Jana Duggar, the former star of TLC's reality series Counting On, has joyfully announced the arrival of her first child with husband Stephen Wissmann. The couple shared the happy news on Instagram on Friday, January 23, posting a series of tender photographs that capture their new family dynamic.
A Heartfelt Announcement on Social Media
In their joint Instagram post, the 36-year-old Duggar and 32-year-old Wissmann, a bible studies leader and pastor, revealed that their son, Archie Gerald Wissmann, was born on December 30, 2025. They explained that they had taken time to adjust to parenthood before making the public announcement. "We took some time to settle into our new rhythm before sharing this sweet news," Duggar wrote in the caption. "Archie Gerald Wissmann arrived on December 30, 2025, and our hearts have been completely changed."
Embracing the Early Days of Parenthood
The new mother expressed immense gratitude and wonder in her message, adding, "We're soaking in these early days, full of love, wonder, and so much gratitude." This pregnancy was announced just one year after the couple tied the knot in August 2024, marking a swift and joyous progression in their relationship.
The Instagram post featured three poignant images:
- One photo showed Duggar and Wissmann smiling broadly at the camera while cradling their newborn, who was snugly wrapped in a green blanket.
- A second snapshot captured the couple gazing down at their son with evident adoration.
- The third image depicted the pair planting a gentle kiss on the baby's head, symbolising their affection.
Warm Wishes from Family and Followers
The announcement prompted an outpouring of congratulatory messages from fans and family alike. Duggar's sister, Jinger Duggar, commented enthusiastically, "Ahhh we love Archie so much already and can't wait to meet him!!" Followers also shared their excitement, with one writing, "Why am I crying ??? So happy for YOU," and another adding, "Congratulations!!! He is beautiful!! What a sweet little family!! You have your happily ever after!!"
Background on the Pregnancy and Wedding
Duggar initially revealed her pregnancy in August 2025 through another joint Instagram post with Wissmann. That announcement included three photos from a pregnancy shoot, such as a black-and-white image of the couple kissing. "We are so excited, January 2026 is going to come with a little bundle of joy joining our family!" she shared at the time. "We're counting down the days and eagerly looking forward to this thrilling new chapter in our lives!"
The couple's wedding took place on August 15, 2024, at The Grand at Willow Springs in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, in front of 500 guests. They had become engaged just three months prior, with Duggar describing the event as a "dream come true." In an interview with People magazine before the wedding, she reflected, "I think it is one of those things that all girls envision someday. For me, it felt like, 'Okay, it's never coming.' But now it's starting to sink in. Reality is starting to set in."
Duggar Family Context and Past Controversies
Jana Duggar is the eldest daughter of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's 19 children and gained fame through the TLC reality series 19 Kids and Counting and its spinoff Counting On. Her pregnancy updates were shared with her 855,000 Instagram followers, keeping fans engaged throughout her journey.
However, the Duggar family has faced significant scrutiny and controversy in recent years. Notably, Jill Duggar, another sister, has been estranged from the family and spoke out in the Amazon Prime docuseries Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets. She accused her parents of exploiting her and her siblings by having them participate in the family's reality shows without compensation, claiming the Duggars received around $18 million over 21 seasons, but the children were never paid.
Additionally, Josh Duggar, the eldest sibling, is currently serving a 12-year and seven-month prison sentence in Seagoville, Texas, after being convicted of receiving child pornography. These issues have cast a shadow over the family's public image, contrasting with the joyful personal milestones like Jana's new motherhood.
Despite these challenges, Jana Duggar's announcement highlights a positive and personal moment for her and Stephen Wissmann as they embark on this new chapter with their son Archie.
