Lots of big things have been happening in the world of Jill Duggar recently. Her husband, Derick Dillard, has graduated law school, and now that they've finally managed to break free of her big family, it seems like the world is their oyster — they can do anything they want! It looks as though she's loving her life with her husband and kids, and we couldn't be happier for her.
Jill and Derick were married back in 2014, and over four years, much of the dynamic she'd been accustomed to as a Duggar family member seemed to make her more willing to start forming her own identity outside the "rules." But nevertheless, she and her husband are very devoted to their own beliefs, and their humanitarian efforts have been very noteworthy — despite all the danger they faced in Central America, they've gone back twice to continue their efforts.
Life has been as simple as it can be with two kids, but despite all the good she's done, many are still quick to jump on her social media posts, often accusing her of bad parenting or even abuse and malnourishment. We'll never buy it though — as far as we can tell, Jill and Derick are raising two happy, healthy, and fun little boys who love life with their parents. Here are the photos that prove it!
Baby Israel
He was born on April 6th, 2015 — and this was one of his very first pictures! It looks like his parents gave him such a sweet welcome to the world, and there's no doubt that fans loved getting this first peek at Jill's very first baby boy. He's always been a happy kid … even in his first days on earth.
Hospital Pic
After 70 hours of labor — including an emergency C-section — we're all feeling Jill's relief here! Seeing the way things played out during Israel's birth section was a little scary, but it was good to see that it had a happy ending (that happy ending being Jill and Israel both leaving the hospital happy and healthy, of course).
Post-Pregnancy Pics
Finally trading off the baby bump for the actual baby — welcome, little Israel! This is such a fun side-by-side comparison to see how Jill's baby boy stacked up to the size of her bump right before she gave birth. We have a feeling she loved being a mama a bit more than she was enjoying the end of her pregnancy, though.
Bible Study
Derick the Dad is teaching little Israel how to read — and also helping him understand a big part of their life. Given how important religion is to both Jill and Derick, it's no surprise that it's always been a strong part of the foundation they've raised both of their sons on from the beginning.
Sleepy Time
First time parent mood. These early days can be absolutely exhausting, but there's nothing like them — you just can't replicate the feeling of a new baby sleeping on your chest. We know that Derick must have been soaking up the cuddles with Izzy big time here. What a precious photo!
Third Wheeling
"Get a room, mom and dad! Some of us have naps to take." At least, that's what we think baby Israel must have been thinking when this photo was taken. But all PDA jokes aside, it is a pretty sweet pic that Jill and Derick posed for in honor of their wedding anniversary. And we can't deny how adorable Israel looks!
Pirate Crew
Though the Duggars have never really participated in Halloween traditions, that doesn't mean they don't dress up when other situations call for it … and that's what led to Jill, Derick, and a tiny Israel turning themselves into pirates to score free donuts from Krispy Kreme on Pirate Day back in 2015.
Matching Bumps
After a big lunch, Israel and his mom are "comparing bellies" with Jill's baby bump. She was pregnant with Samuel here, and little did Israel know at the time that his partner in crime would be arriving soon enough! That's way more fun than having a matching full belly with mommy!
Amusement Park Parents
Jill shared this photo of Israel with Derick in honor of Father's Day, and it really did show what a fun dad this little guy has. Israel looks like he's having so much fun with his dad on their giant caterpillar! Hop in, Jill!
"@derickdillard you're the best papa! Israel doesn't even know how blessed he is!" she wrote.
Big Brother
Not too long after Samuel was born, Israel was already taking a shine to him — according to Jill's caption, he was wanting to hold him all the time! It seems like he took those big brother duties seriously from the very start, and as far as we can tell, nothing has changed since.
Sons Everywhere
Talk about ankle biters! It didn't take long after Sam joined the family that he was getting in on the mischief … and it seemed like Israel was all too happy to have his help. With Samuel slung over his shoulder and Israel sitting between his legs, Derick was getting all the quality time with his sons he could have wanted.
Matching Hats
According to Jill, a "lady in Norway" named Trude made these adorable knit hats for Samuel and Israel! Sam's shocked face is so noteworthy — and so is Israel's, considering how excited he looks to be matching with his little bro. Either way, it looks like they're both loving their cozy new hats.
Bath Time
It's so sweet to have two kids so close in age they can take baths together, and it looks like this was once something that Israel and Samuel both really enjoyed. Jill called them her "water babies," and even today, we know that they love swimming and playing with water outside. Maybe the nickname stuck!
Pup Patrol
Two parts tricycle, one part kid, and one part canine instinct. Though growing up, the Duggars never really watched TV, that's a rule that Jill and Derick have changed for their own children — and it seems like that means that both Israel and Samuel have ended up being big fans of Paw Patrol.
A Family Rest
Imagine getting everyone — even a baby — to sit still for the camera like this. So perfect and cute. With kids as young as Israel and Samuel are here, it can be hard to get them to sleep in, even on weekends … but if we can get them to cuddle up in bed with us in the morning instead, that's almost as good.
Baby Steps
Big brother Israel has no problem showing baby Samuel the ropes of walking — even making sure he won't fall! It's so sweet to see them holding hands like this. Jill must be so proud of her boys and the relationship they've had as brothers. Hopefully, their closeness never changes!
Happy Family
Is it just us, or does this family sure know how to clean up well? Everyone's looking their Sunday best! This is such an adorable photo of everyone together on Easter Sunday, and the boys all look so dapper with their beautiful mom. These kids are on the track to becoming good samaritans, just like their parents.
Running Errands
As moms, we're used to running errands with our kids in tow — not even former reality stars are exempt from those kinds of chores! But fortunately, when Jill's out with Israel and Sam, it looks like all three of them end up having fun … even when they're just grabbing some groceries.
A Huge Announcement
Jill and Derick surprised fans when they announced that they'd not only purchased their own house, but they'd bought a brand new, custom home from a builder. So far, they seem to be loving it there — especially after they fought for their independence from Jim Bob and Michelle. Look how happy Israel and Sam are here!
Sneaky Sam
Sam has always been too cute for words, but this absolutely has to be one of our all time favorite photos of him! The expression on his face, combined with the way he's clutching that corn dog? Yep, totally priceless. We'd love to know what he was thinking in that moment!
Major Milestone
Jill seriously broke the mold when she announced that she'd enrolled Israel in public school — and he looked so excited about it! He started school last year, and so far, he seems to be thriving. We love that Israel's sweet personality is being shared with the world!
Puppy Love
After thinking about it for a long time, in 2021, Jill and Derick took the plunge and finally got a dog for their boys. They named her Fenna, and so far, she's fit into the family so well. Sam's face in this picture says it all: He and his big brother are in love with their pup!
Congrats, Grad
This dad is a grad! One of the most recent family photos of Jill's crew was taken at Derick's law school graduation in 2021, where the whole family posed together. They all look so happy — and that huge smile on Israel's face shows how proud he is of his papa.
