S05.E04: A New Baby

[Guest]

The scene with Spurge's birth had SO much blood that I just wanted to puke. Thanks for the warning, TLC.

ETA: The sign in their kitchen "if you're not barefoot, you're overdressed." EW

Edited June 28, 2017 by heatherrrrz

[Absolom]

Yeah, if they really, really want to adopt they can find a way.  I know people at a church I used to attend who had two separate adoptions while she was pregnant and they managed by adoption and by birth to have fourteen kids under twelve the last time I saw them.  They were still talking about adopting more. 

I admired Jana's skill at tossing Spurge into the swing.  She's had lots of practice.

[Mollie]

1 hour ago, gunderda said:

Eh, my cousin and her husband were able to easily adopt 2 kids when they already had 4 younger kids. So I don't think they would be denied much at all. Easily in that they were approved what I think was rather quickly.  However the actual process took a couple of years because of politics with the other country. 

International adoptions by U.S. citizens have changed dramatically in recent years, dropping 75 percent in a decade, from nearly 23,000 to under 6,000 per year.

The following countries have suspended adoptions by U.S. citizens: Russia, India, Vietnam, Guatemala, Nepal and the Congo. 

China is a major source of children for adoption, but there were only 2,231 adoptions by U.S. citizens in 2016. The minimum age for parents to adopt from China is 30. (Ben had his 22nd birthday last month.) 

China requires an adopting family's annual income equal at least $10,000 for each family member in the household (including the child to be adopted). China requires married couples to have a net worth of at least $80,000. 

The adoption process costs between $30,000 and $40,000 in China and Ethiopia.

In the last episode, Jessa mentioned that they were also considering becoming foster parents.  However, Arkansas doesn't allow homeschooling for foster kids and requires that foster kids keep the same religion as their biological parents, including attending those religious services.  Foster parents are prohibited from using corporal punishment on a child in foster care, which would rule out any Gothard/Michelle child training methods.

Including the foster parents’ biological children, the foster home may have no more than two children under the age of two and no more than three children under the age of six.

Edited June 28, 2017 by Mollie

[mjstrick]

Spurge is just so Spurgylicious. I love that kid. He looked like he was swinging in a backyard hammock with his hands behind his head. Chillin. Yep, Ben and Jessa are growing on me too. I honestly thought she looked really terrified about this labor, and I don't blame her. She should've taken her happy ass to the hospital. Drugs can be your friend girl! Someone mentioned that if Jinger was using birth control of some sort, she'd probably not told even Jessa. I dunno, I think maybe they are and she did tell Jessa, and Jessa was trying to steer clear of that topic. Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't JB have health insurance for life from his stint in politics? If so, then his kids will be covered until 26, married or not.

Edited June 28, 2017 by mjstrick

[gunderda]

35 minutes ago, Mollie said:

International adoptions by U.S. citizens have changed dramatically in recent years, dropping 75 percent in a decade, from nearly 23,000 to under 6,000 per year.

The following countries have suspended adoptions by U.S. citizens: Russia, India, Vietnam, Guatemala, Nepal and the Congo. 

China is a major source of children for adoption, but there were only 2,231 adoptions by U.S. citizens in 2016. The minimum age for parents to adopt from China is 30. (Ben had his 22nd birthday last month.) 

China requires an adopting family's annual income equal at least $10,000 for each family member in the household (including the child to be adopted). China requires married couples to have a net worth of at least $80,000. 

The adoption process costs between $30,000 and $40,000 in China and Ethiopia.

In the last episode, Jessa mentioned that they were also considering becoming foster parents.  However, Arkansas doesn't allow homeschooling for foster kids and requires that foster kids keep the same religion as their biological parents, including attending those religious services.  Foster parents are prohibited from using corporal punishment on a child in foster care, which would rule out any Gothard/Michelle child training methods.

Including the foster parents’ biological children, the foster home may have no more than two children under the age of two and no more than three children under the age of six.

So that basically states that Jessa and Ben should have no problem being approved.  Unless they have more children. 

My cousin's kids came from Congo, which is why it took so long. Adoptions got suspended during their process of adoption.  I think everything was all set to go, the kids had their paperwork but they just weren't allowed to leave. 

[Gemma Violet]

Jim-Bob and the older kids are probably members of SAG-AFTRA since reality show performers can/must join, which means they would have health insurance under that union.  Of course, they may be adamantly opposed to unions, so who knows?

[LilJen]

3 hours ago, gunderda said:

I thought that was an odd comment... a short engagement would be safer? 

Short engagement means less time for the engaged couple to defraud each other by almost kissing?

18 hours ago, Sew Sumi said:

They just posted the previews from TLC; they didn't have any special information other than they didn't name a midwife attending the birth, but a brunette in burgandy scrubs seemed to be there to weigh Hank once it was light, and the TLC crew showed up to film. 

http://www.duggarfamilyblog.com/2017/06/henrys-tv-debut.html

JILL, miss 'trained midwife,' says "It seems like the baby is going to be here soon. . . I hope Mom and Jana get here soon."

[xwordfanatik]

5 hours ago, Beaner said:

Jill: Are you pregnant?

Jinger: No, hon. Babe's into oral sex.

(Jill's head explodes.)

LOL!  Exploding heads would guarantee renewal.

[gunderda]

I also thought Jessa said she did have a midwife and not referring to Jill.  I think the midwife was there and not shown. 

[Sew Sumi]

I think we saw a midwife or assistant from behind when they weighed Henry. She was brunette, hair up, in burgandy scrubs. It could have been Teresa Fedosky, but ONLY if there was an attending midwife, since she is on the current rolls as a midwife trainee. 

[Mollie]

1 hour ago, Gemma Violet said:

Jim-Bob and the older kids are probably members of SAG-AFTRA since reality show performers can/must join, which means they would have health insurance under that union.  Of course, they may be adamantly opposed to unions, so who knows?

Not all reality stars are members of SAG.  It depends upon the show.

[BitterApple]

Just my two cents, but I'm of the belief they don't have insurance. They use fake midwives and their only source of primary care is a doctor who once lost his license for writing janky prescriptions. Contrast that to Anna back when Josh was with the FRC. She started prenatal care with a legit CNM who was highly rated in Maryland. Why? Because she finally had health insurance. 

Jessa was clearly terrified about the birth, yet spoke of the hospital as if it were a last resort. I know these girls are stupid, but come on, why put yourself at unnecessary risk if you didn't have to?

[drafan]

44 minutes ago, xwordfanatik said:

LOL!  Exploding heads would guarantee renewal.

Yes!!! JB knows any bodily fluids = ratings.

2 hours ago, mjstrick said:

Yep, Ben and Jessa are growing on me too.

Careful of that Kool-Aid. It'll sneak up on you.

[farmgal4]

19 hours ago, Sew Sumi said:

They just posted the previews from TLC; they didn't have any special information other than they didn't name a midwife attending the birth, but a brunette in burgandy scrubs seemed to be there to weigh Hank once it was light, and the TLC crew showed up to film. 

http://www.duggarfamilyblog.com/2017/06/henrys-tv-debut.html

Thank you, Sew Sumi!  I found that, but thought maybe I'd overlooked the birth video they showed on TLC.

[kokapetl]

The "viewer discretion is advised" makes it seem like we're going see something on par with Nip/Tuck, yet absolutely nothing gory and outrageous happened. The acne was grosser than the birth scene. 

Ben, if you're so anxious about your wife's health during labor, take her to the hospital. That's what they build them for. 

Joe, you can't do a jinder reveal by balloon after the baby is born. It's too late. 

[Twopper]

Quote

So poor Spurgeon Elliot has to be called Spurgeon, but Henry may be getting a nickname based off of Wilberforce? Please tell me I heard that wrong.

I think Jessa meant she didn't want Henry to get stuck with the usual nickname of Hank.  I could be wrong, but I don't think she want him called Wilber or Hank or Force.  I hope maybe they will rethink Spurgeon's name and start calling him Charles Spurgeon and then gradually dropped the Spurgeon, but knowing them they may change Henry to Wilberforce.   I wonder who will be the first Duggar child to send their children to regular school.

I cannot watch Derrick; his hair is greasy and looks dreadful, and his beard is very unattractive to me.  I look at him and wonder if he could have Marfan's syndrome.  

[xwordfanatik]

55 minutes ago, Kokapetl said:

The "viewer discretion is advised" makes it seem like we're going see something on par with Nip/Tuck, yet absolutely nothing gory and outrageous happened. The acne was grosser than the birth scene. 

Ben, if you're so anxious about your wife's health during labor, take her to the hospital. That's what they build them for. 

Joe, you can't do a jinder reveal by balloon after the baby is born. It's too late. 

Yes, I felt badly for the girl (Johanna?) with the acne.  

[ariel]

4 hours ago, mjstrick said:

 Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't JB have health insurance for life from his stint in politics? If so, then his kids will be covered until 26, married or not.

Word on the street is that may be gone soon. I hope Jim Boob isn't banking on that.

Edited June 28, 2017 by ariel

[humbleopinion]

Save the balloons for Jill's baby shower...

[Jeeves]

I doubt that Jim Bob has "health insurance for life from his stint in politics." That stint was brief. He served from 1999 - 2002 in the Arkansas State House of Representatives. He also ran in a primary campaign for the Republican US Senate nomination - and lost. Arkansas state reps earn modest salaries now - and I think they earned significantly less back when JB was there. I'd be very surprised if just serving a three years as an Arkansas State Representative carries such a generous benefit as "health insurance for life." 

[Absolom]

6 hours ago, mjstrick said:

but doesn't JB have health insurance for life from his stint in politics?

No, that's just another Duggar rumor with no foundation.

 

6 hours ago, Gemma Violet said:

Jim-Bob and the older kids are probably members of SAG-AFTRA since reality show performers can/must join, which means they would have health insurance under that union.  Of course, they may be adamantly opposed to unions, so who knows?

Again, no.  Reality show performers can't join SAG-AFTRA.  That's for real actors.  The union/guild issues are real as even the crews are usually not allowed to join their appropriate guilds.

[ginger90]

10 hours ago, Beaner said:

Jill: Are you pregnant?

Jinger: No, hon. Babe's into oral sex.

 

Jill: You mean he just likes to talk about it?

[Mollie]

33 minutes ago, Absolom said:

Again, no.  Reality show performers can't join SAG-AFTRA.  That's for real actors.  The union/guild issues are real as even the crews are usually not allowed to join their appropriate guilds.

That's not true.  Some reality stars are members of SAG and some reality shows use SAG-affiliated actors, such as Reunion and Kid Nation.

[orangeiguana]

7 hours ago, Gemma Violet said:

Jim-Bob and the older kids are probably members of SAG-AFTRA since reality show performers can/must join, which means they would have health insurance under that union.  Of course, they may be adamantly opposed to unions, so who knows?

No, they don't have to be a member of SAG (I am). If they are the only people who can fill a role, they don't need to join. In addition, there's a huge misunderstanding about union insurance. The union is only a processing point for wages and benefits. You have to actually EARN a certain amount of money, and it's quite high, to qualify. J-Blob appears infrequently, even if he's a member, and would only earn $900 day rate each day of filming, which isn't much for him these days. Unions do not just give members free insurance.

[Marigold]

On 6/27/2017 at 7:23 PM, GeeGolly said:

I'm thinking someone takes notes while reading our posts and Jessa calls all family members to the living room at the TTH and they sit around strategizing. "Hey dad, isn't that ladies house vacant? Let's do a house buying FU". "Now Jill, you drive the car and act like an adult". "Jessa, keep up the good work with the mommy stuff". "JB, mention how long the kids have been dating when Austin asks for our blessing and make sure the camera men can't see my shoes during filming". Uhm, so, Derick and Ben ... try not to say much".  "Oh and lets pretend I'm modest and not have the TLC cameras kick in until 60 seconds after I deliver. We don't want an Anna-on-the-toilet thing again". "And NO MATTER WHAT THE TOPIC IS, NOBODY SAY DONATE! Lets practice a new word, the new word is transport. Anytime y'all feel the need to say DONATE, say transport!"

ABSOLUTELY

not sure if it's a real live Duggar reading or production member but it happens constantly. Or both. 

And, really, it is smart. We give a ton of good feedback for free. If it were my show, I would read here and take notes! 

[Absolom]

Of course, reality shows can use SAG affiliated actors.  There is nothing stopping that.  Being on a TLC reality show is not normally qualifying work though.

Quote

A performer becomes eligible for SAG-AFTRA membership under one of the following two conditions: (1) proof of SAG or AFTRA employment or (2) employment under an affiliated performers’ union.

Proof of Employment
SAG-AFTRA membership is available to those who work in a position covered by a SAG-AFTRA (or AFTRA or SAG) collective bargaining agreement, provided that any person qualifying through work as a background actor must have completed three (3) days of work as a background actor under a SAG-AFTRA (or AFTRA or SAG) collective bargaining agreement.

Employment Under an Affiliated Performers' Union
Performers may join SAG-AFTRA if the applicant is a paid-up member of an affiliated performers' union (ACTRA, AEA, AGMA or AGVA) for a period of one year and has worked and been paid for at least once as a principal performer in that union’s jurisdiction.

Potential broadcast members should contact the National Broadcast Department or their Local for information on joining.

So reality show performers who are SAG-AFTRA members are doing it normally on some performance outside the reality show unless the production of the show is a SAG-AFTRA signatory. Then also they would have to meet the more stringent requirements to maintain health insurance.  Don't expect many of the TLC shows to be guild eligible any time soon.  They are trying to do the cut rate thing most of the time. They aren't wanting to be bound by set teachers monitoring the working conditions and hours of the Duggars and others either.

[PJ123]

9 hours ago, Mollie said:

International adoptions by U.S. citizens have changed dramatically in recent years, dropping 75 percent in a decade, from nearly 23,000 to under 6,000 per year.

The following countries have suspended adoptions by U.S. citizens: Russia, India, Vietnam, Guatemala, Nepal and the Congo. 

China is a major source of children for adoption, but there were only 2,231 adoptions by U.S. citizens in 2016. The minimum age for parents to adopt from China is 30. (Ben had his 22nd birthday last month.) 

China requires an adopting family's annual income equal at least $10,000 for each family member in the household (including the child to be adopted). China requires married couples to have a net worth of at least $80,000. 

The adoption process costs between $30,000 and $40,000 in China and Ethiopia.

In the last episode, Jessa mentioned that they were also considering becoming foster parents.  However, Arkansas doesn't allow homeschooling for foster kids and requires that foster kids keep the same religion as their biological parents, including attending those religious services.  Foster parents are prohibited from using corporal punishment on a child in foster care, which would rule out any Gothard/Michelle child training methods.

Including the foster parents’ biological children, the foster home may have no more than two children under the age of two and no more than three children under the age of six.

In addition to adopt a "healthy" child from China the wait has grown to 11 years.  There that are those labeled as special needs (SN) and the process can be completed in 6-12 months give or take depending on various factors (mainly the lengthy paperwork completion).   That 2,231 number was probably 99.9% SN kids.  SN's are a variety of needs such as Down's Syndrome, blindness, deafness, mental delays, cleft palate, club foot, other physical deformities, cerebral palsy, heart conditions, to name a few.  Some kids have multiple conditions.  Not to mention the possible institution issues - delays, malnutrition, etc.  You have to prove you have access to specialists to take care of needs and now you have to turn in home study updates throughout various times since the child was brought home.  Home studies that must have the status of said child's medical condition(s).  Since they seem so anti-hospital and the excellent care the family gives Josie I doubt they will adopt from China.

Also, I think in Ethiopia you have to stay a long period of time to get your court date, but Ethiopia is really clamping down too as its been shown to have some corruption issues like Guatemala.  Families being tricked into giving up their children under the guise it is temporary for the child's education and that they will return once schooling is complete is an example.

I would bet that they "adopt" either a relative's child (like MEshelle did) or one from another Gothard family if they do any of that at all.  Depends on how desperate they are for TV attention to do something dramatic for ratings.

[GeeGolly]

Since the enactment of the ACA any adult with an income will be fined if they don't have health insurance. And adults with minor children will be fined for them as well. The fines are per household member or 2% of income, which ever is higher. If JB has all these properties worth millions, he has to be showing some kind of income when filing taxes. It would make more sense for the Duggars to purchase health insurance than incur the fines.

[doodlebug]

4 hours ago, GeeGolly said:

Since the enactment of the ACA any adult with an income will be fined if they don't have health insurance. And adults with minor children will be fined for them as well. The fines are per household member or 2% of income, which ever is higher. If JB has all these properties worth millions, he has to be showing some kind of income when filing taxes. It would make more sense for the Duggars to purchase health insurance than incur the fines.

However, the enforcement of the law has been fairly non-existent.  And the fines are certainly far less than the premiums would be.  Just because they're supposed to have health care coverage doesn't mean that they do.

Also, even though we know he supports his adult kids and their families, it is on them to get health insurance and JB's income would have no influence on the fines which are around $75 per person per year.  Although it is possible for kids to stay on their parents' insurance until they are 26, it isn't required nor would JB be responsible for the fines if they didn't.

Considering their complete lack of adequate prenatal care, let alone their propensity to try to deliver at home no matter what; I think it's probably just stupidity and not a lack of insurance that drives their decision  making.

[Mollie]

2 hours ago, doodlebug said:

Considering their complete lack of adequate prenatal care, let alone their propensity to try to deliver at home no matter what; I think it's probably just stupidity and not a lack of insurance that drives their decision  making.

Stupidity and Arrogance

[ariel]

4 hours ago, Mollie said:

Stupidity and Arrogance

and greed if they can get TLC to film a home birth.

[GeeGolly]

6 hours ago, doodlebug said:

However, the enforcement of the law has been fairly non-existent.  And the fines are certainly far less than the premiums would be.  Just because they're supposed to have health care coverage doesn't mean that they do.

Also, even though we know he supports his adult kids and their families, it is on them to get health insurance and JB's income would have no influence on the fines which are around $75 per person per year.  Although it is possible for kids to stay on their parents' insurance until they are 26, it isn't required nor would JB be responsible for the fines if they didn't.

Considering their complete lack of adequate prenatal care, let alone their propensity to try to deliver at home no matter what; I think it's probably just stupidity and not a lack of insurance that drives their decision  making.

The law is consistently enforced to anyone who files taxes. They deduct the fine from any returns they're due.

"The fee for not having health insurance in 2016 & 2017

The fee is calculated 2 different ways – as a percentage of your household income, and per person. You’ll pay whichever is higher.

Percentage of income

2.5% of household income

Maximum: Total yearly premium for the national average price of a Bronze plan sold through the Marketplace

Per person

$695 per adult

$347.50 per child under 18

Maximum: $2,085"

Edited June 29, 2017 by GeeGolly

[Fosca]

26 minutes ago, GeeGolly said:

The law is consistently enforced to anyone who files taxes. They deduct the fine from any returns they're due.

"The fee for not having health insurance in 2016 & 2017

The fee is calculated 2 different ways – as a percentage of your household income, and per person. You’ll pay whichever is higher.

Percentage of income

2.5% of household income

Maximum: Total yearly premium for the national average price of a Bronze plan sold through the Marketplace

Per person

$695 per adult

$347.50 per child under 18

Maximum: $2,085"

Or they can lie about it.  When I had employee-based health insurance, I didn't submit anything to prove it.  I haven't done taxes as an independent contractor (yet); does the form get explicit about health insurance and require submitting proof (which I've read the health insurance companies do provide)?

[GeeGolly]

1 minute ago, Fosca said:

Or they can lie about it.  When I had employee-based health insurance, I didn't submit anything to prove it.  I haven't done taxes as an independent contractor (yet); does the form get explicit about health insurance and require submitting proof (which I've read the health insurance companies do provide)?

Yes, proof has to be either through your employer who withholds taxes to begin with, or when you file taxes, they'll require proof of health insurance.

I suppose one could get away with lying. But then there's the dreaded chance of an audit.

[humbleopinion]

Jill: Is oral sex allowed?

Jinge: Pastor says the Ten Commandments out loud while doing  me and I like to recite outloud all the books of the bible when doing him.

Jill: How about the Lord's Prayer?

Jinge: Whatever floats your boat....

[JocelynCavanaugh]

11 minutes ago, GeeGolly said:

Yes, proof has to be either through your employer who withholds taxes to begin with, or when you file taxes, they'll require proof of health insurance.

I suppose one could get away with lying. But then there's the dreaded chance of an audit.

We're still paying off fines for the years we didn't buy insurance because we couldn't fucking afford it. Cool system.

[bigskygirl]

Okay gang! The conversation should be on the episode and not a health insurance debate forum. Thank you.

[ilovetrashtv]

On 6/26/2017 at 10:30 PM, jcbrown said:

Derrick looks really really terrible. One reason, of course, is because humans are biologically programmed to find physical symmetry appealing and he looks like a freaking Picasso painting.

Dying laughing at this. My stomach hurts. Excellent commentary

[IntoTheMystic]

I seriously almost threw my remote through the screen when Bingermin offered to "babysit" his own son. Why? Just why? Really?

Jinger looked downright pissed when Jill asked if she was pregnant and so did Jessa. If Jing and Babe aren't pregnant soon . . . I wonder how they will explain that to the Duggar clan. Birth control . . . just think of the high pitched tone Michelle's voice is likely to get when she hears about that one.

Austin is almost growing on me. He seems to be genuinely smitten with Joy and far more casual with Mr. Jim Boob by calling him Pops. 

[Genevrier]

Wait, though, isn't she allowed to use birth control if her Headship says so? 

[Totally]

I am positive in the last episodeI heard Jessa ask Jinger if she was pregnant, in which case her who blather about not asking/letting people announce when they're ready is yet another attempt by Jessa to show herself as better than the other Duggars when she's actually just like all of them

[MV713]

On ‎6‎/‎29‎/‎2017 at 5:59 AM, GeeGolly said:

Since the enactment of the ACA any adult with an income will be fined if they don't have health insurance. And adults with minor children will be fined for them as well. The fines are per household member or 2% of income, which ever is higher. If JB has all these properties worth millions, he has to be showing some kind of income when filing taxes. It would make more sense for the Duggars to purchase health insurance than incur the fines.

They could have businesses, and employees, therefore they can have a group health plan.

They can also buy individual plans on the exchange - you only pay for the first 3 kids (rest are free) so maybe they have that.

I'm sure they are covered somehow.

[sATL]

On ‎6‎/‎27‎/‎2017 at 0:49 PM, Natalie68 said:

Their motto must be quantity not quality.  Cause you know that 5th house was standing in the way of them boning for jesus.

I agree. The 5th flip was about getting in those panties. Austin's dad probably should have but a tighter stipulation like make x% over cost of materials + labor. For all we know, JB could have bought the 5th flip, as a wedding present for them or other renters. I'm not sure how much flipping can be profitable in rural AR. If you put in too many high end upgrades, I would think the price of the house would be more than the income level in the area could afford. I wasn't overly impressed with the quality of the hardwood that they laid down. It looks like the thin flat stuff. Maybe TLC should have used the opportunity to fly in one of those DiY /Flip home hosts to help/consult, who can stage a home w/o going to Hobby Lobby.

[Bunnygirl]

On 6/26/2017 at 10:11 PM, Sew Sumi said:

Pretty sure he was on Jessa's buddy team, which is why no one has ever heard of him. Kinda like poor, lost Jordyn. 

And OMG that poor unfortunate looking Johanna, with the scabs all over her face.

[Bunnygirl]

On 6/27/2017 at 0:07 AM, Magoo said:

It was so lovely when Jessa delivered and baby Henry was placed on her chest. Her true joy, love, relief, tears and cry of "my baby!" choked me right up. She really does seem like the most naturally loving mother out of all of them. Who ever would have thought?

Her tears of obvious relief that she didn't have to go through that all-too-recent IMO near death experience of 48 hrs of HARD labor, like last time was at once, telling and touching.

[Sew Sumi]

Her "48 hours of hard labor" with Spurgeon couldn't have been *that* bad. She was out about 24 hours before his birth at her birthday lunch with family and friends. Doesn't sound like "hard labor" to me. We know how the Duggars love to exaggerate and how Jill claimed 72 hours of labor. Yes, she let her labor go too long, but that's because she failed to recognize that Izzy was transverse, and she needed to be at a hospital until it was almost too late. 

Bottom line, exaggeration happens, except with Wilberforce, who came pretty quickly and smoothly.

[MamaMax]

On 6/28/2017 at 11:48 AM, gunderda said:

I actually found that rather impressive how she just tossed him up and in like that lol 

She does know that... that's why she said he would not be called Hank.    My cousin's name is Michael.  When he was born my aunt was VERY adamant that he would NEVER be called Mike.  

I fully believe that if Jana wanted to leave.. she would have.  Look at how quickly Joy got outta dodge.   I think Jana is probably really shy but they're around enough people that if she REALLY REALLY wanted out, she would have found someone that would be good enough in her eyes. 

I thought that was an odd comment... a short engagement would be safer? 

Poor Jill.. she ended up marrying the guy who thinks he's a comedian but he just sounds more dumb the more he talks.

Eh, my cousin and her husband were able to easily adopt 2 kids when they already had 4 younger kids. So I don't think they would be denied much at all. Easily in that they were approved what I think was rather quickly.  However the actual process took a couple of years because of politics with the other country. 

I was surprised and impressed with the way she acted around Austin's dad.  She seemed very comfortable around him which I think was nice.

I out my son's nickname right there on the birth announcement, because I DESPISE one of the other "usual" nicknames for his given name.

 

Short engagement = safer?  That's code for "I'm about to jump her bones."

[Whyyouneedaname]

She had mentioned the one's that would be there and I remember her saying Ben's mom would be. I don't remember seeing her but I know Jessa delivered rather quickly this time. 

[Sew Sumi]

Guinn might have opted to drive out in the morning rather than pull an all-nighter on the road. It doesn't sound like she was there for the birth.

Lily and Ellie didn't mention a midwife either, but a brunette woman in burgandy scrubs was there when TLC showed up to film after sunrise. Too young to be the Query woman, who is now licensed. I'm not sure who she was. 

[Twopper]

Quote

I'm not sure how much flipping can be profitable in rural AR.

I am not sure exactly where his houses are, but if he is flipping in Tonitown or whatever it is, the houses are probably not that rural.  It is part of the Springville-Fayetteville metro area with a population of about half a million.  Not a major metro area, but it isn't the boonies, either.