There’s another Bates family grandbaby! Josie Bates Balka and husband Kelton are rejoicing after the birth of their first child, daughter Willow Kristy. The baby girl, born at 2:23 a.m. on Friday, July 19, was 19 inches long and weighed 6 lbs. and 10 oz. The elated new parents told People.com:
“Our hearts are so full after welcoming Willow Kristy early this morning. We are so thankful to God for our little blessing and can’t wait to start our journey as a family of three.”
Willow Kristy Balka is the 11th grandchild of Gil and Kelly Jo Bates. The Bates family will continue to grow later this year as Whitney and Zach Bates are due in November, and Josie’s sister, Erin Bates Paine, is expecting her fourth child with husband Chad in December. As UPtv loves to celebrate life’s biggest moments, watch for these beautiful pregnancy — and parenthood — journeys on future “Bringing Up Bates” episodes.
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