UP's 'Bringing Up Bates' Couple Erin & Chad Paine Welcome First Baby Following Difficult Pregnancy [EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS]

Erin and Chad

UP Original Series "Bringing Up Bates" stars Erin (24) and her husband Chad Paine (27) jubilantly welcomed their first child - Charles Stephen Paine IV - into the world at 10:10 p.m. on Thursday, May 14.

Nicknamed 'Carson,' the bouncing baby boy was born at Tennova Healthcarein Knoxville, TN and weighed 6 pounds and 19 inches in length. Erin's Dramatic Story, Baby "Carson's" Miraculous Milestones and More Supersized Family Events Will Be Featured in the All-New Season of "Bringing Up Bates," Premiering Exclusively on Thursday, June 4 at 9 p.m. EDT

  Carson is the third grandchild to Gil and Kelly Jo Bates and their family of 19 children, from ages 2-26. The dramatic and miraculous drama of Carson's healthy birth against steep medical odds will be just one of the compelling stories featured on the all-new season of UP's hit series "Bringing Up Bates," beginning Thursday, June 4 at 9 p.m. EDT.

Erin and chad
(Photo : press release )

The journey to this joyful moment was a long one for the young couple and filled with more than its share of hopes and heart-breaks. As followed by the series, this much-wanted - yet challenging and potentially life-threatening - pregnancy followed Erin's medical diagnosis and effective ongoing treatment through the pregnancy for a blood clotting issue, which had previously caused several miscarriages. After months of complications, the possibility of stillbirth, risk of severe blood loss in childbirth and likelihood that the baby would need to spend his first days in ICU, Carson arrived safely and in perfect health. Mother and son are both doing fine and amazingly none of the medical concerns occurred.

Erin and Chad said, "Words cannot describe the joy we feel. The pregnancy has been filled with times of excitement and gratitude, but also with many fears about Carson's safety. We are so grateful to all that prayed and sent encouraging messages. Our hearts are so full and we know our lives will be changed forever. We thank the Lord for allowing us to experience this blessing."

"Seeing Carson arrive here safely has been one of the most precious sights, because we have been praying for his safety for so long!" said Gil and Kelly Jo Bates. "We are truly grateful to welcome our third grand baby and we feel so blessed to be able to celebrate this moment."

bringing up bates baby
(Photo : press release )

This news follows the recent healthy births of the two other Bates grandchildren: Bradley Gilvin Bates, the family's first grandchild and first child for eldest son Zach Bates (26) and his wife Whitney; and Allie Jane Webster, the first child for third sister Alyssa (20) and husband John Webster, son of U.S. Representative Daniel Webster (R-Fla.).

As seen on "19 Kids and Counting," Erin married Chad Paine on November 2, 2013. The newlyweds live in Clinton, TN, close to the rest of the Bates family. Chad is the office manager for Noble Metals, Inc. In May 2014, Erin graduated with honors and earned a B.A. in music ministry from The Crown College of the Bible. She has recorded two CDs and teaches piano full-time.

Since its season one premiere on New Year's Day, "Bringing Up Bates" is the highest-rated series in UP's history. The reality series takes a fresh look on the ever-changing family dynamics of Gil and Kelly Jo Bates and their 19 kids, aged 2 to 26 and now three grandchildren (including Carson!).

The 14-episode second season is currently in production on-location in Tennessee. In the all-new episodes, produced in association with Figure 8 Films ("19 Kids & Counting"), viewers will see more of this tight-knit, uncommon Tennessee family where daily chaos is multiplied exponentially - but so are the joyful and poignant moments that life can bring.

Led by devoted father Gil (50) and his loving wife Kelly Jo (48), the Bates do everything in bulk while staying true to their values and rules for the family - which means everyone has chores, selects DVDs and classic programming rather than TV and the girls only wear dresses (though pajamas are worn in private) and more. With a grand total of 19 children ranging in age from 2 to 26, they are the definition of a "big, happy family." But lately - as viewers will see - their simple rural lifestyle in Tennessee is in a flurry of transitions and is continually challenged by the modern world.

UP presents "Bringing Up Bates," an UP Entertainment production in association with Figure 8 Films. Executive Producers are Bill Hayes, Kirk Streb and Matthew Hightower. Supervising Producer is Jen Stocks. Senior Production Manager is Kami Winningham. Series Producer is Mary Wilcher. Post Producer is Tori Holder.

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