Joanna Gaines’ Sister Mary Kay McCall Welcomes Sixth Child: Inside the Gaines Family’s Joyful Milestone
New beginnings bring the sisters closer, celebrating love and lasting memories.
Joanna Gaines’ Sister Mary Kay McCall Welcomes Her Sixth Child
In a heartwarming week for the Gaines family, Mary Kay McCall—Joanna Gaines’ younger sister, affectionately known as Mikey—recently gave birth to her sixth child, marking another joyful milestone for the influential and deeply connected clan in Waco, Texas. The occasion coincides with other big news in the Gaines household, as Joanna herself and her husband Chip are expecting their own new arrival. These expanding family ties further enrich the Gaines narrative that fans have followed with passion through television, family updates, and social media.
Catch Up: The Gaines Family in the Spotlight
The Gaines family first found fame through the hit HGTV show Fixer Upper, where Chip and Joanna charmed viewers with their creative renovations and unmistakable chemistry. The family has grown under the spotlight, revealing not only their home improvement skills but also the many layers of support, devotion, and ambition that tie their extended family together. In recent months, family stories have garnered even more attention as Joanna opened up about her upbringing and the close bond with her sisters in her new book, The Stories We Tell: Every Piece of Your Story Matters.
Meet Mary Kay McCall: Mother, Entrepreneur, and Sister
Known to family and fans as Mikey, Mary Kay McCall has long prioritized her family values. As a mother to six children, she has embraced all the joys and challenges that come with a large household. Married to David McCall, a medical professional, Mary Kay and her husband settled back in Waco after nine years away, seeking to strengthen ties and nurture their children alongside loved ones.
- Six children: Mikey welcomed her sixth child, a baby girl, in January 2018.
- Family-focused: The decision to move back to Waco was motivated by a desire to stay close to family, particularly her sisters and parents.
- Entrepreneurship: Mary Kay ventured into business by launching Ferny’s, a retro plant shop, demonstrating her passion for creativity and nurturing dreams beyond motherhood.
Sibling Bonds: Joanna, Mikey, and Teresa
The Gaines sisters—Joanna (the middle sibling), Mary Kay (Mikey) (the youngest), and Teresa Criswell (the eldest)—share a close relationship forged by shared childhood experiences and mutual support. Joanna has often highlighted her sisters’ influence in her life and involved them in special projects, podcasts, and Magnolia network shows.
- Teresa Criswell: Author, podcaster, and motivational speaker. She runs Let’s Talk with Teresa Ann and is known for her inspirational content that deeply resonates with faith-driven audiences.
- Mikey McCall: Former stay-at-home mom now entrepreneur, with frequent collaborations on Magnolia projects and appearances alongside Joanna.
- Family closeness: The three sisters appear regularly together, sharing stories of their upbringing and their continuing bond as adults.
Welcoming Baby Number Six: Family Reactions and Celebrations
The birth of Mary Kay’s sixth child was a cause for celebration throughout the Gaines family, with Joanna sharing her excitement on Instagram and declaring the Fixer Upper episode featuring Mikey’s new home her “all time favorite.” The family, now counting seven children between Chip and Joanna and Mary Kay, gathered to welcome the newest member and savor the joys of new beginnings.
What others are reading
- Instagram Announcements: Joanna posted heartfelt messages celebrating her niece’s arrival and looking forward to family gatherings.
- Uncertainty around baby’s gender: At the time of announcement, Chip jokingly claimed he could already tell the baby’s gender, though it remained unknown.
- Celebrating growth: The addition of the sixth child was seen as a blessing, continuing the tradition of love and expansion in the Gaines family.
The Magnolia Connection: How Family Inspires Business & Dreams
The Magnolia brand, pioneered by Joanna and Chip Gaines, is a true family venture that extends its support to close relatives like Mary Kay. Mikey’s retro plant shop, Ferny’s, was launched with help from Joanna, providing a platform for creativity and entrepreneurship while allowing Mikey to balance business energy and family values.
- Ferny’s Plant Shop: Ferny’s started as a retro-inspired pop-up shop located at Magnolia Market’s Shops at the Silos and became a local favorite over its short tenure.
- Seasonal change: After two-plus years, Ferny’s closed in August 2024 as Mary Kay chose to devote her time to her children while they were still young.
- Lessons learned: Reflecting on the shop’s closure, Mikey shared gratitude for pursuing her dream and emphasized the importance of knowing when to shift priorities for family.
Key Dates in Ferny’s Journey
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Ferny’s Pop-Up Launch | May 2021 |
| Official Shop Opening | Spring 2022 |
| Shop Closure & Announcement | August 2024 |
The journey of Ferny’s symbolized the encouragement the Gaines family offers one another. As Mikey stated, the experience provided an invaluable lesson for her children: it’s just as important to pursue dreams as it is to let go when seasons of life change.
Fixer Upper’s Family Episode: Behind the Scenes
The episode of Fixer Upper featuring Mary Kay’s home was an emotional highlight for Joanna and fans. Mikey and her husband David’s return to Waco represented not only a fresh start but a celebration of heritage, hospitality, and belonging.
- Favorite episode: Joanna called it her “all time favorite #fixerupper” episode.
- Family involvement: The episode showcased the teamwork, laughter, and affection that define the Gaines family both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
Expanding the Gaines Clan: Counting the Children
With the newest baby added, the family tree continues to flourish. Chip and Joanna’s children—Drake, Ella Rose, Duke, and Emmie Kay—look forward to meeting their new cousin and growing together.
- Chip and Joanna’s family: Five children, with the youngest on the way as announced in early 2018.
- Mary Kay’s family: Six children, with ages spanning from toddlers to college-bound teens.
- Family gatherings: Holidays, birthdays, and Magnolia events serve to keep these cousins and siblings deeply connected.
Magnolia Network and Sibling Collaborations
Mikey’s entrepreneurial spirit saw her collaborating on The Retro Plant Shop with Mikey and Jo, broadcasted on Magnolia Network. This behind-the-scenes look showcased how family support and teamwork can transform dreams into reality.
- Joint projects: The show highlighted the process of opening Ferny’s, including hiring staff, managing orders, and adapting during high demand periods.
- Fan response: Viewers encouraged a second season, illustrating the popularity of family-centric narratives within Magnolia’s offerings.
- Legacy of support: Joanna’s involvement and enthusiasm amplified the sense of sisterhood both onscreen and in real life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many children does Mary Kay McCall have?
Mary Kay McCall is the proud mother of six children, with her youngest born in January 2018.
What is the Magnolia Network connection to Mary Kay McCall?
Mary Kay (Mikey) has collaborated with Joanna on Magnolia projects, including the retro plant shop Ferny’s and the Magnolia Network series The Retro Plant Shop with Mikey and Jo.
Why did Ferny’s plant shop close?
Ferny’s was closed in August 2024 to allow Mary Kay more time with her family, especially as her oldest child departed for college.
What is Joanna Gaines’ relationship with her sisters?
Joanna shares a close bond with her sisters, often involving them in both personal and business projects, and celebrating their milestones together.
Was Mary Kay’s family featured on Fixer Upper?
Yes, Mary Kay’s move back to Waco and new home was the focus of a popular Fixer Upper episode, described by Joanna as her favorite.
Gaines Sisters At a Glance
| Name | Role | Number of Children | Notable Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joanna Gaines | Designer, Entrepreneur, Magnolia Founder | 5 (+1 on the way) | Fixer Upper, Magnolia Network |
| Mary Kay McCall (Mikey) | Mother, Entrepreneur, Magnolia Collaborator | 6 | Ferny’s Plant Shop, Magnolia Network |
| Teresa Criswell | Author, Motivational Speaker, Podcaster | Unknown (at least one grandchild) | Let’s Talk with Teresa Ann (YouTube, Podcast) |
Celebrating Family and Change: Closing Thoughts
The arrival of Mary Kay McCall’s sixth child stands as a powerful illustration of enduring family values, the joy of new beginnings, and the support systems that strengthen the Gaines clan. As each sibling carves out her own path, rooted in creativity, faith, and togetherness, fans look on inspired—not only by gorgeous renovations or trending plant shops but by the unwavering bonds that make the Gaines family a model for celebration, resilience, and pursuing dreams in every season of life.
References
- https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/a46357/joanna-gaines-sister-mary-kay-mccall-had-baby/
- https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/20230115161843/joanna-gaines-magnolia-sisters-who-are-they-teresa-criswell-mary-kay-mccall/
- https://www.etonline.com/joanna-gaines-sister-welcomes-her-sixth-child-see-family-photos-93583
- https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/entertainment/a43753593/joanna-gaines-sister-mikey-mccall-retro-plant-shop/
- https://www.realtor.com/news/reality-tv/fixer-upper-flips-house-for-sister-amid-pregnancy-news/
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