John David & Abbie’s Wedding TLCgo Special Recap

Part 1

It opens with John’s “Bachelor Til The Rapture” and the siblings all said they didn’t believe it. John says it was a quick transition but a wonderful one. John says they met on a Sunday morning and they noticed each other at first sight. Abbie is from Stratford, Oklahoma, and has 7 siblings. She is #4 of 8. She is a nurse at a long term care facility and choose geriatrics after helping her grandparents through their illnesses. John says they began courting a week after they met and then John brought her to surprise his family. Joy cried when they met. Jana says it is crazy to think John is at this point and Abbie is perfect for him. Jana approves. Two months into their courtship, John flew Abbie to Texas and proposed. They say they saved their first kiss for the wedding day and tried to have strict courtship standards. Abbie says she is looking forward to John seeing her walk down the aisle and flying away. John says the first kiss is a highlight, but not the biggest highlight of the day and also says he can’t wait to see her in her dress.

It is the wedding day and John and Abbie arrive at the church. They are very excited. John greets the groomsmen. Laura DeMasie says they are absolutely beaming. John says he has become more of a glitter guy since she is a glitter girl. Abbie gets ready and says it is exciting that it is her turn.

In the hall, Jana, Lauren and Josiah are working on the flowers. Josiah and Lauren are singing a song during the ceremony that Abbie’s siblings traditionally include in their wedding. John is calm as they get ready. “No nerves?” the producers ask. “Of steel,” John replies.

Renee helps Abbie into her dress and then reveal it to her bridesmaids. “Y’all are the gorgeous ones! Look at all that sparkle!” Abbie says. There are shots of the bride and bridesmaids taking pictures. JD & Abbie are getting married at the church where they first met, which JB thinks is great. JB gives JD a little talk, recounting the meeting at a book signing. Mr. Burnett sees Abbie and says John will fall over when he sees her.

They line up, and the parents make their way into the ceremony, followed by the bridesmaids. The first part concludes as Abbie is about to make her way down the aisle.

Part 2

The doors to the sanctuary open and John and Abbie beam at each other. Abbie’s father walks her down the aisle and John comes to meet them. Her father gives her away, and they make their way onto the stage. The preacher is silly and jokes with them and says “John was saying he wants to outdo his father” and John says “I don’t remember that.” The preacher steps down and Mr. Burnett steps up to preside over the vows. He talks about marriage being a covenant, the importance of vows and their importance to God. John reads his vows to Abbie, calling her a “virtuous woman, and all the things on earth pale in comparison to you.” He says he will lead her by example, and gives himself wholly to her and will keep his eyes only for her and “purposes to lead their family as they follow Jesus, to kiss you when you least expect it…just because I love you so much.” Abbie goes next, calls him a “gracious gift from God,” and “keep my heart only for you.” She includes the passage from Ruth about going where he goes, adds “and fly where you fly,” and says his people will be her people because “your God is my God.” She says she will take his name and stay by his side, and ends with “I love you, Sugar Muffin.” The original preacher comes back for the rings and says he doesn’t know where Abbie’s ring is.

A bridesmaid brings the ring to him, but that is he says that is just one half. A drone brings in the other half to them and says it’s fitting because John is a pilot. The preacher talks about the symbolism of the rings. John & Abbie exchange rings and hold hands. Next, they light the unity candle while Lauren and Josiah sing. Lauren seems to be wearing one of the bridesmaids dresses from her wedding. Lauren has a pretty voice, Josiah sings along quietly, and it is a nice moment. John and Abbie go back to the center of the stage and beam at each other. They are pronounced husband and wife, and the preacher says John may kiss his bride. John kisses both of her hands first, and then her shoulders, her forehead, her cheeks before finally kissing her mouth. After the kiss, they cannot stop smiling and are introduced as Mr. and Mrs. John David Duggar. They don’t run up the aisle but walk out of the sanctuary. The last shot is Abbie holding her bouquet in the air and saying “woo hoo!”

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Counting On Season 8 Specials

Josiah & Lauren's Wedding

Part 1

Lauren says the wedding day is almost here and they are excited. They keep looking like they want to kiss, the producer says “get a room.” Josiah and Lauren are saving their first kiss, which has been a struggle for them. Ms. Cindy is doing their wedding and Josiah and Lauren are picking out baby photos.

Josiah says he is 8 out of 19. Joe says he was talkative, an entertainer. They show Josiah pretending to drop Jordyn back in the 18 KaC days. Lauren has matured him. Mrs. Swanson says she stopped scrapbooking after 3 kids. She is the first of 9. Jessa says the family is sweet and precious; Joy says she is steady and a gem.  They show Lauren and Josiah setting up for Joe and Kendra’s wedding- Josiah asked Ms. Cindy to put them together and she obliged. Lauren says the beginning of their relationship- around Joe and Kendra’s wedding to the day they get married will be about 9 months. They were friends, courted for 6 weeks and then engaged for four months, according to Lauren. Mr. Swanson says they’re a team. The Duggar’s can’t believe the day has come. They gather the photos to give to Cindy. Josiah says he will cry when she comes down the aisle.

It is the wedding day, and they are getting ready, Lauren and Josiah are excited. They each get ready. Josiah’s groomsmen wear foodie socks. Josiah says it will only take him 15 minutes to get ready. Dwain Swanson is the father of the bride and “the officiator” (his word). Lauren says she’s not nervous and her mother says she was nervous on her wedding day but Dwain is her rock. Siah and Joe talk, Joe says he will be a great husband and says he should honor her and think of her first. Joe is the best man and he is happy for Siah. Josiah says he is looking forward to seeing the dress, the kiss, and leaving.  Dwain is ready to see her, the do the strange Dad first look thing and he cries and hugs him. “He wouldn’t sell me for a million dollars but here he is giving me away.” She asks if he is ready to marry them and he jokes he will delay the sermon. They are 30 minutes away and Lauren is calm and looking forward to it.

The wedding party starts to make their way in. Josiah walks in both mother and the groomsmen take their place. Dwain prepares to walk Lauren down, and the doors open.

Part Two

Lauren and Dwain make their way down the aisle and Josiah gets teary eyed. Lauren smiles at friends as they walk by and Dwain gives her away. Josiah leads her onto the stage and Dwain takes his place. Dwain is crying. He talks about marriage being a covenant, standard Duggar wedding into and they say they understand the weight of the covenant. They wrote their own vows. Josiah goes first, and he says he take her to be his wife, to be his friend, provider, protector and to be faithful to her, to love her like Christ loved the church and that he will help raise children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and that they will work better together than apart and everything they do will be for God’s glory. Lauren says she takes Josiah to be  her husband, and commits to be his helpmeet, cheerleader, lover, best friend and closest confidant, raise children as a team in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and that they will display Christ and use their marriage to demonstrate the gospel to the world. They exchange rings next. This is done traditionally.  John and Abbie are sitting together with his arm around her!!! Cuties!!! The parents come pray over the bride and groom and then Dwain announces that they are pronounced husband and wife.  Josiah says “Can I kiss her, dad?” and does so, a long kiss with a little dip. They laugh after kissing and Dwain says it’s not bad for a first kiss. Dwain presents Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Duggar and they kiss again and then he lifts her up and runs out of the church.

Joe and Kendra’s First Baby

Part 1

Kendra is sitting on the couch with her mom, Lauren and Joe. She is 38 ½ weeks along and is having contractions. She is excited but but also nervous about labor. She is looking forward to meeting him. She says that last contraction was a stronger one. Kendra says she thinks she is in active labor, having consistent contractions. They discuss breathing techniques. Joe says he is anxious to meet the baby and nervous about seeing Kendra go through pain but excited to welcome him into the world. Mrs. Caldwell is actually a great coach, using breathing techniques. Kendra’s mom is also expecting and and they have become closer through that experience. Lauren says her role to be in charge of timers and running for things. Kendra and Joe are taking to the producers and they have to pause to breathe through a contraction. She says about 6 on a 1 t0 10 scale. Mrs. Caldwell worries that during transition she may hold her breath and pass out- this is a tendency of Kendra’s so they are all trying to be careful with the breathing. Lauren says having them there she will do great. Kendra says it may be a long night- if they don’t go to the hospital tonight, they’ll have check tomorrow. Kendra is going to try to sleep but if they don’t make it through the night they will all meet up again to do this again.

At 2am, the Caldwells are up. Kendra can only stand, she is feeling it so they are heading over. Joe and Kendra have collected everything to go to the hospital. Jana says her advice would be to stay calm but they have everything ready so now it’s just the waiting process. Joe and Kendra head to the hospital. There is very dramatic music but the family is very calm. Jana says Joe is calm under pressure. Kendra is very uncomfortable and Joe talks her through the breathing exercises. Joy says labor is one of those things you have to go through to understand. Jessa says labor stories can scare you and Jessa says it could be difficult and you need to know that but don’t dwell on it. The contractions are less than two minutes apart as they drive in. Ben says labor was when reality hit that they were having a baby.  They arrive at the hospital, Joe is giving their name when Kendra starts having trouble breathing.

Part 2

At the hospital, Joe jokes with his in-laws.  Jessa says Joe texted them when they went in and Kendra is doing well, contractions are two-three minutes apart. Kendra says she is hanging in there and changing in through the contractions. Jessa says it can take a while the first time for the baby to come. Jessa gather up the kids at the main house to make a welcome home banner and gift baskets for them.The phone rings and Lauren calls with a quick update. The contractions have slowed down a bit, the doctor is going to break her water and then it will speed things up. Jessa says it is normal but hopefully breaking the water will move it along. The water is broken and labor is going more quickly. Kendra says she can’t and Joe is there the whole time coaching her and having her breathe with him.  

Back at the house, they are making banners and waiting and preparing dessert baskets for them and then they are heading to Joe and Kendra’s.

At the hospital, Kendra wants to get on the bed and she is powering through. Her family is supporting her.

At Joe and Kendra’s, Jessa has the kids lay out the baskets and then they hang the banners and dropping off the deserts and then they go to the big house for the news.

At the hospital, Kendra is pushing, and Christina, a nurse and Joe are coaching her. They assure her she is so close. The last big push comes, and they give her her son. He begins crying and she is overwhelmed to see him. Joe gets to hold him.

At the house, Jessa get the text that he is there. No pictures yet, and the younger girls are so excited. Jana says they will be great parents. Joe talks to him while he fusses. Joy says they should help each other out as much as they can, especially Joe. Ben says prepare to have sleep patterns rocked but they will adjust and figure out the new normal.

Joe and Kendra are preparing to leave the hospital and they announce his name is Garrett David. Joe says it is a strong name for a strong leader. Joe says Kendra will be a sweet mom like her mom and his mom. Kendra says it will be strange to be the two of us with him. Kendra says Joe will be a great dad and she is super excited. They show a card with the full name and details to conclude.

BuB Liveblog: Tori's Winter Wonderland Wedding

Joy's Birth Special

Part One 

A phone rings in the compound. We hear a car door close and the engine start. Michelle explains they’re going to see Joy, who is in labor and who is progressing. They show Austin holding her hand and she breathes. At the main house, JB gets a text that they’re going to the hospital and tells the little kids. They show Joy going into the ER and saying “love you guys, thank you for your prayers.”

A week earlier, the screen says. Joy is almost at her due date and Henry is taking all the dish towels out of her drawer. Some of the girls are there helping Joy prepare freezer meals for after the birth. Joy says pregnancy has been good- little morning sickness and not a lot of food aversion but her hormones and emotions are new. She says Austin has been gracious through her emotional rollercoaster and he has been supportive. Austin says he will kind o be her coach in the labor and help her as much as he can. Roxanne says they love Italian and Mexican so that’s what they’re making. She jokes she hopes the baby likes this food and Joy says it better because that’s what she likes. Joy says she is ready to have this baby and she is pretty uncomfortable and she is looking forward to seeing him. Jessa and Michelle say Joy hasn’t gained any weight compared to them. Michelle guesses he will weigh around 8 pounds- no. Jessa can’t believe Joy is about to have a baby. Michelle says her labor with Joy was different because she was sunny side up and she was two weeks past her due date- she was almost 9lbs. Roxanne says she was close to Terri’s birthday and she had 13 hours of labor and he was sunny side up as well and he was an emergency c-section. Jessa says Joy was a live baby doll for the older girls. Roxanne says Austin was a curious, cuddle baby who was very loving. Austin says he had a great upbringing on a big land in the atmosphere. He is looking forward to taking them fishing and to experience the outdoors.

At Joy’s, which looks good done, she says she has some names but they’re keeping them a secret. Joy says they have a couple boy and girls names. Joy says she doesn’t want people’s opinions- totally fair. Austin says they should say it nicer than that and says “we just want to introduce our child to them. While cooking, Jessa and Michelle talk about how spicy foods affect babies. Joy says she wants to try a home birth but they’re only 25 minutes away if they need to go to the hospital. Roxanne says Austin will be great in this situation as an EMT. Joy says Austin has been preparing and she knows he will be calm. They finish writing on the meals cooking instructions. Michelle says they will do great for the delivery. Jessa says labor is all about endurance and you feel like giving up but you can’t so don’t get discouraged. Austin says they’re feeling pretty good. Joy is trying not to have certain expectations and trying not to be scared but she knows Austin will be there for her. Joy thanks them for their help.

Part Two

A similar intro to the first episode- Michelle Jana and Johanna are going to the Forsyth home.

At the Duggar house, JB tells the rest of the kids that Joy is in labor as of the early morning. He says its going slow so they decide to pray for her. Jim Bob says its hard to believe she is having a baby. Ben says labor is a lot of work.

At Joy and Austin’s, Jill says Baby’s heart rate is good and she is good so she should be encouraged. I am nervous. Michelle says at this point you’re ready to have the baby. Austin strokes Joy’s face and coaches her. She is clinging to him. She is asking for help and hurting. Michelle is speaking to her softly.

Back at the main house, Jackson is filming. it’s 2:15pm. He films Kendra and asks what she thinks the gender will be. She says boy. Jackson says  a girl. The producers ask if Kendra is nervous for her, expecting one too. Kendra says she is curious and hopes Joy will give her tips and pave the way. Joe says the baby will be a boy. Jim Bob gets a text and tells them Joy is going to the hospital. They can’t talk but will be at the hospital in 20 minutes.

The screen goes black and says “After 20 hours in labor, the midwife determines the baby is breech.” JB is heading to the hospital to meet them.

Joy is getting prepped for the emergency c-section in flashes. Back at the house, Kendra is checking for texts. JD is making coffee. Ben is holding Henry and pacing nervously saying c-sections are tough.

They show the hospital, play a baby’s cry. The screen goes black again and says “at 3:39pm, Joy and Austin welcome a health baby boy into the world.”

They show some shots of Gideon after the section and Gideon meeting Joy.  JB calls JD and tells him the baby is her. Jenni gets to know the gender first because she is Joy’s buddy. She tells John and he fires blue confetti. The family celebrates- Spurgeon is precious! Michelle and JB meet their 10th grandbaby. He is 10lbs 3 oz. The Forsyths are so excited too. The grandparents coo over Gideon in his hospital cot. Austin is pretty excited he is here. Kendra shows them baby pictures. No name yet, Joy says, remarking how huge he is. Joy says he is a pretty good mix, he notes he doesn’t have a Duggar nose. Kendra says he has the duggar head. They keep calling Gideon it because he has no name. They show some pictures. Joy says they are so happy he has arrived and the final shot is a picture of them with Gideon from the introduction video we all saw with the caption: “Gideon Martyn Forsyth. Born February 23, 2018. 10 lb. 3 oz., 22 inches.”

Here we go again: Joe & Kendra Tie the Knot

Counting On: A New Bundle of Joy