'19 Kids & Counting's Youngest Duggar Turns 5; Parents Thank God for Miracle Daughter
The youngest star of "19 Kids & Counting" celebrated her fifth birthday on Wednesday, which is a miracle given that she was born at 25 weeks prematurity and not expected to live.
"Fun birthday lunch for Josie at a place she loves with Golden Arches!" the Duggar family posted on their official Facebook page. "This girl puts the 'Happy' in the Meal!' Today this precious girl is 5 years old! Time does fly. We love you, Josie and are so thankful the Lord brought you to us!"
Jim Bob and Michelle, parents to 19 children, nearly lost Josie when she was born. Michelle was diagnosed with preeclampsia and gave birth to the premature girl, who weighed only 1 lb., 6 oz. Just eight days later, Josie's bowel perforated, leaving her extremely vulnerable to infection and illness.
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"She responded to placement of an abdominal drain, plus antibiotics, and did not require an open operation," Josie's doctor, Robert Arrington, told People at the time.
Her parents were extremely grateful that their tiny baby girl did not have to undergo surgery at such a delicate stage. They trusted the doctors, prayed to God and called upon others to pray for Josie as well. Her condition began to improve and soon the baby girl was home with her 18 brothers and sisters all eager to help take care of her and nurse her back to health.
Josie's remarkable birth and development was featured on the hit TLC series "19 Kids & Counting." Since then, the family has embarked on several different paths, with Michelle going through a pregnancy in 2011. Sadly, daughter Jubilee was stillborn, and the family had to lay her to rest. The family has not had another child since but maintain they would welcome any future children God chose to bless them with.
The family is currently expecting two new babies, though, from daughter Jill and daughter-in-law Anna.
