17 Kids!

[AmberC727]

I don't know if you've seen the show on tv about the Duggars, I find it absolutely fascinating that anyone can operate a household of that size! Anyway, they just had their 17th baby! Can you believe that???

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070803/ap_on_fe_st/17_kids

[Sausage Toes]

Yeah...I'm not sure how I feel about it. I guess whatever works for them...

But I can promise you that I'm gonna be DONE after 2, MAYBE 3...

[TaraJean]

I have seen their show & I have to say they run a very smooth calm household. I would never have 17 kids personally & think that is a little much for anyone (people wise). Good luck to them & all the kids appear to have good heads on their shoulders.

[VTAlum01]

I saw that she had Jennifer yesterday...I cannot believe that, although it's not my parenting style, to each his own...

[StephanieTinMT]

I'm thinking 1 maybe 2 will be plenty for me! I wonder how the hell the afford everything?!? That's just crazy.

[Hooch]

I can't even imagine 17 kids. I'd like to stop at 2 thanks. Wow. Can you imagine being pg for 10+ years of your life?!?!?!?!

[LissiKay]

There was a post on this earlier this week.

http://www.pregnancy.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=812457&highlight=

I say Kudos to them!

[Jesebelle]

Even though I don't think I would choose this lifestyle, I think there are some aspects of it that I find rather nice. I say this based on the TV special that I saw on them (the one where they built their house).

I know that many ppl look down on them for their decision, but you have to admit, they have:
* TWO loving parents
* Lots of closeness and support that is encouraged between not only parent & child, but also among the children
* A stable and comfortable lifestyle - complete with the need for being careful with finances, which hopefully will also teach the children a sound financial foundation for later in life
* The confidence to share their lives & story with the world

I know every family has their difficulties, and I'm sure theirs does too, but I have to say I have a lot of respect for the way they are doing the best they can in their particular situation. I hope I can do the same - though with substantially fewer children... :p

[CAamyTX]

I never thought that by your 17th child you would go over your due date. I will be just great stopping at 4 kids. I can't even imagine 17 and the cost of that many. She must have a strong body to not be wearing her uterus on the outside after 17 kids too.

[MollyDoll]

You have to be a VERY special type of person to do that. Howerver, I.... am not on of those types of people :). But I do admire the woman who is willing to be pregnant SO many times like that (and perhaps even question her sanity) :lol:

[krispsmith]

There are lots of downsides to this family style, as well. Remember, you are supposed to look happy in front of cameras. ;)

[jennbttr]

A weird coincedence for me was that the mom had the baby on Aug 2nd(my bday) and named her Jennifer (my name). And she was born 10 minutes before my birth time. I wonder if that little girl will act like me as she grows up. If so, than I feel bad for her parents....lol, j/k!
Jenn

[jenhal]

Ya, no thanks is all I can say!! I can't even imagine having 17 kids all calling me mommy. Can you imagine the age differences amongst the sibings, they're probably all strangers.... craziness :)

[PCCGirl813]

While I personally can't imagine it, it's not as wild to me as to most people, I guess. I went to a college where MANY kids came from families of at least seven or eight. Six kids was a small family. People figured something was wrong with us since there were only three! I had more than a few friends from households of ten or more children. So to me, it's almost "normal". But I don't even know if I'll ever have three! I hate being pregnant!

The thing that impresses me most is that they have zero debt - they don't even owe anything on that massive house they built! THAT is awesome. If they had 17 kids and were on government assistance and draining society of its resources, that'd be one thing. But they don't owe a dime to anyone and that is amazing!

[krispsmith]

The thing that impresses me most is that they have zero debt - they don't even owe anything on that massive house they built!

Don't quote me on the details, but I believe they bought the land with the sale of their last house and TLC paid for the new house (AND all the furnishings, including the piano, etc!) The family did most of the work but they had "help" provided by TLC. Also the father owns a car dealerhsip and is a state legislator, theya ren't exactly "poor"

[Rollerwings]

I haven't seen the show but more power to them! I'd like a large family and lurk on the large families board. Unless we had a huge spike in our finances, we wouldn't be able to afford seventeen kids.

[PCCGirl813]

The thing that impresses me most is that they have zero debt - they don't even owe anything on that massive house they built!

Don't quote me on the details, but I believe they bought the land with the sale of their last house and TLC paid for the new house (AND all the furnishings, including the piano, etc!) The family did most of the work but they had "help" provided by TLC. Also the father owns a car dealerhsip and is a state legislator, theya ren't exactly "poor"

I'm not sure on the details at all, either. I'm sure TLC gives them money for the shows. But however they GET the money, they are certainly careful and wise with how they spend it. They both have real estate licenses, too, I read that on their webpage. They certainly aren't a lazy bunch, that's for sure!