Counting On’s Lauren Swanson Gushes Josiah Duggar Is the ‘Best Dad’ as She Shares Rare Family Photos

Back from their social media break? Josiah Duggar and wife Lauren Duggar (née Swanson) shared rare family photos with daughter Bella Milagro as they celebrated his birthday on Friday, August 28. The Counting On couple took their daughter for an adventure in the great outdoors and shared pictures from their day out with their fans after more than a month away from Instagram. Lauren also took the opportunity to gush about her hubby, calling him the “best dad.”

“Happy 24th birthday to the love of my life!” Lauren, 21, wrote. “You are truly one of the most amazing and thoughtful [people] I know. Every day, I thank the Lord for letting me walk side by side with you as your wife. You never cease to fill our home with fun and laughter. You’re the best dad! It is a joy to watch you with our little girl. Seeing her smile and how excited she gets when you get home from work is truly one of the sweetest things to behold. You are always giving and desiring to please the Lord in all that you do. I am so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man! I love you, honey!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEcNsosJ5dN/

Josiah, 24, and his bride used to snap regular photos of themselves, but their social media posts have been few and far between in recent months. Since May, it seems they’ve only taken to Instagram to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, holidays and anniversaries. The August 28 post was their first since sharing an update for Bella’s 8-month milestone on July 14.

Though the couple didn’t explain why they’ve been away for so long, it’s possible they’ve spent the whole summer exploring the world with baby Bella. Over the past few years, the TLC stars have made a point of heading out to enjoy different parts of the world. After tying the knot in June 2018, they jetted off to Austria for their honeymoon. That July, they stuck a little closer to home as they shared PDA pics from what looked to be the Ozarks. In September 2018, they enjoyed their first married RV trip as they decided to “be spontaneous” and hit the road.

Despite that, the couple wouldn’t be the first in the Duggar family to decide they’d like a little extra privacy. Big sister Jill Dillard (née Duggar) and her husband decided to step away from the family’s show in 2017, and Derick Dillard hinted in July 2020 that Joy-Anna Forsyth (née Duggar) and her husband had done the same.

Whether they’re just taking an Instagram break or focusing more on living in the moment, fans were glad to see the update from the stars. “Beautiful pictures,” one fan gushed. “Happy Birthday, Josiah!”