Josie and Kelton Balka shared the name of their fourth baby: Brooks Hallum Balka. They chose Hallum in honor of Kelly’s grandfather, Basil Hallum Callaham Jr, who was born in 1900 and passed away in 1975.
Brooks weighed 7 lbs 19 oz at birth, making him Josie's largest baby. Willow Kristy Balka was 6 lbs 10 oz, Hazel Sloane Balka was 6 lbs 3 oz, and Miles Kelton Balka was 7 lbs 10 oz.
Baby Brooks is currently in the NICU but is improving daily.
Josie and Kelton Balka just welcomed their fourth baby. They waited until the birth to find out the gender and just announced that it's a boy! This little guy joins two older sisters and one older brother. Willow Balka is almost six-and-a-half, Hazel Balka is almost four-and-a-half, and Miles Balka turns two in February.
Interviews featuring Kelly Bates are few and far between. After all, life is busy when you have 19 children and 37 grandchildren (No. 37 just arrived this week). Still, Kelly always seems to find time to support the ventures that her family members are involved in. For Zach Bates, that venture is his cooking show, Bates Kitchen.
Kelly has been a guest on the show a few times since it started in April 2024. She appeared in one of the earliest episodes to share her chicken salad recipe and discuss Callaham family history, and she joined her oldest son earlier this year for a question and answer session. If you enjoyed those segments, you will want to tune in to the latest episode of Bates Kitchen for another interview with Kelly Bates. Some of the questions revolve around food, and others are about life in general.
Carlin and Evan Stewart purchased their dream home about a month ago. Fans have been asking for a full house tour, so they put one together and uploaded it to YouTube. It is a beautiful place with lots of rooms and features, including a study, a game room, a butler's pantry, a balcony, a huge outdoor pool, an outdoor kitchen, a pool house, and a separate little house that they plan to build out. What do you think?
Last month, Erin and Chad Paine shared the first part of Henry Paine's birth story. His delivery was long and brutal, but there was great joy at the end of it. Now, six weeks later, they are ready to share the details of what happened next. In the three weeks that followed, Erin experienced serious complications, including a severe seizure that left her convinced that she wasn't going to survive.
But through it all, the Paines felt the peace of God, and Erin was a light to everyone who crossed her path. She and Chad say they are incredibly grateful to the doctors and nurses who worked tirelessly to give them the best care, as well as to the family and friends who supported them during their darkest hour. They are also deeply thankful to their social media family that held them up in prayer. The second part of Erin's health journey just hit YouTube. Be sure to grab a box of tissues.
Josie Balka is 34 weeks pregnant with her fourth baby. She has antibodies that attack the baby's blood and for that reason has had extra monitoring from a high risk doctor throughout her pregnancy to make sure the baby is healthy and is not becoming anemic. Josie had a scan a few days ago that showed the baby's numbers to be elevated. She had a second scan the following day that showed lower numbers, in the intermediate level.
Josie will have another scan soon. She and Kelton are praising God for his provision and are praying that their baby stays healthy. As long as he or she is doing well, it would be ideal to wait a little longer to deliver, in order to optimize growth and development. Baby Balka will join three older siblings. Willow Balka turned six in July, Hazel Balka turned four in June, and Miles Balka turns two in February.
Little Will Bates is getting a brother! Tiffany Bates is due with her second child next month, and she and Lawson just announced that they are having another boy. Big brother will be 16 months old in two days, so the two boys will be very close in age. The Bates' gender reveal was unique, and you can watch the footage on their YouTube channel. Members from both the Bates and Espensen families attended.
Carlin and Evan Stewart found their dream home and are officially moving. Two weeks after Navy Stewart's birth, the Stewarts' realtor, Zach Bates, forwarded a listing for a house. They toured it the following morning and made an offer that was accepted later that night. Carlin and Evan share all the details in their latest YouTube video.
Michaela and Brandon Keilen have been loving life with their two foster sons. They recently shared some of the adventures that they have taken this fall and the memories they have made. Check out their latest YouTube video to hear all about it.
We shared last week that Zach and Whitney’s sixth baby is a girl. They uploaded a video of their cupcake roulette gender reveal to YouTube, if you would like to see the moment when they found out the news. Zach and Whitney elected to do an at-home reveal with their kids, rather than a big party. Carlin and Evan Stewart stood behind the camera and set off the confetti cannons.
Gil and Kelly Bates are set to welcome their 40th grandchild next year. They currently have 36 grandchildren, and at least four of their daughters and daughters-in-law are pregnant.
Josie and Kelton Balka are expecting their fourth child in December.
Lawson and Tiffany Bates are due at the end of 2025. They haven't shared the exact due date but have said that it will be in winter 2025, although Tiffany recently said she is 30 weeks pregnant, which would be January.
Tori and Bobby Smith are expecting their sixth baby in March 2026. They currently have three boys and two girls.
Zach and Whitney Bates are also looking forward to welcoming their sixth child, due in May 2026. They just announced the gender, and...it's a girl! That makes two boys and four girls for their family.
Navy Kate Stewart is six weeks old. When Carlin was about six weeks postpartum with Zade was the point at which she had her first seizure episode. Praise God that her issues seem to have cleared up and have not resurfaced. In their most recent video, Carlin and Evan Stewart share a health update and discuss what Carlin's doctors told her back when she asked about having a third baby. They also talk about the future size of their family and whether they want more children. Carlin says she needs at least one or two more, while Evan says he is on board with more than three but that he doesn't think he "wants to be a 15-passenger van type of guy."
With only three children under the age of 18, Gil and Kelly Bates have a much quieter home than they did when they had 19 children living under their roof. To help their parents relive their glory days, some of the Bates siblings "crashed" the big house for a surprise sleepover. A handful of the ones who live locally, along with their kids and spouses, showed up on Gil and Kelly's front door for a night of food, board games, a lot of laughter, and only a little bit of sleep. Carlin and Evan Stewart documented the evening and uploaded a video to YouTube.
Henry Paine is almost 7 weeks old. Erin Paine took to YouTube to share the first part of Henry’s birth story. Her labor was long and brutal, and at the end of it, the medical team discovered that the cord had been wrapped around Henry’s neck twice. The video ends with Henry’s joyous arrival, and Erin plans to upload a second video that shares the complications that followed.
In April 2019, Whitney Bates, Carlin Stewart, and Erin Paine launched the Bates Sisters Boutique. Two and a half years later, Erin announced that she was leaving the boutique and that Kelly would be stepping into some of her roles. Today, the Bates shared that they are closing the boutique in November. Their lives have gotten busier as their families have expanded, and they have decided they it’s time to end this chapter. They are offering a 20% off sale on their website.
As most of you know, Erin Paine has not had function in her right leg since the seizure she experienced while in the hospital. She has been home for a couple weeks and has worked with physical therapists, but the problem has continued to persist. Then yesterday, she was suddenly able to move her leg and take some wobbly steps. Praise God for his healing work over Erin!
Two of Gil and Kelly Bates' adult children are preparing to welcome their sixth babies. Just a few days after Zach and Whitney Bates revealed that they are expecting their sixth child in spring 2026, Tori and Bobby Smith announced that they will also be a family of eight. Tori is due in march 2026. Their oldest, Kade Smith, turns seven in November, and Kolter Smith is five-and-a-half. Charlotte Smith turned four in June, Cambree Smith turned three in August, and Slade Smith celebrated his first birthday in May.
Chad and Erin Paine celebrated Henry Paine’s one month birthday yesterday. And most of you know, Erin is at home with her family and is grateful for God’s goodness. Her right leg is still not functioning, but she is learning to use a walker and wheelchair. She has also been doing physical therapy.
A number of Bates family members, including Lawson and Tiffany Bates, traveled to Florida to babysit the Paine kids and bring Erin’s spirits up while she was in the hospital. The Paines continue to have help from family and friends. Lawson and Tiffany just posted a video to YouTube with clips from some of their visits to the hospital, including some tender moments when Erin was able to hug her kids and cuddle with Henry. Please continue to pray for complete healing for Erin.
One of the Bates couples is expecting. Here’s a hint: When the baby arrives, they will be a family of eight. That’s right, Zach and Whitney Bates just revealed that Whitney is pregnant with their sixth child. This little one is due in spring 2026. He or she will join five adoring siblings. Bradley Bates turns 11 in October, Kaci Bates is nine, Khloe Bates will be six in November, Jadon Bates is four, and Lily Bates just turned two. Do you think they will need a new vehicle to fit their crew?
For the first time since the birth of Henry Paine on August 25th, the Paines are sharing a video update. Chad Paine took to YouTube to give a heartfelt thank you to those who have prayed and to provide a brief update on Erin‘s health. She continues to lack function in her right leg, and he explains that her doctors do not yet have an answer or an explanation, although they remain hopeful. The parents of seven are grateful that Henry is doing well and that they are at home with all their children.
Navy Kate Stewart is nine days old. In case you missed it, she was born September 7th, 2025, and was Carlin's biggest baby at birth. Carlin and Evan Stewart, proud parents of three, just uploaded a video of Carlin's natural labor and delivery.
Carlin and Evan Stewart have landed on a name for their little girl, born September 7th, 2025. They will call her Navy Kate Stewart. Navy joins big sister Layla Stewart, who is five-and-a-half, and Zade Stewart, who turned three in March. Coming in at 7 pounds, she is the Stewarts' biggest baby. Layla weighed 5 lbs 13 oz, and Zade weighed 6 lbs 12 oz. Carlin hasn't used her middle name, Brianne, for either of her daughters. Congratulations to the Stewart and Bates families!
Carlin and Evan Stewart just announced the gender of their third baby. Not only did they not share it publicly before the birth, but they also chose to be surprised themselves. And…it’s a girl!
Erin Paine is still in recovery and was transferred to another hospital. Chad says Erin’s care team is working hard to help her improve and that the nurses have become like family to them. It has been 16 days since Henry Paine was born, and Erin and Chad miss their six other children tremendously. They say they are so grateful for the prayers and support they have received.
Update: Baby Stewart is here! No announcement on the gender or name yet, but we will keep you updated.
News of the arrival of Carlin and Evan Stewart’s third child will be coming soon. The Stewarts decided to wait until the baby’s arrival to find out whether it is a boy or girl, so you can be looking forward to that announcement.
The Paine family is rejoicing today! Bates fans have been praying fervently for Erin Paine, who has been in the ICU fighting for her life, and for newborn Henry Paine, who has been in the NICU. Just two days ago, Chad shared that Erin had had a severe seizure. Miraculously, she has turned a corner and is on the road to recovery. The staff brought little Henry to cuddle with Mama in her hospital bed.
Henry Paine is one week old and is doing well in the NICU. Erin is also still in the hospital, in the ICU, after going into septic shock from a severe UTI and kidney infection. Please continue praying for Erin and Henry, as well as for Chad and their kids at home.
Update on September 4th: After her infection improved some, Erin had a severe seizure and is now very weak. Please continue to pray for healing and for wisdom for her doctors as they run tests and search for answers.
Henry Blythe Paine was born on August 25th! Erin and Chad haven’t shared any details of the labor, but they did say that it was long and that Erin is recovering from some complications and would appreciate prayer. Henry is doing great.
It won’t be long before Erin and Chad Paine welcome their seventh child, Henry Blythe Paine. In their latest YouTube video, the Paines drive to Orlando for a doctors appointment, and Erin shows off the items that she packed in her hospital bag. They are expecting Henry to be premature, like their other babies have been, but they are hoping he will stay inside just a little longer for optimal development.
Updates from Michaela and Brandon Keilen are fewer and farther between, as they focus on being foster parents to their two little boys, ages three and infant. They just uploaded a long video to YouTube that includes details on their summer travels and updates on their foster journey. Brandon's trilogy, which is geared towards a middle school reading level, is currently on a huge sale, so if you have been thinking about ordering it, now is the time.
Erin and Chad Paine are about a month away from meeting their seventh child. In case you haven’t heard, the name they chose is Henry Blythe Paine. The Paines recently took their six other children to an ultrasound facility so they could meet their little brother on the big screen.
Carlin Stewart is about two months away from her due date with Baby #3. She and Evan Stewart are waiting until their little one arrives to find out the gender. Carlin's doctors decided that she needs to start doing shots twice a day for her blood-clotting disorder, which is something she did during her pregnancies with Layla and Zade. She was also recently told that she needs to have more frequent appointments to monitor the baby. You can find out more in the Stewarts' newest video.
Trace and Lydia Bates are adjusting to life with two children under age two. Kaia Rae Bates is one month old, and Ryker turns two in September. In their most recent video, the proud parents discuss how the past month has been for their family of four, and they share the details of Lydia's health scare. A couple weeks after Kaia's arrival, Lydia ended up in the hospital for three days with some signs of sepsis. Trace and Lydia also uploaded another video where they share more about this issue.
Travis Clark has a big announcement to make. He went back to school late last year and is studying to become a registered nurse. The decision for him to start an accelerated nursing program was not one that he and Katie made quickly, but it is something that they are both very excited about. Katie considered joining him but ultimately chose to focus on motherhood. The Clarks made a YouTube video to share the news, discuss how it is going, and talk about how it has impacted their life.
In her newest YouTube video, Erin Paine answers commonly asked questions, including inquiries about her kids’ homeschool schedule, her current book recommends, and new products she is offering on her website. She also shares the name that she and Chad have chosen for their baby boy, who is due at the end of summer. He will be Henry Blythe Paine. She tells the story behind it, and she reveals the name they would have used if the baby had been a girl.
Trace and Lydia Bates announced the arrival of their daughter, Kaia Rae Bates. The proud parents say she was born on June 12th and that both she and Lydia are doing well, but they haven’t shared any other details.
Michaela and Brandon Keilen are on a new journey of foster care, and they are overjoyed to have the honor of caring for two brothers, a newborn and a three-year-old. The Keilens don't know what the future holds or how long they will have the boys in their home. Adoption is not on the table right now, but Michaela has an incredibly selfless view of the situation. She says, "I am going to love them like they are going to be here forever, and if my heart is broken in a million pieces when they go home, I will know that I held nothing back."
They are pouring all they have into these boys, regardless of how long the placement lasts, which is an amazing testimony of God's love. You can watch the Keilens' recent question and answer video on their YouTube channel.
Lawson and Tiffany Bates just made a big announcement. They are expecting their second child this winter! Will Bates doesn’t turn one until July, so Lawson and Tiffany will have two kids under age two. They made a video sharing the news.
As they anticipate the arrival of their baby girl any day now, Trace and Lydia Bates decided to announce the name they have chosen. Lydia had the first name picked out a couple years ago, but she considered a few possibilities for middle names. Their daughter will be Kaia Rae Bates. In their most recent vlog, the couple shares the meaning behind the two names and how they made their choice. They also share some pregnancy updates. Fun fact: This baby will share a middle name with her five-year-old cousin Layla Rae Stewart.
Erin and Chad Paine announced about a month ago that they are expecting their seventh child. Now it's time for them to announce the gender of the baby, who will join their family this summer. As most of you know, the Paines have four daughters (Brooklyn Paine, Everly Paine, Holland Paine, and Finley Paine) and two sons (Charles Paine and William Paine). If you notice, we wrote Charles and not Carson. That is because the eldest Paine child, who was known as Carson until recently, made the decision to be called by his given name, which is Charles.
We won't spoil the news here, but you can head over to Erin and Chad's YouTube channel to watch them share the gender with their kids.
The Bates family continues to grieve the last of their beloved Papa Bill. In the midst of their pain, Michaela and Brandon Keilen have been overjoyed to enter a new stage of life: parenthood. After years of praying for children, they had the unexpected opportunity to become foster parents, and they took it. They now have two boys in their home, ages three and newborn. They don’t know how long they will have the kids, but they are cherishing every moment. They made a video about Papa Bill’s passing and this new chapter.
It has been a difficult week for the Bates family. Their beloved Papa Bill, Gil Bates’ father, passed away on May 13th, while under hospice care. His full name was William Gilvin Bates, but people called him Bill. He and Mama Jane would have celebrated 61 years of marriage on May 24th, which is also Alyssa and John Webster’s 11th anniversary. We know that Mama Jane and the rest of the Bates family would appreciate prayer as they grieve the loss of Papa Bil. If you would like to learn more about his life, you can read his obituary.
Lydia Bates is 35 weeks pregnant with her daughter. In early April, Trace sent Lydia on a girls' beach trip for her birthday, and a few weeks later, Trace, Lydia, and Ryker took a family beach trip. They are back home now and eagerly awaiting the arrival of their little girl. Josie Balka, who is also pregnant, threw Lydia a flower themed baby shower for family and friends. You'll see footage from the party in Trace and Lydia Bates' latest YouTube video.
Lawson Bates just released a new song, and it’s a tearjerker. The tune is called “When We Say Goodbye” and is a tribute to Papa Bill, Gil Bates’ father who is suffering from memory loss. You’ll find the music video on YouTube.
The Bates family is growing again! Josie and Kelton Balka just announced that they are expecting their fourth child. They haven’t shared any details yet, but we will let you know when they do. This baby will join Willow Balka, who turns six in July, Hazel Balka, who turns four in June, and Miles Balka, who turned one last month.
It’s going to be an exciting year for Erin and Chad Paine, as they are about to become a family of nine! They are expecting their seventh child this summer. Erin made a YouTube video sharing their family’s story.
Katie and Travis Clark took their kids, Hailey Clark and Harvey Clark, on a seven-night Disney cruise to the western Caribbean. On the way, they spent time with Alyssa and John Webster, and before flying home, they stopped in to visit Erin and Chad Paine. They uploaded a video with footage from their cruise and one showing their trip home and some other updates.
Erin and Chad Paine and their six kids have been in their new place for a few months. If you missed it, they left their first Florida rental, which was out in the country, for a new rental home in a subdivision. They knew going in that it would be an adjustment, as country life is all they have ever know, but the Paines have made the house their own with some personal touches. This house has more storage space than any of their previous homes, which is helpful when you have half a dozen children. Watch Erin give fans a tour in their latest YouTube video.
How are Zach and Whitney Bates doing? The parents of five are busy, as they juggle homeschooling, sports, family time, and the Bates Sisters Boutique. They sat down to answer questions from fans and uploaded the video to the Bates Kitchen YouTube channel.
Valentine’s Day (also known as I Love You Day) is quite possibly the Bates’ favorite holiday. This year was the family’s 10th annual gathering! The theme was the 1950s. As always, the costumes were fantastic, and the games were boisterous and entertaining. Some of the families have already posted YouTube videos showing footage from the celebration (links below)
Trace and Lydia Bates: I Love You Day 2025
The ever-expanding Bates family is preparing to welcome at least a few new babies this year. Trace and Lydia Bates are expecting their daughter in June, and Carlin and Evan Stewart recently announced that Carlin is pregnant and due in September. Meanwhile in Florida, Jackson and Emerson Bates, who married in October 2023, are also expecting. They haven’t shared the due date, but the baby is a boy.
In late February, the Stewarts shared that they are expecting their third child, due in September. How is Carlin's pregnancy going? In their latest YouTube video, she and Evan sit down to answer questions and give an update, including some details on Carlin's health. They also show off their backyard pool, which they have already opened and used this month.
It isn't often that we hear from Nathan and Esther Bates. On October 4th, they welcomed their second child, Graham Alan Bates, so they have spent the winter adjusting to life as a family of four. The proud parents of two just uploaded Graham's birth story to their YouTube account. You'll see footage from Esther's labor and delivery, and you'll watch the sweet moment when big sister Kenna Bates meets her baby brother.
Graham was born 13 days before Kenna's second birthday and 10 days before Esther turned 27. Graham shares a middle name with Rhett Webster, while Kenna Joy shares a middle name with Esther, Alyssa Webster, and Zoey Webster.
Last week, we shared Carlin and Evan Stewart's big news. They are expecting their third child in September! The parents of Layla and Zade Stewart were bubbling over with joy and could hardly wait to tell their kids and their extended family. In their latest YouTube video, you'll see footage from some of the reveals.
Kelly Bates joins her oldest child, Zach Bates, as a guest on his YouTube cooking show, but instead of preparing a meal, Zach interviews his mom. Kelly starts by telling the story of her recent health scare and providing an update on how she's doing. Then the two discuss the Bates' reality TV show, I Love You Day 2025, Zach's picky eating, raising boys, and some of their favorite dishes to cook. At 19:00, Kelly answers a question about her grandchildren, but she has to put her hand over her mouth because she's concerned that she has spilled the beans on an announcement.
Carlin and Evan Stewart announced yesterday that they are expecting their third baby. If you would like more details, you can watch their latest YouTube video. Carlin's tentative due date is September 24, 2025.
Carlin and Evan Stewart made a big announcement today. They are expecting their third child! This baby will join five-year-old Layla Stewart and three-year-old Zade Stewart (whose birthday is in March). Carlin had significant health struggles following Zade’s birth, and for a while the Stewarts were unsure whether they would have more children.
Michaela and Brandon Keilen paused their video creating for the month of January, but they are back. Their latest YouTube video is a Q&A. They discuss I Love You Day, the Bates' annual Valentine's Day party. The family will celebrate later this year, due to Kelly Bates' health scare. The theme is the '50s. The Keilens also mention the children's book that they are working on, and they provide other updates, too.
A couple weeks ago, the Bates family took their annual ski vacation out west. Not everyone attends every year, but it still ends up being a good sized group. If you have watched Bringing Up Bates, the Bates' reality TV show that aired from 2015-2021, you know that this trip has been a tradition for quite a few years. The Clarks and Stewarts both uploaded YouTube videos of footage from this year's trip (links below), which took place in Utah. At the ends of Katie and Travis' video, you'll also hear Gil and Kelly Bates share some marriage tips.
Carlin and Evan Stewart and their children just returned from their first Disney Cruise. Layla Stewart turned five years old while they were at sea, while Zade Stewart will turn three in March. You can hear all about the magical trip on the family's latest YouTube video, which is 30 minutes long.
Trace and Lydia Bates have just revealed the gender of their baby, due June 13th. Surrounded by family, they sat down with a filled cake and allowed Ryker Bates, who turns two in September, to pull pieces off until everyone could see the color inside. Pink means girl! Congratulations to the Bates and Romeike families. Trace and Lydia uploaded a video to YouTube.
Trace and Lydia Bates are gearing up to become a family of four in less than five months. They sat down to answer questions about the pregnancy, the gender of their baby, and Ryker. Lydia's due date is June 13th, which means that Ryker will be just three months shy of turning two. Both Trace and Lydia come from big families and are looking forward to having two children who are close in age. Stay tuned for a gender reveal in just a few weeks!
Last week, Kelly Bates drove to South Carolina to visit Papa Bill and Mama Jane, as she does frequently due to Papa Bill's deteriorating health. While she was there, the back pain that she had been experiencing suddenly became a lot worse. She was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with a kidney stone and a kidney infection, which turned septic and landed her in the ICU. Gil quickly drove in from Tennessee and refused to leave his wife's side. The Bates kids and grandchildren began arriving, as Kelly's condition worsened and it was unclear whether she would recover. After a lot of prayer, quality care from the hospital staff, and plenty of encouragement from her beloved family, Kelly started to turn a corner. She had her second surgery two days ago and was released from the hospital yesterday. Join us in praising God for her miraculous recovery. Trace and Lydia Bates made a video detailing the situation.
Katie and Travis Clark moved from New Jersey to the Knoxville area last March, and they have been living in an apartment since they arrived. With help from their real estate agent, Zach Bates, they have officially purchased what they call their dream home. You can see some quick glimpses of the house in their latest YouTube video.
Alyssa and John Webster have been creating content on YouTube for almost six years. They have enjoyed giving fans a glimpse into their lives, including birthdays, the arrival of new babies, house projects, travel, and just basic everyday life. However, they just uploaded a "Goodbye" video and have announced that they are stepping away from YouTube. The Websters explain that as their kids get older, they want to give them more privacy. They also mention that now that their children are able to read, the negative comments are much more concerning to them. They might still upload videos of big moments but will no longer be sharing regular videos.
Erin and Chad Paine announced in September that they would be moving out of their rental home in Florida, but it took them quite a while to decide where they would be going. In honor of New Year's they have just shared the details of their next step. They thought they might be moving back to Tennessee, but God closed that door, so they are staying in Florida--at least for the time being. The Paines' new rental home is in a subdivision, which will be a big adjustment for all of them. You'll see footage from their move and some shots of the house in their latest YouTube video.
