*Episode 1: It’s All Greek to Me!
This begins with a catch-up narrated by Jessa: Jinger and Jeremy are in Laredo, Joy announced her pregnancy, Joe and Kendra got married, Jana works on houses and her garden, John is flying, Josiah is working on the car lot, but he has a special someone. Jessa says she is keeping busy with her little boys.
Josiah is getting ready, and the guys say he has been on his phone more and spending more on deodorant. Jason says it’s all about Lauren. Josiah says today he is going to ask Lauren to court. Josiah says they met 7 or 8 years ago and have seen them at conferences ever since. He said he asked Mr. Swanson about the courtship and apparently, he said that would be “fine.” Josiah and Lauren were friends for a while, and this is a big decision that will change their life. Jana says Lauren has brought new life into Josiah and Jessa says they’ve been talking non-stop.
The older Duggars go to Lauren’s house in Arkansas, where they have just moved. Jessa says the Swansons also have a boatload of kids and homeschool and that they already consider Lauren a sister. They head off to dinner and Lauren says moving in from a different state was hard but the Duggars have made them feel at home. Jessa jokes that one particular person is happier they are closer and Lauren giggles and smiles. Lauren has just graduated from college [I’m thinking with an Associate’s degree, but hey, good for her!] Lauren says they started working together a lot at Joe and Kendra’s wedding and that Josiah would do anything for her. Lauren said they once video chatted for five hours. Jessa says long phone conversations are great because there are not little chaperones rolling their eyes at you [maybe don’t bring your little siblings on your dates then?]. Lauren says since moving here they have seen each other like every day. Joy asks if she laughs at his jokes and Lauren says yes but sometimes she does say that’s not funny. Kendra says she is the perfect personality for him. The Duggars tell her about the chocolate mess and Lauren says she is not having sugar. Jessa says Lauren is health conscious and Josiah has a major sweet tooth. Jessa says she balances Josiah well. The Duggars enjoy their sweets while Lauren has fruit. Josiah is on the way and he is nervous.
Josiah walks up with a chair and ask if there is anything else, he can get for them. They side hug and Lauren says this is a surprise. He asks what they’ve been talking about—Jessa says life, and Lauren says you. He asks how they got on that subject, and Lauren says he is a big deal in her life. Josiah says he has enjoyed talking and spending time with her and he asks if she would want to go the next step and enter a courtship. She says she would love to. The sisters go “yay” and everyone is excited. Josiah jokes she is kind of speechless, but she says he will make up for it. As for courtship advice, Joe and Kendra say, “enjoy the moment, you only get to do it once.” Sorry, Marjorie. Kendra says marriage is around the corner pretty fast. Josiah asks if they’ll go really fast or slow and she says well that is up to you.
Joe and Kendra are heading to Greece for their honeymoon. They stayed local for a bit before heading to Greece. Joe says they chose Greece for the history and culture. Kendra is wearing glasses and she looks so cute in them. They are excited to travel. Joe says now that they are married, they can be alone together and literally cannot keep their hands off each other. They enjoy being married, they tell the producer.
They arrive in Athens and are shown around their hotel and they are looking forward to spending time in the city. The first thing they do is go to Mars Hill, which is where Paul preached to Athenians but the sermon on the plaque is in Greek. It’s all Greek to me! Joe says, and Jessa jokes they’re going to hear that a lot on their honeymoon. They take a selfie and they joke they don’t have anyone around to take their picture now.
Next, Joe and Kendra have lunch on a platform in the sky to take in the views. Neither of them are bothered by heights. A crane lifts them up and slowly rotates them. This seems really cool. Kendra points out the acropolis and says it is where temples to the Greek Gods are. They ask the Duggars if they can name Greek gods; they cannot. A twin named Napoleon; Jeremy says Zeus, Si says Hercules. Ben names quite a few. Kendra chats with the woman next to her, and says they are on their honeymoon. Joe jokes that Kendra found a friend really quickly while he focused on the food. The woman asks if Kendra is working, and she says she will stay at home and help with his car sales business. The woman asks how many kids they want; Kendra says however many the Lord gives them and that Joe is one of 19. They enjoyed their lunch in the sky.
In Laredo, Jinger and Jeremy are having an art class date. There are a few other students there and they joke about being terrible artists. The art teacher has them draw each other to practice drawing faces. The producers ask Ben if he ever tried to draw Jessa and he says no medium could capture the beauty of her personality. The producers make them draw each other on white boards, along with the other couples, as well as Jed, Jer, Josiah and Jason. The couples/brothers laugh at their attempts to draw each other. Ben says at first, he thought he should just draw things that represent her, and Jessa says “cougar.” Jinger and Jeremy talk about their pictures and the teacher says they have potential but need more practice.
Back in Greece, Joe and Kendra are going on a food walking tour. They take the subway, but the ticket kiosk is in Greek. They actually figure it out and find an English button and buy tickets. They ask a Greek man to point them in the right direction and he shows them. Joe says “Si” but does make fun of himself for it. Kendra has never been on a subway before. “It’s a first for me. Most things are. I haven’t experienced a lot,” Kendra says. They arrive in the right place and start looking for their guide who finds them quickly and shows them around. Kendra isn’t too sure about the spinach pie, but she does tries it. Next, they go to the meat market and Kendra is overwhelmed with the smell. She shows them testicles and Kendra giggles. Next, they take them to the vegetable market. Kendra tries an olive which Joe isn’t a fan of and then makes him kiss her. She cannot stop laughing at him. Next, they buy ingredients to make a Greek Salad. They chop vegetables and the guide asks who will do the cooking in the house. Joe says Kendra is the better cook, and the guide says he is doing such a good job he should cook for her. They enjoyed the tour and learned there is no lettuce is a Greek salad. The guide said they were very nice and cute together. They enjoy the salad together.
Joe and Kendra head to Santorini, one of the Greek islands, by ferry. Kendra says she has learned that Joe is a deep sleeper and that he likes to lick his plate—she’s asked him not to lick his plate in public. Joe says he thinks Jessa taught him that. Joy says that on their honeymoon, she learned that Austin cannot sleep and cuddle at the same time. Jeremy says he learned how bubbly and humorous Jinger is. Joe and Kendra enjoy being on the front of the boat, she puts her arms out and they look at the islands. Jessa says Ben is meticulous and irons his t-shirts and jeans. They arrive in Santorini to a beautiful resort.
Back in Arkansas, Jessa says Ben has one year left of school, Henry is crawling, Spurgeon is talking a lot, and it is an exciting time. Ben is cooking for their third anniversary while she gets her nails done with her sisters. Spurgeon is napping and Jessa heads out.
Back on Santorini, Joe has gotten a four by four to get around. Joe tries to see how fast he can go, and Kendra says “no, sir!” They arrive at the beach to go paddle boarding. It is a black sand beach. They get paddle boards and are given instructions. Kendra has some trouble, Joe stands up and immediately falls off. Kendra tries to stand and does some slipping. Joe says it would be easier in a lake without the waves. Eventually they get it a little more and they finish paddle boarding. They conclude: it was epic.
Jessa talks with Joy and Jana at the nail salon about Ben having both boys and making dinner. Henry is happily crawling around. Ben has quinoa, herbs, steak, and a custom designed necklace. Henry starts fussing and Ben has a tough time cooking and trying to calm him down. Ben gives him some cheerios and he starts falling asleep in his high chair. Joy is in her second trimester and says she is feeling good. Austin says it is slowly sinking in that he will be a dad. The manicurist suggests that Jessa should have Austin watch the two boys for practice. Jessa says time is flying and that this was a special anniversary gift from Ben. Spurgeon wakes up and Henry is awake when Jessa returns. Jessa says Henry sometimes has a hard time when she goes away. Ben says they should eat before it gets cold and they set Henry at the table and put a cartoon on for Spurgeon. Joe and Kendra say they are good examples of them always putting their relationship first and working as a team. They are asked how marriage is different than they thought it would be, but there is a lot of butterflies and romance and also doing life together and it is different to actually experience it. Jessa says there are arguments and disagreements and everything they dealt with the scandals, but it all brought them closer together. Ben says what if they have another kid before four years—Jessa says it is possible. Jessa say the kids add another level of excitement, but you cannot imagine life without them and seeing Ben as a dad has made her fall in love with him even more than she could have imagined. Ben tells Jessa not to look as he gets dessert and he gives her the White’s Jewelry box with the necklace he designed for her and she said it was a really special day and she was spoiled.
Back in Greece, they explore Fira, Santorini. There are musicians performing and coming down the street and Joe and Kendra take in their performance. Joe doesn’t realize you get kissed on both cheeks and almost gets a kiss on the lips. Kendra thinks this is funny. They have Joe and Kendra break plates for good luck and then everyone says Opa! They have all the Duggars say it and Joe and Kendra really enjoyed that. Joe says they are excited to be getting home and getting settled into their new house. They ask if there will be a baby soon and Kendra says she is not pregnant that she knows of. Kendra says they’ll find out eventually.
*Episode 2: Make Room for Baby
At Joe and Kendra’s, the house is coming along nicely. Joe shows Jana and Jessa what he has been working on. Joe says Grandma owned the house for a while, and when she sold the property, they moved it to their new land and then Joe and Kendra took it over. Jessa is impressed with their work so far. In an aerial view, they show Kendra and Joe’s house and the big house, which are about 500 to 600 yards apart so they will see a lot of each other. Jinger says there are lots of positives to living so close to home—like lots of helpers—but the drawbacks are kids looking in the windows. Joe says there will be some ground rules. Jessa is wearing Henry and he is asleep. Joe says they do have an announcement and they tell Jana and Jessa they are expecting. The sisters are excited, and Jessa says they do need a nursery. Kendra says it was a honeymoon baby, they weren’t expecting it, but it happens, and she is sick but feeling better. Kendra says they want to set the room up as a nursery to announce to the families their news. Kendra wanted their help decorating.
In San Antonio, Jinger and Jeremy are going piano shopping. Jeremy wanted to look into getting Jinger a proper piano because currently she just has a keyboard. The Duggars say Jinger is the most musically talented of her siblings, Joe says they started together, and she progressed faster than him. Jeremy is surprised that pianos are expensive--$14k for one—Jinger tries a bunch of pianos and really likes a black, upright piano. Jeremy hears about remanufactured and used options. Jeremy tries a ukulele and Jinger takes it away from him. Jinger says she is not embarrassed by him, but she gets nervous by the price tags on instruments. Jeremy tries a nose flute and asks if she wants to redo the question about being embarrassed.
Josiah is going to cook for Lauren in an effort to impress her. Johannah, Jordyn, and Jenni are the chaperones for this date and also chaperoning Josiah’s cooking. Lauren has a gluten sensitivity, which is a challenge. The Duggars are asked about gluten and only Lauren gives an accurate answer. Lauren arrives and greets Josiah. Josiah says they are sticking to similar courtship standards as everyone else. There is a montage of the other couples answering this question during their courtship. Josiah takes leftover rice and beans and adds them to his meal. Lauren tries guacamole and is not impressed by that. Lauren says he loves leftovers, food is his love language and he always wanted his parents to bring him leftovers from their dates. This is typical, she says. They eat and she said it was sweet of him to try and she is El Salvadorian and so she likes this food.
As they eat, Josiah has questions for them to ask each other. Lauren learns he went scuba diving. Lauren says she has always wanted to go to Israel and Austria second, after Josiah’s prompting. When asked what makes them a good match, Josiah says the only way to put it is “We’re perfect for each other.” Lauren says she thought courtship was a good way to have your parents in the relationship and having accountability. Josiah says it’s not “dating for the purpose of a one-night shag” [I’m not kidding, he actually says this, what]. It’s about marriage and for life. Jessa says she and Ben started off long distance so mostly texting and phone conversation, but they learned a lot. Josiah asks what the title of her biography would be, and she said it could be about them and be called “Our Story” which Josiah thinks is sweet.
Joy and Austin have their midwife appointment and they begin with a finger prick, which is something Joy doesn’t love [me too, Joy] and so she doesn’t look at it. Austin says you have to look at pain as being temporary. They ask the Duggars what trypanophobia is—they don’t know but it is the fear of needles. The glucose is a little bit high. Joy says that other Duggars have had glucose problems in the past, and she is trying to stay off of sugar and be healthier for her and the baby, but her diet is not the best. Austin says they travel a lot and eat a lot of chicken tenders. Austin says they’re trying a home birth and Joy says she has not been to a birth, but she has heard a lot of stories. She says her body will do what it does so they will be flexible. Austin has seen half-births on EMT calls but this will be different because it is his wife. Joy says she sometimes feels ready and sometimes nervous. Jessa says she thought she dealt with pain well, but labor is different. Austin says they are reassured after the appointment.
At Joe and Kendra’s, the house is getting finished up and it is time to start moving stuff in. The plan is to move in today and tomorrow with Jana and Jessa’s help. Jana and Jessa are trying to keep the nursery room a surprise. Ben says moving them in wasn’t too bad because they were close by. Jana says the Duggars have a whole warehouse full of junk, and Jessa says it is helpful to have all the supplies you need to pull something off. Jana and the boys do the landscaping while Jessa works inside. Jana hops in the tractor and clears out a bunch of ground to plant a tree. Jessa says she is a “Jana-of-all-trades” because she can do a little bit of everything, she can do it all. Jana says there are things she is not very good at, like sports. Jessa says this would scare away guys who will think “what am I compared to that?” But Jessa says Jana is okay if she is smarter than the guys. Meanwhile, Jessa is building a crib and says it is the funniest part of the house. They put a pink pillow and says she will have to change it if it is not a girl. Kendra is excited to see the nursery for the first time. Jessa says they made a lot of progress today and tomorrow will be finishing touches and the reveal.
Jessa says the inside stuff is done and now they are finishing up the landscaping to get ready for 3pm for the family to arrive. Kendra says 18 siblings is a lot, but they are a great help and they get things done really fast. Jana hangs a sign with a onesie that says Baby Duggar coming June 2018. The Caldwells and Duggars arrive for the reveal and they welcome everyone in. Kendra gives them a tour and there is a game room with a ping pong table. Jim Bob lived in that house when he met Michelle and they say it did not look like this and that it is beautiful. Michelle jokes they are next to the nosy neighbors with all the kids. Joe says the kids have been told not to come over unless invited, and Kendra says she thinks Jackson and Tyler would be the most likely to just wander over. Kendra leads everyone to the nursery, and she gets a little nervous that it would go over well, and she opens the door and announces they have a baby on the way. Michelle says they are so happy. The Caldwells are excited they are expecting so soon, and Austin says it is cool that they will be so close in age growing up together in the same area. The Caldwells joke about names they could be. Kendra says her parents don’t look old enough to be grandparents, but hopefully she will take after them and stay looking young, too. Joe says they may be able to fill up the house.
*Episode 3: Unexpected
Joe and Kendra are going to see Dr. Hannah, who is also her mother’s doctor. Kendra is 13 weeks and still has morning sickness but has been having some good days. Kendra says the baby seems heathy and everything is going smoothly. Kendra says she decided to go the hospital route because her mom had a great doctor here and the hospital has all the medical technology available just in case. Kendra says she wants to try and do without an epidural—her mom has had one. Dr. Hannah suggests that meditating and having Joe’s support would be essential. Joe says he will be by her side to do whatever she needs. Dr. Hannah says first babies are the hardest. Joe and Kendra say they are going to find out the gender but put it in an envelope. Joe and Kendra are amazed to see their first ultrasound. Joe says it was really special to see the baby moving around. Dr. Hannah says he can’t see the sex today. Joe and Kendra say it will be an active child. Kendra says it made it feel really real.
In Downington, Pennsylvania, Jinger and Jeremy are visiting his parents for the SWAN Gala. They are having breakfast together. There is an event tonight for the nonprofit music mentoring program for children of incarcerated parents (i.e. SWAN) started by Jeremy’s mom. Jinger refuses coffee, a sign of the news they are going to share with his parents. They give a gift to his parents and his mom asks if they gave her the wrong one because it says, “Grandma and Grandpa” and then exclaims with joy when she reads more. She realizes that it is for them and what it means and reads the note:
“Dear Grandma and Grandpa, I am so excited to meet you in the summer. Can you hold on to these for me until I arrive? Love, Baby Vuolo.”
Jeremy’s mom has such a sweet reaction, full of joy. Jeremy says they were shocked but excited when they found out just a few days prior. They gave her little baby shoes. Jinger says she had a lot of morning sickness, but she is really excited to be a mom. Chuck asks if they will find out the gender and Jinger says she doesn’t think she can wait. Jinger says they’ve only told Ben and Jessa so far. Jinger says she is planning to surprise the rest of her family. Jeremy says she will be a phenomenal mother but Jinger says she became immune to noise in her house. Jinger says she thinks the due date will be end of July. This will be the Vuolo’s first grandchild.
In Arkansas, Austin and Joy are hard at work at their house. Joy says she knew they were going to be moving quite a bit and they are planning on selling their house soon so they can flip another. Austin says they will sell the house just a couple months after the baby is born. Joy is in her third trimester, so she has been eating healthier and her glucose is looking great now. Joy says she can help Austin on the house but can’t be around certain fumes or lift heavy stuff. Joy gets a splinter and Austin gets it out for her. Austin says the pregnancy hasn’t slowed them down. They finished the island in the kitchen—they were cladding it in wood—Joy and Austin say they hope the house will be done when the baby comes. Austin unplugs his nail gun and says that is the best sound of the day.
In PA, Jinger and Jeremy meet a student named Brianna from Mrs. Vuolo’s charity. Jinger will accompany Brianna as she sings this evening. Brianna’s father is incarcerated and her grandmother who raised her passed away recently. Jeremy says she is a wonderful example of how this charity can help children with incarcerated parents overcome their odds. They set up for a rehearsal and Brianna is nervous but has a lovely voice and Jinger helps encourage her. Jinger says she didn’t have a bunch of practice time, so they are both nervous.
In Nashville, the little girls are in the recording studio because their Aunt Deanna has wanted to do it for a while, but it is just now coming together. The girls put a lot of hard work into practicing and so they begin recording. The girls say they were not very nervous to record. Remember the time Flame had Ben rap in a studio? Counting On does, and they want Ben to give the girls advice—he says enjoy it and don’t have the headphones too loud. Jessa says don’t try anything new in the booth; Ben says don’t go out of your range. There is whistling in the song and in the talking heads the Duggars all try to whistle (some can, some can’t). Jinger has soundman Jim whistle for her. Josie sings the Star-Spangled Banner. John David is so cute as a big brother, filming them and talking about how cute they are. Josie struggles with the “the bombs burning in air” line; she keeps saying “dah bomb” generally. Michelle says she thinks the recording session went well and the girls had a lot of fun.
In Arkansas, Josiah takes Lauren and all her siblings out for ice cream. They load up the van and head out for ice cream. Josiah says it is a good way to bond with the siblings. The 8 siblings are all there. In the van, Josiah asks about ice cream orders. Jessa says the Swansons have a name theme: all the girls start with L and the boys with D. Josiah was worried about flavors but all the Swansons like cookie dough. Josiah says that for big families, getting your own cone is a special treat. Lauren says she thinks her siblings like Josiah, but she wants to ask them. The Duggars talk about chaperones. Josiah says he enjoyed spending time with the siblings and laughing and making jokes. Lauren says her siblings like the ice cream and love Josiah and got to know him better during this outing.
In PA, Jinger and Jeremy arrive at the Gala and Jinger and Jeremy are introduced as supporters of the organization. Jeremy speaks to introduce the event and act as an MC. Next, Brianna tells her story. She says her parents were not around, her dad was in and out of prison all the time, and he passed away. She starts crying and she says SWAN has been there for her to lean on in her times of need. Jeremy says her journey was powerful. Jinger accompanies her for her song, Wayfaring Stranger. Mrs. Vuolo said the children glowed and had a wonderful performance. A small group of younger children perform and after the children performed, Jinger and Jeremy give them gifts and hung out with them. Jeremy shows them how to do a push up. Jinger says he is a natural with kids and that is a good thing given their current circumstance. Jinger says her family will be so surprised and there will be a few tears shed.
*Episode 4: Jinger and Jeremy’s Little Secret
Jessa, Ben, Spurgeon, and Henry are going to a creamery that also has animals, which the boys are a big fan of. Jessa says Ben likes to add local, organic products into their diet, so they are checking it out. They arrive at the creamery and meet the people who run it. They show Spurgeon the goats and he gets to feed them. Henry isn’t sure about the goats, but Spurgeon was happy to be there. They talk about a pet goat and Jessa says she would love one, but it would be another mouth to feed. They go inside and try goat gouda which Ben and Jessa enjoy. The producers give the other Duggars goat cheese and they aren’t too sure about it. Jed likes it, Kendra says it’s not that bad, Joy says it is different but not bad. Jordyn doesn’t like it, but Josie does. Jason and Josiah are not fans. Jessa and Ben get soap and cheese and say they like getting local, farm fresh food.
Jinger and Jeremy are going to Arkansas and they talk about keeping the secret. Jinger says she is 6 weeks along and has just been having morning sickness for about a week. Jeremy says he is feeling great and hasn’t had cramps or anything. Jinger and Jeremy greet Jim Bob and Michelle. Jinger is going to take the little girls to take pictures for their new album. Only Ben and Jessa know the secret so far. Jinger goes upstairs and helps Jana and Jessa get the little ones ready. Jinger says it makes her miss the girls’ room and being all together and late-night chats. Being far away is hard, she says.
Joy and Austin are going to a yurt for a babymoon and potentially ice fishing. Joy wants to start a baby book while they are there. None of the Duggar men know what a babymoon is. Jessa and Ben went on a babymoon to Alabama shortly before Spurgeon’s birth. Joy says the smell of fish does make her sick sometimes. They head off.
At the Swanson’s, Josiah is going over for a beard trim and maybe a haircut. Lauren cuts her brothers and father’s hair but none of them have beards. She starts with a trimmer but when she tries to use scissors he flinches and is talkative. Lauren says she enjoys listening to him and he says that is music to his ears. He said he probably talks less when she is around. She does his hair. Kendra says she thinks this was a good learning experience for them. Lauren says she worried she wouldn’t get his humor and he says she laughs at most of his jokes. Lauren says it is good that they complement each other since he is spontaneous, and she reminds him that rest is good. When Lauren finishes with his hair, Josiah says he thinks it looks good. Lauren says she wouldn’t mind him having a beard on their wedding day, and he makes a joke about having a beard so giant they can’t find his lips.
It is photoshoot time. Jinger takes photos of the little girls; Jenni and Johannah seem kind of over it. Jessa says Jinger had an interest in photography and pursued it and became very good at it. Josie Duggar says Jinger is the “most best” at it, and they show some other photoshoots Jinger has done. The kids start getting rambunctious, but Jessa and Jana keep them in line. Jim Bob takes a picture of the girls, then has Jeremy take one with him. Jinger asks Jim Bob if he will take one of her and Jeremy and then Jinger gets her sign to surprise her family. It reads “We’re Expecting.” When everyone sees the sign, they start getting excited. Jana says Jinger pulled off a genuine surprise which is hard in their family. Michelle and Jim Bob say they had no idea (really?).
On the babymoon, Joy and Austin arrive at their yurt and Austin is pleasantly surprised that it is really nice. Joy and Austin go try their hand at ice fishing. Austin says being on a boat together can be romantic and Joy says not ice fishing. They manage to get a canoe out into the lake. Joy says she thinks the fish are frozen too. They catch nothing, so they go back to their yurt. Joy and Austin have dinner and they reminisce about their engagement and how quickly their lives have changed. Then, they work on their baby book. Austin says he has strong genes and thinks the baby may look like him if he is a boy and Joy says her family has strong genes for a big head. They write a little note for the baby and they know they will put a lot of work into the baby book and hope the baby will appreciate it more than they did.
The Duggars arrive back home, and they are going to have a big family dinner. Jeremy leads them in prayer and then makes the pregnancy announcement mid-prayer and everyone cheers at the end of the prayer. Kendra is so happy for Jinger. John David is excited that the family keeps growing. Jeremy and Jinger are excited and Kendra is glad that she gets to be pregnant with Joy and Jinger, especially because she and Jinger are close in due dates. Jeremy is glad everything went as planned.
*Episode 5: An Explosive Reveal
Jinger and Jeremy are celebrating their anniversary. Jeremy has bought Jinger a piano and is bringing her family in town to surprise her. Jinger has been homesick, so Jeremy hopes her family will help her feel better. John flies his family down and the Duggars are excited to see the Vuolos’ new house. They make themselves at home while Jinger and Jeremy have dinner. At dinner, Jinger and Jeremy talk about marriage. Jinger says she was nervous about fulfilling her expectations as a wife, but Jeremy doesn’t make her feel like he has to measure up to some standard. Jeremy says he didn’t expect his quirky, silly habits to stay because he would be self-conscious and Jinger says that its attractive and he has to be the fun parent. Jeremy says her sense of humor has surprised him as she has opened up more. At the house, the piano is delivered and looks beautiful. At the restaurant, the waiter brings Jinger the sheet music for Come Thou Fount—the song they loved which played at their engagement and wedding. Jeremy says it is for their paper anniversary (the first-year anniversary is celebrated with paper). Jinger says she loves playing piano so she can’t wait to use it.
At the house, the family hides in the guest room before Jinger and Jeremy walk in. Jeremy has Jinger close her eyes to surprise her with the piano. Jeremy shows her the piano and she is amazed. Jeremy tells her to play but she can’t stop laughing and smiling at him. He calls the Duggars out and Jinger hugs her mom and cries. A bunch of the brothers are there and Jinger is overwhelmed with happiness.
At Joy and Austin’s, they are beginning to set up the nursery. Joy is in her 3rd trimester, which has been easy so far, but she is getting more and more uncomfortable every day. As they set up the crib, Austin doesn’t want to use the instruction manual because there is no adventure in that. Joe and Jessa both don’t like the instruction manual either. Austin asks if Joy has an intuition about the baby and she says she doesn’t know but she thinks it’s a boy. They assemble the crib and Austin jokes that all they need now is a baby.
While the guys go to the grocery store, Jinger talks to her mom about pregnancy and food/smell aversions. Jinger is glad to get the chance to talk about the pregnancy and where to have the baby—she’s thinking maybe San Antonio’s birth center, even though it is a drive. The guys go to the store to make tater tot casserole and barbecue tuna. In the talking heads, Ben and Austin aren’t too sure about barbecue tuna. They have Jeremy try it and he says it’s not bad. Michelle has to help Jim Bob make the tater tot casserole. They finish cooking and the guys are proud of themselves. They eat and talk about how good it is and Jinger says she wishes they could stay. Jim Bob and Michelle talk about how it is hard having your kids move away.
Joe and Kendra are at home and Kendra is making French toast because she has been sick but French toast is sitting well with her. Joe and Kendra are having an ultrasound to find the gender of the baby with John who will be the one to reveal it to the family. They want him to blow up colored powder to reveal the gender. Her doctor comes in and they talk a little and then he does the ultrasound. He tells John the sex and John jokes that the producers would have to pay him for it. They depart the doctor’s office, excited for the party.
Josiah asks Mr. Swanson for his blessing to marry Lauren. Dwain and some of the younger boys are playing football outside and Josiah asks if they can talk. They go for a walk and stop along the way and Dwain asks if he has something on his mind. Josiah says he has enjoyed the time with Lauren and eventually asks for Dwain’s blessing. Dwain is happy and jokes and draws it out a bit. Dwain asks him 3 questions before answering. First, he asks if Josiah knows her love language, and Josiah says words of affirmation. Dwain says that’s correct, and then he asks if they will be diligent to not let the sun go down on your wrath. Dwain asks about his life’s work. Josiah says he has been doing car stuff, real estate stuff, and construction but he wants to do as much as he can to provide. He gives Josiah his blessing and they are excited for what’s to come.
At the main house, the family is setting up for the gender reveal party. Kendra and Joe are so excited. John goes and sets up cones and the exploding powder. The families come together and are excited. Most people think it’s gonna be a girl. John leads the family to the field to watch the target go off. Kendra says “John, don’t miss!” and he shoots it and it’s blue. Everyone is excited that it is a boy. Joy says it’s crazy how many boys and Austin says there is something in the water. Joe and Kendra are excited about their son.
*Episode 6: Josiah Pops the Question
Jinger and Jeremy pick their friends Luis, Cara, and their kids up from the airport. Jeremy played with Luis on the New York Red Bulls team. Luis and Cara joke that Jeremy was their adopted child back in New Jersey. Jinger is 11 and ½ weeks along. Jinger and Jeremy rented a minivan to transport everyone back to their house. Luis and Jeremy go in the minivan and talk about married life (“it gets better and better”--Jeremy) and Jeremy says they’ve both guessed it’s a boy. They arrive at the house and Jinger shows the guests their room. Jeremy and Luis play with the kids on the swing set and Jinger and Cara chat. Luis says Jeremy will be a great parent.
In Arkansas, the Swansons are preparing to return Georgia for Mrs. Swanson to deliver #9 since they do not yet have a doctor in Arkansas. He will be named Duke, the Swansons say. Josiah arrives and says they’ve been courting for “a couple months” and that the courtship is going really well. Josiah sees them off and he says he is hoping to catch up with the Swansons after the baby comes. They say goodbye and look like they want to kiss really badly. She gets on the bus and they leave. Josiah says he will be proposing to her when he sees her next.
Luis, Cara, Jinger, and Jeremy are playing cards and Luis and Cara joke about never going out. Jeremy and Jinger offer to watch the kids to give them a nice night out. Jeremy jokes about never having changed a diaper; Jinger says she’s changed hundreds, if not thousands. In the talking heads, Jana agrees about the number of diapers she’s changed, but Jessa says mom and dad changed the bulk of them [sure]. Ben says he should “prep for those smells, bro.” Luis and Cara leave for dinner and Jinger says Jeremy is so much fun to be around. Luis and Cara go out to eat and joke about Jeremy being whipped out by now. Jinger and Jeremy ordered a pizza for the kids and Jeremy eats a piece in one bite to make the kids laugh. The producer asks if Jinger feels like she’s been watching four kids and she says no, but Jeremy agrees he is a big kid. Jinger says she is feeling tired a lot at this point in her pregnancy. Jeremy and Jinger joke that Luis and Cara are milking this date and they are very excited for them to return. Luis and Cara return home and Jeremy is proud to report no meltdowns and no poopy diapers. The kids rate Jeremy highly as a dad, and Jeremy is now exhausted. Jeremy says he and Jinger will miss Luis, Cara, and the kids when they leave but they’re ready for a child of their own.
Josiah is packing to go to Georgia and propose to Lauren. He shows the ring and says he is more worried about losing the ring than the proposal. He says this is the time and she is the one. They travel to Milledgeville, GA. The Swansons gather and talk about Duke and that Josiah will soon arrive. Josiah arrives, and him and Lauren have a long side hug and then he goes to greet the Swansons and gets to hold Duke. Lauren tells him they have the same middle name and he asks if it was on purpose; apparently, he did partly inspire it. Josiah says it is strange that the baby will be his brother in law.
Jessa and Joy go for a walk because walking is good for this point of pregnancy. Jessa is wearing her yellow stripe dress that I am a big fan of. Joy says they are planning on a home birth and they have passed all of the risk assessments. Joy says she has never been to a whole birth and Jessa says that can give you expectations. Jessa says she was totally unprepared for how she felt during Spurgeon’s birth—“I was dying.” Jessa says it’s not like that for everybody and Jessa says she is praying for the labor to not be super long. Joy says there is a lot of emotions but just trying to take it one day at a time.
Back in GA, the Swansons are helping Josiah prepare for the proposal. They all think she doesn’t know anything about it. He is proposing in a field where the Swansons got engaged. They go to set up the spot and begin setting up. They string flowers to the hay bale and a little table with a picture and flowers. He spread flower petals around the spot as a finishing touch and it is time to go head back.
The Swansons all eat lunch together and Dwain suggests they go on a walk after lunch. In the talking heads, the guys give him advice—Joe says: “don’t be too nervous;” Jeremy says: “don’t do a long speech;” and Austin says: “don’t blow it.” On the walk, Dwain asks a lot of questions about their relationship so that Lauren won’t catch on. Josiah leads her to the spot—Dwain kindly gives them some room—and he gets down on one knee. Lauren begins crying. Josiah does a bit of a speech, saying God has brought them together and he wants to spend the rest of his life with her. They have an actual nice hug after it. Dwain comes over to congratulate them and give them a big hug. Dwain says it was the same spot where he proposed, and Lauren thinks that is very sweet. They hold hands and say I love you as they walk back to the house to make their announcement. The Swansons come out for Lauren to show everyone the ring and talk about how excited they are. They explain what being engaged means to Lauren’s younger brothers, which is cute and one of them says maybe they’ll be an uncle too. Lauren says she cannot believe they will be spending their lives together.
*Episode 7: A Birth-day and a Birthday
Jessa is having Jinger, Joy, and Kendra over for brunch before Tyler and Henry’s birthday party. Joy, Jinger, and Kendra talk about names and they all think they won’t really tell beforehand. They all talk about pregnancy and their different experiences. Kendra is starting to feel better, and she has recently stated feeling the baby move. Jessa says it will be interesting to see if Kendra has a smaller Caldwell baby or a bigger Duggar baby. Jinger is worried about how tall Jeremy is: “I’m gonna have a giant.” The Duggar head is a big head. Kendra is trying to avoid fried foods and tater tots in particular don’t sit well with her. Kendra asks Joy about her birth plan and Joy says the midwife, Mama, Jana, and Jill, Mom Forsyth, and Meagan will all be there. Joy says she might kick people out if she wants to. Joy wants a home birth. Kendra wants to do a hospital birth with her mom and Joe. Jinger says she will have Jeremy, her mom, and ask Jana to be there as well. Jinger wants to give birth in a birth center. Joy asks how Joe and Jeremy will be and they both say they don’t really know how they’ll react during the moment. Jinger says Jeremy has joked he might be the one more in need of care. Jinger says it is nice to be able to talk about what they’re all going through—especially with their emotions.
It is Tyler and Henry’s big birthday bash. Michelle explains that Tyler is her great nephew who is part of the family for now. Laura DeMaisie and Tyler make buckeyes, which are an Ohio specialty. They got a bounce house that fit inside their living room due to cold weather. There are also lots of snacks. There is lots of noise—Kendra jokes that it might be a construction theme, but it is actually more like a de-construction of the whole house. Michelle and Jim Bob talk about being thankful for Tyler and say he cares about people. Ben talks about Henry being active and full of energy. Jessa says he is a people person and likes having you right there with him. Jessa says the first birthday is really a celebration for the parents. Henry is more interested in the smash cake than Spurgeon. Jessa says Henry enjoyed his first birthday and everyone is ready for a nap.
Josiah, Lauren, and Tyler arrive at the Baylor house where Jim Bob is working. The Duggars bought it 3 years ago and they are trying to finish it up and he offers it to them to house sit. It is a very large house with an elevator. Jessa says there would be a lot to block off if they did have kids there.
At Joy’s, a bunch of the ladies are helping her make freezer meals—they’re making Mexican and Italian food mainly. Joy says she is ready to have the baby. Michelle and Jessa talk about how Joy has not gained what they gained with their first—everyone guesses the baby will be around 8lbs. Joy says they have the closest hospital as their plan B. Joy writes instructions on the meals for Austin. Jessa says her advice is endurance—hang in there and don’t get discouraged. Austin says they’re feeling pretty good and Joy says she is trying not to have too many expectations.
On Joy’s due date, at the house, Joy goes into labor at 7pm. Joy expected her labor to be late, so she was surprised to go into labor already. Jana, Michelle, and Johannah head to their house at 4am. Austin is trying to be there for her and encourage her. Joy said Austin was really encouraging. At the main house, Jim Bob tells the family that Joy is in labor and they pray for her. Jill tries to encourage Joy and Austin and says it was pretty hard to see Joy in pain.
Back at the house, Kendra guesses Joy will have a boy and Jackson guesses she’ll have a girl. Kendra is excited and nervous for Joy. Joe and Jason say boy. Jim Bob got a text that Joy was being transported to the hospital. Joy said they realized the baby was breech and they had to go to the hospital. Austin was discouraged, but Joy needed an emergency C-section. Joy said that a C-section was her biggest fear, but when it actually came time for one, she was just ready to get the baby here. Joy says it was really fast and everything went okay. Joy says meeting the baby was incredible—Austin was the one to tell her it was a boy and they both cried. Jim Bob calls John to tell Jenni the gender first because she was Joy’s buddy. John has a confetti cannon to reveal the gender; he shoots it and blue confetti falls down. The Duggars celebrate.
Back at the hospital, the grandparents meet the baby and Jim Bob thinks he looks like Terri. Austin didn’t get to hold him right away, but when he finally does he says that “there’s nothing like it in the world,”
Joy and Austin took two days to name the baby, but they eventually decided on Gideon Martyn Forsyth. The little kids are coming to meet him. Joy directs them to wash their hands and then the family gets to meet him and pass him around, including Josiah and Lauren. Gideon is the biggest baby yet. They all take a picture together to conclude their visit.
*Episode 8: Thrift Store Date Night
Jessa and Ben, Joe and Kendra, and Josiah and Lauren are having a thrift store date night where the spouses will choose outfits for each other. Jessa and Ben say they are not the most creative on date nights, but Ben thinks this will be different and fun. The producers tell Jinger and Jeremy about this and they are grossed out that they didn’t wash the clothes before the date started. Jeremy says Ben will have the hardest time because he is a bit of a germaphobe. Jessa says no peeking. Joe says he is worried about getting the sizes right. Jessa says they have to wear it in public so be considerate to each other. They head off for the thrift store.
Joy and Austin are at home with Gideon and Joy says it’s been rough but good. Joy says the C-section was tough to recover from, but Gideon’s been sleeping well. Austin says he worried about him the first few nights, but he will always worry. Joy says this has given her a new appreciation for moms. Austin changed a lot of diapers the first few weeks of Joys recovery. Joy is so clearly in love, it is actually very sweet to see. Joy says Austin gave so much for her and Gideon the first few weeks. Gideon fusses a bit as they eat, and Joy thinks he is tired. Joy wraps him up. Austin jokes that he thinks people have more kids because they’re so tired they forget how hard it was.
At the thrift store, the shoppers make lots of jokes about what they will pick out. They look through the racks and Jessa suggests doing grandpa looks, which makes Kendra giggle. Ben gravitates towards denim dresses. Joe is not too sure about that. Lauren jokes that they don’t have Josiah’s size, so she should look in the kids section. Josiah is nervous about the girls laughing while trying to find sizes. Joe, sweetheart that he is, is trying hard to find something nice for Kendra. Lauren has a little money left so she gets Josiah a prank outfit.
They get back to the house and Joe says he was nice about the outfit he picked out. Lauren is excited about her prank and they wait for the guys to come out. Josiah is wearing PJs and the other guys are dressed up a bit. Ben got his grandpa outfit, but he still does look cute. Kendra thinks Joe looks good in the yellow sweater vest she got him and jokes “I’m sorry it worked,” which is actually funny. Josiah comes out in his real outfit. Joy and Austin say they’re sad they missed out. Jessa pulls out the jean dress, Lauren has a nice dress and Kendra had a maxi skirt and a tee shirt, which is a little more casual than the others, but she says Joe did a great job with fit and comfort. Then they go off to dinner.
In Laredo, Jinger and Jeremy are off to the fair. She says the smells in the livestock barn were really intense 20 weeks into her pregnancy. They walk through anyways. They get Korean rice puff cereal soaked in liquid nitrogen, so you eat it and breathe smoke like a dragon. They have fun with it but Jinger only does one. Jeremy sees a mechanical bull and decides to try it. [Full disclosure: I once worked as a mechanical bull operator]. Jinger worries about him getting hurt, Jeremy pays to ride the bull anyways and lasts for 20 seconds . [In my experience, that is actually pretty good for an adult man]. Jinger and Jeremy enjoy the fair and Jeremy says it would a great place to bring the kids.
*Episode 9: Lauren Finds Her Dress
In San Antonio, Jinger and Jeremy are going to the Birth Center and for an ultrasound. Jinger is 21 weeks along. Jinger doesn’t feel comfortable having a home birth and she feels more comfortable in a birth center that is close to a really good hospital. Jinger says she wants to have a natural birth and the midwives say they will be there to help her through labor. Jinger says her mom and sisters have had long labors so she isn’t worried about the distance of the birth center from her home. The midwife shows her the tub, a birthing stool (which Jinger has Jeremy sit on—"it’s not bad”) and Jinger says she feels comfortable there.
Jana and John are having a belated birthday ski trip to Colorado. The family is staying in a large cabin. The Seewalds, the Forsyths, Michelle and Jim Bob, Jed, Jer, Jason, James, Justin, Jackson, Johanna, Jennifer, Jordyn, Josie, Tyler, Laura, Elijah, and Michael and Mackynzie are all there. Joy says she won’t be skiing but will be hanging out. The family go get lunch and Jim Bob reminds them this is to celebrate Jana and John’s birthdays. The producers ask them what it’s like being twins, and Sassy Jana replies that they can read each other’s thoughts. Jessa says Jana was always talkative, and John was mellow. John says she was rowdy growing up and Jana said she would defend John if people weren’t being nice to him. They sing happy birthday to the twins and then they hit the slopes. The Duggars talk about how they usually wear skirts but in the snow pants are the more modest choice. They show a lot of shots of the Duggars and friends skiing and enjoying themselves.
Back in San Antonio, Jinger and Jeremy are going for their ultrasound to find out the baby’s sex. Jinger and Jeremy get to see their baby for the first time and Jeremy is speechless for once. Jeremy does ask about head size--she’s right on target—and then it is time to find the sex. A lot of the family does think it’s a girl; Jessa says boy since Ben says girl, so one of them will be right. It’s a girl, and Jinger and Jeremy both beam. Jeremy says they are going to have a gender reveal surprise for the family.
Back in Colorado, the family is back on the slopes. Ben had lessons yesterday and is looking forward to being back at it. Justin and Josie are both said to be the best skiers of the family. Ben says he is one of the worst. Ben is having a hard time stopping and Jessa is trying to coach him. Jordyn skies circles around him. Joy is spending time with Gideon and seems to be enjoying it. Austin comes to meet them for lunch and says he really missed having her on the slopes. Jessa and Ben went down the green and he was happy with that.
That evening, all the older kids gather to eat and play a game. Jana and John have words that describe their life that they are going to draw on whiteboards and their team is going to guess. The first word is older twin and there is an argument about which team got it first. Jana is very competitive and eventually John’s team gets the first point. Then they do “Fixer Upper” which Jana’s team gets first. Then it’s “Constable,” which Laura gets. “Chicken Coop” is next and that one goes to Team John. The last one is “taking flight” which also goes to Team John. John had four points and so he gets cupcakes at first and then Jed brings out more for everyone. Jana and John both really enjoyed their birthday trip.
Lauren goes to find her dress at The White Dress Boutique with her bridesmaids, her mom, her dad, and Michelle. Lauren knows exactly what she wants but worries about finding something modest. Lauren comes out in the first dress which reminds me of Joy’s. It has ¾ illusion sleeves, a full skirt, some lace, which she doesn’t love. It reminds Joy of her dress as well. They have “love it” or “leave it” signs, which Jana kind of felt like took the focus off the bride. Lauren’s next dress is a lace mermaid with long lace sleeves. The consensus is this is a step in the right direction, but she doesn’t like the lace. Lauren’s next dress is very similar, but it has shoulder pads and Lauren isn’t a fan. Next, Lauren comes out in the dress with long sleeves and everyone loves it. It’s the right material, right shape, the back needs to be lined but other than that she loves it. She isn’t sure and she is scared thinking about this being her wedding dress. There is one more to try on. Lauren comes out and everyone loves it. It is a poufy dress which she doesn’t love but the top is sparkly. It reminds me of Kendra’s even with a smooth skirt and it reminds Kendra of hers as well. It has pockets. Lauren comes back out in dress #4 and they add a cathedral veil on with it. The family is sold with the veil and her dad says he thinks it might be the one. Lauren says yes to this dress. They’ll add doing cap sleeves and line the back of the dress.
*Episode 10: Jinger’s Double Surprise
In Laredo, Jinger is 25 weeks along and is having a gender reveal party. They will split the family into teams and each team will complete an obstacle course and the captain of the winning team will pull the cord on a sign revealing the gender of the baby. Jinger says her family has used most of the gender reveal ideas, so she tried hard to come up with something new. Jinger also says the more obstacles the better, and Jeremy says it is going to take humility to complete the course and some guests may have some regret. Jeremy says his parents are excited about the first grand baby and Jinger says her family will still be excited. Jinger says she thinks her family will be good sports about the course.
At Joe and Kendra’s home, Kendra is 36 weeks along and they are getting ready for the birth. Kendra’s mom recently found out she is expecting as well. Kendra sends Joe and her dad to install the car seat and her mom talks about how when Kendra got married young, they hoped they would be expecting at the same time and they’re excited. Kendra and her mom look at her baby book. Kendra’s mom says she went into labor at 36 weeks due to a car accident. They stopped her labor and it was on and off for the next 3 weeks until Kendra finally made her debut. Joe says he has mostly installed toddler car seats but not an infant one, so Pastor Caldwell helps. As they put the car seat in, they talk about the impending delivery and Pastor Caldwell suggests “doing whatever she asks as quickly as possible,” which seems like good advice. They complete the car seat install. Pastor Caldwell says the new design of car seats makes it easy, and Joe says, “Better than your old mustang?” “Or my motorcycle,” says cool dad Pastor Caldwell. Back in the house, Kendra and her mom begin packing her hospital bag. Kendra shows some outfits, and, in a talking head, Joe recounts the gender reveal. Joe and Pastor Caldwell come back with the birth ball inflated and Kendra says she thinks they are actually ready for the baby.
In Laredo, the Duggars arrive for the gender reveal party. The younger Duggars pour in first and then the older ones. Joe and Kendra and Joy and Austin could not make it, but the house still fills up quickly. Jeremy and Jinger bring everyone outside and explain the obstacle course. Both of the fathers are the team captains. Jim Bob leads “team pink” and Chuck Vuolo leads “team blue.” Jeremy shows them all the obstacles they have to go through in the course. Jana says she thought the idea was “creative,” but she wasn’t so sure about some of the obstacle. The course begins with eating a small cup of ice cream, which is harder than Jinger and Jeremy thought. Then, they go to the dizzy bat, they bounce on a ball, they hula hoop, they bunny hop in the spots of a rope ladder on the ground, they go through a tunnel, and then they tag the next person’s hand. Team blue takes an early lead, but when Jessa—team pink—goes, she pounds the ice cream and again mentions she eats fast due to her large family upbringing. Jessa starts out on the course and is the turning point for the pink team to win. This means Jim Bob gets to pull the cord to reveal the gender. Michelle helps him and they pull the string. The light turns pink, and Jinger and Jeremy cover everyone in pink silly string. The Vuolos are excited and Chuck said he had an inkling. Jim Bob says he thought it was a girl and he is thankful for this granddaughter. Jessa was convinced it was a boy. Joy is glad to have a new niece since the girls are outnumbered. Jessa and Jana are excited for a nursery and little girl shopping. Jinger and Jeremy have a name picked out, but they won’t reveal it until the baby is born. Jana says it was a great gender reveal. Jana and Jessa have a surprise baby shower planned for Jinger tomorrow at the house of one of Jinger and Jeremy’s friends, Margarita. Jana and Jessa tell Jinger they want to go shopping tomorrow and they don’t think she knows what is coming.
At Joe and Kendra’s, they are doing a timed test run to see how long it takes them to go to the hospital. Kendra wants to labor at home for a bit before going to the hospital, but she plans to try for a natural delivery. They start in bed and they gather items, but they almost forgot the hospital bag. They grab that and then Joe packs a bunch of snacks—his family say he stress eats. Snacks packed, they head to the car and load up. They get in and head off to the hospital. Jessa jokes they should have John be their police escort to get there fast. They talk about potential traffic and the best route at different times of the day. They make it there in almost 28 minutes—they intentionally did it during rush hour to see how long it would take to get there. They say now all they’re doing is waiting for the baby to arrive.
Back in Laredo, the surprise baby shower is in the works. Margarita has gone all out with a taco truck, a paleta cart, and tons of pink, personalized decorations. Jeremy married Margarita and Jinger played piano at their wedding, so it was important for Margarita to have a baby shower for her. Jinger is shopping and Margarita calls and invites them over to check out a crib her friend gave her. Since they’re in the area, Jinger decides to go check it out. They pull into the driveway and Jinger sees balloons and she is suspicious and calls Jeremy out for being sneaky. They open the door to shouts of “surprise!” Jinger hugs everyone and is excited for everyone to be gathered there. Jinger says she is easy to surprise. Chuck delivers a speech, there’s a prayer, and the family enjoys games, opens gifts, and spends time together. They are overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity. The family enjoy the party and talks about their excitement. They have cake and talk about how their friends love and support them. The Duggars are heading home tomorrow, but they had a great trip.
*Episode 11: Kendra Has a Baby
Joy and Austin are cooking while Gideon is fussing a little. He is two and a half months old. He is a really smiley baby and Joy says life has been great, but they still aren’t sleeping well. Jessa is hosting a honeymoon-inspired potluck. Joy and Austin are bringing chocolate fondue, Joe and Kendra are bringing a Greek salad, and Jessa and Ben are making fettuccine Alfredo. Austin is very concerned about people double dipping in the fondue and sharing germs. Jinger says the Duggars did have rules about double dipping in her family growing up. Ben says it is a good way to spread illnesses. Austin plans on keeping people from double dipping.
At Ben and Jessa’s, Jessa is cooking while Ben prepares the table. They decide to use a table cloth and Henry wants to yank it off. Ben worries about Henry pulling the plates and bowls off the table. Jessa and Ben talk about their honeymoon and the cooking class where they made pasta from scratch. They will make the sauce from scratch. It’s Michelle’s recipe and Ben wants there to be more instructions (i.e. it says ‘seasonings to taste’). Ben makes the sauce and says the couples will arrive soon. Henry gets into the paper towels, but Jessa recovers them quickly. Ben says the couples will soon arrive ,but they aren’t quite ready since they’ve been wrangling Henry. Henry nearly pulls the table cloth off again, and Ben says that may have been a bad idea. Henry is unhappy that he cannot pull the tablecloth off. Joe and Kendra arrive with their Greek salad, and Joy and Austin arrive right after them. Joe and Kendra went to Greece where they learned to make an authentic Greek salad. Austin is unhappy that their salad does not have lettuce. Jessa is similarly confused but has the grace to only mention it in the talking head. Joy and Austin talk about their first-year anniversary coming close. Ben says he was encouraged not to become co-workers raising kids but to continue spending time and talking like you do before kids. Jessa says in a decade there will be a ton of teenage cousins. Kendra asks how Gideon is sleeping and Joy says he is mostly sleeping until 6am. Kendra says she is excited but also nervous about labor. It is time for fondue and Austin lays down his germaphobe rules for fondue. They talk about the lack of chaperones on honeymoons and Kendra says the bad thing is you can only take selfies because you don’t have anyone to take pictures for you. Austin says they got so busy with the house that they missed out on time camping alone. Joy says that a marriage can be hard, but you have to communicate. Joy ended up breaking the double dipping rule and Austin is unhappy. They talk about having a dinner like this every year—so Josiah and Lauren can join with their honeymoon food. Josiah and Lauren say they would like to go Vienna for their honeymoon.
At Lauren and Josiah’s Bachelor(ette) Party, they plan to play human foosball. They have set up hay bales with large wooden polls running through them to be the polls, and each person has a spot to hold onto just like the tabletop version of the game. The game begins and Lauren’s team quickly gets the first point, but there is some back and forth. There is the possibility of an injury and some people are worried about getting injured. Josiah’s team ends up coming back to win. Lauren says the next big event is the wedding, and they are excited for it to get here.
At Joe and Kendra’s house, Kendra is having strong contractions and her mom and sister are there helping her. Kendra thinks this is active labor. They discuss breathing techniques and Kendra is trying to breathe through it. Mrs. Caldwell is worried about Kendra’s tendency to hold her breath and Kendra goes for a walk around the house to try to get things going and Lauren jokes that they should race. They decide to take a break for the Caldwells to get some rest and Kendra is going to try to rest even though she’s having contractions, but Kendra wanted to stand to get through the contractions. Around 2am labor is progressing, so they decide it’s time to go to the hospital. Kendra is feeling the contractions on the ride to the hospital and the contractions are coming quickly. Luckily, the hospital is not that far away.
Kendra is in her hospital room talking to her parents. Joe is making Kendra laugh with the blow-up birth aid. Paul Caldwell brought them food and company in between contractions, but the time between contractions is getting shorter. Jessa has the kids making welcome home banners and desserts for Joe and Kendra’s return home. Lauren calls Jessa and tells her that the labor has slowed, so the doctor will break her water. Jessa finishes and is heading to Joe and Kendra’s house.
Back at the hospital, Kendra’s water is broken and labor is moving along. Jessa and the kids decorate the house. We return to the hospital to see Kendra begin pushing and the baby arrives. Kendra loves getting to hold him and hear his cry. Joe gets to hold him as well and they enjoy the moment. Back at the Duggar house, the family is gathered around waiting for Garrett to arrive. Joe and Kendra come home and introduce Garrett David to his family. Jana thinks he is a mixture of both parents and she gets to hold him. Kendra and Joe are happy to have him here.
*Episode 12: Josiah & Lauren’s Prank-less Wedding?
The episode opens about a week out from the wedding. Josiah and Lauren are talking about what they love about each other. Josiah says he loves that Lauren is there for him, and Lauren says she loves everything but especially Josiah’s “leadership quality.” Lauren says they’re looking forward to the kiss and driving away with “just us.” At Lauren’s house, Josiah and Lauren are writing 52 reasons why they love each other to read one a week for the first year. Josiah says his were more to the point. Josiah says it is a healthy exercise for newlyweds. He says they are trying to get a lot of sleep before the wedding since it will be a busy time and then they get to spend their lives together.
In San Antonio, Jeremy and Jinger are going to a birth class. They talk to their midwife about what is to come during the rest of the pregnancy and labor process. In a talking head, Jessa says labor is a daunting task and she feels for each expecting mom. Jinger says she wants her mom there for her experience and her support. Jinger says long labors are common in her family so she is expecting one. The midwife goes all out to mime a contraction and Jeremy looks confused. Jeremy asks what he should do to her Jinger during labor; he tries to always ask her what she needs and what he should do through their marriage. The midwife has them hold ice in their hand for a timed-out contraction. The producers have the other couples do that in talking heads. Jessa says that a contraction is so much worse. Ben gets to put the ice cubes down and Jessa says, “Now imagine holding them for two days.” Ben: “that sounds like some kind of torture.” Jessa: “that’s called labor.” Back at the class, Jinger and Jeremy practice different positions during labor, such as slow dancing. In the talking heads, the other dads—Ben and Austin—give advice which is basically just “do everything you can to be there for her.” Jinger says while “slow dancing” she forgot she was holding ice and the midwife is impressed. Jeremy says they do feel more prepared for labor after the class.
At the Swanson house, the Swanson siblings are preparing for a tea party wedding shower hosted by Lily, Lauren’s younger sister. They are preparing different finger foods and setting the table. Dwain is so impressed with the party. Lily loves tea parties and she is excited. Lily has hats for everyone to wear, which everyone thinks are a fun touch. Ben says it is feeling like he’s in a Jane Austin novel. Joe says guys are only into tea parties for the sake of their significant other. Lily gives a little tea party etiquette class and they ask the Duggars about the rules they learned about tea parties. Then everyone sits to eat. Jim Bob asks Dwain about officiating the wedding and he says he is excited. They are all looking forward to the big day. Josiah says it was nice to have a day away from the chaos.
Now we are two days out from the wedding and Ms. Cindy is beginning her decorating process. Siblings and volunteers are there working on set up. The siblings joke about how the weddings are the places where relationships bloom. They also tease that there is a budding romance already at the wedding. Cindy is talking about the initial banners and it sounds slightly inappropriate-a lot of Ds and Vs. Joy and Austin talk about last time they were at this venue they weren’t even courting yet, and now they’re back and with a son.
The Duggar boys are at the grocery store finding items to trash the getaway car with. They get sticky notes and cat litter, all while talking about how Josiah is the big prankster of the family. They show the prank at Joe and Kendra’s wedding and Kendra says this is well deserved. The guys get sardines. Josiah has two back up getaway cars to prepare for this. The guys are excited about their prank.
It is about 24 hours out from the wedding and the decor team is back at their work. Ms. Cindy reminds everyone to keep the decor a surprise. The wedding cake maker is hard at work in another kitchen since the JBU kitchen is occupied. They make 1,000 strawberry shortcake cupcakes—200 gluten-free and 800 regular ones. The heart-shaped cake will also be gluten free. The cupcake ladies are hard at work and are worried about the eventual transport of the cupcakes to the venue, but they hope it will work out.
Back at the venue, the decor team is hard at work putting the flowers into place. Ms. Cindy says she is a perfectionist when it comes to design.
Soon, it is time for Josiah and Lauren to see the church decor. Ms. Cindy is excited to show them. Lauren says she really nailed it, and everything was amazing. As Ms. Cindy tries to begin rehearsal, the idea that her sister is getting married hits Lily an she starts crying. Lauren starts crying, too. After a moment, the wedding party takes their places, and Dwain tries to get everyone to promise there would be no pranks. The Duggar siblings immediately see this as an injustice, but Dwain limits it to the sanctuary only, so the guys know the car trashing will be fine. Joe doesn’t raise his hand and promise (which, fair, look at what he did at Joe’s wedding!). They go through the rehearsal, and both Lauren and Josiah are ready to be married.
The next morning, Josiah, Lauren and some siblings arrive at the venue. Lauren says, “I get to lay a big one on you today.” They open one of the 52 reasons that morning. Lauren goes first and Josiah wrote “you push me to think outside the box.” Then Josiah picks one, and Lauren wrote “I remember the time before you asked me to marry you, you were so calm and had the sweetest smile. The tears in your eyes and the sunset at your back—you may not think it but you are romantic.” They want to kiss so badly, and they are looking forward to the other 51 reasons. Joy greets Josiah in the hallway and is excited for him. Joy says she has a different bond with all her siblings and gets emotional for each one. There is a moment where they can’t find Dwain’s suit, but they eventually do. Lauren is getting ready with just her mom (this is actually sweet!) and they talk about how they’re doing. Lauren says she is not nervous, and her mom says she was nervous, but she was grateful that Dwain is her rock and she knew it was the right thing.
The cakemaker is back, and they have decided to ice and decorate at the venue, so they are cleaning up and beginning their move. There are a few cake board pieces missing and the baker is stressed.
Meanwhile, Joe and Josiah are ready and waiting and they discuss the kiss. Josiah mentions practicing on his hand. Lauren says this will be the first time she’s kissed a boy. Josiah says this is the first day he gets to kiss a girl on the lips. Lauren’s mom says there will be fireworks in the chapel.
Outside the venue, the guys are wrapping a very old car that doesn’t run; this will be a surprise prank. For the newer getaway car, they cover it in post it notes and stunk it up on the inside.
Inside, Lauren is ready, and Lily gets to see her. They practice arranging the dress and then make their way to the location of the first look. All the bridesmaids get to see her and gush over her. They enter the chapel and Lauren walks down the aisle to meet Josiah. They embrace and he says she looks amazing. They want to kiss so badly. Josiah says he likes the dress and gives her a bouquet. Josiah says this is really happening and her dress looked really good on her. They talk about how they love each other while Lauren’s family watches them. The couple prays together, and Lauren says she could kiss him now.
In the reception venue, things are coming together. They fix the cake board situation and begin setting up and icing the cake. The cake maker is impressed with how everything came together. The wedding party begins making their way to their places. Austin gives a little talk and the groomsmen pray together before the ceremony.
Josiah walks the mothers to their seats. and then the bridesmaids make their way down the aisle, followed by the flower girls. Then the music changes, the crowd stands, and Lauren and her father make their way down the aisle. Lauren says she was in her own world with her dad and Josiah. Josiah wipes his eyes as she walks to him. Lauren says “Y’all are next!” to John and Abbie as she walks by. Lauren reads a few words to her father at the end of the aisle, saying he was a hero and that she will always be his little girl. They all take their places and Dwain begins the ceremony. Dwain says she knows Josiah is the one because God revealed it to her; Josiah said he knows Lauren is the one because Lauren is like his mom. Dwain talks about the weight of the covenant and expresses his wish for children. They then share their vows, and Josiah says it felt like it was only the two of them in the room. Lauren talks about the image of her dad watching her say her vows. Next, they exchange rings and then light a unity candle and then pray together. They go back to the center of the stage, Dwain blesses them and then pronounces them husband and wife. Finally, Josiah can kiss his bride. They kiss, he wipes his mouth off after and Dwain jokes about it being not bad for a first kiss. They talk about their first kiss being fireworks, walk down the steps, kiss again, and Josiah picks her up and carry her down the aisle.
The party moves to the reception hall, where Josiah and Lauren arrive with huge smiles on their faces. They keep kissing and make their way to the stage to talk about the gluten free cake. Jessa says it was her favorite wedding. They cut the cake, and then feed each other a bite of the cake. There was a little playfulness and Lauren gets Josiah first. They laugh and kiss again. The producers ask John who will be next to get married and show a few shots of John and Abbie together and then John introduces Abbie to the camera. Abbie says she loves John. She is a nurse who works with geriatrics and she loves her family. John says his family always says he would surprise them with a girlfriend, so he did. The family was shocked when he introduced them but they’re excited. John says they had a quick pre-courtship but when you know it’s the right one, you know. The family is excited for Jinger and Jeremy’s baby, the next wedding, Gideon and Garrett learning to walk, potty training Spurgeon, a lot more grandkids and nieces and nephews, and maybe a new honeymoon baby.
Lauren and Josiah leave the wedding—people are pelting them with lavender seeds as they head out—and try to get into a car. Josiah unwraps the car to find out it was an old junk car. They look for the actual car and then they drive it up covered in post it notes. Josiah and Lauren laugh and carries Lauren to the car. They kiss again and drive away from the venue. They look forward to serving together, slowing down, and spending time together. As they drive away, there is one more surprise for them—Justin is hiding in the trunk. Josiah throws him out and they finally really on their way.
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