'Fixer Upper' star Joanna Gaines is using her pregnancy to go on a journey of discovery
Apparently, a lot has changed in the world since the last time Joanna Gaines had a newborn in the house, especially in reference to new pregnancy products that have invaded the baby market up until recently. “It’s been eight years since I’ve had a newborn, and I’ve loved discovering all of the new (and cute!) baby products out there that didn’t exist before,” said the new mother of five.
The 'Fixer Upper' star, who is currently promoting her new curated collection of baby essentials listed on Magnolia Market, further divulged about the inspiration for her collection, saying “Because I’ve had so much fun readying our home and preparing for the baby this time around, I curated a few of my favorites for the market,” adding, “Whether you’re a mom-to-be or you’re looking for a gift, I hope you find something you love.”
According to People magazine, Gaines' limited edition collection contains something for every new parent, from stylish leather diaper bags to sturdy wooden toys to nourishing all-natural body butter. It also showcases plenty of storybooks that parents can read with their little ones at home.
Earlier this month, Gaines, along with her husband Chip, welcomed a new baby boy into their home, who the parents have now decided to call Crew. The couple had a book-themed baby shower prior to the arrival of their fifth child, and it was every bookworm's fantasy.
“I like big books and I cannot lie📚 — Blown away by the creativity and thoughtfulness of my friends — just the cutest book shower ever for baby Gaines!” Joanna captioned the photo of herself standing before a giant stack of decorative books while showing off her baby bump. “Now I just need to figure out how to shove these books in my car so I can get them to the farm! #babygotbooks,” she continued.
The couple, who is also parents to Emmie Kay, Duke, Ella, and Drake, has decided to say goodbye to their hit HGTV show after five seasons. And the reason behind that is none other than their children. In a bid to spend more time with their children, the couple has decided to focus on their home rather than the TV show.
“They’re so young, and we want to give them the chance to have a normal childhood,” Joanna explained. “Family is the most important thing in the world.”
The couple's decision comes after a Utah based writer, Daryl Austin questioned whether they had enough time on their hands to put their family first especially after their extremely challenging schedules. “There is much to be admired about them, including their commitments to their faith, marriage, family, and community,” Austin said of the famous couple.
“There’s an important distinction, however, that I think their millions of fans and would-be imitators need to remember: Chip and Joanna Gaines did not get where they are now by putting their family first.”
Austin continued to point out the couple would definitely be finding no time to spend with their children in the middle of running their home improvement empire. “This is just not possible,” Austin wrote. “And it does a disservice to the parents who really are putting their children first.”
After Austin's article was released, Chip issued a statement on Twitter, where he slammed the writer for his ignorant allegations.
“I don’t know Daryl, & he clearly doesn’t know me. But for the record: If there is ever a need w/ my family (1st), I’ll shut this circus down so fast it will make your head spin.” He then added, “BUT Jo & I believe, w/ God anything is possible. Including having an amazing family AND a career you love.”
Later, however, Austin had to issue a public apology to the couple after facing an immense backlash from their fans on social media. “I didn’t write it to be hurtful, out of jealousy, or to cause controversy,” he began. “I wrote it for one simple reason: because I believed every word I wrote to be true.”
He continued, “I realized how lucky any of those kids without parents would feel to have a mother and father like Chip and Joanna Gaines. I don’t know them personally, but I suspect they really are terrific parents.” And although he did say that “I regret writing it,” he ended his article on a positive note. “I’ve never backed down from anything I’ve written before now, but maybe progressing in my beliefs and doing better next time is what being a fixer-upper is all about,” Austin said.