Paines Share Details of Their Darkest Hour

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. 

Health Scare for Baby Balka

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. 

Another Boy for Lawson and Tiffany

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. 

The Stewarts' Dream Home

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. 

Fall Memories with the Keilens

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. 

Zach and Whitney’s Gender Reveal

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. 

Zach and Whitney Reveal the Gender of their 6th Child

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.