The world remembers when Michelle and Jim-Bob Duggar publicly announced the miscarriage of their 20th child, Jubliee Shalom Duggar. The miscarriage caused controversy for many reasons. Some criticized Michelle for having a baby at 45 years old, especially with 19 other kids at home who need her. There was also controversy when the images of Jubilee's funeral program surfaced and the 20th Duggar baby's limbs were featured.
This was Michelle Duggar's second miscarriage. She was pregnant with her second child after taking oral birth control and miscarried a son, whom she named Caleb. Duggar cites this as the reason she no longer believes in birth control, and says it was her punishment for not leaving her kids "up to God."
After the death of Jubilee, Michelle Duggar decided more kids would put her family at risk and decided it was time to stop at 19 kids. However, in November of 2016, the Duggar family officially announced they had adopted a 20th child, something not many people saw coming.
On August 26th, 2016 the Duggar parents filed an emergency custody petition for their 8-year-old great-nephew Tyler Wayne Hutchins. Tyler's mom Rachel Hutchins, Michelle Duggar's niece, was headed down a path of destruction and the boy needed a stable home.
According to the Duggars' lawyer, Rachel Hutchins "recently exhibited a pattern of behavior demonstrating that she is presently unable to meet Tyler's health, safety, and other needs," and that she is "unemployed, has no means of transportation and is currently on probation."
Rachel Hutchins was arrested on felony charges for breaking and entering, and was effectively homeless. On November 21, 2016 the Duggar family was granted full, permanent custody of Tyler Hutchins.
Jim-Bob and Michelle Duggar will still allow Rachel Hutchins visitation with Tyler, but he will be legally cared for by the reality TV family.
Tyler was officially introduced on the family's Facebook page, and it seems like he is more than enjoying himself in his new home.
"Happy 9th Birthday Tyler!" Jim-Bob wrote. "We are so glad to have you in our home and a part of our family! Your bright smile and sweet spirit brings much joy to us all!"
The Duggars say Tyler has fit in perfectly with their group, especially since he has siblings so close in age to him, now.
"Jackson loves having a 'little brother/cousin' to ride bikes and play with and read your Bibles together," said the happy family. "Our prayer is that each day you will seek God's will for your life, and that God will use your life in a great way. We pray over you that one of your first memory verses from the Bible will be lived out through your life! Love, Aunt Michelle & Uncle Jim Bob."
Posted by Duggar Family Official on Thursday, November 24, 2016
We're so happy that Tyler has found a safe, loving place to call home! Though there may be people who criticize the Duggars for taking in a 20th child, we know he will grow up with good values and a solid head on his shoulders!