19 Kids and Counting

This morning, it was announced that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are expecting their 20th child. Immediately, there were posts on the internet slamming them for various reasons, most of which though were aimed at their common sense. But that is probably nothing new to them, as they've probably heard it since their 10th child.

So here's how I feel about it. Am I happy for them? Yes. They are living according to their religious beliefs regarding children and don't think they're doing it just because they have a TV show. Their first baby born on camera was #15, so you just gotta know they'd keep having them regardless of whether the camera was there or not. It's clearly what they want, and they should be allowed to practice their religion, even if it is something neither you or I would choose ourselves. And if they were on welfare or other public assistance, I would think differently. But they can afford the amount of children they have, so I can't fault them there.

But do I question the wisdom of having more children after Michelle developed severe enough preeclampsia that #19 was born at 25 weeks? Definitely. There is a pretty good chance she'll have it again, which is life-threatening, and with her age (45) the chances are also good of having a baby with some handicap. They've been extremely lucky so far, and I hope this one falls in that same category. But sooner or later when you play Russian Roulette, you're going to lose.

At the same time, I'm also very sad for their existing children, specifically the older girls. For those unfamiliar with the family, Michelle actually does very little parenting, instead leaving it mostly for her 4 eldest daughters. They are 21, 20, 19 & 18. The babies these girls raise clearly consider their older sisters as mothers, and Michelle as that one who calls herself their mother, but is only occasionally around. And there's another daughter who just turned 14... you gotta believe this next baby will be hers for the primary care after Michelle's done breastfeeding. So far she's avoided the bulk of child-rearing, mostly due to her age, but now she's a "woman" in their view, and it's time to learn.

It's all kind of sad and happy at the same time.