Jill and Derick Dillard marked their son's first birthday with a sweet party in Central America.
Jill and Derick Dillard celebrated their son Israel’s first birthday on Wednesday and penned a sweet blog post in celebration of the big day!
“It's hard to believe that our little man is already 1 year old!” they wrote. “Israel is getting so big and changing so quickly!”
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The couple also wrote a message to their son, for him to look back on when he is older.
“Israel, it's hard to believe you are already a year old! On Sunday you got to try cake and ice cream for the first time with a bunch of your friends watching you (you smeared it all over your legs! lol),” Jill and Derick wrote to their little boy. “You are a handsome little fella, and here in Central America you stand out a little with your blonde hair and blue eyes. You are walking everywhere now and love to play soccer (fútbol) with your friends.”
They also shared some of Israel’s favorite things, which include asking for things in sign language, reading books, and foods like bananas, papaya, and avocados.
“You love giving big slobbery kisses (or "besitos" in spanish) whether we ask you for one in English or Spanish,” they wrote. “You love music and always dance to it when you hear it, or clap with the congregation during worship time in church. You respond with a big smile and raise your hands toward the ceiling when we ask you to say, ‘Gloria a Dios.’”
“Israel, momma and papa love you so much and pray your first birthday is just the beginning of many more happy ones to come!” Jill and Derick concluded their post. “XOXOXO.”
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Jill’s sister, Jessa Seewald, shared birthday wishes for her nephew on Twitter, posting a picture of her and son Spurgeon video-chatting with Israel.
“Happy 1st birthday, Israel! Love & miss you! ,” she tweeted. “Wish we could be there to celebrate with you! #happyfirstcakeday.”
Jill’s parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, also recorded a video message for the family, wishing their grandson a happy birthday.
“Grandma and Grandpa love you so much,” Michelle said in the sweet YouTube video. “We miss you, but we do love getting to see some little video clips and to get to talk to you on the phone.”
“Israel we hope to see you soon,” Jim Bob added. “We wish we could be there with you on your birthday. Our prayer is that you grow up to be a Godly man, who serves him and makes a difference in the world. We love you.”
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