'A First Time for Everything' Recap

Bringing Up Bates "A First Time for Everything"

• As season nine kicks off, Carlin and Evan have just celebrated their wedding. “It brought me so much joy to see her so happy,” says Michael.
• The newlyweds arrive in Charleston, South Carolina. “I feel like I’m living a piece of heaven,” says Carlin, as she and Evan get ready to take a carriage ride. Later, they eat at a rooftop restaurant with a beautiful view of the city. When the waitress brings mocktails, Carlin confirms that they are nonalcoholic.
• While in Charleston, the newlyweds go 'Casual Crabbing with Tia.' “He’s taking me out of my comfort zone,” says Carlin of Evan. “Holding a crab, it’s just one of those things I have to warm up to.” They compete in a competition, which Evan wins.
• Carlin and Evan enjoy a private sailboat ride, during which they take a “Titanic” photo. “I’ve always wanted to have that Titanic moment,” says Carlin. “It’s like a dream come true.”
• Back in Tennessee, Trace’s friend Chaney arrives with her family to spend time with the Bates. (Trace and Chaney have since broken up, but this episode was filmed while they were still in a relationship.) Chaney Kahle is one of seven children, and the Kahles are fellow homeschoolers and fellow Christians.
• The group plays bocce ball. “Trace is by far one of the more athletically talented Bates,” says Lawson. Chaney is also athletic. “Praise the Lord,” says Katie. “Finally, a Bates boy has got a girl. It has been way too long. I am so proud of you.”
• Zach and Whitney and their two kids check in on Khloe during an ultrasound. “She’s always moving,” says Zach. “She’s always kicking around.”
• Later, Kelly comes over to help Josie pack her hospital bag. “There’s not like brownie points for whether you do it natural or not natural,” says the mom of 19. “And don’t feel bad or pressured to do anything just because people are saying, ‘Well I did this’ or ‘You should do this.’ Just be you.” Josie agrees that she will not feel bad about getting an epidural if she needs it. 
• Kelly and Josie join the rest of the Bates ladies for lunch, and Josie goes through her birth plan. Josie’s birth team will consist of Kelton, Kelly, and a doula. Erin’s conversation with Chad about doulas is priceless.
• Erin: “Doesn’t a doula do just what the husband usually does? I think [Chad’s] my doula, right? I thought doulas are girls.”
• Chad: “Well this one ain’t.”
• Erin: “Well you’re a good-looking doula.”
• Kelton and Josie meet with their doula, Renee Dudley, to discuss the stages of labor and positions. “I think the most shocking part to Kelton was, he didn’t realize it was more than like two or three hours,” says Josie. “He didn’t realize it was an all-day thing.”
• “My mom made pregnancy and labor and delivery all look so easy, and now that I’m here, it is a lot harder,” says Josie.
• “I’m a little terrified still, but I’m ready,” says Kelton. “I’m really excited about it.”
• Josie’s labor beings. She and Kelton choose not to have the film crew or other family members (aside from Kelly) present. After about 36 hours, the medical providers urge Josie to either have her water broken, take Pitocin, or get an epidural.
• Josie ends up getting an epidural. “The epidural was one of the scariest parts for me because that was one of the factors that actually resulted in them not being able to catch signs that led to my mother’s death,” says Kelton.
• “Me and Mr. Balka were out in the hallway, in the waiting room,” says Gil. “I know Kelton was nervous. I know Mr. Balka was nervous, having the last labor he was ever at was when his wife went to be with the Lord.”
• After her epidural, Josie is able to close her eyes and relax. After 48 hours of labor, she delivers Willow Kristy Balka. “It’s amazing to watch your child grow up and [have] a little baby,” says Gil.
• Before they know it, the Balka family of three is back home and adjusting to their new life. Gil and Kelly and several of the kids come by the apartment to say hi.
• “When I saw Zach hold Willow, it was like, holy cow,” says Whitney. “I fell in love all over again. I just love him with a newborn, and I just can’t wait to have a newborn again in our house.” “I think that’s how we ended up with this baby, is Whitney went and held somebody’s baby,” says Zach, laughing.
• Josie and Kelton are about to close on their first house, and they will need all hands on deck to help them get it ready for move-in.