On Monday, December 10, Josie Brooklyn Duggar turned nine years old. Though the Duggars are kind of nuts , the story of Josie’s premature birth at such a low weight tugged at the hearts of even their toughest critics. In honor of Josie’s birthday, the Duggar family shared throwback photos of her fight to live. On Instagram, the Duggar family posted a series of throwback pics of Josie. In two of the photos, she is in the urgent care nursery of the hospital. “Josie was born on December 10, 2009,” the caption reads. They remind fans that Josie was born “at 25 1/2 weeks gestation.” She was born about three months early, folks. “And,” the caption continues. “Weighed 1 pound 6 ounces.” That is extremely, dangerously underweight. After a lot of work and a lot of love and luck, Josie survived. “Today is a huge milestone for her,” the Duggar family wrote in their caption on Monday. “She is a healthy, happy 9 year old,” the caption affirmed. They noted that she’s a 9-year-old “that is full of energy.” That is heartwarming to hear. “We are so thankful for everyone’s prayers,” the Duggar family’s caption affirms. Many fans and followers sent the family and little Josie their prayers during her health crisis. “And,” the Duggars continued, they sent their thanks to “all of the doctors and nurses at Arkansas Children’s Hospital that saved her life.” They really beat the odds. “That was the most difficult time in our family’s life,” the captions expressed. “But,” the Duggars concluded. “By God’s grace Josie and our whole family made it through!” As you may recall, Michelle Duggar was diagnosed with preeclampsia just before Josie’s birth. Preeclampsia, which often results in dramatic swelling as the body retains water, can even be fatal for both mother and child. Fortunately, little Josie made it through. Fans who have followed the Duggars for the past decade and beyond still remember Josie’s harrowing fight for her life. “I will never forget hearing about Josie’s early birth,” writes one fan. The follower continues: “I followed your updates so closely.” When thinking about a particular experience like this that is etched into your memory, 2009 doesn’t seem like it was so long ago. “I know it has been hard sharing so much of your life publicly,” the fan admits. The follower concludes: but I want to thank you for showing god’s love through your family!!” That is so sweet and affirming! “I remember when Josie was born and so tiny,” notes another fan. The follower observes: “The power of prayer can do awesome things!” “So many people were praying for her (including myself)!” the fan writes, clearly expressing that they played a small role in Josie’s health battle. Josie herself is absolutely adorable. It is wonderful to see her grow and thrive (well, as much as anyone can thrive while growing up in a fertility cult on the fringes of society). Happy birthday, Josie Brooklyn Duggar. We of course wish her many, many more. View Slideshow: 19 Scandals & Counting: The Duggar Family’s Most Shameful Moments
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Josie Duggar Turns 9; Duggar Family Reflects on Premature Birth
