Chip And Joanna Gaines: Expanding Their Family And Stepping Back From The Spotlight

Since the iconic show Fixer Upper premiered back in 2013, Waco, Texas natives Chip and Joanna Gaines have skyrocketed from local celebrities to global sensations. Their charm and talent have captured the hearts of millions, turning them into household names. But now, this beloved couple is bringing even more joy to their already-full lives. In a recent Instagram post, Joanna Gaines shared a heartwarming video of their unborn child’s heartbeat, revealing that they’re expecting their fifth child this summer. “Look at the little heartbeat!” Joanna gushed, sending waves of excitement through their fan base.

The Joy of Expanding the Gaines Family

For those who’ve followed Chip and Joanna’s journey, it’s no surprise that they’re thrilled about adding another member to their growing family. Jimmy Don Holmes, a close friend and collaborator whose JDH Iron Designs business has been featured on Fixer Upper, shared his thoughts with Closer Weekly. “Think about how lucky they are to have a fifth child, and how lucky the kid is to have them,” Jimmy said. The Gaines family already includes Drake, 12, Ella, 11, Duke, 9, and Emmie, 7. With another bundle of joy on the way, Chip and Joanna are overjoyed about what the future holds. As one insider revealed to Closer, “Chip and Joanna are happier than ever.”

But the decision to grow their family came with another major life change. Last year, the couple announced that they would step away from Fixer Upper after its fifth season. For Joanna, the reason is clear: “Motherhood is a gift,” she said, emphasizing that raising her children is her most cherished role. “Fostering these little people’s growth is my favorite job of all.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with fans who’ve watched the couple balance their careers with their commitment to family.

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A Bold Move: Leaving Fixer Upper at Its Peak

Walking away from a show that’s brought them fame and fortune wasn’t an easy decision, but Chip and Joanna knew it was the right one. “People might think Chip is just this goofy guy, and he is a goofy guy,” Joanna explained, “but he’s also the bravest person I know.” Over the years, the HGTV series has not only boosted their careers but also launched several successful ventures, including their Hearth & Hand With Magnolia home and lifestyle brand at Target, their Magnolia Journal magazine, and their upcoming Magnolia Table restaurant near their popular Magnolia Market at the Silos. Despite all this success, their top priority remains their children. “I don’t care enough about my finances to compromise my family or their well-being,” Chip said, echoing the couple’s unwavering values.

Chip’s dedication to fatherhood has earned him admiration from those around him. “His dad was a good dad, so that primed Chip to be a superdad!” Jimmy Don Holmes shared. “And his father-in-law is one of the most amazing guys in the world, so Chip’s got a lot of guidance. But he’s a natural anyway. He gets out there and plays with those kids and does stuff with them all the time.” It’s this hands-on approach that sets Chip apart, making him not just a loving dad but also a role model for others.

Joanna’s Role as a Model Mom

Joanna, too, has earned praise for her parenting style. “She’s just so kind,” Jimmy said, highlighting her willingness to put her kids first. “She’ll just sit down in the grass and talk to them for 40 minutes, even if she really didn’t have the time to do that.” This level of commitment stems from Joanna’s awareness of how quickly time flies. “Drake is officially taller than me,” she marveled about her oldest child. “I can’t handle how big all of my kids are getting and how fast time seems to be flying by. Lately, I’ve been particularly careful to soak it all in. I don’t want to miss a single moment of the things that matter the most to me.”

This shared devotion to their children has been a cornerstone of the Gaines’ relationship from the start. “Family is very important to them,” Gayle Gaines, Chip’s mom, told Closer. “They care very much about how their kids turn out and they’re very well aware that spending time with them and investing in their lives is important.” Their efforts have paid off, producing children who are described as “smart, well-mannered, kind-hearted kids.” The couple’s Christian faith and values have played a significant role in shaping their family dynamic, encouraging their kids to live active, healthy lives without the distractions of television. Instead, the Gaines children spend their days riding horses, gardening, cooking, playing board games, and engaging in arts and crafts together.

Trusting in God and Planning for the Future

For Chip and Joanna, faith plays a crucial role in their decision-making. “Joanna always has the attitude that God will take care of things if you do your part,” an insider explained. This belief has made it easier for them to embrace the next chapter of their lives, which includes welcoming their new baby. While they’ve stepped back from Fixer Upper, Joanna remains busy, working on various projects, including ideas for a new show with Chip. “After four kids, she pretty much has this pregnancy thing down pat,” the insider joked. “Plus, she’s a very organized woman with tons of energy, so she’s up at 5:30 a.m. hitting the ground running every morning, even while pregnant.”

Through it all, Chip remains Joanna’s biggest supporter. “He is the ultimate cheerleader, coach, and dream maker,” Joanna said of her husband of 14 years. “I get to hear his thoughts and benefit from his wisdom and encouragement on a daily basis.” The couple’s partnership extends beyond their personal lives, inspiring others with their teamwork and dedication. “Can you imagine the nursery?” Jimmy teased. “I’m sure Joanna’s run it through her head 6,000 times how she wants to do it. And knowing Chip, he’s probably got 3,000 names for either a boy or a girl—though Joanna’s probably not going to want any of them!”

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A Legacy of Love and Commitment

While they may differ on small details, Chip and Joanna are always on the same page when it comes to what truly matters. “Our family and our values and how we want to raise our children,” Joanna emphasized. This unwavering commitment ensures that, even at their busiest, their kids remain their top priority. Over the years, Chip and Joanna have made it a point to remind their children of their importance. “No matter what, we choose you,” Chip revealed. “You’re the most important thing in the world to your mom and dad. We want you to know that if you need us, if there’s something that comes up in your life, you tell us and we will leave whatever it is that we’re doing in a heartbeat.”

As they prepare to welcome their new baby, the Gaines family is embracing the excitement and uncertainty of the future. “I feel like a little bit of a load has been lifted, under the realization that tomorrow’s going to be a different chapter,” Chip said. “I feel like it’s going to be the right decision for our family moving forward, and we’re really optimistic about that. We’ve got everything that our hearts desire.” Joanna echoed this sentiment, expressing her love for fresh beginnings. “There is just something about a clean slate,” she said. “I love the idea of a whole new year waiting out there full of hope and possibility. I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.”

For more on Chip and Jo, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now—and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for more exclusive news!