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!

Carson Arrives!

If you have been following our family’s story on UP TV, you’ll recall the miscarriages and medical hardships that Erin and Chad have faced recently. We are so thrilled and so thankful to God that she was able to carry Carson safely throughout the pregnancy and deliver a healthy happy boy! Our hearts are also full of gratitude for the many of you who prayed or wrote words of encouragement. We believe little Carson truly is an answer to prayer and we are excited to see how God will direct him in life!

(Photos by Taryn Yager)

CHARLES STEPHEN PAINE IV

“CARSON”

BORN: MAY 14

6 pounds, 19 inches

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

Carson newborn photoshoot

Erin's birth plan

Many of our fans have been asking if Erin is going to have a home birth or hospital birth. We asked Erin what was her birth plan for baby Carson and she reveal that she is going to have a hospital birth.

 

31 weeks pregnant

We got nine short weeks until Carson arrives. Erin is still doing the shots that she has to do every day of her pregnancy. She doesn't like needles but she knows it's best for their child.

Here is a new photo of Erin's baby bump as of Sunday!  

Chad's blog: Our little boy

Chad posted: You probably know by now....but if you don't, we are so happy to share with everyone that we are expecting a little BOY!!
Our hearts are full of joy! It almost seems like a dream that's all to good to be true! The reality of it is still sinking in for us!
Now that I know that a little fella is on the way, I can't help but try and imagine what he's going to be like! I often wondered what it would feel like to be a dad, to have all that responsibility, to provide for a family, to teach my children, to be the very best dad that I could be! Now that reality of being a dad is here and it's truly inspiring! I can't wait till our little boy arrives! Erin and I are absolutely thrilled!! =)
God has been truly good to the three of us ( I love saying the three of us! =).
Erin....I have to talk about my Erin...my lovely, precious, beautiful inside and out, bubbly, amazingly sweet wife, Erin. She is the hero behind this little boy...she is the courageous, loving, ever caring mother who has been so brave these past 26 weeks. I wish I could share all the ins and out of this pregnancy...but I believe it would fill an entire book if I tried. Pushing through 20 weeks of extreme nausea, having a complete lack of appetite, and receiving daily injections, Erin has patiently bore these hardships with a dedication and love that brings tears to my eyes. I can honestly say I have never seen a more dedicated women in all the world! I can't wait to tell our little boy about how much his mommy loves him! I am so grateful for Erin and all that she means to me! I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Erin will make the very best mommy! It makes me so happy just thinking about it! =')
If you are wondering what we are planning on naming our little fella, you will have to check Erin and I's instagram! Erin shares the little guy's name and tells the story behind it here.
Thank you for praying for us! God has answered so many prayers! Looking back at our last post I wince at how long it has been since I have written and how many comments . I can't promise more posts soon, but I will do my best to try and keep you updated!

28 weeks pregnant

In 12 weeks, Chad and Erin will welcome their first child. They are super excited about his arrival and the pregnancy is going great!

27 weeks pregnant

Chad and Erin are 27 weeks pregnant with their first son, Carson Paine.

If you miss the gender reveal and name reveal by clicking here.

If you miss to when we found out, you can click here

I hope that you guys like the new photo to these updates!

Click here if you have missed the recent Journey to parenthood update

We will see you guys next week for week 28!

Journey to parenthood: Three months left!

Chad and Erin are just three months away until they meet baby Carson! They are super excited about how the pregnancy is going.

We actually found out the gender in the beginning of February and had to keep it a secret until Chad and Erin did. Read our reaction to the gender reveal here.