Zach and Whitney's #6

By the time you ready this, it is likely that another Bates grandchild has already entered the world. Zach and Whitney Bates have headed to the hospital to welcome their sixth child, a girl. That will make two sons and four daughters for the eldest Bates sibling and his wife. Bradley Bates is 11, Kaci Bates turns 10 in June, Khloe Bates is six, Jadon Bates turns five in June, and Lily Bates is two. This little one is Gil and Kelly Bates' 40th grandchild. 

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. 

Another Family of 8?

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. 

 

 

Bates Family of Eight

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?

Q&A with Zach and Whitney Bates

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.

Recap: "A Big Bates Thanksgiving"

Bringing Up Bates "A Big Bates Thanksgiving"

• Erin visits her doctor to determine the gender of her baby. The results are written on a piece of paper and sealed in an envelope, which Erin will give to her cousin Katherine so she can bake a cake with either pink or blue inside. "I am a super curious person, especially when it comes to what my baby is," says Erin.
• The family packs up and heads to Gil's parents' farm in Honea Path, South Carolina. Mama Jane and Papa Bill prepare to feed a few dozen family members for Thanksgiving Dinner.
• Gil's parents have owned their farm since they moved to the area when Gil was in third grade. Now, his brother and sister each own a house and several acres of land on the property. Gil and Kelly also own several acres.
• The entire family gathers together, including Michaella's boyfriend, Brandon.
• On Thanksgiving Day, Callie accidentally slams Jeb's finger in a door. Later, during the annual family football game (married guys versus single guys) Zach injures his knee. But no one ends up in the emergency room, so the Bates consider it a good day.
• Growing up, Gil spent a lot of time playing sports. His parents say he had a hard time balancing athletics with other priorities. Now that he has kids, he encourages them to put Christ first, which means they don't play organized sports.
• The Bates put on their matching outfits (purples, blues, and grays) and take family photos. Chad the photographer organizes the pictures.
• Bill and Jane rent a tent for Thanksgiving Dinner because their house isn't big enough to accommodate their growing family. After the meal, the Bates move inside and reflect on what they are thankful for. "There was probably not a dry eye in the place," says Gil.
• Kelly's response is the most touching: "I'm really thankful that y'all are so forgiving because I know as parents, we have let you down so many times. There have been times that we were upset with y'all that we shouldn't have been, or that we should have cut you slack and we didn't, or that we were impatient. And y'all have put up and endured and even encouraged us along and are so forgiving. And many times we look back and we feel like failures as parents, and we feel like we've let y'all down in so many ways. And y'all are the greatest kids in the world. Y'all encourage us so much. I just love every one of you.
• Gil says he is thankful that his wife had the idea of leaving the size of their family up to God. He thought it was crazy at first, but looking back, he says it was one of the best decisions he has ever made.
• Everyone gathers around as Erin cuts into the cake baked by her cousin. The inside is blue, which means she and Chad are having a boy!
• To end the night, Lawson plays piano while Papa Bill and Mama Jane dance. Mama Jane tries to teach Nathan. "Nathan cannot dance," says Michaella.
• The following day, the Bates (everyone but Michaella, who is returning home to Tennessee to work, and Brandon, who is flying back to Michigan) gather up their belongings to head down to Florida.
• The family talks about how different Thanksgiving will be in 2015. "Bradley might have a girl in his life...a sister," says Zach. "Zach, be serious!" responds Whitney.
• "There might be a couple more wives, or girlfriends," says Nathan. "I am not getting married before next Thanksgiving," confirms Lawson.