Bringing Up Bates Season 4 Premiere, "Big Family, Big Changes"
- “It makes you real nervous, with everybody growing and moving and shaking,” says Gil, as he and Kelly discuss the changes that are happening in the Bates family.
- Gil is preparing for surgery to correct his diverticulitis, a problem with the intestines that causes pockets to form.
- Before his surgery, Gil helps the boys fix up the swing set fort, but the father of 19 ends up at an urgent care facility when he slides down a 2 by 4 and gets a huge splinter lodged in his arm.
- "I knew he was in a lot of pain because Gil doesn't deal with pain really well. He gets a little moody when he's in pain,” says Kelly Bates.
- "I’m allergic to two things,” jokes Gil. “Paying and pain, and I’m afraid that that day, I got to do both.”
- Lawson heads to Nashville, Tennessee, to work with producer/writer Matt Rovey and singer/songwriter Jason Wyatt. He is planning a small tour for this fall, during which he will perform in a number of cities, predominately in the Southeast.
- The Bates kids, who think of their dad as “invincible,” are sad to see him have to endure major surgery. “He’s always been the biggest kid in the family,” says Zach.
- While Gil is recovering, Nathan, Gil's right-hand man, along with Lawson and Trace, head out to do a tree job for Bates Tree Service.
- Gil says he could climb trees until at least age 65, but Kelly doesn’t agree. “He’s in denial,” she says, laughing.
- While Gil and Kelly are away at the hospital, Carlin, Tori, and Josie help the little kids make cards for Dad.
- Whitney shares an update on her pregnancy, which she says has been "awesome."“I’ve actually been able to go several days without getting sick and not having to take any medicine,” says the expectant mother. “I’m still pretty tired, but other than that, it’s really been good.”
- Zach and Whitney stop by the house to announce the name they have chosen for their baby girl: Kaci Lynn Bates. Her first name is in honor of Kelly, as it starts with a “K” and sounds similar. Whitney’s mom’s name is Lynn.
- Later, the kids FaceTime with Gil, who is on strong medications while recovering at the hospital. “He sounded like a very sick frog,” says Ellie.
- Although he is still in great pain, Gil says that coming home to his family jump-started his recovery.
- A short while later, East Tennessee receives a big dump of snow, and the kids head outside to go sledding. Gil, who is still on the road to recovery, has to sit this one out.
- For those who are wondering, the song playing in the background towards the end of the episode is "Give Me Some Love," written by Jesse Epstein and David Choi.