The Little Couple returned for its twelfth season this week with Dr Jennifer Arnold getting ready for another stay in the hospital. This time for hip replacement surgery in NYC. Jen is no stranger to surgeries. But now that she’s a mom the fear is intensified. Something about this surgery made the reality start just a little extra nervous. After all she has had 35 successful surgeries but somehow she thinks she’s tempting fate. Surrounded by her loving family, Jennifer prepares to face the surgery ahead and hopes for the best possible outcome. Here’s what’s next on the TLC docuseries.

The Little Couple: Jennifer Arnold Needs a New Hip

The Little Couple’s Jennifer Arnold desperately needs a right hip. She’s had this hip replaced over 17 years ago. However, she needs surgery to prevent a catastrophic event. Basically, her hip could fail at any moment. Surgeries are a bit more complicated for the mom of two. Since she has skeletal dysplasia there’s a different set of worries.

Jen’s doctors are concerned about The Little Couple’s star’s narrow airway. They have technical concerns that all the parts fit properly. Husband Bill Klein worries about his wife gong under anesthesia. He shares that people like himself and Jennifer metabolize medications differently than average-sized folks. So it is hard to gauge whether or not they have enough or not enough. No doubt that is scary — especially when you’re about to have your leg cut open.

Jennifer Arnold & Bill Klein Plan a Family Fun Day in NYC

The Little Couple parents Jen Arnold and Bill Klein decide to make the most of their time in NYC. As is the custom for Jennifer, the day before surgery is dedicated to doing something fun. It’s kind of a way to take her mind off what is around the corner. Since Jen’s surgery is close to Christmas, she and Bill plan her day of fun around their children, Will and Zoey.

The Little Couple’s children were treated to every kid’s dream while in NYC –a trip to the famous FAO Schwartz toy store. Both Will and Zoey picked out one early Christmas present. And of course, the family took turns playing on the iconic piano keyboards made famous from the movie Big.

The Little Couple: Jennifer Arnold’s Recovery

The Little Couple wife and mom wanted nothing more than to make it out the other side after her surgery. Well, indeed she did. The surgery went smoothly. So, the nervous doctor turned her focus to her recovery and rehabilitation. First, she thanked the amazing staff at The Hospital For Special Surgery in New York for their expert care and of course for her new hip. Just a few days after the procedure Jen was up and about on crutches. No doubt she is anxious to get the all-clear to travel back to Florida from New York so she can complete her recovery in the comfort of her own home.

Looks like Dr Jennifer Arnold is on the road to a quick recovery. This season on The Little Couple, we will continue to see her road back to health as well as an exciting adventure to India to trace daughter Zoey’s heritage

Watch new episodes of The Little Couple Tuesdays at 9p on TLC.