Ryker Bates' Birth Story

It has been exactly two weeks since Ryker Cruise Bates' birth. In addition to adjusting to life with a newborn, Trace and Lydia have also been dealing with a very difficult and emotional situation, as Lydia and her family are facing possible deportation in the coming weeks. The new parents still took the time to post part one of their birth story. 

Trace and Lydia Bates: Our Birth Story (Part 1)

Lydia's Family Faces Deportation

With the Bates' reality TV involvement, Trace Bates is no stranger to the public eye, but some of our readers might not know that Lydia's family has also been featured in the news, and that started long before she and Trace were married. 

The Romeikes are originally from Germany and have lived in the United States for 15 years. They moved to this country in search of asylum because they wanted the freedom to homeschool, and as a result have garnered attention from the media. Just before baby Ryker's arrival, the Romeike family went to a routine check-in at an immigration office and was told to return one month from that day for self-deportation. Even though Lydia is married to a U.S. citizen, she is also facing deportation. Lydia's parents, Uwe and Hannelore Romeike, have seven children. Five are adults, and two are under the age of 18.

We encourage you to pray for Trace, Lydia, and the Romeike family as they face this potentially life-changing situation. Trace uploaded a new YouTube video explaining the details (link below). You can also take a look at a 2014 ABC News article written about the Romeikes to learn even more about the family's case. According to the article, they were also facing possible deportation at that time but ended up having their deferred action status extended indefinitely.

Trace and Lydia Bates: We are Facing Deportation (video)

Welcome Baby Ryker!

Trace and Lydia Bates welcomed Ryker Cruise Bates at 11:54pm on September 12th, 2023. He weighed 6 lbs 8 oz.

Baby Ryker Coming Soon

UPDATE: Baby Ryker arrived on September 12th, and both he and Lydia are doing well. 

Trace and Lydia Bates are about to become parents! Their first child, whom they have already named Ryker Cruise Bates, will soon make his arrival. Lydia's check-in for her induction is at 12am on Tuesday, September 12th. The expectant parents plan to have both their moms coming and going throughout the labor and to have Josie be the photographer for the actual delivery. They discuss their birth plan in their latest video.

Trace and Lydia Bates: Birth Plan Video

Update from Katie and Travis

It's been a little while since we've heard how everything is going for Katie and Travis Clark. They recently vacationed in Aruba with Travis' family, and after returning home, they posted a life update video. Katie has had a kidney stone for several months and is hoping to have it removed next month, Travis has music announcements coming soon, and Remi's puppies are growing up. For more on each of these subjects, as well as an update on little Hailey, check out the Clarks' YouTube video (link below). 

Katie and Travis Clark: Life Update Video