Bringing Up Bates star Josie Bates has shared that she and her husband, Kelton Balka, have lost their second pregnancy. Josie shared an update with her followers on Instagram.
She said that the baby was due in March 2021, and the family of three was so excited to grow to four:
“Sometimes you have to walk through experiences you never thought you would have to. This has been a very difficult time for our little family. Kelton and I were over the moon excited to be expecting a sweet baby in March, 2021! We were filled with anticipation as we began to dream of what it would be like as a family of four and for Willow to have a little playmate. We surprised our family and friends with the news at Willow’s one year old birthday party! Already, my heart felt an unexplainable amount of excitement!”
However, everything changed for Josie and Kelton at her recent prenatal appointment.
She continued:
"Sadly, when I went for a recent ultrasound, we were heartbroken to hear our precious baby had gone to be with Jesus. Our hearts have been completely broken. I've never experienced the type of pain and loss that I've had these past weeks."
"There is an empty spot in our hearts and in our home. Even though we never got to see our baby face to face or hold its tiny hand, we know God has a purpose for its short life. In spite of our grieving, we have peace in knowing that our little baby is in heaven with Kelton's sweet mom."
She concluded the update with a sweet note about the couple's daughter, Willow:
"I added a charm to my necklace, next to Willow's, to help us never forget the memories of how this little one made us feel and how much love and joy it brought to our family. We are grateful for the love and prayers from so many during this time."
Josie and Kelton got married in October 2018 after first being linked in July 2017. Josie's father, Gil Bates, officiated the wedding, and her sisters Tori and Erin contributed music alongside her brother, Lawson. The wedding was attended by several members of the Duggar family, as the two families have known each other for years.
The couple's daughter, Willow, was born in July 2019, with Josie and Kelton confirming her safe arrival to People:
"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's middle name is Kristy, which the couple gave her as an homage to Kelton's mother, also named Kristy, who died when he was only 13.
Josie and Kelton were thrilled when they had the fortune of getting pregnant with Willow so soon after their wedding.
They confirmed the news in February 2019, telling People, "We couldn't be happier to announce that we're having a baby! We are a little nervous but totally flooded with joy as we're starting this new journey of love and parenting together!"
The September 24 episode of Bringing Up Bates will feature the news of Josie's pregnancy. UPtv, the network that produces the family's reality show, offered to edit the footage in light of this update, but Josie and Kelton wanted to keep the content in the show to preserve their second child's memory.
Josie and Kelton aren't the only members of the family who have faced trials this year. Josie's sister, Carlin, shared that her daughter Layla has faced health struggles since her arrival in February 2020:
"There have been many ups and downs since our precious Layla was born. In some ways I feel like the hospital has become our 2nd home!"
Carlin also shared that she and her husband have been relying on their faith to see them through:
"Although we're still so nervous about the outcomes of everything, I know my God is in control and He's writing our little story. I am so thankful for His protection over my sweet baby girl. We've been in some scary places, but I know I can lean on Jesus. I may have many fears and worries, but I'm doing my best to place them in His hands."
