How Old Was Joanna Gaines When She Had Crew: The Surprise That Changed Everything

Life has a funny way of throwing a wrench in even the most meticulously designed plans. For Joanna Gaines, that "wrench" arrived in the form of a positive pregnancy test nearly a decade after she thought she was finished having children. People always ask, how old was joanna gaines when she had crew, and the answer is a milestone number that resonated with a lot of women: she was 40.

It wasn't just about the age, though. It was the timing. The Gaines family was already at a massive turning point. They had just decided to walk away from their hit HGTV show, Fixer Upper, specifically to slow down and focus on their four older children. Drake, Ella Rose, Duke, and Emmie Kay were getting older, and the frantic pace of television production was taking its toll.

Then, just a few weeks after that big announcement, the surprise of a lifetime happened.

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The Reality of a "Geriatric Pregnancy" at 40

Joanna has been pretty open about the fact that she wasn't exactly expecting to be back in the world of diapers and midnight feedings. When she first heard the medical term "geriatric pregnancy" (which is what doctors call it when you're over 35), she actually laughed. That is, until she realized she officially fit the description.

Honestly, being pregnant at 40 felt different for her. With her first four kids, the pregnancies were back-to-back. She was in her late 20s and early 30s, fueled by a different kind of energy. By the time Crew came along on June 21, 2018, it had been eight years since she last welcomed a baby.

She’s admitted in her Magnolia Journal essays that this fifth time around was physically harder. She found herself "limping into work" and feeling more worn out than she ever had during her previous pregnancies. There’s a certain physical toll that comes with being 40 and pregnant that isn't quite the same as it is at 25. But interestingly, while her body felt older, the experience made her feel younger in spirit.

A New Perspective on Motherhood

One of the most relatable things Joanna has shared is how Crew changed her parenting style. With the first four kids—born in such quick succession—life was a blur of schedules, chores, and "getting things done." She was a self-admitted Type A personality, always pushing the gas pedal.

But Crew changed the rhythm of the farmhouse.

Because she was 40 when he was born, she felt more "comfortable in her own skin." The pressure to be a perfect, curated mom had faded. She started calling herself "Fun Jo." Basically, she realized that schedules could go out the window and the world wouldn't end.

Meet the Rest of the "Gaines Crew"

To understand why Crew's arrival was such a shock, you have to look at the age gaps. When Crew was born in the summer of 2018, the family dynamic looked like this:

• Drake: 13 years old
• Ella Rose: 11 years old
• Duke: 9 years old
• Emmie Kay: 8 years old
• Crew: The newborn "surprise"

That eight-year gap between Emmie Kay and Crew is significant. It meant Joanna had an entire team of "older helpers" ready to step in. She’s shared photos of the older kids pressed against the hospital door, desperately waiting to meet their new brother. It wasn't just Chip and Jo raising a baby; it was a whole village within one house.

Why 40 Was the "Perfect" Age for Crew

There’s a lot of talk about the risks of later-in-life pregnancies, but Joanna has frequently referred to Crew as a "gift." He forced her to stop. Literally.

When you're 40 and your youngest is 8, you're usually looking toward a bit more freedom. Maybe you're thinking about your own hobbies or expanding the business without a toddler in tow. Having Crew forced Joanna to "take her foot off the gas." He taught her to look at the dirt and the soil, not just the flowers.

He arrived two and a half weeks early—a "speedy entrance" that Chip announced on Twitter with his typical enthusiasm. Since then, Crew has become a fixture in the Magnolia brand, often seen helping Jo in the garden or "taking over" the family home with his imaginative play.

The Practical Takeaway for Parents

If you're looking at Joanna's story and wondering what it means for your own life, there are a few real-world insights to gather:

• Expect the Unexpected: Even when you think a "season" of your life is over, things can change in an instant.
• Age Brings Confidence: Being an "older" mom often means you worry less about the small stuff and enjoy the moments more.
• Lean on Your Village: Whether it’s older siblings or friends, having a baby later in life requires a different kind of support system.
• Physical Awareness is Key: It’s okay to admit that your body handles pregnancy differently at 40 than it did at 30.

Joanna is now 47 (as of 2025), and Crew is 7. Looking back, that "surprise" at age 40 didn't just add a fifth child to the family; it shifted the entire culture of the Gaines household toward a more relaxed, present way of living.

Next Steps for You:

If you are navigating a later-in-life pregnancy or considering expanding your family with a significant age gap, take a page from Joanna’s book and prioritize your physical rest. Consider documenting the journey through a journal or photos, as the "village" aspect of having older children involved can be a unique and beautiful bonding experience for the whole family.