Erin Bates is closing out this year with a heart overflowing with gratitude. Almost four months after the alum of "Bringing Up Bates" suffered a severe infection that sent her into septic shock following the birth of her and husband Chad Paine's seventh baby, the couple shared a glimpse into their family's holiday season.
"After a year that stretched us deeply, this Christmas feels different," the duo captioned a Dec. 26 Instagram video featuring Erin playing the piano as Chad and their kids surrounded her. "Overflowing with gratitude for Jesus coming to earth to be humbly born in a manger. He is the greatest gift of all! Merry Christmas from the Paine Family."
The glimpse inside their family's celebration comes just a little more than two months after Erin shared a positive update on her health following her hospitalization. In October, she noted that she was able to start walking for the first time in weeks after baby Henry's birth.
"I don’t even have the words," Erin wrote on Instagram Oct. 2. "For weeks, my leg has not worked (since my seizure in the hospital). I’ve been carried, wheeled, and held up through tears and prayers… and today—it moved."
"Today I took steps," she added. "They might be a little wobbly, but they are steps I wasn’t sure I’d ever take again."
At the time, the 34-year-old—who also shares kids Carson, 10, Brooklyn, 8, Everly, 7, Holland, 5, Finley, 3, and William, 2, with Chad—reflected on the emotions she's faced throughout her health journey.
"I’ve cried until I laughed, and laughed until I cried," she said. "My heart is overflowing with gratitude. Jesus, You are faithful. You are the Healer. All glory belongs to You."
Erin went on to thank those who helped her and her family amid such a difficult time. "To those who have prayed and encouraged us, thank you," she added. "You have been part of this miracle. To the doctors, nurses, and therapists who have poured so much into my recovery—we are forever grateful. Today we are standing (literally!) in awe, giving thanks for every single step forward."
