Bates Family Blog - A Strong Support System

Hi y’all!

Considering my sister Michael is head over her heels in wedding plans, I thought I’d blog on behalf of the family tonight. Hope that’s okay! I have to say, while seeing yourself on TV never gets comfortable, it’s amazing to see how much God has brought us through and it gives me hope and comfort that whatever I may be going through, it’s temporary and this too shall pass.

In tonight’s episode, I was 34 weeks pregnant and early one morning, started having contractions. It’s fairly common for pregnant women to experience contractions weeks before labor but with a high-risk pregnancy, you just can’t take any chances so I woke Chad up, he called Dr. Vick and we headed to the hospital. Once we got to the hospital, I was given medicine and then more medicine to try and stop the contractions and they gave baby Carson a steroid shot to help his lung development. It was a long day but our baby was safe and that was all that mattered to me.

Right after our trip to the hospital, Dr. Vick decided weekly visits were in order so Monday’s became days we anticipated and quite honestly, days we feared. My heart and mind just couldn’t help but wonder if today would be a day when something wouldn’t be okay. Thankfully, I’m married to the man God meant for me and his love and support carried me through. There’s nothing sweeter than seeing your baby on the ultrasound and each time we got to see our baby boy moving inside me, our fears froze. Perfect love casts out all fear.

Thank you all for your prayers, your support and your love and keep watching, things are just about to get really good!

Bates Family Blog – A Perfect Baby Shower

Before a pregnant girl reaches the point of “Dear God, just get this baby out of me,” one of the things she most looks forward to is her baby shower! In tonight’s episode of Bringing Up Bates, everyone got an inside look into mine!

Anyone who knows me knows that I love anything girly and even though I knew I was having a baby boy, I still wanted frills! Thanks to my Mom and my best friend Kelsey, that’s exactly what I got! The room was perfectly dressed with shabby chic mason jars filled with hydrangeas for centerpieces, bouquets of balloons and beautiful food I can only assume was in-part inspired by Pinterest! Side note: Where would a girl be without Pinterest?!

My mom and Kelsey did such a great job. I think when you grow up with sisters, it’s rare to find a best friend outside of the family but Kelsey and I met freshman year of college and have been best friends ever since! Her friendship is such a gift!

We all know that pregnancy sends emotions into overdrive and of course, I was no exception! It’s fair to say that I was extra sentimental and I think it’s because I knew we were celebrating this tender moment only because of God’s goodness and the prayers of so many. I was so overwhelmed by all the love that was shown to me through the gifts, words of encouragement, heart-felt cards and yes, even the chocolate! It’s amazing how quickly a pregnant girl goes from teary-eyed to totally excited as soon as she gets some chocolate! 

I hope you all have a happy 4th of July and pray that you’re all spending it with the ones you love. God bless America!

Love,

Erin

Erin's blog: Fearful Times Turn Into Overwhelming Joy

Hi everyone! It’s been entirely too long since my last blog post but things have been pretty busy round’ here!
For those of you who have followed our story, you know our journey to becoming parents has been filled with heartbreak. Having already been through three heartbreaking miscarriages, I can honestly say, I never knew suffering like I know it now.
In tonight’s show, I was in the last trimester of my pregnancy and Dr. Vick talked to Chad and I about the risk of stillbirth due to a genetic blood-clotting condition I have. Needless to say, hearing the word “stillbirth” sent a cold chill down my spine.
In times like these, you can’t help but feel fearful and helpless because everything is out of your control and you don’t know the answers to your questions and you don’t know how things are going to turnout. It was just all too much for us to handle! The only thing we knew to do was to pray and trust God that He might grant us the incredible honor of being parents to the miracle that was growing inside me.
After months of injections, lost appetite, complete nausea and a myriad of other insufferable symptoms… Charles Stephen IV was born on May 14. We finally met our baby boy and to know that he’s here and he’s healthy is everything. To say that we are in-love with Carson would be a complete understatement! We are wholeheartedly overjoyed!
God has taught us so much throughout this journey and through it, we were able to draw closer to Him and closer to each other. We may never know the answers to all of life’s questions but we can rest knowing that God does.
“We prayed for this child and the Lord has granted us what we asked of Him.” – 1 Samuel 1:27

Erin's blog: Questions!

When you grow up in a family as large and as adventurous as my own, people are naturally going to have questions, so this show focuses on some of the main questions that we are asked! It is hilarious to see how each child usually has a different answer, even though we grew up in the same home. =) This also reveals an up-close look at the different personalities in the family, and I have to say we were all surprised when Lawson said he likes to clean! ;)

Erin's blog: Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving has always been really special for both of us, but this Thanksgiving would prove to be a time I think we will never forget!
We had been looking forward to spending time with all the family at Papa Bill and Mama Jane’s farm. The country, quiet setting was perfect to facilitate a time of fun, relaxation, and thanksgiving for all that the Lord had done. It was definitely such a sweet time with the entire family together once again, it really felt like “old times.” But the highlight of our time on the farm was when we announced the news that we were expecting a baby boy! Yes, a sweet little boy! When I found out the gender of our baby, it felt as if my whole world stopped for a moment. I cannot even begin to describe the joy I felt inside. God is so good! I hope and pray he is just like his daddy, because Chad is the sweetest, most precious person in the whole world to me, and I am confident that he will make the best dad that any little boy has ever had! We are thrilled beyond words and are excitedly anticipating the day that we get to see and hold our little boy for the first time!

Erin's blog: Courting

This is such a sweet show, because for me it brings back so many memories from my own courting days. Brandon’s visit to Tennessee was a great opportunity for all of us to get to know him on a more personal level. He is full of jokes and surprises, and he already feels like part of the family. It is such a joy to watch my sister’s dreams come true. As we’ve watched their relationship blossom, we anticipate the day that Brandon will pop the question!

Erin's blog: Lawson’s Performance and Carlin’s Purity Ring

It’s hard to express how proud and excited I was for Lawson, seeing him from a sister’s perspective, achieve one of his childhood dreams. Lawson is a very talented young man, whose aspirations and goals are inspiring to hear about, but even more thrilling to see come to fruition. We both admire his motivation as well as his desire to make the world a better place through music and ministry.

Lawson did an amazing job, in spite of his nervousness, and even though it was his first-time to sing in a venue like this. We’re proud and excited for him and we can’t wait to see what’s next in his life.

Seeing Carlin get her purity ring, made me cry as it brought back so many special memories. My parents have always tried to spend one on one time with us. They’ve taken each of us out for special dates, while they share important lessons from the heart. For me, the lesson on purity was one of the most important ones my parents taught me, and it caused me to value myself and my relationship with the Lord more than anything else. I know how very special Carlin must have felt, and what a treasure that memory will be.

Erin's blog: The Secret’s Out!

This is definitely one of our favorite shows! Not only were we excitedly anticipating the arrival of our little nephew, Bradley, but we were also holding back the exciting news of our own little one on the way!

We planned a special date night with Dad and Mom to share our exciting news with them first! However, our secret soon spreads and the word gets out! We have had moments of nervousness and fears about the pregnancy, but the support and prayers of so many have encouraged us.

Zach and Whitney’s love and tenderness towards each other in this show will bring tears to your eyes, and Zach’s nervousness and eagerness during labor will keep you rolling with laughter! It’s a special time for all the new aunts and uncles too…not to mention the new grandparents! Bradley’s arrival was especially touching for us, because it gave us hope about holding our own little bundle of joy!

Erin's blog My Two Loves

Living close to home has been so wonderful! Not only does Chad get to bond closely with my siblings (how cute were those haircuts?!), but I’m also still able to be a part of family traditions. I’m so grateful for the precious time we get to spend together! It’s fun to see Michaella texting Brandon and getting so excited when he texts her. It reminds me exactly of when Chad and I started talking! I’m so so happy for her and can’t wait to see what life has in store for her.

Now about our singing… I love making memories with my family! We have fun when we’re doing things together, and sometimes the laughter is contagious, although it can be embarrassing if done at the wrong place and the wrong time! The best takeaway of this performance? We didn’t laugh on stage (even though there were plenty behind the scenes opportunities)!

Erin's blog: All About Chad

Hi everyone! Hope you enjoyed tonight’s episode! As you all know, I’ve never been shy about expressing how in love I am with my sweet husband Chad but tonight, you got to see just how important he has become to my entire family, too!  My family calls on Chad for just about everything because he can do just about everything! Anyone need a haircut or a master gardener?! Chad has such a heart for helping others. He’s an incredible man and I know he’s going to be the best daddy to our little baby! Be sure to check out his latest blog entry for news on little baby Paine and more at http://chadsperspective.blogspot.com/. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Love, Erin

Erin's blog: Hearing the Heartbeat

I’m so glad and relieved that tonight’s episode has finally aired! Chad and I have been waiting to share our big news with the rest of the world for quite some time now. The news is true! Chad and I are having a baby! To say that we are thrilled would be the biggest understatement; we can hardly contain our excitement as we prepare to be parents.  As many of you know, starting a family for Chad and I has been a painful journey, but the Lord has taught us so much this past year as husband and wife. In tonight’s show we finally heard our sweet baby’s heartbeat. It was one of the most beautiful moments in our lives and the sound of our baby’s heartbeat… the most beautiful music.  This is definitely an answer to our prayers and we are so looking forward to learning how to be a mom and a dad. More to come next week!

Erin's blog: Happy New Year

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope everyone’s year is off to a happy and healthy start! Many of you are wondering why Chad and I didn’t go camping and I have to say… thank you for asking, it’s nice to be missed! Chad and I were unable to go because Chad had to work and I had piano lessons to teach. On the plus side, we got to watch it with all of you! Seeing this week’s show really reminded me of how fun camping was growing up. Some of the biggest laughs I’ve ever had happened while camping with my family. It also reminded me that the “late Bates” are never on time! ;) Chad and I may have missed some of the fun this time around, but married life is an entirely new chapter of my life, and I love every minute of it. Even though Chad and I have experienced unexpected pain, it’s so comforting to know that we’re never alone in our heartbreak. To quote my Dad, “God never said it was going to be easy, He just said He’d never leave you alone.” Now that you’ve seen some of our story begin to unfold, I want to thank you for the support and the love you’ve all shown. It means the world!

Erin's blog: The Whole Truth

 The truth comes out eventually, and in this case, I have Callie to thank for it! I might be guilty as charged for giving my little sisters’ and brothers’ popsicles before bed, but I’m not so sure my parents would deny their sweet little faces either. I just can’t get used to a quiet house, so ever since I got married and moved out, I’ve made it a point to have my younger siblings over. As you know now, the journey to starting my own family has been difficult. Growing up with 18 siblings, I never expected to face this particular form of pain. Even in the midst of pain, it’s comforting to know that I have a husband who loves and supports me the way Chad does. God knew what He was doing when he brought us together. While we don’t know what our future holds, we know who holds it! We hope God’s plan for us includes a family of our very own, but we feel very blessed to have each other and we are going to treasure each day we have!