On May 1, 2019, Joy-Anna Duggar and her husband Austin Forsyth announced that they were expecting their second child. They couple is already parents to 17-month-old Gideon.
Joy and Austin were thrilled to find out they were expanding their family, but they were also nervous about having two children under 2. In a TLCme video, Joy admitted, “I was pretty nervous when we found out we were expecting another baby, but I know that we have nine months to prepare and that the Lord will give us the strength and wisdom for how to raise this child.”
Several weeks after they shared the exciting news, the couple received devastating news. After 20 weeks of pregnancy, they were told their baby daughter had no heartbeat. Joy Anna delivered her stillborn baby girl a few days later. On Instagram, she wrote:
“We only had her for 20 weeks, Life is fragile and precious. So thankful the Lord gave her to us for that short time! She will be in our hearts forever!”
Shortly after the loss, the shattered parents posted heart breaking photos with their stillborn daughter.
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“Today marks one week since we heard these words… ‘So this is your baby’s heart (pointing to the ultrasound screen). I don’t hear a heartbeat or see any movement.’ We had gone in for our 20-week ultrasound and gender reveal,” Joy-Anna wrote on Instagram. “It was a baby girl.”
To help them through such a difficult time, Joy Anna and Austin turned to their family and their faith. Both of their families have been there to help them with Gideon and provide emotional and physical support to the couple.
“Although we don’t understand why, God has given us unexplainable peace and comfort during this very difficult time,” they wrote. “Yes, it still hurts and we have cried countless tears, but we know that we can trust the Lord.”
On July 26, Austin and Joy reflected on the struggles they’d been facing:
“Our hearts are healing. Yes, those days come that I miss my little girl so much. Wishing I could have met her, seen Austin love on her and Gideon play with her. ????.”
“Yet, God has given us so much comfort. People say that I am strong, but I am not. It is Jesus’ strength that has carried me through. He’s given me a peace that passes all understanding and he has given me His JOY.????????????.”
Now, two months after their devastating loss, Joy Anna is once again updating us about her life.
“Hey y’all, a bunch of you guys have been asking what Austin and I are doing and where we’re living, and so I wanted to give you guys an update,” She shared via on instagram. “First of all, we just started building a new house — to sell, not for us to live in — but we did one last year, and we did really well, so we’re excited to be starting another one.”
Then she shared about her own house, which is a 32-foot long camper that’s amazing inside. “And then second of all, here’s our house … I think it’s pretty cool.”
“It’s a fifth wheel camper. It’s a 32-foot-long camper; it has three slide-outs,” Joy explained. “It fits our family great. We’ve been living in it for nine months to a year, and I love it. It’s hard sometimes because you don’t have a bigger kitchen or space, but it works great, perfect size for us.”
Though the space is small the layout is incredibly efficient so things don’t feel so cramped. The camper features a full kitchen, complete with a double sink, stove/oven, and large microwave. Counter space and cabinet storage are tight, but they definitely make it work.
And just because it’s a camper doesn’t mean Joy and Austin are roughing it. The camper has a large shower, a bathroom sink/vanity, and a small bathroom.
The living area is even large enough to hang out and have guests. The living room is cozy and comfortable with its large futon, a cute ottoman, and a table and chairs.
The bedroom is most surprising. Though it’s in a camper, the bedroom looks like it actually belongs in a full-sized house. The bed is large with under-bed storage, and there’s plenty of closet space.
Although Joy and Austin have been through a lot recently, we are happy to see they are on the road to recovery.
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