Naturally, when Tori Roloff of TLC’s Little People, Big World gave birth she expected that dealing with the same dwarfism as Zach, her husband, would be the main struggle. However, she did not expect these other obstacles to come her way.
Entering Motherhood
Entering Motherhood
Of course, Tori Roloff found herself nervous and excited for the birth of her baby. As many mothers know, she was really happy to give birth to her first child. Unfortunately, she was not fully prepared for the struggles to come.
Expected Diagnosis
During her pregnancy, Tori and Zach realized that the chances were high that their child would inherit the same condition as Zach. His condition is called achondroplasia. Actually, achondroplasia commonly causes dwarfism. Thus, the couple wasn’t so surprised to hear their child, who was born May or 2017, was diagnosed with achondroplasia. Despite this, they couldn’t wait to have their first baby.
Expected Diagnosis
Leaving Her Day Job
Before having her baby, Tori taught young kindergarten children. Although she was overjoyed with her pregnancy, she felt sad to leave her ‘kinders’ behind during maternity leave. Though she hoped to return some point after the birth saying she, “Can’t wait to take baby Roloff back to school to introduce him to the kids he’s listened to the last 9 months!” How sweet!
Leaving Her Day Job
As Seen On Reality TV
Besides working as a teacher, Tori also stars on Little People, Big World, the TLC reality show that began with her husband’s family. Alongside Tori and Zach, is Zach’s parents. His mother actually has the exact same dwarfism Zach inherited, but his father has another type.
As Seen On Reality TV
Close Family
Little People, Big World tells the story of the Roloffs. Parents, Matt and Amy Roloff, both little people, have four kids. Zach inherited dwarfism, while his twin Jeremy is regular sized like the other two siblings. Fans have enjoyed watching this extraordinary family since 2006.
Close Family
Show’s Positive Portrayal
Shortly after its debut, Little People, Big World gained a following and received high ratings for the TLC network. Of course, they picked it up for another season and the rest is history. While many see the show as portraying little people positively, not everyone felt the same. Overall though, the show has had a good reception. However, some criticize the way the show handles romantic relations and the voyeuristic nature. Despite this, most remarked on the feel-good nature of the show.
Show’s Positive Portrayal
Family History
If you’re a fan of Little People, Big World, then you know that the Roloff family works on their farm. This labor intensive work means physical health is crucial. Sadly, many health issues have plagued the family. Unsurprisingly, Amy, Matthew and Zach all have faced health complications because of dwarfism. Since Matthew has diastrophic dysplasia, he’s has many surgeries during his childhood. Nowadays, he needs crutches and motor vehicles to be able to move. While Amy only had minor issues, Zach also needed surgeries during his childhood due to his condition.
Family History
A Chance To Educate
Once the idea about a reality show was proposed, the Roloffs couldn’t wait to tell their story. Amy remembers the moment, “The Learning Channel came to us about five or six years ago, and so we suddenly realized we were given a great opportunity to educate people about dwarfism. Nothing [else] had depicted dwarfism in an everyday way.” Since the show aired, fans continually approach the family or write to them about how much they love the show.
A Chance To Educate
Spinoff
Since the show had such a positive reception, TLC producers pushed for a spinoff. The spinoff called, Little People, Big World: Wedding Farm debuted back in 2012. So, the show would follow Amy and Matthew as they moved into the wedding planning business, but still following the whole family dynamics.
Spinoff
Short Lived
Unfortunately, the spinoff could not compete with the original Little People, Big World which had brought in millions of viewers. Thus, they canceled the show after one season. We watched as their daughter Molly got ready for college and the anticipated 25th wedding anniversary of Amy and Matthew. Don’t worry though, the original show continued on.
Short Lived
Jacob Leaves
At the show’s beginning, every member of the Roloff family starred in the show. However, things changed once the youngest, Jacob made a big decision. For Jacob, he no longer felt compelled to participate in something he did not agree with. In fact, he explained how he did not appreciate being portrayed as a character. He further explained, “The family that is filmed is not my family. They are the Roloff characters and I have scarcely anything in common with them, nor do I want to be a character myself.”
Jacob Leaves
The Fans Meet Tori
Fans loved Zach, who was sweet but shy. Many wondered when he would begin dating. Then, everything changed for him in 2010. Tori began working part time at the farm. She was also shy, but the two were immediately attracted to each other. Much to everyone’s satisfaction, Zach asked Tori out after four months. The rest is history.
The Fans Meet Tori
Perfect Match
Fast forward four years and the couple was engaged. They gushed over one another. Zach opened up, “Tori brought me out of my shell and made me more social, she gave me confidence.” Tori added, “We’re such a unique pairing, and we have a really cool story to share, but it was terrifying. But the show has helped me realize I shouldn’t worry about what other people think.” Zach added he had not thought too much about married life, but was really excited to share the future with Tori.
Perfect Match
Saying I Do!
The special day came on July 27 in 2015 when the couple tied the knot. Although only 100 guests attended the wedding, it was also filmed by TLC. Thus, the wedding aired to the public in season nine. However, Zach’s twin, Jeremy, had already been the first wedding on the show in season eight! Both couples were married at the family farm. However, that’s not all.
Saying I Do!
Separation Announcement
Shortly after the wedding, the world could not believe that Amy and Matthew were divorcing after 30 years of marriage. With this unexpected news, the couple agreed to remain friendly for the family and business. They released the following statement, “Our kids and our ever-growing family, and the love and support we have for them, will be our priority. We will continue to work together side-by-side in the daily responsibilities for our many current ventures.”
Separation Announcement
Exciting News
Afterwards, the announcements just kept coming. However, this time there was better news. Tori and Zach announced in 2016 that they were going to have a baby. Finally, the family could celebrate again!
Exciting News
Confronting The Possibilities
Actually, the family faced the very real possibilities of dwarfism in an episode of the show. They discussed how the baby could inherit Zach’s disability and what that would mean for them. Tori explained, “No parent wants to hear that their child is different, no matter what that is.” Then Zach added, “But to me, that’s not different, he’s just like me.”
Confronting The Possibilities
The Happy Couple
Just before the baby was born, the couple hit their seven year anniversary. From their meeting on Little People, Big World to their seven year milestone, Tori made an endearing tribute post to her husband. The Instagram post read, “Zachary, you make me smile every day and I love our conversations about life and our dreams together. You are definitely my better half and I pray every day that I can be a better wife to you.” Shortly after, they welcomed their baby into the world.
The Happy Couple
It’s A Boy
At last, on May 12th in 2017, Tori gave birth to a baby boy. They named him Jackson. Yes, as expected, the baby was born with the same dwarfism as Zach.
It’s A Boy
Extra Encouragement
Going into parenting Jackson, Zach shared some thoughts on his parenting techniques, “You have to encourage a dwarf child a little more because it will take them five steps to do what others can do in two, but I knew, dwarf or not, I was going to parent my child with the mentality that not everyone gets a trophy. You have to earn it.”
Extra Encouragement
The Beginning
Of course, Jackson’s dwarfism never affected the immense love and adoration his parents felt for him. As most new parents, everyone could see their excitement with their baby. In fact, Tori shared pictures on Instagram to update them on his progress. One post read, “Jackson is one month old today! He is eating and growing like a champ. Loves watching soccer with daddy. Starting to find his voice. Sleeps 5-6 hour stretches at night.” Then, what was a seemingly smooth journey turned rocky.
The Beginning
Facing Troubles
Initially, things looked wonderful according to Tori’s posts. Then, Tori revealed her struggles in one post. She admitted to her breastfeeding troubles, saying, “Hands down the hardest thing about being a mom has been breastfeeding. It was something I did not expect. I just figured it would come naturally because it’s what nature intended – I was so wrong.” This confession actually resonated with thousands of fans who also went through the same thing.
Facing Troubles
Speaking Out
Actually, it was not just one post! Tori continued to speak about her difficulties. She opened up, “I get asked at all my appointments how BFing is going and I couldn’t imagine how that would make the women who physically can’t feel. I also HATE the stigma of breastfeeding.” People praised her for her honesty and having the courage to talk about a topic many women feel society tells them not to talk about.
Speaking Out
Documenting Her Journey
Perhaps, it was not so much of a surprise to hear Tori speak out on this topic. I mean, she had come into the spotlight on a reality show. Not to mention, she documented her entire pregnancy for fans to see. She would post photos along with cravings and other details. Though, some did not realize she would be so open about breastfeeding, which many consider personal and private.
Documenting Her Journey
Fighting The Stigma
Of course, the stigma surrounding breastfeeding is not new at all. This decades old debate brings up the issues of breastfeeding in public. Some mothers feel they are wrongly condemned for doing so or even for choosing not to breastfeed their child altogether. The whole debate leaves mothers conflicted and sometimes ashamed of their choices, and what’s best for their child.
Fighting The Stigma
National Debate
Even though there is a widespread stigma around breastfeeding in public, it’s legal in 49 states in the United States. Only Idaho has a law against it. Anyway, even if it is legal, women nursing babies in public face ridicule and harassment from others who find it inappropriate. Due to Tori’s position in the public, she was able to speak out against this injustice on behalf of women without her platform.
National Debate
Raising Awareness
As a first-time mother, Tori felt a mixture of emotions during her own breastfeeding experiences. Thus, the issue became quite personal and close to her own heart. She explained, “I still feel awkward in public when I feed my baby. Why should I?” Many women try speaking out but get ignored or silenced when talking about it. Thus, Tori received wide spread praise for using her platform to speak out, especially on behalf of those women who had been ignored.
Raising Awareness
Persistence
Tori shared much of her experience. She explained her struggles early on, but how she continued to work at it until things fell into place. She said, “I’m providing for my child. [Jackson] and I have come a long way and we work well together now and I’m proud of that.” Some women turn to formula or professional help when experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding.
Persistence
Fans Praise Her
People were so grateful to Tori for finally talking about this issue with honesty and heart. Many mother related and praised Tori. One mother wrote to her, “Great post!! No one should feel ashamed or guilty or degraded for not being able to breastfeed or for not wanting to breastfeed. It’s personal. You will bond with your baby either way.” However, it wasn’t only mothers responding.
Fans Praise Her
Professionals Respond
Tori’s posts even got attention from some professionals who are experts in dealing with these issues. One such expert wrote, “I work as a nurse in women’s services. Over the past 10 years that has been a huge push within hospitals to get everyone breastfeeding. The concept is great but it is not reality. I have said this for awhile that we are setting up moms to have a lot more postpartum depression issues.”
Professionals Respond
Another Roloff Struggling
Though, Tori was not the only one experiencing pregnancy troubles. In fact, another Roloff member was also under stress with her first baby. Tori’s sister-in-law Audrey Roloff, married to Zach’s twin Jeremy, was expecting a baby girl. On Instagram, she talked about being overwhelmed by having a daughter and running a business. Audrey hoped by opening up, experienced mothers could give her some sound advice.
Another Roloff Struggling
Reaching Out For Help
Audrey’s post read, “Attention momapreneurs… how do you do it?! I think the thing I am most nervous for post labor/delivery is learning to balance being a mom while running my businesses. I know that my priorities will need to take a shift, and I know that I won’t be able to give as much as I once could.” She concluded her post with, “I feel a little lost…” She hoped moms would comment with the best words of wisdom.
Reaching Out For Help
Overwhelming Response
When followers commented back, they reassured her that many mothers experience these emotions during pregnancy and motherhood. In addition, they told her there is not specific way that works for every mom on how to balance family and work. However, that balance comes with practice. A good deal of followers told her to focus more on her baby than business because a business can run itself but a child can’t.
Overwhelming Response
Fellow Celebrity Support
It isn’t only Tori speaking out about the stigma mothers are facing. Other mothers and celebrities in the spotlight have spoken honestly about their lack of shame when nursing babies. Actually, many celebrities have expressed these views on social media in efforts to help fellow mothers around the world. Stars like Alanis Morissette, Chrissy Teigen and Gisele Bündchen have posted pictures breastfeeding their babies on social media.
Fellow Celebrity Support
Loving Family
Despite all the struggles, Tori and Zach have immense love for their new son, Jackson. If anything, Tori was able to use her platform to speak to other women dealing with similar issues daily. Of course, the world sees her family life on her Instagram profile with her happy marriage and love for her son, but she also openly talks about the realities of motherhood.
Loving Family
Developing A Crush
If you’re wondering about that adorable moment when Tori and Zach finally decided to act on their mutual crush, we’ve got the details! In an interview Zach said, “We were both too shy to really approach one another, but we had both told a fellow co-worker we thought the other was cute! This co-worker of ours was so insistent that Zach talk to me, but he was too nervous so nothing really came about.” Then, Tori said it took about three or even four months for him to finally take a chance and ask her out. Tori gushed, “We went out to a movie, and have been seeing each other ever since.”
Developing A Crush
Expressing Her Love
So, as we said, they married in 2015 and in May 2017 had their baby Jackson. As time goes on, Tori continues to update the world on her family through Instagram. Recently, she posted a photo of her husband and baby wearing matching hoodies and talked about what a great dad Zach is, but fans were distracted by a certain word in her caption.
Expressing Her Love
Suspicous Caption
So here’s what Tori wrote, “This right here ladies and gentlemen is the reason why I married this man. The fact that he gets down and plays with his kids. He so good to Jackson and I. I love you so much babe uh! This photo also just makes me so excited for the future… I literally see daddy and J plotting their next big adventure.” Did you notice she wrote kids and not kid? Fans went wild.
Suspicous Caption
Happy Family
Perhaps, it was a typo or just plans for the future, but fans started sparking rumors that Tori was pregnant with her second child. Many pointed to a previous caption in July for their two year wedding anniversary that Tori shared. In that post she also said kids. Her caption read, “Two years ago today I said ‘I do’ to the man of my dreams. This last year has been amazing and heart breaking all at the same time and I am so thankful for the man who stood by my side. I am so lucky that my kids get to call you dad and even more blessed.”
Happy Family
Jackson’s Cousin
Back in September 2017, Jackson got his first cousin! Zach’s twin brother, Jeremy, welcomed his first daughter with wife Audrey. They named the baby Ember. Now, baby Jackson has a cousin very close in age to play with, but fans couldn’t help speculate which Roloff sibling was next to give Matt and Amy Roloff another grandchild.
Jackson’s Cousin
New Author In The Family
Certainly, a congratulations are in order for Jacob Roloff! The youngest Roloff is now a published author! His book is called Verbing. You can buy it on Etsy for five dollars. Many saw this as his real thoughts on his experience with the family reality show. He explained the concept, “Verbing is my first foray into an official compilation of my writing. It’s split into three parts, subtitled: ‘Ignorance’, ‘Frustration’, and ‘Revelations’. The format is essentially three short essays on the subject of my growth spiritually, intellectually, and in the public eye. This is my exploratory experiment with writing to get my feet wet with the process and establish the subject(s) I would like to write on in the future.”
New Author In The Family
What Jacob Has Been Up To
However, Jacob seems to have completely moved past that chapter in his life. After leaving the TLC show, he has kept busy. Accompanied by girlfriend Isabel Rock, he took a three week road trip along the Pacific North and documented the journey on their shared YouTube channel. Also, he recently elaborated on his decision to leave Little People, Big World.
What Jacob Has Been Up To
No More Resentment
Jacob enlightened fans on his thinking, saying, “There’s [sic] two ways to do the filming thing — one way is through the show, maybe and the other way is through myself and vlogs. It’s just more free doing it myself, I can do anything, I can say anything, I can talk about anything — I can show whatever I want. I don’t want people to think that I’m living in a resentful sort of way towards the show — I’ve moved on from it. It’s just a natural progression of leaving the place you came from, moving on away from home, traveling away from home. Just getting away.”
No More Resentment
More Kids On The Way?
Well, Jackson and Ember are not the only new additions to the family! In August of 2017, Molly Roloff married Joel Silvius on the family farm in Oregon. With a beautiful outdoor ceremony, the couple tied the knot while sitting upon wood benches that Molly’s dad, Matt constructed for the special day. How amazing! Of course, fans are anxiously awaiting Molly’s pregnancy announcement.
More Kids On The Way?
Adjusting To New Norms
Things have not been all sunshine and rainbows for the Roloffs. Once Amy and Matt shocked the world with news of their divorce in 2015, everything shifted. Also, seeing Matt with his new girlfriend was not easy for Amy, especially when he brought this woman to family events…
Adjusting To New Norms
Moving Forward
Once they finalized the divorce, Matt began dating Caryn Chandler who had been his farm manager at one point. During an episode of the show, Amy spoke about the uncomfortable feeling when Matt came with Caryn to Zach and Tori’s gender reveal party. Amy said, “Seeing Caryn here threw me for a loop more than I would have liked. I think coming here to this particular event is an intimate family thing… It just throws a whole different dynamic to my life here on the farm.” However, Amy has moved on now and is dating Chris Marek.
Moving Forward
Five Month Update
Lucky for fans, they see constant updates of baby Jackson. So far, he’s been doing really well with little concern about his health. At the five month mark, Tori took to Instagram to tell everyone things were fine and how he loves bath time and the pumpkin patch! With normal baby updates like the first two teeth coming in, everyone is hopeful things will go smoothly for Jackson.
Five Month Update
Fans Cause Stir
January 8th, 2017 was a big day for the Roloff family and specifically for Jacob. The youngest Roloff turned 21 years old. Amy posted an Instagram of the family gathering at her house. Her caption read, “This gathering happened the other day, all of my kids were at the Farm house to celebrate Jacobs 21st birthday early. What a fun and blessed time being all together! Of course this momma and grandma was happy and loved it!” However, fans criticized her for not including ex-husband Matt Roloff.
Fans Cause Stir
Dating Insecurities
Since January of 2016, Amy Roloff has been dating Chris Marek. Even though, the couple likes to keep their love life private, Amy opened up about her dating insecurities. She spoke about their height difference, since Chris is average sized. Amy confessed, “I just never thought someone who is average size would be interested in me. I just really want him to never question or doubt the relationship because I’m a little person. I just have a good time. I have fun with him. I never thought I’d be dating as a grandma, and it’s nice to experience that and be with someone.”
Dating Insecurities
Holiday Gathering
For Christmas 2017, the cute cousins, Jackson and Ember, along with their families went to grandpa Matt’s house. There, Matt and his girlfriend Caryn Chandler welcomed the family for Christmas Day. However, Amy Roloff was not there and instead, spent Christmas with boyfriend Chris Marek. Matt Rolof posted on Instagram, saying, “Our Christmas has been amazing so far…after being a bit out of the full Christmas spirit the past few years…this Christmas brought on a full new meaning with the Roloff family expansion of our [two] new precious gifts of life…my new grandchildren Jackson and Ember are the biggest blessings one little man can ever have!!”
Holiday Gathering
No Crouching
One fan asked Tori Roloff why she doesn’t bend in pictures with her husband. She replied, “For me it feels weird to crouch and Zach always told me to stand. I’m not trying to be shorter and he’s not trying to be taller.” She emphasized that his genetic condition isn’t a “limitation” in the slightest.
No Crouching
Just Like Any Other Couple
Sure, Zach and Tori have problems like other normal couples. However, dwarfism is not one of those problems. During a Q&A on Instagram, this Little People, Big World spoke with fans about her husband’s 4 ft 3 stature and their relationship.
Just Like Any Other Couple
Owning It
Tori told fans that no one has ever teased her for being with Zach due to his dwarfism. She explained, “But I also own it in every way. I love my husband for his heart, not his height. Love is love is love.”
Owning It
Some Fear
Tori and Zach have dealt with a lot during their relationship. At Tori’s 34-week ultrasound she explained, “there was obviously some fear.” Hearing about her baby’s diagnosis was tough, but then she reasoned, “I have the best resources at the palm of my hands and I was fortunate enough to have some background knowledge. I can only imagine the fear of a parent who has no experience with dwarfism but I can only hope we can provide some sort of reassurance to them.”
Some Fear
Monitoring Weight
Luckily, Baby Jackson is healthy and doing well. However, his parents must carefully monitor what and how much he eats. Tori explained, “It’s important to maintain a health weight for anyone but especially a dwarf because the extra weight can contribute to joint paint. I can’t keep the belly from growing though. It has a mind of it’s own and I fracking love it.”
Monitoring Weight
Educate, Don’t Hate
Of course, Tori Roloff understands that children are naturally curious and may inquire about Jackson. Tori affirmed, “I will never shy away from questions. Parents should never reprimand or yell at their child for asking questions. Educate don’t hate.”
Educate, Don’t Hate
Family Video
In late October 2018, grandpa Matt Roloff never realized a cute family video he shared would turn viral. Two days after her father-in-law shared a video of her and Jackson, Tori needed to clarify that fans were not seeing a baby bump!
Family Video
Addressing Rumors
Tori posted on Instagram, “No, I’m not pregnant. Yes I love baggy clothes and food. What if I was a woman who couldn’t get pregnant? What if I was a woman who had body image issues? Asking a woman if she’s pregnant can be extremely damaging.”
Addressing Rumors
Thinking Twice
She continued the post, urging fans to think twice before asking such a question. Tori wrote, “However, I hope you think twice about asking a woman ‘are you pregnant?’ Or ‘when’s the next one coming?’”
Thinking Twice
Being Considerate
She wanted all her 850,000 followers to understand that a lot of people face struggles with infertility. As she pointed out, “You don’t know what’s going behind closed doors in anyone’s life. I say this because time and time again I’ve watched my own friends and family struggle with having a baby and I know how much it hurts every time this question is asked.”
Being Considerate
Preaching Patience
Tori let her fans know that once she and Zach are expecting another child they will “share on our own time and in our own way.” However, now their fans need to stay patient. She explained, “No one wants to see baby j be a big brother more than I do. But let’s wait patiently together.”
Preaching Patience
Tori Understands
Luckily, she was not at all offended that fans asked her about being pregnant. She understands all her loving fans are just excited to watch her family grow, saying, “You guys just want to see us make more adorable babies like baby j.”
Tori Understands
In The Spotlight
Sadly, this video controversy is not the first time that Tori Roloff is the center of speculation around pregnancy. Jokingly, she said, “If I believed the magazine articles written about me I’ve been pregnant for the last year and a half.” I guess that’s how it goes in the spotlight.
In The Spotlight
Starting Soccer
Zach Roloff posted an exciting announcement on November 28, 2018. His Instagram showed Jackson at his first soccer class and thanked his son’s coach at the Indoor Goals Sports Arena. Everyone was ecstatic to see that Jackson will get to play soccer, just like his father!
Starting Soccer