Zach and Tori Roloff’s New Chapter: Welcoming Baby Josiah, Overcoming Farm Drama, and Embracing Life in Washington
Zach and Tori Roloff, beloved stars of TLC’s long-running reality series Little People, Big World, have officially expanded their family to five. The couple joyfully welcomed their third child, son Josiah Luke Roloff, in April 2022. In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, the pair shared intimate details about Josiah’s early arrival, the challenges of parenthood, and significant updates on their family life, including their recent move and the ongoing tensions surrounding Roloff Farms.
The Arrival of Josiah Luke: A Sweet Surprise
Tori Roloff opened up about the birth of their newest addition, revealing that Josiah decided to make his grand entrance earlier than anticipated, even with a planned C-section. “Everything went really well with the delivery. He just decided to come early,” Tori told HollywoodLife. She elaborated on her experience, explaining, “I had to have two C-sections with my previous births, so this one was also a scheduled C-section. But he was still like, I’m going to come earlier.” While the birth itself was smooth and joyful, Tori admitted that the recovery period this time around proved to be a bit more challenging. “The recovery this time was rough, but the birth itself was great,” she added, emphasizing the overwhelming joy that Josiah’s arrival brought to their family.
Josiah’s birth marks another significant milestone for Zach and Tori, who are known for openly sharing their lives and experiences as little people raising children with dwarfism. Like his siblings, Jackson and Lilah, Josiah was also born with achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. The family has consistently used their platform to advocate for understanding and acceptance, making Josiah’s arrival another precious moment to celebrate the diversity within their family.
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Sibling Love: Jackson and Lilah Embrace Their Little Brother
The proud parents couldn’t help but gush about how their older children, Jackson Kyle and Lilah Ray, have reacted to becoming big brother and sister. “It’s sweet. They’ve just been so obsessed with him. They want to help,” Tori beamed, describing the heartwarming interactions between the siblings. Jackson, who is growing into a helpful big brother, and Lilah, with her gentle curiosity, have both shown immense affection and a desire to be involved in caring for baby Josiah. This natural bond is a testament to the loving environment Zach and Tori have fostered, preparing their children for the joys and responsibilities of a larger family.
The transition to a family of five has been a journey filled with adjustments, but the Roloffs have embraced every moment. Observing Jackson and Lilah’s eagerness to assist, whether it’s bringing a diaper or simply offering a comforting pat, underscores the beautiful family dynamic that continues to evolve on and off screen. These tender moments are cherished by Zach and Tori, who understand the importance of sibling relationships, especially within a family that navigates life with unique challenges and triumphs.
New Beginnings: Life in Battle Ground, Washington
A significant life change for the Roloff family, prominently featured in the new season of Little People, Big World, was their monumental move from Oregon to Battle Ground, Washington. This decision marked a fresh start for Zach, Tori, and their children, moving away from the familiar grounds of Roloff Farms. The couple expressed their profound satisfaction with their new home and community. “We got a school for Jackson, which is a huge thing with kids. We just like where we’re at,” Zach shared, highlighting the importance of finding the right educational environment for their oldest son.
Tori, who grew up in Washington, expressed her joy about returning to her roots. “We’re starting to build more community up here. We found a church that we like and good friends and things like that. I grew up here in Washington, so it’s been fun to reconnect with some of my friends, be closer to my dad and everything,” she explained. This move wasn’t just about a new house; it was about establishing a stronger community support system and rediscovering a sense of belonging for Tori, which greatly benefits the entire family. The change of scenery has provided the Roloffs with an opportunity to forge new connections while cherishing existing ones, fostering a healthy and vibrant environment for their growing children.
A Complete Family: Are More Children in the Future?
With three beautiful children now filling their home with laughter and joy, the question of expanding their family further inevitably arises. When asked if a fourth child could be in the future, Zach’s response was definitive: “I think we’re good.” Tori echoed his sentiment, albeit with a slight pause, acknowledging the deceptive ease of their youngest. “It’s been hard because Josiah is so easy… but I think we’re good,” she admitted. Parenting three young children, particularly with the unique considerations for their health and development, presents a full plate for Zach and Tori.
Their decision to likely stop at three children stems from a combination of practical considerations and a desire to fully dedicate themselves to raising Jackson, Lilah, and Josiah. While the thought of another baby might be tempting, especially when one is as “easy” as Josiah, the couple seems content and focused on cherishing the family they have built. They understand the immense commitment required to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for their children, ensuring each one receives the attention and care they need to thrive. This chapter of their lives is dedicated to embracing their family of five and watching their children grow.
The Roloff Farms Conflict: A Shifting Family Dynamic
The latest season of Little People, Big World opened with a significant point of contention that sent ripples through the Roloff family: the future of Roloff Farms. The long-standing dream of Zach taking over a portion of the family farm from his father, Matt Roloff, became a focal point of major tension. Zach and Tori had put in an offer to purchase a part of the iconic property, but much to their disappointment and frustration, the negotiations fell through between them and Matt. This disagreement not only impacted their living situation but also cast a shadow over their relationship with Matt.
Zach provided insight into the aftermath of the failed deal, candidly addressing the state of his relationship with his father. “We’re all family. But it is what it is. I’ve got my own family to take care of. Tori and I have moved on. Obviously, he’s grandpa and we want grandpa to stay in our kids’ lives. But it’s not going to be the same necessarily I think,” Zach told HollywoodLife. His words reveal a pragmatic yet somewhat sorrowful acceptance of a changed dynamic. The dream of continuing the Roloff legacy on the farm through his own family has seemingly dissipated, leading to a new chapter where Zach and Tori prioritize their immediate family unit.
Regarding any lingering hope for Zach and Tori to eventually circle back to buying a portion of the farm, Zach’s outlook was clear and decisive. He believes that the “ship has sailed. I think we’re happy up here. I just think that that’s passed. My dad’s going to do whatever he does with the farm, and we’re going to be up here.” This statement underscores a definitive closure on that particular aspiration, signaling Zach and Tori’s commitment to their new life in Washington and their focus on building their own future, independent of the farm’s legacy. The emotional weight of this decision, and its impact on the broader family, continues to be a central theme explored by the Roloffs.
Reflecting on the separation from the farm’s business and family intertwining, Zach offered a perspective of long-term healing. “We were all very intertwined and connected for so long. Just through business and then family in general. I think in the long run, it’s going to be a healthy thing,” he mused. This hopeful sentiment suggests that while the immediate fallout of the farm negotiations was difficult, the distance and new independence could ultimately lead to a healthier and more defined family dynamic, allowing each branch of the Roloff family to thrive in its own right.
The Next Chapter: Jackson’s Kindergarten and Lilah’s Milestones
As their family grows and changes, Zach and Tori are also keenly focused on the developmental milestones of their older children. Their oldest son, Jackson, recently celebrated his 5th birthday and is eagerly anticipating the start of kindergarten. “He’s so ready for it, though. He’s so close to reading, and he is constantly asking us to read with him. I think that it’ll be great with Lilah being at home while he’s at school. We can really focus on her,” Tori shared, highlighting the excitement and practicality behind this next phase.
Jackson’s readiness for school is a source of pride for his parents, who have actively supported his learning and growth. His enthusiasm for reading is a positive indicator of his academic potential and social development. With Jackson entering kindergarten, Tori envisions an opportunity to dedicate more focused attention to Lilah, who is still at home. Zach affirmed this plan, adding, “There are a couple milestones we want to try to start hitting with her pretty soon here.” This includes working on her mobility, speech, and other developmental goals that are crucial for children with dwarfism. The Roloff family’s journey continues to captivate audiences as they navigate these personal and familial transitions, sharing their heartfelt experiences with the world. Little People, Big World airs Tuesdays on TLC, offering viewers an intimate look into their lives.