It is wonderful when you hear a parent refer to their child as a gift from God and a true blessing. Well, this family has certainly had their share of “presents.”

LITTLE ROCK — The Duggars are once again pulling out the pink ruffles and lace as they prepare for the birth of baby number 17.

Michelle Duggar said Monday in a telephone interview from her northwest Arkansas home that the whole family is excited about the arrival of the baby girl they will name Jennifer Danielle, keeping with the family tradition of giving the child a name that begins with J.

I cannot begin to tell you the admiration I have for these parents and the obvious time and energy they have devoted to these children:

The Duggars home school their children at their 7,000-square foot home in Tontitown. The couple’s oldest child, Joshua, is 19, and their youngest, Johanna Faith, is 19 months. Their children include two sets of twins.

It’s become less common to hear of large families due mostly I believe to financial and time constraints. How heartwarming to read a story of people so willing to accept their “gifts” with such grace. May God continue to bless this whole clan for years to come.