Doubling Down With The Derricos - General Discussion

[AZChristian]

1 hour ago, sATL said:

Was it covered why GG-Grandma can't be the nanny? I know it may be hard to pick up roots from where you lived , worshiped, worked a career, raised a child, established medical team (which is important as one ages) but still... looks like the son Derico needs her more than Detroit could possible need Grandma.

Speaking as someone who IS a grandmother, and could have been a great-grandmother if the grandkids wanted to reproduce . . . 

Why should anyone be expected or obligated to "pick up roots from where you lived , worshiped, worked a career, raised a child, established medical team (which is important as one ages)"?  If this couple wants to have all of these children and scam their way into paying some of their expenses, Grandma has no obligation to leave the life SHE has created for HERSELF to help them in any way, shape, or form.  

Have we helped our kids once in a while?  Yep.  But if their need for help was based on their own unwise choices, they needed to handle things on their own.

JMO.

[sATL]

1 minute ago, AZChristian said:

Speaking as someone who IS a grandmother, and could have been a great-grandmother if the grandkids wanted to reproduce . . . 

Why should anyone be expected or obligated to "pick up roots from where you lived , worshiped, worked a career, raised a child, established medical team (which is important as one ages)"?  If this couple wants to have all of these children and scam their way into paying some of their expenses, Grandma has no obligation to leave the life SHE has created for HERSELF to help them in any way, shape, or form.  

Have we helped our kids once in a while?  Yep.  But if their need for help was based on their own unwise choices, they needed to handle things on their own.

JMO.

I not saying she is obligated.. I am asking  - was she asked, somewhere along the line, or did she state she didn't want to do so?

Yes - if she wants to help fine, if she doesn't that is fine, too. 

[druzy]

1 hour ago, SDVegas said:

 

Thanks for posting that. I find it interesting since Deon refers to Derron as “the devil,” and says “everything I stand for, he’s the opposite of.”

[TipseyGirl]

On 8/23/2020 at 1:08 AM, Joan of Argh said:

 

 

Well, poop. I am out too. I was really thinking they were a sweet family. I still think the children are precious - but their parents suck. Feh.

Sorry about the quote box. I can't get rid of it.

Edited August 26, 2020 by TipseyGirl

[Stardancer Supreme]

Derron AND his wife were with the family in Vegas.  I guess we can take any news of a family rift with grains of salt if it involves a TLC check.

 

Episode 3:

Karen just wears me out.  I totally get that she wants to be a Super Mom, but honey. They outnumber you! It is a thing in the Black community to want to take care of your family by yourself. She gave the line about her grandmother and mother doing it themselves; Hon, they didn't have multiple children at once!  In her case, she and Deon have created too many people to be able to care for them and HERSELF properly.  I felt so bad when she came home because you know she was in serious pain. Having babies is enough to jack up a woman's body.  Add multiple births and multiple cesarean sections to the mix, it's a wonder Karen lived through the deliveries!  You are allowed to get help. I'm amazed that they waited this long to have nanny conversations. The Derricos need at least 2 full time nannies.

GG hightailed it back to Detroit pretty quickly. Did she get to see the triplets?  De'Aren looks just like GG! 

I was wondering how they managed that trip to the bowling alley. The fact that Eric and the children's teacher had to come along should have let Karen know that she needs physical help.

The family also needs to have mental health therapy sessions as well.  I'm tired just watching this show sometimes.

[Twopper]

On 8/18/2020 at 7:21 PM, Stardancer Supreme said:

A minor quibble: The triplin' you lost got a name that started with C, instead of a D? Seemed odd.

That bugs me every time I hear it;  it makes me wonder if they knew he wouldn't survive and for some reason didn't want him to have a "D" name.  Or maybe they wanted   the memory of him to be special so he was given a "C" name for that reason.  I guess I will have to go with the latter idea, because the idea that they might not want to waste a "D" name on a dying baby is too horrific to deal with.   I still hate most of the names, and the ones I don't hate have odd spellings   I know several girls named Dawson, but, of course, they had to come up with a variant spelling.

I only saw a little last night. They were talking about needing a nanny.  I don't think they need a nanny in the usual since of the word.  I would think they would need someone more like a housekeeper.  I would want someone to come in and clean at least once a week as well as someone to come in and do all the laundry for me plus running errands. And help with diaper changes and feedings. Basically, the mother needs an assistant or two.   I give them bonus points for not wanting the older daughter to be a substitute mother/workhorse like the Duggars did.

[Jeanne222]

6 hours ago, SDVegas said:

 

Some people pay for a room at the casino!  Most people that gamble are comped the room due to their casino spending.

I would say that suite of rooms for all those people has to be comped to a huge gambler!

Then add in comped meals for all of them and I'd say Mr. D's a mighty high roller!!!  I mean thousands!

[SDVegas]

4 hours ago, Jeanne222 said:

Some people pay for a room at the casino!  Most people that gamble are comped the room due to their casino spending.

I would say that suite of rooms for all those people has to be comped to a huge gambler!

Then add in comped meals for all of them and I'd say Mr. D's a mighty high roller!!!  I mean thousands!

They probably got it thru TLC. 

[SabineElisabeth]

Wow.... there's actually an older adopted child in the mix, as well?  When they introduce their family, Karen says they have "11 amazing" kids, but apparently, the more accurate statement would be that the sanitized, tv-ready version of their family includes 11 kids....with no mention whatsoever of the adopted son by either Deon or Karen. Ummmm... OUCH!

Regarding the nanny talk, I'm not sure exactly why, but the discussions between Deon and Karen, in particular, felt very inauthentic. I couldn't help but think the nanny search is on not because the new babies finally pushed them beyond their limits, but because they have  new TLC money burning a hole in their pockets.

I still think the children are delightful and love what we've seen of GiGi so far. However, Deon is just "meh," and I'm finding it very difficult to like Karen. I'll probably watch a couple more episodes to see if I can warm up to them, but otherwise, I see myself quickly losing interest in the show.

[SunnyBeBe]

Smiling children before a camera, doesn't always translate into happy children behind closed doors.  I said that for years with several large, famous, tv families and as it turns out......it's true. 

[DC Gal in VA]

On 8/12/2020 at 8:24 PM, snarkish said:

Okay, so I was impressed that they are so organized and involved with the kids. Mom seems to try to get teaching moments in everywhere. Dad seems to enjoy the simple stuff like cooking and home haircuts. However, there seems to be something almost "too slick" about him. And the money management lessons he's having the little ones spout seems odd too. I did like the fact that they underlined in a TH that they'd have as many as "they could provide for adequately". But the thing that is bothering me mostly is that Karen is having bedrest issues with every pregnancy. With 11 small children at home already, you cannot go stay in the hospital for 8 weeks with each subsequent pregnancy! This is something that God or whoever is trying to tell her that she's had enough! This is also the problem I had with the Duggars, after they lost the baby before Josie, and then Josie wound up as a micro preemie. It's time to stop when a normal healthy pregnancy isn't in the cards anymore! It cannot be good for her body to carry that many multiple pregnancies anyhow. A Dr. recently told a female friend of mine with a newly discovered heart murmur (she is late 40's, with 5 children, last two being twins), that "many women have slight heart murmurs from pregnancy that they aren't even aware of, from the stress of carrying the pregnancies." Not sure if that is truth or not, but it seems legit. 

So far, so good for me, so I'll keep watching.

However, ITA most definitely @snarkish regarding the bolded part. It's really their choice/business to have a lot of kids especially if they can responsibly  provide for them; they are all very adorable btw. The main problem for me is that part of that responsibility is being alive and well to take care of them. And speaking of God, seems to me that God is screaming into a megaphone that 8 weeks on bedrest and then one of the triplets needing multiple surgeries before she's out of the NICU is a divine sign that 14 is enough.

What's been cracking me up is all the talk about a nanny. I mean really, "a nanny" as in just ONE for all those kids. I think it was a discussion Karen had with her friend during the girl quints cupcake outing that a nanny was first mentioned and her friend with just two kids said she had one fulltime and another part-time. Karen laughed and said something like "Gee, I'll probably need a half dozen!" That estimate may not be too far off.😊

[DC Gal in VA]

On 8/26/2020 at 3:07 PM, Stardancer Supreme said:

Derron AND his wife were with the family in Vegas.  I guess we can take any news of a family rift with grains of salt if it involves a TLC check.

 

Episode 3:

Karen just wears me out.  I totally get that she wants to be a Super Mom, but honey. They outnumber you! It is a thing in the Black community to want to take care of your family by yourself. She gave the line about her grandmother and mother doing it themselves; Hon, they didn't have multiple children at once!  In her case, she and Deon have created too many people to be able to care for them and HERSELF properly.  I felt so bad when she came home because you know she was in serious pain. Having babies is enough to jack up a woman's body.  Add multiple births and multiple cesarean sections to the mix, it's a wonder Karen lived through the deliveries!  You are allowed to get help. I'm amazed that they waited this long to have nanny conversations. The Derricos need at least 2 full time nannies.

GG hightailed it back to Detroit pretty quickly. Did she get to see the triplets?  De'Aren looks just like GG! 

I was wondering how they managed that trip to the bowling alley. The fact that Eric and the children's teacher had to come along should have let Karen know that she needs physical help.

The family also needs to have mental health therapy sessions as well.  I'm tired just watching this show sometimes.

Tee hee @Stardancer Supreme, that's starting to wear me out too! All of those tearful talking head moments Karen has about wanting/needing to do it all are starting to get real old, real fast. I recall her mentioning that she could just hear all the people saying "Gurrrrll, what did you expect having 14 kids!" Well Karen, although it's definitely your and your husband's decision as to how many children you have, but all those pregnancies come with some serious health risks to you as their mother. Interesting that she was wondering why her emotions were all over the place. Other than the obvious, I was screaming "HORMONES!" at the tv which take months to get back to normal levels after giving birth.

As for her needing two nannies, I was thinking more like them needing three or four in shifts!😁

[Linarina]

I'm wading into dangerous territory here, but a scene from a previous episode has been bothering me -- when Karen was having basically a "stranger danger" conversation with her little girls about how to STAND. THEIR. GROUND. and say HANDS OFF to all the evil racist people whose hands will inevitably be magnetically drawn to their hair.

I do feel like I understand the "hair issue," but that scene made me sad because it's priming them to feel victimized and to have their guard up.  Micro aggressions like "ooh, can I touch your (different) hair" do add up to macro-level racism, but I'd want to give my child the gift of assuming the best in people.  I imagine being taught at age 5 that others see you as different puts an unnecessarily heavy burden on that child.  They will inevitably experience racism in their lives, but I felt like Karen was stealing their innocence. 

I'm also curious whether they would've had that conversation if the cameras hadn't been there.  Like, was she just using the stage for her own venting or to give a PSA to viewers.

Another, less controversial example of Karen passing down her own negativity is a clip where she was saying she drills into the kids that their siblings are the ONLY people who will ever truly care about them.  Like, geez, way to raise a bunch of paranoid hermits.  I'm an only child; however will I survive?

[Stardancer Supreme]

6 hours ago, Linarina said:

I'm wading into dangerous territory here, but a scene from a previous episode has been bothering me -- when Karen was having basically a "stranger danger" conversation with her little girls about how to STAND. THEIR. GROUND. and say HANDS OFF to all the evil racist people whose hands will inevitably be magnetically drawn to their hair.

I do feel like I understand the "hair issue," but that scene made me sad because it's priming them to feel victimized and to have their guard up.  Micro aggressions like "ooh, can I touch your (different) hair" do add up to macro-level racism, but I'd want to give my child the gift of assuming the best in people.  I imagine being taught at age 5 that others see you as different puts an unnecessarily heavy burden on that child.  They will inevitably experience racism in their lives, but I felt like Karen was stealing their innocence. 

I'm also curious whether they would've had that conversation if the cameras hadn't been there.  Like, was she just using the stage for her own venting or to give a PSA to viewers.

Another, less controversial example of Karen passing down her own negativity is a clip where she was saying she drills into the kids that their siblings are the ONLY people who will ever truly care about them.  Like, geez, way to raise a bunch of paranoid hermits.  I'm an only child; however will I survive?

Let me assure you that this is a conversation in Black households with little girls and their hair.  Adding to the fact that they are multiples, it would not surprise me that non-POC treat them like a personal petting zoo.  Hell, I am a grown woman with short 4C hair and I have to keep old ladies hands out of it!   We have to have our guard up because we don't want strangers touching us.  

Unfortunately, we are Black people living in a world where Anti-Blackness rules the roost.  We would like to assume the best in people, but sometimes there is no "best" in them.

[crazycatlady58]

On 8/28/2020 at 8:44 AM, Stardancer Supreme said:

Let me assure you that this is a conversation in Black households with little girls and their hair.  Adding to the fact that they are multiples, it would not surprise me that non-POC treat them like a personal petting zoo.  Hell, I am a grown woman with short 4C hair and I have to keep old ladies hands out of it!   We have to have our guard up because we don't want strangers touching us.  

Unfortunately, we are Black people living in a world where Anti-Blackness rules the roost.  We would like to assume the best in people, but sometimes there is no "best" in them.

I cannot imagine a grown adult trying to touch your hair (I am not saying this does not happen because obviously it does) it just boggles my mind that it happens. I can understand a young child doing this because children have little understanding about these things until they are taught. What the heck are people thinking?

[druzy]

On 8/26/2020 at 4:38 AM, SDVegas said:

Derrico has a video on his Facebook account, posted on August 16, 2020, that shows the family getting ready to go swimming in a hotel pool. Derrico introduces his whole family INCLUDING his oldest son and the son’s wife. They sure don’t look estranged. 

That's Eric (not his adopted son) in the video with his wife Felicia. Derrico calls Eric his son/nephew.

 

Edited August 29, 2020 by druzy

[nb360]

On 8/18/2020 at 7:21 PM, Stardancer Supreme said:

The fact that this is a Black family is what drew me in.  I'm watching the first episode and I am impressed with the way the Derricos are raising their small army with little to no help from what we see. They all love each other and show no signs of dysfunction or neglect. I like that. 

Same. I'm impressed with the family so far. I love the discussion Karen had with her girls about their hair. These seem to be happy and well-adjusted kids. They joke but in ways appropriate for their ages... meaning they're not trying to sound like adults the way kids on TV sitcoms try to do.

But there is something unusual about the tenant who is now like "family. Maybe it's just me but I sensed a gay vibe between father and tenant.

[nb360]

On 8/26/2020 at 2:07 PM, Stardancer Supreme said:

Karen just wears me out.  I totally get that she wants to be a Super Mom, but honey. They outnumber you!

I wonder how this family is doing during the quarantine. I know it's hard for normal-sized families to be with each other constantly... but what about this family? Plus home-schooling!

I read the articles about the couple's past. That's sad...

[IvySpice]

On 8/28/2020 at 8:44 AM, Stardancer Supreme said:

Let me assure you that this is a conversation in Black households with little girls and their hair.  Adding to the fact that they are multiples, it would not surprise me that non-POC treat them like a personal petting zoo.  Hell, I am a grown woman with short 4C hair and I have to keep old ladies hands out of it!   We have to have our guard up because we don't want strangers touching us.  

Unfortunately, we are Black people living in a world where Anti-Blackness rules the roost.  We would like to assume the best in people, but sometimes there is no "best" in them.

This show is 95% train wreck, but the hair scene between mother and daughters felt authentic and was valuable for a wider audience to see. Good for Karen for teaching her daughters ownership of their hair and bodies. I don't want children to stay "innocent" if innocent means they are wondering whether they have a right to say no or not.

[DC Gal in VA]

Watching now. Totally calling bullshit on none of the nanny candidates seeming to not know that they will be responsible for 14 children. If that really is true, how unfair to unload that information on them during their interview. I know that if I was put in that situation I would be PISSED since there's no way I'm even going to waste my time interviewing for that job.

Also, no mention of extra pay (hazard pay?) for taking care of all those kids?  No matter how sweet and well behaved they are--and they are--no way any nanny in the real world will not have a limit on how many children they're going to be responsible for.

[SDVegas]

I don’t believe that the hospital would have let Karen take the baby home without her practicing feeding and giving meds a few times in the hospital. She was just not in the headspace to have that child home and to be responsible for her.
 

And I am surprised that the hospital would readmit the baby for what seems like an indeterminate amount of time, when there is no medical reason for her to be there. 

[Joan of Argh]

2 hours ago, SDVegas said:

I don’t believe that the hospital would have let Karen take the baby home without her practicing feeding and giving meds a few times in the hospital. She was just not in the headspace to have that child home and to be responsible for her.
 

And I am surprised that the hospital would readmit the baby for what seems like an indeterminate amount of time, when there is no medical reason for her to be there. 

I agree.. Over several years we've have 2 family members and 1 friend who had similar situations with their baby needing surgery and all 3 were taught how to look after the feeding tubes, drainage tubes and medication etc.

Two days before the baby was scheduled to leave the hospital the nurses started to train them... They watched the nurses do it and then the parents did it with a nurse present to help or assist if needed...The nurses made sure that they were well prepared and comfortable with all aspects of care.

I'd be shocked if all the training they had was the doctor and a doll.

I smell BS.... I think it was filmed that way for drama because TLC just has to have drama!!!  🙄

 

[readheaded]

On 8/14/2020 at 11:24 PM, readheaded said:

I don't know if there's been anything shady with the dad or how all the kids were conceived, but I have to say that this family, even with 5 more children, is so much more pleasant to watch than the Busbys.  The children are happy, disciplined (but not cowed in fear or robotic), and smart.  There's no whining or crying or fighting.  They all seem to love and enjoy each other and the parents aren't bitching and complaining.  And, the parents seem very invested and interested in their kids. The kids can sit at the table and eat a meal; they all do chores.  They talk to each other and share ideas.  I know we don't see everything that goes on, but overall, I was pretty impressed with how they manage.  Even if I wouldn't advocate for such a huge family, these people really seem to be able to make it work and more importantly, they aren't dialing it in.  

I'm quoting myself here because I'm reconsidering my earlier post, lol, to say I do think the parents are shadier the more I see and learn about them.  Strangely, though, the more I see the kids, the more I love them.  They're really delightful, loving, cooperative, and well-behaved.  

[druzy]

I wish this show would focus more on the individual kids so we can get to know them better. 

[Stardancer Supreme]

On 8/29/2020 at 10:28 AM, druzy said:

That's Eric (not his adopted son) in the video with his wife Felicia. Derrico calls Eric his son/nephew.

 

I just rewatched the Vegas video and that was not Eric and his wife in it.  Deon said that "This is my son, the oldest of them all and my wonderful daughter-in-law."  He would have said Eric's name.  The woman in the video looks nothing like Eric's wife.

 

Episode 4:

Call me petty, but I would not have gone with the non-Black nanny.  (I know this was filmed before the current pandemic and racial upheaval.) The children seemed to really like Robin, and children usually are good with their gut feelings about a person.  I don't know why Karen expected her to know all the children's names immediately.  Hell, I need a written list! 

GG is back in town!  

Awesome Dawsyn got to come home. I had experience with a child having surgery and a feeding and medications tube put in.  However, I only had one older child and was able to navigate the feeding schedules and medications without an army milling around me.  But it sucked for Deon to be useless when there was an issue with Dawsyn's feeding tube. I felt bad for Karen there. I hope that she and the family is able to heal from the setback of sending Dawsyn back to the hospital.  It's sad that even Karen notices that Deon is detached from Dawsyn because he is afraid to bond with a child that he isn't sure is going to make it past her surgeries.

[druzy]

40 minutes ago, Stardancer Supreme said:

I just rewatched the Vegas video and that was not Eric and his wife in it.  Deon said that "This is my son, the oldest of them all and my wonderful daughter-in-law."  He would have said Eric's name.  The woman in the video looks nothing like Eric's wife.

It's Eric and his wife.

[Stardancer Supreme]

On 9/1/2020 at 10:40 PM, DC Gal in VA said:

Watching now. Totally calling bullshit on none of the nanny candidates seeming to not know that they will be responsible for 14 children. If that really is true, how unfair to unload that information on them during their interview. I know that if I was put in that situation I would be PISSED since there's no way I'm even going to waste my time interviewing for that job.

Also, no mention of extra pay (hazard pay?) for taking care of all those kids?  No matter how sweet and well behaved they are--and they are--no way any nanny in the real world will not have a limit on how many children they're going to be responsible for.

I think that nanny's main responsibility is to watch over the Triplins (Diez and Dior).  GG, Deon, and Eric take care of Dyver (so adorable!) and De'Aren so Karen can focus on Dawsyn. 

Edited September 4, 2020 by Stardancer Supreme

[DC Gal in VA]

20 hours ago, SDVegas said:

I don’t believe that the hospital would have let Karen take the baby home without her practicing feeding and giving meds a few times in the hospital. She was just not in the headspace to have that child home and to be responsible for her.
 

And I am surprised that the hospital would readmit the baby for what seems like an indeterminate amount of time, when there is no medical reason for her to be there. 

ITA @SDVegas. Several years ago I had a severe staph infection and had to administer two different types of antibiotics both at home and at work. A line was inserted into my chest and not only was I instructed by a nurse on how to inject my meds as well as flushing the line, she watched me as I did it for the first time. Also, as you said, I really couldn't figure out why the baby had to be readmitted and stay at the hospital if the only issue was making sure Karen understood how to use the equipment at home. Just more fakery I guess.

And what was all that nonsense about Karen seeing blood in the line while she was trying to use the syringe? Noticed that no one ever mentioned that again.

Lastly, did Awesome Dawsyn look a little big for a sick premie? She did to me. In that scene, was she supposed to be eight weeks old?

I am really interested in watching all of the real life ins and outs of their daily lives. Their story is plenty interesting enough without all of the manufactured bullshit.

Edited September 3, 2020 by DC Gal in VA
Additional comments.

[DC Gal in VA]

17 hours ago, Joan of Argh said:

I agree.. Over several years we've have 2 family members and 1 friend who had similar situations with their baby needing surgery and all 3 were taught how to look after the feeding tubes, drainage tubes and medication etc.

Two days before the baby was scheduled to leave the hospital the nurses started to train them... They watched the nurses do it and then the parents did it with a nurse present to help or assist if needed...The nurses made sure that they were well prepared and comfortable with all aspects of care.

I'd be shocked if all the training they had was the doctor and a doll.

I smell BS.... I think it was filmed that way for drama because TLC just has to have drama!!!  🙄

 

Glad that I'm not the only one who noticed the obvious fakety fake ass drama of that scene with the doctor @Joan of Argh. That scene had me both creeped out and angry that they, both the Derricos and the TLC producers, used a sick baby for drama. Even if the scene with Karen freaking out when she couldn't administer the formula and the medication hadn't been repeatedly previewed before last night's episode, it was obvious that scene was staged especially with both Karen and hubby constantly looking confused and shaking their heads. I guess we're supposed to believe that all they got was a quick demo from the doctor and he sent two bewildered and nervous parents home with no other backup plan other than to rush the child back to the hospital. Sure.

[DC Gal in VA]

1 hour ago, Stardancer Supreme said:

I think that nanny's main responsibility is to watch over the Triplins.  GG, Deon, and Eric take care of Dyver (so adorable!) and De'Aren so Karen can focus on Dawsyn. 

Hi @Stardancer Supreme. Gee, with all of the discussion with the nanny candidates about fourteen kids I don't recall the Derricos making that clear but it would definitely be fair for them to only expect the one they hired to be responsible for the triplets (wonder why they call them triplins?).

Those kids are all adorable aren't they? I love how they rock those matching outfits. It really makes sense for the parents to buy the kids' clothes that way: "I'll take three of those skirts, two of those pants, etc." before they're old enough to want to pick out their own clothes. Imagine how long those shopping trips, or even just placing an order online, will be in the future.😁

[Gemma Violet]

49 minutes ago, DC Gal in VA said:

Lastly, did Awesome Dawsyn look a little big for a sick premie? She did to me. In that scene, was she supposed to be eight weeks old?

 

I think the triplets were about six months old (when Dawsyn came home).

[DC Gal in VA]

1 minute ago, Gemma Violet said:

I think the triplets were about six months old (when Dawsyn came home).

Thanks @Gemma Violet. I often find TLC produced shows to be high on drama and staged antics and pretty sketchy on actual useful information. It now makes sense why LIl Miss Dawsyn looked so chubby and cute.😊

[Stardancer Supreme]

11 hours ago, DC Gal in VA said:

Hi @Stardancer Supreme. Gee, with all of the discussion with the nanny candidates about fourteen kids I don't recall the Derricos making that clear but it would definitely be fair for them to only expect the one they hired to be responsible for the triplets (wonder why they call them triplins?).

Diez and Dior originally had a brother who passed away at birth.  They were triplets, then twins, so the Derricos call them the Triplins.

The other children are older and can fend for themselves; the Triplins were 2 years old as of the recording of the show.  Karen couldn't keep watch over active toddlers when she has 3 infants. 

The editing of the show is also bothering me.  Most of this was apparently reenacted as I imagine you can't film sick children in a NICU.  I could tell the choppy editing because GG and the Quint girls hair would change completely from scene to scene.  Then there was footage of Deon at the hospital with Karen to pick up De'Aren and then the next scene was him sitting on the couch in different clothes as Karen brought De'Aren in the house.  He didn't just teleport to the couch from the van!

[DC Gal in VA]

12 hours ago, Stardancer Supreme said:

Diez and Dior originally had a brother who passed away at birth.  They were triplets, then twins, so the Derricos call them the Triplins.

The other children are older and can fend for themselves; the Triplins were 2 years old as of the recording of the show.  Karen couldn't keep watch over active toddlers when she has 3 infants. 

The editing of the show is also bothering me.  Most of this was apparently reenacted as I imagine you can't film sick children in a NICU.  I could tell the choppy editing because GG and the Quint girls hair would change completely from scene to scene.  Then there was footage of Deon at the hospital with Karen to pick up De'Aren and then the next scene was him sitting on the couch in different clothes as Karen brought De'Aren in the house.  He didn't just teleport to the couch from the van!

Thanks for that clarification @Stardancer Supreme. I remember Karen and Deon talking about the tragic loss of a child in infancy but didn't connect it to the triplins.

You also answered why I find watching this show such a jarring and confusing experience: the editing. It Is definitely choppy and, as I said before, TLC as usual is so preoccupied with bringing in the drama that they forget about being The Learning Channel. Ahh, the olden days.

I envy your eye for picking up on all those details about the changing clothes and hairstyles. For me visually it's a very chaotic show to watch which I had attributed to there being so many damned people on the screen at any given time.😁 What I find exhausting is trying to differentiate between real factual information about the family and the steady stream of reality tv BS. I love learning about the lives of people living unique lifestyles and will continue watching this show. I just wish that the Derricos would realize that their real lives are fascinating enough without all of the shenanigans.

Edited September 4, 2020 by DC Gal in VA
Clarifications.

[Chalby]

On 8/11/2020 at 7:09 PM, SunnyBeBe said:

I find it sad to see parents who can’t be content with a manageable number of children. It’s sick to see the insatiable obsession to have so many kids that you can’t give them all, individual time and attention. And with that many children, I just don’t believe it’s possible. The parents seem giddy with high number of children. It’s disturbing to me. And sad. Best wishes to the children. I think the parents are selfish, just like all the other parents of tv multiples. I won’t be tuning in.

Exactly! It's rude and extremely selfish. There will be a handful of these kids who'll feel neglected and/or unloved, and I don't blame them. There's only 2 parents and regardless of their intentions, there is NOT enough love for all the kids.

 

 

[Twopper]

okay, I think I have seen enough.  Now that I know who they are, I would be okay with an update every year or so.  Maybe a 90 minute show since there are so many of them.  Does anyone else look at their last name and read it as "derecho" like the storm that recently blew away the crops in Iowa?   Asking for a friend.....

[Dustbunny]

They're all good but I especially loved Grandma dancing! 👍❤️

 

 

Edited September 5, 2020 by Dustbunny
link

[druzy]

25 minutes ago, Dustbunny said:

They're all good but I especially loved Grandma dancing! 👍❤️

 

 

That was great!

[seasons]

A little long but I loveGigi! I love her smile and her spirit. 💕

[Fostersmom]

On 8/19/2020 at 5:16 PM, druzy said:

It always amazes me how some people go onto to reality shows not thinking their past will be exposed. They think they can simply create a new persona and people won't google them. DEON DERRICK DERRICO, A/K/A DERRICK DEON DERRICO, A/K/A MARLO ABBOTT.

Well, in their defense, it's worked for numerous other TLC families, so why wouldn't they think they would still get a show and, at the very least, get a season's worth of money, gifts, and fun trips. Plus get their name out to many more people who might be willing to send them donations. Usually the TLC scam artists get more than one season, so they really had little to lose. Beyond, you know, the privacy of their children. 

On 8/23/2020 at 1:11 PM, CrazyInAlabama said:

Yes, the sworn testimony in the court case claims they lived separately from 2011 to 2013, he had his own house, and she lived with the two sets of twins.   Then in 2013 she had the quads.    The daycare was owned by the husband, and the wife was a 'volunteer' or unpaid intern to qualify for the SNAP, and other benefits, that she had to repay.        I bet the attorneys cost more than the cost of repaying the benefits.   So I bet there's another reason they fought the charges. 

My guess is (I don't really know, just guessing) that once you're convicted of fraud for SNAP, or other programs, that you don't get benefits again.   Also, if she's still an employee or volunteer at the daycare, then a felony conviction means she won't be associated with it any longer. 

Were there any other kids beyond their own going to this day care? Why am I thinking their own kids were the only kids at this daycare and the state paid them to watch them? 

[DC Gal in VA]

On 9/4/2020 at 6:51 PM, Twopper said:

okay, I think I have seen enough.  Now that I know who they are, I would be okay with an update every year or so.  Maybe a 90 minute show since there are so many of them.  Does anyone else look at their last name and read it as "derecho" like the storm that recently blew away the crops in Iowa?   Asking for a friend.....

Hi @Twopper. Good points about just having updates; that's how it used to be done. I don't say that to mean that we always have to do things the same way forever, only that when making a tv show which puts your children in the spotlight perhaps, as a lesser of two evils, have just one show or several episodes about your family's lifestyle with a definite beginning, middle and end. Of course not doing it at all is an option as well.😊

Do you or anyone else here remember the PBS series on the Loud family? It was called An American Family. This was a series of 12 episodes which aired in 1971, way before the internet and even cable tv. It was quite controversial at the time but at least it wasn't like what we have today with parents seemingly becoming addicted to having their families' lives documented year after year after year.

Here's a link to a Wikipedia synopsis of that series:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_American_Family

Edited to add: I just hope that the Derricos have the wisdom to pull the plug on this whole thing if it becomes apparent in any way that all of this exposure begins to negatively affect their children. Unfortunately, because they have to provide for such a large family --just think about college tuition for 14 kids--the money may be too tempting for them to ignore.

 

Edited September 6, 2020 by DC Gal in VA
Additional comments.

[druzy]

9 hours ago, DC Gal in VA said:

Hi @Twopper. Good points about just having updates; that's how it used to be done. I don't say that to mean that we always have to do things the same way forever, only that when making a tv show which puts your children in the spotlight perhaps, as a lesser of two evils, have just one show or several episodes about your family's lifestyle with a definite beginning, middle and end. Of course not doing it at all is an option as well.😊

Do you or anyone else here remember the PBS series on the Loud family? It was called An American Family. This was a series of 12 episodes which aired in 1971, way before the internet and even cable tv. It was quite controversial at the time but at least it wasn't like what we have today with parents seemingly becoming addicted to having their families' lives documented year after year after year.

Here's a link to a Wikipedia synopsis of that series:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_American_Family

Edited to add: I just hope that the Derricos have the wisdom to pull the plug on this whole thing if it becomes apparent in any way that all of this exposure begins to negatively affect their children. Unfortunately, because they have to provide for such a large family --just think about college tuition for 14 kids--the money may be too tempting for them to ignore.

 

Thanks @DC Gal in VA, I never heard of An American Family. That was an interesting synopsis on Wikipedia. 

[DC Gal in VA]

Just now, druzy said:

Thanks @DC Gal in VA, I never heard of An American Family. That was an interesting synopsis on Wikipedia. 

Good Sunday morning @druzy. I actually don't think I ever watched that series but made it a point to look into it after a friend mentioned the series to me. She even said that their dysfunctional family reminded her of her own family! 😯

[Twopper]

13 hours ago, DC Gal in VA said:

Do you or anyone else here remember the PBS series on the Loud family? It was called An American Family. This was a series of 12 episodes which aired in 1971, way before the internet and even cable tv. It was quite controversial at the time but at least it wasn't like what we have today with parents seemingly becoming addicted to having their families' lives documented year after year after year.

I have a vague recollection of it, although I doubt I ever saw any of the actual episodes at the time as I was in college, and I didn't have a tv in my dorm room.

I think the family that had the conjoined twins Abby and Brittany (I hope I got the names correct) did the best job with their show.

13 hours ago, DC Gal in VA said:

: I just hope that the Derricos have the wisdom to pull the plug on this whole thing if it becomes apparent in any way that all of this exposure begins to negatively affect their children. Unfortunately, because they have to provide for such a large family --just think about college tuition for 14 kids--the money may be too tempting for them to ignore.

Well, with that many kids, they may not have to pay much for college after they fill out the dreaded FAFSA forms.  And it used to be that when there were 4 or more multiples born to a family, many schools would offer them free tuition.  I think now that there are so many more people having quads or more that it is less common.   I have yet to hear that either Auburn or Alabama has offered free tuition to the Alabama six (I cannot recall their last name, perhaps because the children's names are so odd).

 

[sATL]

5 hours ago, Twopper said:

I have a vague recollection of it, although I doubt I ever saw any of the actual episodes at the time as I was in college, and I didn't have a tv in my dorm room.

I think the family that had the conjoined twins Abby and Brittany (I hope I got the names correct) did the best job with their show.

Well, with that many kids, they may not have to pay much for college after they fill out the dreaded FAFSA forms.  And it used to be that when there were 4 or more multiples born to a family, many schools would offer them free tuition.  I think now that there are so many more people having quads or more that it is less common.   I have yet to hear that either Auburn or Alabama has offered free tuition to the Alabama six (I cannot recall their last name, perhaps because the children's names are so odd).

 

here's one current way to get tuition... and given the mom doesn't work and I haven't seen the dad DO any income producing work ( I haven;t seen this weeks show yet)... yeah - pull the plug on this show ( just live off of the reruns) by the time the multiples go to college.

Edited September 6, 2020 by sATL

[Joan of Argh]

On 9/5/2020 at 7:09 PM, DC Gal in VA said:

Hi @Twopper. Good points about just having updates; that's how it used to be done. I don't say that to mean that we always have to do things the same way forever, only that when making a tv show which puts your children in the spotlight perhaps, as a lesser of two evils, have just one show or several episodes about your family's lifestyle with a definite beginning, middle and end. Of course not doing it at all is an option as well.😊

Do you or anyone else here remember the PBS series on the Loud family? It was called An American Family. This was a series of 12 episodes which aired in 1971, way before the internet and even cable tv. It was quite controversial at the time but at least it wasn't like what we have today with parents seemingly becoming addicted to having their families' lives documented year after year after year.

Here's a link to a Wikipedia synopsis of that series:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_American_Family

 

 

Oh yes I love "An American Family", so gritty and real!... I've watched it and the sequels several times because it's just so good!

Some very uncomfortable moments but amazing to watch.

I have the entire series saved to my hard drive and I also have the sequels including the last one with the death of their gay son Lance he was HIV positive, addicted to crystal meth for years and died from liver failure...his last wish was for his parents to reunite and they did which was very sweet and sentimental.

They made a movie about the original series called "Cinema Verite" starring Diane Lane as the mother, Tim Robbins as the husband and James Gandolfini as the documentary film maker... It's wonderful because it explains a lot of the stuff that wasn't revealed in the original series.

I also love the BBC series "The Family" which was filmed in the UK a couple years later in 1974, if you get a chance to watch it please do because it's just like "An American Family" and an equally great series.

Edited September 7, 2020 by Joan of Argh
Spelling

[readheaded]

On 9/6/2020 at 5:15 PM, sATL said:

here's one current way to get tuition... and given the mom doesn't work and I haven't seen the dad DO any income producing work ( I haven;t seen this weeks show yet)... yeah - pull the plug on this show ( just live off of the reruns) by the time the multiples go to college.

I'm not sure if you're saying that they get paid for reruns, but it's my understanding that they don't.  

[CrazyInAlabama]

My understanding is the money paid for filming doesn't include any residuals, and only the parents, and other adults get money.     Was it ever established that the parents are married?   Or anything else they've said is true?   

My understanding is that 'reality' shows do not pay residuals, and a first season is very low payment.    The principles salary go up with subsequent seasons.  

Edited September 9, 2020 by CrazyInAlabama

[Stardancer Supreme]

As terrible as this will sound, I would not encourage all 14 of the children to go to college.  Unless we get free college tuition for them, the cost would be too much. 

Episode 5:

The triplets are 7 months old! Dawsyn is adorable.  I'm amazed that no one told Karen about the effects that resulted from Dawsyn being in the NICU for 6 months. I'm also glad that she was able to get it together with GG to care for her special needs.

Deon annoys me a little. He goes on about how he and Karen have to split up childcare duties and how they don't have time to themselves.  Sir. You created a small army that you have to care for!  Robin is only a part time nanny(?), and Eric is there to help corral the children a lot. I wonder how Eric feels about being a seemingly unpaid nanny? Now he doesn't want to sit with Karen during the last of Dawsyn's surgeries?  Ugh. I am triggered because I was sitting alone when my youngest went through surgery.  Karen's all, "How can I help Derrico cope?" and I am almost yelling at the television that Derrico needs therapy!  They all need therapy, to be honest.  This dynamic showed up when all Karen asked Deon to do was put Dyver down and simply hold Dawsyn while she was using the nebulizer.  He then sputtered about whether his wife was calling his manhood into question because he didn't want to truly bond with the damaged baby.  It's unfair that he is dumping the majority of Dawsyn's care on Karen.

It was nice for Karen's friend Becky to come see her while she was in town.  She even offered to sit with Karen for Dawsyn's surgery! That's a friend.

Darian is in that unenviable position of not having any siblings close to her in age.  As a teenager, no less. She's at that point where she would rather hang around people her age. I'm glad Deon didn't make her go to LOL with the other children, but his refusal to loosen the reins even for her to see her friends is a bit bothersome.  

 

[GladysCravits]

What is wrong with the Deon.  First he says he’s never dealt with a ‘heart baby’, so he’ll let Karen handle that, although she’s never dealt with a ‘heart baby’ either.  Next, can’t go to hospital for  Dawsyn’s surgery because it’s too upsetting for  him!  Is he really so self centered that he can’t see it’s just as upsetting or more so for her!    I don’t understand why she’d let  him get away with this type of behavior.  I think he’s convinced her that’s the way it should be, but It seems she might be rethinking tolerating his attitude in the last episode.  He’s very annoying in so many ways.