Sunday, June 19, 2011

"First Grandson" Recap

On tonight's episode of "19 Kids and Counting," First Grandson...
  • Josh and Anna prepared for the arrival of their little one by picking out a crib at Once Upon a Child, cleaning out their second bedroom, and using dolls to teach Mackynzie how to treat a baby. At the ultrasounds, Mackynzie showed her excitement at being a big sister by pointing at all the screen shots and crying, "Baby! Baby! Baby!" 
  • For a refresher course on natural childbirth, Josh and Anna attended Bradley classes with their favorite teacher, Ms. Teresa. Josh loves spending the time with his wife but admits that "some of the exercises they do at the birth classes are weird. And no only are they weird, but they have weird names." His advice to first-time parents? "If it looks weird, then you're probably doing it right!" But as odd as the positions look, both Josh and Anna know the benefits. The exercises not only strengthen the mother's muscles, but also help keep the baby in the ideal position for labor and delivery.
  • With the due date drawing near, Michelle treated Anna, as well as her own older daughters, to pedicures. The girls loved being pampered at the nail salon, and everyone, even Johannah, came out feeling beautiful.
  • Josh and Anna decided to go on the book tour with the rest of the family in early June. Armed with a suitcase of supplies, just in case the baby came on the road, they paid a visit to Anna's family, got soaked at Niagara Falls, and met fans from across the country. 
  • Three days after arriving home from the book tour, Anna began having contractions, and she and Josh prepared for a home birth. Fourteen hours into labor, Anna felt the need to push and ended up delivering little Michael James Duggar in the bathroom! He was born at 5:55PM on June 15th, weighing 8 pounds, 10 ounces and measuring 21 inches long. What's the significance of the name Michael James? Anna's father is Michael, and Jim Bob's given name is James.
  • Anna shared her heart: "There's nothing I would rather do than spend time with my little ones and...get the house ready for Josh when he gets home....Mackynzie loves little Michael...it's so fun watching them bond and love and enjoy each other...There's nothing more fun than being a mom."
What did you think of the episode? Are you familiar with the Bradley Method for natural childbirth?

*This episode is now for sale on Amazon for $1.99. This link will take you right to it.

24 comments:

  1. I just love the Duggar family. This was a great episode. The love between family members really showed. I enjoyed the closeness of the atmosphere during the childbirth experience, and I smiled at the pedicure trip. Johanna was just darling.

    Michelle is just so sweet. When we play the "Ungame" I sometimes get the question "What famous person would you like to be your parent?" and mine would be the Duggars! I admire them so much. Probably what sets them apart the most from other families, other than their size, is their committment to their faith.

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  2. Congratulations!! What wonderful news. Prayers of praise for a happy healthy new little Duggar:)

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  3. I don't get to watch the latest episodes because we don't have cable. I really enjoy the show and appreciate the example of godly and frugal living. But I watch the older ones on Netflix. I LOVE The Bradley Method. It worked so well for us that after the birth of our son, I trained to teach Bradley classes. I love seeing how well it works for the mamas in my classes:-)

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  4. Such sweet news! Congratulations, Duggars, on your new little blessing... boys are wonderful! ;)

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  5. wow, they still got it right, it is Michael James. However, Josh didn't say about his 11-year-old brother Jason's middle name, but it's easy.

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  6. Congrads Josh, Anna, and Mackynzie!!! And to little Michael.... be prepared for lots of aunts and uncles loving on you!!

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  7. We're looking forward to seeing this episode!

    The Duggars have been such an encouragement to us!

    -The Morgan family
    www.bandtplus7.blogspot.com

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  8. Hooray, I really did like the name Michael James. A big congratulations to Josh and Anna. You are right Anna, there is nothing better than being a mother and making a home for your family.

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  9. I have watched little Micheal's birth episode 4-5 times! I find it so heartwarming that Jill was front and center for the birth. I am hopeful that she becomes a RNM and shares her gift with the world!

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  10. Though I really enjoy watching the wholesomeness of the Duggars, I do not understand why televise the birth of a child. Isn't there some ounce of privacy in life? The only thing that is not reflected in the show is the creation process and utilizing the bathroom. Second, please Josh/Anna, do not have any more children since you have a boy/girl. Enjoy the two children... There's the youngest Duggar girls that can be like siblings to MacKenzie/Michael. And do not forget how expensive it is to raise children. Did you really enjoy having so many siblings and lacked having your own bedroom/waiting for the bathroom/time with a parent without worrying about a sibling interrupting? God Bless.

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  11. I haven't watched the episode, but from what it seems, it looks like a touching and sweet episode!! Congratulations, Josh and Anna!! Michael James-you will be spoiled to death, I am sure of that, by your sister and all your uncles and aunts!! Michael, make sure, when you're old enough, read your Bible daily and trust in the Lord ALWAYS!!! Love you sweet boy!

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  12. Oh my goodness, that last anonymous comment is hilarious! Obviously from someone who hasn't watched the show much. It's not expensive to raise children; the kids actually wanted to share bedrooms; but I digress. . .
    We have used the Bradley method with all of our homebirths. It cracked me up that Josh thought "pelvic rock" was a weird name for that exercise. You're rocking your pelvis back and forth. lol
    I loved this episode, although it made me sad that her 2nd labor had to be so long. Red raspberry tea, Anna. Works every time. :D

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  13. It was an amazing episode! Since watching the Duggars, I've looked into the Bradley Method, and I look forward to using it with my future children! :) God Bless Josh & Anna!

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  14. I appreciate that the family chooses to share these moments with all of us! It was a beautiful birth.

    I thought one of the most precious moments was when Anna was holding Mackenzie after she had woken up. Anna was telling her that baby brother was coming soon and she was crying. As a Mama to 3 blessings I could relate to that joy you feel when having another baby and the tug at your heart for your previous baby. It is amazing how your heart just continues to grow with each child.

    Congratulations to the entire Duggar family! May God continue to bless you all!

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  15. I live in Australia and am DYING to see this episode. Can anyone tell me where I can watch it online for free? Better yet, could someone please upload it onto YouTube? Thank you so much!! Look forward to watching, and CONGRATS to Josh, Anna and Mackynzie!

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  16. I appreciate the home birth being aired on television. It is important to show that birth belongs at home! I wish we would see it in more media outlets!! I too took Bradley and loved it. It prepares you for birth and gives lots of good practice for you and your coach. Way to go on the newest addition to the family :)

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  17. me and my mom were both wondering where Kitty the cat is?!? She wasn't on the birth episode so we were wondering if they still have her or if they had to give her away or if something else had happened to her :/

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  18. Anonymous in Australia, you can buy episodes on Amazon.com for 1.99 a piece. This episode is actually listed under season 4.

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  19. I think that the show should spend about 15 minutes focusing on Josh,Anna,McKenzie,and Micheal. The Duggars are awsome

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  20. Congrats Anna, Josh and big sister, Mackynzie!!! Little boys are the best!! My son's middle name is also James!! What a wonderful family!!! Also, Michelle needed to treat herself to a mani/pedi!!! You deserve one!!

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  21. In my house, which is one filled with sons and a husband.. (funny- I came from a household full of all girls..) we say someone is the man if they stand up under great pressure... Anna is the man.. that sounds funny... sorry.. LOL... but she is... natural childbirth can be really difficult... a lot of pain..

    How on Earth she let them film while she was in labor... wow... but it is a great way to show the world what childbirth is like and promote the idea of Children being a blessing from God... May God bless them...and you too - Lily and Ellie

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  22. Way to go, Anna! We used the Bradley method for the birth of our daughter and it was wonderful. Although I could never be filmed while in labor, haha!! Can't wait to see more of little Michael.

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  23. filming a birth is rather inapropriate young children watch the show and even for older people it is rather inapropriate i know that they say she decided it but shes in pain and im afraid people might laugh at her when she crysits their desision and i still love the duggar and bates (but the bates dont film births at least not for kelly)

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