Jill Duggar Dillard and her husband, Derick Dillard, have updated their fans with some devastating news: The pair recently both conceived and lost their third child together.
Jill explained what happened on her family's blog. Jill wrote, "We recently found out that we were expecting our third baby. We were all thrilled! It was fun to see so much joy in the boys’ faces as we shared the news with them. They were full of questions and so excited as we talked about the pregnancy and how they would get to be involved along the way and after baby was born. However, a few days later we started miscarrying."
Jill also revealed that the two had a name picked out:
"Even though it was too early to tell the baby’s gender, we picked a name that we feel encompasses our baby’s significance and the life we will always remember: River Bliss Dillard."
Jill then explained why the pair chose the name:
"One meaning for River is 'tranquil'…and here in Arkansas, rivers are often a serene, beautiful escape in nature. We also like how the River talked about in the Bible (Rev. 22:1-5) represents God's life-giving presence. The river of life (Holy Spirit), 'flows from the throne of God,' and with the tree of life is 'for the healing of the nations.'"
She continued: "Our baby doesn’t get to live here with us on earth, but is forever with the source of the river of life, in the presence of the Lord! And we chose Bliss for a middle name because our baby is living in perfect bliss with the Lord and was such a gift that brought immense joy and happiness to us even though only with us here on earth for a short time."
Jill closed out the post by including a Bible verse and by sharing a video that she and Derick made in honor of River.
Friends, family members, and fans were quick to offer their empathy and sympathy.
One friend wrote, "Love you so much and your sweet family… River would have been beautiful. Wrapping you in prayers."
Jill and Derick have yet to issue any other comments on the matter.
