Jon and Danielle Murray are seasoned pros when it comes to raising girls: over the past decade, the couple has welcomed six daughters, whose ages range from 9 to 2. Their home in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a whirlwind of laughter, chaos, and sisterly bonds that have defined the Murray family for years.
But earlier this month, the Murrays were in for a delightful surprise. After the birth of their seventh child, they discovered that the newest addition to their family was not a girl, as they had anticipated—but a boy.
Danielle Murray, who gave birth via a water birth at home on August 13th, says she and Jon had prayed for a son, though they were also overjoyed at the thought of adding a seventh daughter to their bustling household. “Towards the end of my pregnancy,” Danielle told Love What Matters, “I think I actually leaned into the idea of having another girl. I was fully expecting a girl and content with that.”
A video capturing the birth of their son, Israel Jonathan, shows Danielle taking him from Jon, pausing for a few precious moments to absorb the miracle of new life. “The entire pregnancy felt a little surreal,” Danielle shared. “So that first moment holding him, I went from feeling disconnected to being head over heels in love in an instant.”
As she examined her newborn, Danielle gasped, “It’s a boy,” realizing that her daughters now had a little brother. “When I realized he was a boy, I fell in love all over again,” she said. “It wasn’t shock or surprise—it was pure gratitude. We prayed for a son, and there he was.”
Since Israel’s arrival, Jon Murray says he has leaned on advice from friends who have boys. “After changing girl diapers for the last 10 years, it definitely threw me for a loop,” he joked. “Like, what do I do with this? Thankfully, experienced boy parents gave me great tips on how not to get peed on. It takes a village.”
While having seven children wasn’t necessarily part of their original plan, Danielle and Jon say they’ve learned that each new child brings more love and laughter into a home. Danielle reflected on the joy of their lively household: “There is something magical about the chaos and laughter of a house full of children. Our crowded dinner table, family traditions, and knowing that one day our kids will return with their own families—it all ensures our home will always be full of life and love.”
Though the couple has no plans for more biological children, they are open to expanding their family through adoption or foster care in the future. For now, Danielle is focused on cherishing her postpartum recovery and watching her daughters—Tyler, 9; Elena, 8; Judea, 7; Adeline, 5; Everly, 4; and Merryn, 2—bond with their new brother.
“The girls are completely smitten,” Danielle said. “Israel is already so special to all of us. Our oldest has wanted a brother for at least five years, so I know he’s going to be absolutely treasured.”
