Since the pilot episode of HGTV’s Fixer Upper in 2013 until its supposed final airing in 2018, we were enthralled by the loving union between Chip and Joanna Gaines as we followed their artistic interior decorating journey. As time passed, we grew to love them even more, as they continued to share moments of their lives. We saw the birth of their newborn baby Crew — after the series had concluded, together with Drake, Ella Rose, Duke, and Emmie Kay, and the rest of their endearing family! Let’s marvel at the harmonious Magnolia enterprise family as we get to know them through their most candid moments right now!
The Power of Seven
Many people have assumed that Mr. and Mrs. Gaines live an enchanting life because of their riches and stardom, but that’s just the icing on the cake. The main reason for the true happiness experienced by our interior decorating king and queen is the family that they have built together. The Gaineses used to have only two sons and two daughters until Joanna became pregnant with baby Crew, who was born in June 2018. Their children, now numbering five, could never be compared to the empire they’ve built because, without these kids, life wouldn't be complete for Joanna and Chip.
A New Chapter with a New Life
Although Fixer Upper ended and had its last episode on April 3, 2018, viewers did not feel totally sad for three months prior to that last episode. This was because the celebrated hosts announced the coming of their fifth child. The gender was announced in March 2018 and by June, Baby Gaines’ head popped out and made his arrival into the world! Mommy Gaines had revealed the name and the adorable child's endearing photos from the hospital bed through Social Media. Everybody could not get enough of the newborn, who was named Crew, especially his dear siblings.
The Kids Love the Baby
Most siblings would experience a wave of jealousy over finding out about the coming of a new brother or sister. However, the four charming Gaines children had quite the opposite reaction. At the moment when they were informed of their mom’s pregnancy, Drake, Ella, Duke, and Emmie were nothing but overjoyed. Joanna relayed to CountryLiving.com that because the soon-to-be big brothers and sisters were so enthusiastic and celebratory, she felt even more eager to welcome the newborn Crew. Joanna's Insta snaps clearly show that the siblings have already developed a sweet spot for the new member of their family.
Finding the Pattern
The partners in home décor had somehow managed to achieve a boy-girl order in their children’s birth pattern. There’s Drake - 13, Ella Rose - 11, Duke - 10, and Emmie Kay - 8! See, we told you! We don’t know what magic has made this happen but for their recent child, Chip even managed to guess that they were about to have a boy just after taking a glimpse of the sonogram. The prediction was spot on, obviously, as we now have Crew as an added member of the Magnolia empire! We can just imagine everyone's anticipation!
From Letter C and D
Joanna and Chip are really into patterns, which makes sense given that the interior designing god and goddess of TV have to deal with various patterns all the time in home remodeling. This love of patterns has obviously crossed over to their family life, though. Just look at how Duke and Drake both have a mono-syllabic name that begins with a D. However, that naming tradition came into a halt when the new child came. Mr. Gaines explained that he and his wife were searching for a name that began with a D but instead wound up with a C, which might spark a new naming system for the couple.
…to the Letter E
While we already have the letters C and D for the boys on the Gaines family naming scheme, the girls, Ella Rose, and Emmie Kay, are found on the spectrum of the letter E. As you might have already noticed, unlike Chip and Joanna’s boys, both their girls have a two-syllable name succeeded by a mono-syllabic middle name. If your mom and dad ever forgot your name at one point, you’d agree that the Magnolia real estate couple made a smart choice of naming their kids in such a way that it would be easy to remember, even for us who have already developed a soft spot for these children.
Introducing Drake the Eldest
Any parent would be proud to have a son like Drake Gaines, who is such a wonderful big bro to his siblings! The 13-year-old has developed a love for sports as Country Living even called him the football player of the Gaines household. His dad Chip has been full support of this passion, mentioning Drakes’ strong arm in one Fixer Upper episode. Drake was seen with his dad and brother Duke posing for an Instagram shot with the football coach from Baylor University, where both their parents attended. Way to go, young man!
Ella the Entrepreneur
At only 11 years old, Ella Rose Gaines is already showing signs of possibly taking on the world of business that her mom and dad have already conquered through the Magnolia portfolio. The beautiful youngster even sold baked munchies at her mom and dad’s office, which she considered as a summer job. Ella was once shown on Fixer Upper as she lent a hand to her mom in designing a room. As the eldest daughter, Ella Rose also seems to have immediately fallen in love with their brother Crew just like the rest of her siblings.
Cowboy Duke
Duke Gaines is the third child of Mr. and Mrs. Gaines, who seems to be just like his dad Chip. The cowboy-outfit-wearing kid also has a love for the farm life as he always accompanies his father to purchase animals to add to their farm. Apparently, the kid has a penchant for animal care. Apart from this, the ten-year-old also seems to have inherited his mom’s green thumb and helps Joanna out in the garden, especially come harvest time. While his older brother loves football, Duke is one major fan of the sport himself. Chip has also shared that Duke is a left-handed ballplayer during one Fixer Upper episode.
Emmie the Little Plant Lady
An eight-year-old, who probably knows more about planting than most grown-ups we know, is Emmie Kay Gaines. She seems to have an adoration for houseplants and the other green things that are found in the Gaines’ greenhouse. In fact, because of her love of greenery, Joanna has promised her one new plant a month if she's able to keep all the others alive and well. Joanna posted a snap of her daughter’s plants on Instagram and has said that they are now running out of space. Perhaps it is something in her DNA that has also enabled her to have a great eye for design just like Joanna herself, who calls Emmie her mini designer.
The Newborn Crew
It might be too early for baby Crew to do what his older siblings are already doing, but it’s likely that this darling will grow up loving the adventures that his older brothers and sisters currently take joy in. The four older Gaines kids appear to be into outdoor activities such as hanging out with their many animals, dirt biking all over the farm, paddling in the ponds and playing hide-and-go-seek through cornfields. These little explorers don’t need a class to teach them the value of nature and fun, as they experience it firsthand, which Crew will too, eventually!
Big Family, Big Love
A standard American household doesn’t usually have five kids. And just thinking about raising that number of children can be overwhelming for most, especially if you have an empire to run along with it! This is why we are in so much awe at how Joanna and Chip have found a way to make their family life work. Sure, they don’t have any textbooks that contained the secrets on how to run their lives, but the Texas-based duo had always been set to create a large household and had previously shared their desire for that big familial love.
Papa Chip & Mama Joanna
We may have become acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Gaines, who fix counter tops and pick perfect linens, through our favorite lifestyle HGTV show. However, watching Joanna and Chip with their kids is something quite different from what we’re used to seeing. How do these two fair as a mom and dad? Well, let’s just say that the usual perfectionist Joanna is laxer when it boils down to the kids. The beautiful mother cherishes all that comes with parenthood — even the sloppy parts — and she has Chip, who’s always ready with his dad humor, not minding to appear silly for the sake of their kids’ happiness.
No Spoiled Kids Around Here!
A mom and dad who generate a ton of dough, doesn’t necessarily equate to raising spoiled bratty children. This is what the Gaines household has proven as Joanna and Chip continue to have a strict and consistent hold on their kids’ discipline — most especially in matters of technology. Mrs. Gaines shared to People that the Gaines children aren’t allowed to have their own mobile devices until they go off to study at the collegiate level. It may seem harsh, but it actually appears to be doing them good, as their focus is set on other more productive activities.
Little Simple Things
Not only are the Gaines siblings far from being spoiled, but they are also appreciative of the little things. For instance, Duke once had a birthday where all he asked for were balloons and their mother's special cinnamon pastry. Here’s another one. Joanna once forgot that she had planted a bush that attracted butterflies and hummingbirds near her girls’ window, then after a couple of years, the Fixer Upper host found her Emmie Kay with a big smile by the same window. The little girl was so excited to show her mom the hummingbird that visited every morning because of the bush. How could anyone’s heart not melt for these kids?!
Oblivious to Fame
It is a known fact that the Gaines family doesn’t own a TV in their own abode. This may seem ironic for a famous TV host couple, but this is how they maintain some sort of regularity in their home. Joanna disclosed to People that their youngsters don't actually get that their parents have their own highly-acclaimed TV show, which makes stardom not that much of a big deal for the whole family since the king and queen of renovation are determined to provide their young ones with the most normal childhood possible.
Still Mom & Dad’s #1 Fans
We now know that the beloved mom and dad of the Gaines family don’t like keeping a TV around their farmhouse, and that makes the children oblivious to the current obsession that America has for the Fixer Upper stars. But, what we don’t realize is that the Gaines siblings are still Chip and Joanna’s biggest fans. Chip has revealed that while he was preparing for a marathon organized by Magnolia Market, his loving kiddos slipped him notes of encouragement that got the celebrity dad brimming with tears! What kind of dad wouldn’t, with such affectionate kids?!
On Spotlight Exposure
It’s nice that we at least get to know more of the whole Gaines family through Chip and Joanna’s personal Social Media posts, instead of having them bannered on the latest celebrity news of some random paparazzi following them around 24/7. After all, the two renovating geniuses really do try their best to keep their children as grounded to their youth as possible, by not having them be overtly exposed to the spotlight at such a young age and by prioritizing them through being there for their childhood. This couple sure has an excellent parenting approach!
The Exception to the Rule
However, the great thing about Joanna and Chip’s parenting style is that they both think it’s healthy for their kids to see them in action every once in a while. This was why we had witnessed a few Fixer Upper episodes, here and there, where the youngsters were in on the fun. Moderation is the key! The four older Gaines kids were usually their famous mother and father’s little helpers if they weren’t just playing around the farm whenever we had a glimpse of their cuteness on the American smash hit HGTV show.
Out of the Camera’s Eye
Because they wanted to always be close by for the sake of their children, the real estate investor in both Chip and Joanna had to be restrained and they have opted to film episodes only at a 40-mile range of Waco, Texas. This also meant that the kiddos got to tag along with their mommy and daddy whenever they were off to a new project to work on in an episode. Many may actually be shocked to find out how often the Gaines’ kids were on the set of Fixer Upper even if they weren’t captured by the lens, intentionally!
Perks of Being a Gaines
So while not having a TV or a phone may be a downer for some, being a Gaines makes up for it as Drake, Ella Rose, Duke, Emmie Kay, and now Crew have access to experiences most children their age — even our age —will be far from going through. Not everybody can say that they’ve gone tree shopping with a former First Lady. Yep! For the finale of Fixer Upper, Emmie Kay, and Ella Rose had a trip with their mom together with special guest Laura Bush to a Crawford, Texas tree farm owned by Mrs. Bush’s family. What an experience!
Living on a Farm
True to being the king and queen of home renovation, Chip and Joanna acquired a 40-acre property, which holds a Victorian house of about 1,700 sq. ft. — naturally, they chose the 1895 home for its fixer-upper appeal! Although the whole overhaul took them around a year and a half, the amazing couple was able to transform it into a charming vintage country home ready to accommodate their big family —not to mention the 60+ animals consisting of cows, bunnies, horses, goats, chicken, kitties, and puppies that live with them on the land!
Family Life After Fixer Upper
The Magnolia Market mom, Joanna, has revealed to Country Living that 2018, the end of their 5th and last season for the HGTV show Fixer Upper, has stood as one of their family’s greatest yet. Why? Simply because it has given the couple a chance to rest and enjoy the humbler moments spent with the rest of their family especially with the coming of their newborn, Crew, who every member of the family seems to have fallen in love with. Crew’s older brothers and sisters take turns in holding the little lad from day to night, much to the delight of their parents.
Family Bonding
We just love seeing how Joanna and Chip are doing such a great job at raising their kids. Despite the age gap among their children with the oldest Drake being 13 years old and of course Crew being barely a year old, each of the Gaines family members is still able to enjoy the off-screen time that they’ve spent together through road trips, kid-safe festivals, patio playtime, football competitions, and a lot more. Obviously, the beautiful family has managed to find plenty of activities to bond over with, even if they're out of their classic deluxe house.
The Gaines’ Holiday Bliss
Crew’s first Christmas with his family was filled with so much fun, that we couldn’t help but feel so happy for the little one and the rest of his siblings. The family decked-out a 13-ft. Christmas tree right in their kitchen and displayed another awesome one in mom and dad’s room where a snap of them having movie night on top of their king-sized bedstead was posted by Joanna herself. Good thing the bed was able to squeeze in all of the now-seven members of the family! The second tree was previously found in the Gaines’ spare room which is now occupied by the adorable Crew.
Privacy on Current Education
In terms of their kids’ education, the Gaines couple has never disclosed where their children actually attend school. It’s pretty obvious why, as we know they're keen on keeping a balance between their celebrity status and private life. Even though the show has already ended, the couple is still keeping their privacy at a topmost priority. The famous couple, who has admitted to taping Fixer Upper for at least 11 months in a year since they began the show in 2013, have seen their children grow up so fast right before their eyes that that want to be there for them more often than before.
Considering Home-Schooling
The publication Romper reported that Mr. and Mrs. Gaines might be considering home-schooling their little ones. The couple believes that they are already a part of a devout community that is composed of numerous homeschooling families, who believe that God leads each household in the educational program that is paramount for them. As it happens, most of the families home-school their kids in Antioch Community Church in Waco, Texas. Although Chip and Joanna have not said anything about this news yet, no matter what path they choose, we all know it will always be for the best interest of their young ones.
Daddy’s Piece of Advice
And since we’ve already touched on the topic of the future, there will come a time when these kids, even Crew, will grow up, go off to college, and pursue a life of their own. Of course, love and dating are a part of all those we’ve just mentioned. Unlike most married couples, especially dads with daughters, Chip doesn’t seem to mind seeing his own girls enter the world of relationships. For the endearing father of five, first-time experiences like driving a car and picking up a date are small milestones to some degree. But for now, he’s cherishing their moments as kids for that’s something no one can ever reverse.
For Now…
As for the moment, we celebrate how Drake, who was named after the historic New York City hotel where his mom and dad had their honeymoon, is excelling in sports, Ella Rose is turning into a great baker and learns how to sew; Duke is becoming a funny man (we’ll give an example later); and Emmie Rose is just a brave youngster, who even trusted her dad wholeheartedly to pull her loose tooth! These kids are fearless world-changers just like what their dad believes them to be. Why? Because they have the most amazing mom and dad in Joanna and Chip who will always keep them #1 in their hearts.
Have A Little Laugh with Duke
Here’s an example of Duke’s funny bone in action that we promised! Chip had shared this story on Twitter. Mr. Gaines told his son, Duke, that when he and his brother got older, he’d want to parachute with them. Duke's response? Well, he said that when they’re older, it’s quite possible that their daddy would be dead. Ha! This ten-year-old is one clever little man! Good thing Chip shared this and made us laugh along with him! We do hope the three boys would get to parachute together in the future though. Maybe even with Crew! But for now, superman capes made of quilts will do!
The Possibility of a 6th Child
Now, the Gaines family of seven may not permanently stay under that number for long. Chip Gaines stunned supporters through a People magazine interview when he publicized that the family might not be complete thus far, as he thinks Crew will need a sister by the time he’s 10 years old, while his youngest sister Emmie is off to some university. Joanna seems to be all aboard the idea as she loves the process of giving and carrying life. The 40-year-old can still see herself having babies at 45, and if that should happen, then we honestly hope they continue with their naming system, now at letter C!
One Big Reveal
So here it is! Honestly, we have wanted to tell you this since we started jotting down the intro to our favorite family, but we didn’t want to spoil anything until the end! Are you ready?! After a long time of Gaines-less television experience, Chip and Joanna have announced their return to our TV screens! The wonderful parents of five have announced the expansion of their empire through their own TV network during their appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. This news has gotten us so pumped, and it will make you feel the same too, once you find out what’s in store in their new show!
Get More of the Gaines Family
Here’s what Chip and Joanna shared with Jimmy Fallon that has gotten us all giddy with excitement. The lovely family is letting us into their lives! All of us will get to see the Gaines children grow up, and they don’t have to be apart from mom and dad because Waco, Texas will still be the location! They have partnered with Discovery Inc. to create a family-friendly show to be aired on the Gaines own network! We hope that this will turn out as a great venture for the whole family along with the Magnolia empire that they have built from the ground up. Cheers to the Gaines family legacy!