Tuesday 28 June 2022 10:45 PM Jill Duggar hosts baby shower ahead third child's birth - but DOESN'T invite ... trends now
Pregnant Jill Duggar celebrated the forthcoming arrival of her third shower at an intimate baby shower hosted by her nearest and dearest - but neglected to invite her mother or any of her siblings amid ongoing tensions between the relatives.
The sweet celebration was hosted at the home of the 19 Kids And Counting star’s cousin, Amy Duggar King, however, it appears her parents Jim Bob and Michelle weren't at the event - and neither were some of the 31-year-old’s sisters including Jana, Jessa, Joy-Anna, and Jinger.
The mother-of-two gave Counting On fans a glimpse into the special day on Facebook as she shared a selection of images which showcased the decorations and gifts she received.
Celebration time: Jill Duggar shares images from her baby shower with fans on Monday
Family favor: The event was held at the home of Jill's outspoken cousin Amy Duggar King
Jill opted for a floral print top and a white tiered skirt for the event, which saw Amy’s house decorated in a white, green and gold color scheme.
An arch of white, green and pale pink balloons was placed in the living room while gold balloons spelling out ‘OH BABY’ were seen in the kitchen.
Jill - who shares sons Israel David, six, and Samuel Scott, four, with her husband Derick Dillard – shared a message of thanks as she wrote: ‘I feel so loved and more prepared now for baby boy with all the gifts, prayers & blessings by friends and family (+ several who couldn’t attend the party in person) who showered us this weekend in anticipation of our little man’s arrival next month!’
Though she didn’t elaborate further on which loved ones couldn’t attend, Jill took the time to thank Amy for organizing the celebration as she continued: ‘Special thanks to the hosts: my MIL Cathy Dillard Byrum my SIL Deena Dillard my cousin Amy Rachelle King & my Aunt Deanna Duggar!’
The noted absences come weeks after Jill herself had been missing from a sibling reunion which took place in Santa Monica earlier this month.
Sisters Jinger, Jessa, Jana and Jennifer had publicly ventured out together for first time since their disgraced older brother Josh Duggar was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison on child pornography charges.
Jill and Derick, 33, spoke out after Josh was sentenced in May with a statement which read: ‘The Bible clearly states that God effects justice and vengeance through the governing authorities.
So many gifts: Jill and her unborn child were showered with gifts at the intimate celebration
Feeling blessed: Jill wrote, ‘I feel so loved and more prepared now for baby boy with all the gifts, prayers & blessings by friends and family'
'Though some believe Josh should have received a greater sentence and still fewer believe he should have received a lighter sentence, God has carried out his vengeance today for his unspeakable criminal activity.'
The pair claimed that 'until now, [Josh] has yet to be held accountable to the extent necessary to cause change in his dangerous pattern of behavior,' and that 'it seems that it may take spending over a decade in federal prison, and still more on probation, for Josh to have any potential for rehabilitation to the point he can safely live in society again.'
The statement continued: 'Hopefully, Josh can actually begin to get treatment and begin to work toward a lifestyle where he is less likely to reoffend. If for nothing else, the notoriety of this case has hopefully contributed to the deterrence of potential offenders and will help protect children by decreasing the demand for' child pornography.
'We are neither rejoicing nor disappointed by the sentence, but we are thankful it’s finally over.’
The couple ended their statement in saying that they 'continue to love Josh and his family and will be there for them however we can.'
Jill's fraught relationship with her family was also brought to light last month when court
