Jessa Duggar and Husband Ben Sewald, Announce Pregnancy; Child Will Be Born on First Wedding Anniversary
Just months into their marriage, Christian reality star Jessa Duggar Seewald of TLC's "19 Kids and Counting," and her husband Ben Seewald have announced that they are expecting a child together and the baby is due on their first anniversary.
"We are so excited. The due date is November first, our wedding anniversary. We are looking forward to being parents," Jessa confirmed to People magazine. "I am feeling pretty good. The morning sickness was different every day. It's getting better, but I'm still hanging on to the heartburn. And I don't have any super-serious food cravings."
The couple married last November but refrained from their first kiss in front of the audience, choosing instead to share their first kiss in private. Jessa's parents, Jim Bob and Michelle, gave the audience a kiss for show after the nuptials. The young couple later openly shared a kiss to appease their family and friends.
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The kiss however was overshadowed by a bit of controversy after rumors surfaced online that the couple had engaged in sexual intercourse at the church where they were married. An online blogger alleged that Jessa's sister Jinger had walked in on the couple the very a private moment.
"Multiple people were discussing that when Jinger opened the door to get Jess for the reception, she immediately closed the door with a look of shock on her face," blogger Mary B posted on her website, My Life as a Stay at Home Wife and Mom. "I am not sure why they would not wait for the evening to pray and consummate God's marriage."
At first, Jessa did not respond to the allegations, but then took to Instagram to post a Bible verse in response.
"Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21," Jessa posted to Instagram.
Jessa revealed that she found out she was pregnant one Sunday morning before church when she decided to take a home pregnancy test and it came back positive. She said when she shared the news with Ben, they were both surprised and excited.
"I said, 'Hey Ben, guess what? Yeah, you're a dad.' We couldn't believe it," said Jessa. "We are so excited. We have started talking baby names. It is one of those things that is so special, picking a name for a baby."
The couple also still plans to adopt childen, something they talked about during their courtship. There is currently a two-year waiting period before they can even apply, but they are "making plans" to go through with their original plan.
"We are trying to take it one day at a time," said Ben. "We pray every night that God helps us be good parents. We are getting advice from other parents."
Those "other parents" include Ben's brother and sister-in-law, Jill and Derick Dillard, who recently gave birth to their first child, a son named Israel David.
"19 Kids and Counting" airs Tuesday nights on TLC.
