Michelle Duggar holding her newest grandchild, Israel David Dillard, on Mother's Day.
Mother's Day has come and gone, but "19 Kids and Counting" matriarch Michelle Duggar has shared some timeless advice for both new and expectant mothers. Her daughter, Jessa, who is expecting her first child in November, in turn revealed some of her favorite things about her mother.
In a recent TLC video clip, Michelle shared her thoughts: "Moms that are expecting, be very excited about this little one coming. Put aside fears, but talk to your baby in-utero, because that baby can hear. And then for mamas that already have those little ones in their arms, just enjoy those babies. Take lots of pictures, and take lots of naps--when the baby is napping, you nap, too. Enjoy this time, because they grow up really fast."
In addition to being mother of 19, Michelle is also a grandmother. Her daughter Jill, 23, gave birth to son Israel David with husband Derick Dillard on April 6. Meanwhile, her daughter-in-law Anna, 26, who is married to Josh, 27, is expecting the couple's fourth child (Josh and Anna are already the proud parents of Mackynzie 5, Michael, 3, and Marcus, 1.)
While she has said she enjoys everything about being a mother and grandmother, she shared "the very best part" of watching her offspring grow up.
"As you see your children growing, you see them catching the vision of what you've been trying to pour into their lives, Michelle explained. "When I see my children loving God and loving others, I think that's the best ever. That sums up the whole thing of motherhood for me: they love the Lord and they love others."
Michelle's daughter Jessa, 22, who last month announced that she and husband Ben Seewald are expecting a baby, also shared what she admired most about her mother, who over the years has homeschooled all 19 children along with her husband, Jim Bob Duggar.
"I think one thing that stands out to me about my mom is her patience," Jessa said. "She's very patient, I don't know anyone with as much patience as her. With the little ones--when they're having a tantrum or acting up, she's just calm and gets down on their level."
Michelle's patience doesn't just extend to toddlers: "As we've grown up, through our teen years, she would always tell us, 'You always have a place to share your heart. I'm here for you,'" Jessa recalled. "'It doesn't matter what time of day it is--middle of the night, if you want someone to talk to I'm here for you.' I just love her so much. She's one of my best friends.
The third Duggar daughter goes on to explain that "Just about every good character quality out there" describes her mother, such as loving, caring affectionate, patience, and kindness.
"I've learned so much from my mom, just watching her with little ones and babies. Now that I'm expecting my own, I'm hoping I can be half the mom she is. I know my personality is a lot different, but that loving, caring spirit, the way she talks with sweet words with the little ones--she's always just patient and loving, and I think 'Wow, I have the perfect example here.'"
