra joyous to be holding their safe baby in their arms.

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    3. Time 6:08PM Tues 7/20/21
      I find that comment rude. Fern? Ah
      Another plant to go with Ivy. If Jessa & Ben see that comment they would be
      Hurt by that. Think before u speak.

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    4. Neddy, I doubt they would be hurt. Jessica loves plants and fern and ivy are names of plants. Jessica and Ben are smart enough to know that. The person being rude is you.

      Plants are lovely.

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    5. Yes, thinking before you speak is important for ALL of us…

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    6. Neddy, this comment wasn't rude unless you take it as rude. We don't know how the commenter intended it, but it's not good to go around assuming you know what other people were thinking.

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    7. I doubt that Ben or Jessa would be offended. Most people have opinions on what people name their children whether they’re in the public eye or not. They probably don’t read blog comments.

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    8. I would almost guarantee Ben and Jessa won’t read this blog. They are new parents, and parents of three other children. Far too busy to read blogs. Neddy, it’s like you just picked someone on this blog to be mad at for what is said about the Duggars. I didn’t think the poster's comment warranted your response.

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    9. Neddy, I think people are really kind to you here, but you are sometimes the rude one -- as in this case.

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    10. Neddy, just to make U feel better, Jessa is a strong person, Jessa and Ben LOVE THE OUTDOORS too, so I think they would name their Kids growing Plats,Ferns are 1 of the most beautiful plants ever!!! So being named after that plant,would not be sooo bad, and I am saying this, so U will not feel bad!!! I love U 1!!!!!!

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    11. They love the outdoors? Other than maybe Joy or Jill who has finally tried camping, the Duggar girls didn't like the outdoors and could barely tolerate that episode of wilderness survival.

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    12. Maybe the next babies could be Rose, Daisy and Heather. Also Forrest or Ash for a boy. I like the theme.

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  14. Congratulations, Jessa & Ben!!!!!!! Welcome, to the world, Fern!!!!!!

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  15. Congratulations to Ben & Jessa! So happy for your sweet little family. Nice to have two boys and two girls now. Blessings to all!

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  16. They have such beautiful children! She is perfect!

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  17. Fern and Ivy?? Really.

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    1. Fern and Ivy are lovely names. Like a favorite colour, names are a personal preference. They are part of the old fashion, great names and becoming popular again! Not everyone will like every name. If we were all the same, some of us would be redundant! God is good!

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    2. What's wrong with their names?? I think they're great, old fashioned names.

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    3. A girl I went to school with named her daughter Madeline because she hated nicknames for children and insisted all three of hers be addressed by their given names. Her extended family wasn't too crazy about Madeline. I think no matter what you name your child, someone's going to have something to say about it. That's just life. Just let it roll off. :)

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  18. Not amused with the plant theme. It's not a good idea to make kids adhere to some name theme. You become part of the theme, not your own person.

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    1. How do you know they were going with a plant theme? Maybe they just liked these names. Can't you just be happy that mom and baby go through delivery safely? I'm truly happy to welcome this beautiful baby.

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    2. I agree 4:26, it turns the children into a gimmick.

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    3. You make a true name for yourself by your words and actions, not just the name people call you.

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    4. Anon 4:26 I don't think a person adheres to a plant theme. Plants are beautiful and a friend of mine has a daughter named Lily and another named Violet. They are always getting compliments on their names. Fern and Ivy are both beautiful names.

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    5. 4:26 Not necessarily. I do agree that sometimes, particulaly in the case of twins, the names are so similar it is difficult to distinguish and may make it more difficult for them to be their own person. But, even though they are both plant names, they are different enough it should be easy enough to distinguish them. Jessa has done an amazing job of taking the kids out with her on a one to one basis. She has made some videos of mom son date with Henry and a dfferent one with just her and Ivy on a mom daughter date. If she keeps doing that with her kids, they will be individuals, yet the theme could serve to bond them. Whatever the case, it is not for us to judge the names, but rather the parents to choose them. Individually the names stand alone and are not likely to get confused.

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    6. I have to say I like the idea of "theme" names, such as plants or Bible characters, a LOT more than picking one letter of the alphabet and then forcing it that way. I mean look how the Duggar parents twisted that concept for "Jinger."

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    7. “You become part of the theme “ Really. Just because your name is Fern doesn’t mean you will adhere to being a plant that grows by streams under shady trees.

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    8. Maybe someone should ask the adult J kids how they felt having to be part of the J name theme. Look at George Foreman who named all his sons George. A theme can go overboard when it becomes the focus for naming.

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    9. The children I know that come from large families (like 6-10 children) feel like they're part of matching set. While the parents may think they're creating a "unity" or "unique identity as a family" by theming the names (and regularly somewhat proudly tell the children and others that), if the children were totally honest, they find it embarrassing and it makes them feel less than whole on their own. Their value is in being one of the group (think the Singing Von Trapps). They struggle to find an identity, carve out an individual identity (with it's own distinct likes and dislikes), and find value apart from the group. There's nothing cute about it.

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    10. Debbie- Ivy, Fern... it's a plant theme, at least so far.

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  19. Beautiful blessed baby Congratulations. Will miss watching your beautiful family. I feel your show was the best example of a loving family I ever seen. I know it was probably hard in some ways for a family to have this type of exposure. I really thank you all and feel blessed to have got to know your family through this show. How they think reality shows with drinking drugs materialism foul mouths is better than your show I don’t know. We don’t need shows like this. I hope and pray to see you all again and watch a show with a heart for love and kindness. I wish you and your beautiful family all the best. God Bless

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    1. 4:27, I don't agree. There were less than wholesome things going on in the Duggar family but those things weren't included in the weekly episodes. That doesn't mean those things didn't happen. We know they did because there were confession statements issued by the family more than once, and headlines to go with them. Those things have also been discussed a bit in their books, and they did a special about one of them. What was shown on TV every week was carefully organized beforehand and edited later. Anyone can look perfect with a script to follow and editing.

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    2. I agree 4:27. There is always a public persona and a private persona.

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    3. @7:07 That's true. The difference is more pronounced with this family because it went from one extreme to the other. Of course people have reacted to that. You would hope the Duggars learned to improve after these experiences, but the way the problems continue is troubling.

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  20. So much for the power of bows. Spurgeon thought it was a boy.

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    1. @4:27 in this day and age, you never know what you might see.

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    2. 9:43 - I don’t understand what you mean by that.

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  21. She's a beautiful baby girl and I love her name. I'm so sad that I can't watch you guys anymore please keep us updated on everybody. May God bless all of you

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  22. I like that they choose meaningful names for the boys and plants for the girls.

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    1. I guess they could have named her Spurgeonetta

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    2. Maybe Fern and Ivy are meaningful to Ben and Jessa.

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    3. @11:30 Yes, they looked around the living room after Jessa bought all those plants home and said "Hmmmm..." LOL

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    4. I love plants and would rather be named after a plant than after another person who's no better than I am.

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    5. No need to be sarcastic, 8:34.

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  23. Welcome Fern Eliana! Congrats to Ben and Jessa!!

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  24. Congratulations Ben & Jessa on your baby girl. I am glad she's πŸ˜€ happy & healthy. I am amazed how much she weighed & how long she is & that she shares a birthday with Jim bob. I really thank you for the videos. I still would ♥️ love to see it all on tv. Natasha b

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  25. Now both Jessa and Jinger have a child born in July and November. Felicity and Fern birthdays 1 day apart and names begin with F.

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  26. In the city where I live there is a street called Fern Avenue. Now I will always think of the street when I here her name

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  27. I love Fern! Goes beautifully with IvyπŸ’—

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  28. I don't get why there is such negative comments on the child's name. (Not on here - other sites I also follow). Excited for Ivy to have a sister and for the boys to protect. Glad the girl streak is continuing. And how fun is it that Fern has a common thing with older sister, Ivy! Ivy and great grandma Mary had the same birthday - May 26th. And now Fern and grandpa Jim Bob have the same birthday - July 18. Congrats again, Jessa, Ben and family.

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    1. Why would boys have to "protect" a sister?

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    2. Why would the boys need to protect Fern? From what, exactly?

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    3. Wow! Thanks for pointing out that the two Seewald sisters share birthdays with a close relative. I'm hope Fern and Grandpa Duggar enjoy that special bond in years to come!

      As far as the negativity (on any site that discusses the Duggars), think on the biblical verse from John 15:18 --
      "If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first."

      The enemy of humanity (Satan) does not want souls to go to Heaven, and he certainly does not want that happening via TV, social media, or any other far-reaching means. Christians will be cancelled by the "cancel culture" whether or not there is a good reason to, simply because of the dangerous message that they spread: That a loving God, the One and Only that exists, will offer His only Son for our salvation, if we only know, love, and serve Him in this life. We will always be met with resistance, but we must always meet said resistance with hope and prayer. Prayer takes it on the spiritual battlefield where the fight is actually happening, and will eventually be won, in Jesus' Holy Name!

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    4. Oh, people just think it's ok to be rude these days. Fern isn't my favorite name, but it also isn't my business what they choose to name her. They're happy with it, and that's what matters.

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    5. I understand what you mean. Big brothers are protective of their little sisters. If they're worth their salt, that is...lol. People like to be negative here, for some reason... Or maybe they genuinely don't understand the comments?

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    6. Is someone bothering Fern and Ivy, that they need protection from a five and four year old?

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    7. 10:47, their brothers will not always be 4 and 5. πŸ™„

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    8. Neveah: You seem to look for hatred and negativity constantly. So sad. I don't think anyone posting here is full of hate and are negative in the way you appear to believe.

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    9. Maybe Fern and Ivy will have to protect their older brothers.

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    10. Have to admit, I'm more than a little confused here. After Jessa kind of went on and on about how and why Spurgeon and Henry were named after mighty men of God, then they give the girls both plant names? Are the girls not worthy of (or worth) significant spiritual names???

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    11. Neveah, just because someone does not like the couple's choice of name or comments that young women do not protection has nothing to do with cancel culture. I think you do not understand what "cancel culture" is.

      The Duggars' show was cancelled because it was time. Josh's legal problems have made it impossible for the show to continue. However, no one is stopping the Duggars from posting youtube videos or having blogs or giving interviews.

      The Duggars are JUST one family. They are NOT Christianity and their version of Christianity is just one of many. So, if people comment on their videos or on this blog is is NOT an example of culture culture.

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  29. Congrats beautiful baby

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  30. Congratulations, Seewald family! Fern Elliana is a sweet name. God Bless! πŸ’•πŸ™πŸ’•

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  31. I think she looks like Henry!
    Love the name Fern!❤

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  32. Congratulations jessa and Ben on the birth of baby fern

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  33. Cute name -- matches Ivy.

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  34. LOL...this reminds me of actress, Poppy Montgomery. She and her sisters all have flower names, and her daughter also has a flower name.

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  35. To Neddy Constant, Someone made a comment that was all. Not rude. Thats why this blog is here for us to leave a comment. Thanks for the blog Elle.

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    1. Exactly! Everyone has an opinion and its just her name. She wont read comments and Ben/Jessa will be okay, they lived through people disliking Spurgeon's name... Also to folks in general, IVY's name was from some Christian lady in the past (the JANE part i believe)

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  36. Congratulations to Jessa and Ben! They are wonderful parents! If everyone loved their children like they do , this world would be such a better place. I just love the way that Jessa gets so emotional at the birth of her children❣️And so precious to have her mother there.Thank you for showing Christ in your family.

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  37. Amongst the Dugger girls, Jessa is the winner.

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    1. Winner of what?

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    2. Winner of what?

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    3. They are all lovely individuals who are all winners.

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    4. Actually, Jessa is the only one :). Other Duggar girls gave their kids nice and decent names. Only Seewalds experiment with theologists and plants.

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  38. I remember recently Jessa talking about her fiddle fern and now she has a daughter Fern.πŸ˜†

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    1. I wonder if Fern will learn to play violin when she is old enough.

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    2. @2:04. I sincerely hope you are joking. A fiddle fern is a species of fern. She didn't name an instrument "Fern".

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  39. Jessa SEEWALD U MADE IT SAFE AND SOUND!!!!!!!!!! YAYAYAYY, and SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! WOW, U 2 make the best babies, and I am Happy Ben U are OK too!!!! WAY TO GO!!!!!!!! I love U then 5,WOW, now I love U 6!!!!!!! Eh Jess almost to 15,(JOKE)!!!!!!

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  40. It’s a unique name, but they obviously had time to think about the name. I won’t judge on names, it’s given a lot of thought what your going to name your child! I think it’s a special name. Congrats on your baby, she is so adorable!

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  41. There goes the header! Again.

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    1. Well, yes, we've known there was another addition for months now.

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  42. I like the name Fern, I think flower and plants names are nice and it's good to pick some of the less used ones too. But even if I didn't you don't need to say that, it's their child, don't be so negative just say congrats on the new baby instead.

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  43. Happy all is okay with Jessa and the baby. I love her second name, if you add one letter to IT, its my second nameπŸ˜„

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  44. Does anyone know if Jessa needed any medical intervention after she delivered? In the video, she still had an IV and a blood pressure cuff on. Usually after delivery, you're disconnected if all is well.

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    1. I had a blood pressure cuff on for a long while after our 3rd was born despite no issues. Especially with Jessa's history of hemorrhaging they were probably keeping close tabs on it even if all went well (which I hope it did!).

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    2. Since she had an IV I think there may have been some problem she isn't disclosing. They usually do monitor your blood pressure during labor but the IV isn't part of the normal routine.

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    3. An IV is totally normal in the hospital where I work...

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    4. Yeah, I was gonna say I remember having an iv when I had my babies.

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  45. I love the name!!

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  46. Ivy and Fern. I love how the sisters names are linked. Beautiful.

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    1. Why do u feel that is necessary? They will announce if they choose to do so. Personal question. They just got married need to get to know each other first.

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    2. 10:53, huh? Who just got married?

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    3. Right church wrong pew, 10:53

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    4. 10:53 - I think you put your response under the wrong post. It doesn’t make sense at all as a comment on 8:55’s post.

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  47. Now that the naming is taken care of, time for the next pregnancy announcement. I wonder who it will be....Claire, Lauren, Katey???

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    1. I hope nobody, they are all still young no need to rush.

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    2. None, this family has plenty of babies no need to add more.

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    3. I hope not Claire, Justin is only 18, at least be 20 before fathering a child.

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    4. I'm very surprised Lauren did not have an announcement yet. Bella turn 2 in November, and Addison who is like a week older than Bella, already has a 5 months old sister!! I also think Abbie might want to have a 2nd child sooner than later.

      I know that Joy said she is enjoying Evy at this time, but they do want more kids, and I think Joy might start thinking of the next one once Evy turns 1.

      So I think, by the end of the year we will hear from Lauren, Abbie, Joy and probably Katey.

      As for Justin, I hope they will wait a little. While Clair is "already" 20 LOL, Justin is only 18, and they probably should just enjoy themselves as a couple. Jed however is quite mature guy, and they are the same age with Katey (she is turning 23 next week, Jed in December). They seem to be both very rational, and probably would want to have a few kids right away. Jed has a 3-bed house, he is very prepared to start a family.

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    5. 1:40, perhaps you should let the Duggar women know of your ideas regarding their procreation schedule.

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    6. I hope no one for awhile. If they are newlyweds let them enjoy their time together. If they already have kids let them enjoy the ones they already have. Also there's nothing wrong with only having one child, or stopping after two.

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    7. @1:40 This is not a game. These young women are not on a schedule to entertain the masses.

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    8. This is not a game and they may not be on a schedule, but you can bet there's an unspoken competition (as we saw in an extremely awkward and uncomfortable episode featuring Jinger's sisters calling her right after she was married to see if she was pregnant "yet"). Perhaps you forgot (or were unaware) that the Duggar girls grew up in a home with Michelle's "drawer full of pregnancy tests" (their own words).

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  48. What a beautiful baby! She looks like a baby doll! And love all that hair!!!

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  49. Ivy is so cute! It was fun to hear her observations of the new baby.

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  50. Love the name elliana

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  51. Congratulations to a lovely family. I love the name and I would ignore evil comments on the name. It's none of anyone's business what you name your children.

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    1. When someone tells you what they named their baby and ask fora comment, like it or not it becomes our business.

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    2. When did they ask for a comment on the name?

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    3. I don't believe Jessa asked for your opinion on Fern's name.

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    4. 6:29, someone telling you their baby's name makes it your business? No, it doesn't entitle you to make it your business. That's ridiculous.

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    5. While I can appreciate the sense of loyalty, I wouldn't exactly classify comments anyone here has made regarding this baby's name as "evil". There's a lot more horrific things happening to people all over the world that truly qualify as evil.

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  52. I think I like these two videos more than I liked the TLC show! Really good content. TLC would show repeat content (sometimes you'd see part of a scene FOUR TIMES in one episode), and NO commercials, lol! This format is much more enjoyable.

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    1. 11:08, I was thinking the same thing.

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  53. Replies
    1. Moderators why post this comment? It’s just completely mean-spirited and uncalled for. Not cool moderators.

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    2. Thorn isn't a name, Fern is and has been used for centuries even if it's not very common, but they obviously like names that aren't used much, lots of people use uncommon names, although the name Fern isn't getting as much of a beating that the name Spurgeon got!

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    3. I'll bet there's someone in the world named Thorn. Edit - Just searched and indeed "Thorne" is an Old English name and "Thorn" the updated version! It's also a name used in Sweden, and there are famous people named Thorne or Thorn, first or last names. Whaddya know. Learn something new every day.

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    4. Thorn is a name! Many people already have thst name!

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  54. Glad everything went well with Fern's delivery. Fern is a beautiful baby/ Loved the video of Fern's siblings meeting her for the first time. God Bless.
    Joan,Marion and Marilyn

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  55. Fern Elliana. Adorable name. I love hearing what others name their children. I can’t believe others are knocking it! The world sure would be a boring place if everyone had similar names...

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  56. What happened to Runk???
    I thought it was very original πŸ˜‚

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    1. They're leaving that for when they have a boy!

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    2. Maybe they should use Runk as an affectionate nickname for her after Henry's comment. It was original.

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  57. Mary Jane would have been a good name.

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    1. I seriously doubt they would give their daughter the same name as a nickname for a drug!!!!

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    2. Unfortunately, Jane is Ivy's middle name. If they had not wanted the name Fern, but still wanted a plant name, Iris might have been an alternative. Iris is associated with rainbows, and she is rainblow baby. Many other plant based names and many other alternatives. She is a cute baby.

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    3. I seriously doubt they know about drug nicknames.

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    4. I think the poster was just being funny. No need to over-dissect the comment.

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  58. Well done Jessa & Ben. A beautiful baby girl and healthy delivery. May God continue to hold your little family in the palm of his hand!

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  59. Congratulations Jessa and Ben. A beautiful baby girl. Why are some of you people on this post so mean spirited? Their daughter, their chose of names. For those of you that have children didn't you pick their names? Fern and Ivy are both old fashion names. Old fashion names are making a come back. Yes they are public figures, but still no need to be rude.

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  60. Not even home from the hospital yet and she has to wear a bow. Do they put little neckties or tool belts on boys too, or is adornment only for girls? Not that it helped Spurgeon at all. A better lesson would be to develop the ability to look past what someone is wearing and see who they are.

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    1. Neckties and tool belts, LOL! But I feel the same about bows. Unnecessary accessory for a baby.

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    2. Indeed. Look past the harbor and see who she is, rather than criticizing a mere adornment.

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    3. Oh please, don't suggest anything that might start a trend! Bow on head = girl. Same bow (tie) on shirt neck = boy. lol

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    4. Some moms just can't wait to adorn their baby girls with hair bows (not saying I agree with that). Hopefully it's just for the picture's sake. Just don't like that some people treat the child more like a doll to dress up at whim. I think maybe people don't realize or are totally unaware that it might be a bit stressful for the baby-the baby can feel that physical sensation (even light pressure) on their scalp and their temples, but have no way to tell you they don't like it or to remove it themselves. I wish, as moms, we'd maybe be a bit more considerate.

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    5. 9:04, a baby will let you know if she is uncomfortable.

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    6. Amazing if a baby will come right out and tell you, "I don't like this bow on my head." Otherwise general fussiness about something uncomfortable on the body can be easily confused with needing a diaper change or a feeding. I don't know any mom who would remove a bow first to try to stop a baby from crying.

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    7. True, a baby may let you know she's uncomfortable, but I seriously doubt most parents would figure out it's the bow around her head that she's fussing about (especially if she's too little still to pull at it). They'll check her diaper, try to feed her, rock her, walk her, sing to her, rub her back, etc. and eventually conclude "she's just fussy"...and not think twice about that elastic headband and hair bow.

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  61. How exciting for them! I will say I've never been fond of theme names, as it can draw teasing or ridicule. People may tend to be preoccupied with the name, rather than the human being. There were siblings in my church where I grew up who were named after flowers. They never heard the end of it. Our philosophy when naming our kids was to pick one that's as unobtrusive and simple as possible.

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    1. I agree 11:17, you become part of the theme whether you want to be or not. It's like the parents care more about keeping the theme going than the individual kids. Names should also be picked so there are no embarrassing nicknames and the initials don't spell anything.

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    2. In truth, it’s probably a good thing Spurgeon is homeschooled. Kids can be so mean. I think “Spurgie” is a cute nickname and fits him right now.

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    3. Anon 3:57. They should have thought about the "nickname" thing with Ivy...she obviously going to have to endure being called "Poison Ivy"...

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    4. Totally agree w/ 11:17 and 3:57 here. Names should also be "practiced" for how they will sound in future settings: being announced for a high school/college graduation ceremony, a wedding ceremony, when you become an Aunt or Uncle, as well as with Grandmom/Grandma/Memaw/Nana/Mom-mom/Oma or Granddaddy/Grandpa/Paw-paw/Pop-pop/Opa (or whatever your family uses) in front of them. This child needs a name that's going to weather all of life's seasons well. ;)

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    5. Their choice of names isn't that big a deal. IMO the names I dislike are "Fawn" and "Bambi"...They may be cute for a little girl, but somehow doesn't work for a 40 year old woman.

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    6. 9:39 - the kids will be homeschooled, so there won't be any outside peers to bully Ivy with "poison Ivy" name.

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    7. Homeschooled children have peer groups too. Most of them aren't like confined to their homes. LOL The vast majority of them participate in Co-ops, group schools, Scouting, 4-H groups, community children's choirs/bands, community sports (like Little league, basketball & soccer teams), summer camps, summer enrichment camps hosted on college campuses. Quite a number of families choose to homeschool for a season, sending their children to public/private middle and high schools. We know homeschool children who've taken double credit classes in conjunction with the local community college while in high school. Believe it or not, we've also discovered that there are bullies in homeschooling groups, classes, and activities as well. ;) Homeschooled children have the same human nature issues as public school children.

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  62. Ivy is a nice sounding name, but Fern?? You can't make out any cute nicknames. It has just one syllabi, it's not really easy for kids to pronounce... How the little baby will say her own name when she learns to speak? And it's really not an attractive plant either. Dahlia or Rose would remind of much prettier plant.

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    1. To each their own...if I were going with a plant them, I would have named her Rose with Mary (Mary in honor of Grandma Mary) for her middle name. Just thankful little Fern is healthy and the delivery seems to have gone well for Jessa. Glad she/they finally chose wisdom in having the baby in the hospital.

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    2. Why does she have to have a nickname? Maybe they actually want to call her by her real name. And why would a name with one syllable be hard to pronounce? That would make it easier, not harder. She will say her name just like any other child learning to speak.

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  63. 4:19, in the 70’s I had a college friend named Opal Fern, named after her grandmothers. She went by Susie.

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