Over the weekend, Michael and Brandon Keilen, who will celebrate their one-year wedding anniversary next month, traveled to East Tennessee from their home near Chicago for a visit with the Bates clan. They were overjoyed to meet the newest member of the family, Kaci Lynn Bates. "I didn't want to put her down for a second!" says Michael.
Photos courtesy of Michael and Brandon Keilen, Zach and Whitney Bates, thebatesfamily.com
Brandon Keilen, Michaella (Bates) Keilen, Kaci Bates,
Whitney Bates, Zach Bates, Bradley Bates
Michaella Keilen with Kaci Bates
Top right: Brandon Keilen with Kaci Bates
Callie Bates, Addallee Bates, Bradley Bates, Jeb Bates, Judson Bates, Ellie Bates
And here's a new photo of the five youngest Bates kids, plus Bradley. As usual, the kiddos were thrilled to see Michaella and Brandon.
What a pity Whitney isn't breastfeeding this baby either - it's the perfect design from God to nurture and protect our babies! It's been so refreshing to see Erin nursing her little one and I'd hoped being around nursing mothers may encourage Whitney to try it.
ReplyDeleteLeave her alone and stop putting unnecessary guilt on Whitney. There is nothing wrong with bottle feeding your child. Mine were bottle fed and are lovely, intelligent God-loving women. Please...just show support not condemnation.
Delete1. There are pumps so that could be breast milk. 2. She may not be physically able to. 3. It's her choice anyway. I can't believe what this family gets shamed for.
DeleteI don't think we need to be judging her. Being a mom is hard enough. I'm sure she is doing what works best for her family. As long as the baby is healthy and happy that should be what matters.
DeleteNot every woman is able to breastfeed. Sometimes our bodies just don't work the way they're supposed to. And who knows, maybe that is breast milk in that bottle or she's simply supplementing. Whatever the reason, she is doing exactly what she should be doing...feeding her baby. And that is all that matters.
DeletePity?? Odd choice of words. There are many reasons women can not breastfeed. I had a very very medical reason why. Also, maybe she pumps. There are women who have to pump due to issues with the actual breast. Do not judge unless you are informed.
DeleteI wouldn't assume she isn't. She may be doing both. It's not really any of our business.
DeletePlease don't shame Whitney! Some women want to nurse, but just aren't able to. The baby may not latch, the milk doesn't come in,etc.
Deleteand who says that there isn't breast milk in the bottle? Perhaps she pumps and that allows others to feed the baby while they are out.
To the second commenter: sadly a lot of mothers are judged cor their choices, nowadays, not just in this family.
DeleteSome women like to pump because the baby will take a bottle from anyone.
DeleteThis is a comment section. Why is it that just because someone mentions that it would be good if someone chose to do the scientifically proven healthiest option of feeding a human baby it makes that person judgemental and mean? Isn't that why we are all on social media? To hear other opinions and learn something? If she can't breastfeed that is a shame for her and her baby's health. Either way it's science, not shaming.
DeleteBeautiful faces.God Bless.
ReplyDeleteIm glad to see the Keilen's again I was wondering what ever happened to them! Nice pics. Can you please get rid of the gray background and put a light pastel color instead!! Gray is soooooo drab and dull and depressing!
ReplyDeleteGray is an "in" color right now. Your comment about it seems discouraging. Thanks, Lily and Ellie for working so hard to keep us informed about the Bates family!
DeleteAwesome photos! I love your family.
ReplyDeleteIt's surprising Michaela has been married nearly a year and no pregnancy announcement.
ReplyDeleteThere is probably a challenging reason for that. How about using some common sense and sensitivity??
DeleteMaybe there is a problem. It can be very hurtful when people are constantly waiting a pregnancy.
DeleteI wouldnt be surprised if Brandon wanted them to have one year of marriage alone together first to adjust.... Brandon wisely savours each season from what I've seen.
DeleteSo glad to see all the pictures of the Bates and extended family beautiful
ReplyDelete