Jim Bob and Michele Duggar "Thankful" for Another Grandchild, Jessa and Ben Open Up About Second Pregnancy

By Trisha Cerdena
Jessa Duggar-Seewald and family
Jessa Duggar-Seewald with husband Ben and baby son Spurgeon Photo: TLC

As pregnancy and parenthood have been a major part of the Duggars’ TV shows, such as ’19 Kids and Counting’ and ‘Jill & Jessa: Counting On,’ it is only traditional for Duggar patriarch Jim Bob and wife Michelle to express their happiness for their new grandchild.

In addition to four grandkids from Josh and Anna and one each for Jill and Jessa, the couple is ready to welcome another baby from their daughter Jessa and her husband Ben Seewald after the ‘Jill & Jessa: Counting On’ star announced her second pregnancy.

“We are so thankful for our wonderful 32 years of marriage, 19 children, plus our daughter and sons in laws, and going on 7 grandkids,” Jim Bob and Michelle shared on their family blog through the Duggar Family website.

In expecting their second baby, Jessa and Ben issued the following statement, saying that their son, baby Spurgeon, will finally become an older sibling.

"We are overjoyed to announce that Spurgeon has a new title in life as 'big brother'!" the Seewalds said. "We are so thankful that God is adding to our family. 2017 is shaping up to be a wonderful year already and we know Spurgeon will do a great job in his new role. Having Spurgeon has been such a wonderful blessing and we cannot wait to see the face of this sweet new baby (or babies!)."

The ‘Counting On’ stars also announced the big news through a short clip on TLC’s official website.

"We both kind of feel at this point that it's a boy but we haven't had an ultrasound to find yet," Jessa shared. "I think, probably, I won't be able to wait until baby is born to know the gender. We haven't decided yet if we're going to share that news with everybody or keep it a secret again."

The 23-year-old Duggar sister welcomed their baby Spurgeon in November 2015, around the time when they celebrated their first wedding anniversary.

"I think Spurgeon will be a great big brother," Ben said. "He'll learn a lot of valuable lessons having a little sibling. Yeah, we're really excited about that."

He also admitted that they "really have no idea" when it comes to coming up with a baby name and that they are open to suggestions.

When it comes to raising kids, Jessa admitted that she is doing certain things differently from her mother’s approach.

"That’s the beauty of the individual family. No one is identical," she further explained. "There will be variations with little things here and there, but I know that our foundational goals remain the same — to raise our kids to love God and be a blessing to others."

Meanwhile, Jessa's sister Jill Duggar and her husband Derick Dillard have also shared about how much they are trying for a second baby, hence sparking Duggar pregnancy rumors.

"We are trying to have another child," Jill shared in a separate ‘Counting On’ promo.

Speculations about her pregnancy also involved the 25-year-old reality star wanting to wait until she has been outside of Central America so Zika virus would not be an issue.

As for Josh’s wife, Anna, she has been involved with pregnancy speculations as it has been believed that she and her husband hope to save their marriage following Josh’s cheating scandal. Following the release of police reports on his child molestation controversy, it was further revealed that Jim Bob and Michelle’s eldest son had subscriptions to Ashley Madison, an adultery website.

‘Jill & Jessa: Counting On’ airs every Tuesday at 8pm E.T. on TLC.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo