The Duggars on "The Today Show" Give Updates, Number 20 Possible

The Duggars of "19 Kids and Counting" appeared on "The Today Show" on August 3rd to talk about the new fifth season. The twenty -three member family, including oldest son Josh, wife Anna, and ten month old MacKenzie were interviewed live from Tontitown, Arkansas. The Duggars have nineteen kids which range in age from Josh ,22, to eight months. All the kid's names start with the letter "j".

They gave updates on the newest Duggar, Josie, who is eight months. Mother Michelle Duggar delivered Josie three months early due to gall bladder and preclampsia. Josie weighed only one pound and six ounces which classified her as a micro-preemie. According to an MSNBC article, her head was no bigger than a cue ball. Josie spent the first few months of her life in NICU at Arkansas Children's Hospital. She was released in early April and returned under forty-eight hours later because of dropping vital signs. She spent another few weeks in NICU while doctors tried to determine the case of her digestive issues.

Most of the family lived in Little Rock until Josie was well enough to come home. In June, Jim Bob Duggar and the other kids returned to their Springdale home. Michelle and Josie joined them a few days later. Josie couldn't go home until the others recovered from chicken pox. Josie weighs eleven pounds and six ounces but still faces some challenges. Doctors discovered lactose intolerance caused the digestive issues. She is taking lactose free formula and uses supplemental oxygen while sleeping. Overall, the Duggars believe Josie is doing really well. They expect her to be developmentally normal at age two.

Michelle Duggar claims to be feeling much better since the gall bladder operation. She says "I'm really thankful, so grateful , to have Josie. I think we just watched a miracle take place right before our very eyes. She went through her third trimester right before our eyes." It was amazing." Regardless, Jim Bob and Michelle say they are open to more kids. When Meredith Vieira asked them what they thought of those who call them irresponsible, Michelle Duggar responded "well, you know, i think when we look at josie , we were just talking about it this morning. even knowing that we went through the challenge that we did, we would do it again. She spoke to a mother in the NIU with her second baby and adds, "you know, the precious life that we see here is not a coincidence. i just know it is a miracle. and so i don't take that for granted. i know that god is the one who gives life and i'm just so grateful and thankful and we would welcome another if he saw fit. we'll wait and see"

The Duggars are conservative Christians who shun all birth control. They believe each child is a gift from God. Their belief comes from Psalms 127. Michelle and Jim Bob took birth control early in their marriage After a miscarriage, the thought the pill was responsible. The Duggars spark debate over having nineteen children. Comments range from positive, moderate, to negative. Most concerns are over Michelle's health. Michelle believes '˜Saying there are too many children are like saying there are too many flowers". "19 Kids and Counting" airs on Tuesdays on TLC at 8/9 P.M.. The fifth season airs August 3rd.