Lydia Bates

Lydia in July 2023

### Siblings

Daniel Romeike, Joshua Romeike, Christian Romeike, Damaris Romeike, Sarah Romeike, Rebecca Romeike

### Children

Ryker Bates

Lydia Johanna (Romeike) Bates is the second of seven children born to Uwe and Hannelore (Funk) Romeike. She is married to Trace Bates. They have one child, Ryker.

## Early Life

Lydia was born on April 10, 1998 to Uwe and Hannelore Romeike. She was their second child and they went on to have five more after her.

Her family is originally from Bissingen, district of Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany and were the subject of a civil case for Asylum in the U.S.

## Family

### Courtship

In August 2021, Lydia started a relationship with Trace Bates. On December 10, 2021, Trace posted a photo of himself with Lydia on Instagram with the caption, "So blessed to call you mine", confirming his relationship with her. Lydia posted similarly on both her personal and professional Instagram accounts. On February 12, 2022, Trace posted a video to his instagram account celebrating their 6 month anniversary.

### Engagement

On March 21, 2022, Trace proposed to Lydia and she accepted. This was announced via US Weekly ten days later on the 31st.

### Wedding

Lydia married Trace Bates on October 1, 2022. The wedding took place at the Hill Barn wedding venue in Jefferson City, TN in front of 350 guests. Trace's father Gil Bates gave the charge, while Lydia's pastor, Dr. Dean Haun, presided over the vows ceremony. The reception, held at Jefferson City Christian Church due to inclement weather, was catered by Smoke on the Mountain Catering along with Chick-fil-A sandwiches. Lydia's dress was designed by Renee's Bridals.

### Motherhood

On March 4, 2023, Lydia and Trace announced via Youtube that they were expecting their first child, due in September 2023.

On April 1, 2023 via YouTube, Lydia and Trace revealed that they were having a boy

On May 12, 2023, Lydia and Trace revealed they were naming their son Ryker Cruise.

On August 19, 2023 the couple posted a YouTube video explaining that Ryker wasn't growing as much as they'd like, meaning Lydia would have to be induced at 38 weeks. They chose September 12 as her induction date.

On September 12, 2023, Lydia gave birth to Ryker Cruise. He was born at 11:54 pm weighing 6 pounds, 8 ounces, measuring 19.5 inches in length.

## Career

Lydia is currently working as a photographer, taking newborn, family, wedding and engagement photos.

## Civil Case

In August 2008 the Romeike family left Germany, to come to America because they were being persecuted for homeschooling their children. In Germany it is required that almost all children must attend a government sanctioned school (Private, Christian, Jewish, Public, etc.). The Romeikes wanted to homeschool their children due to their Evangelical christian faith and were facing fines, forcible removal of their children, and possible imprisonment due to this. They came to America to seek asylum for religious freedom. Originally, they were facing deportation in the U.S. upon the Supreme Court's ruling not to hear the case, but have since appealed that ruling and have been given an indefinite deferred status. This was also made complicated by the fact that their two youngest children are American citizens by birth.

In September 2023, the Romeike family announced that they were asked to start self deportation over the next few months to Germany. After much protest, raised awareness and interviews, their case was voted to be opened by congress, pausing their deportation for another year.

## References

1. ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/CcLhR1xJMFC/
2. ↑ https://adflegal.blob.core.windows.net/mainsite-new/docs/default-source/documents/legal-documents/romeike-v.-holder/romeike-v-holder---judge-burman-s-opinion-asylum-granted.pdf
3. ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/CXUfnheJf1V/
4. ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/CXUfen5LDdo/
5. ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/CXUju7qL1OA/
6. ↑ https://www.instagram.com/reel/CZ2gKQYJyfr/?utm\_medium=copy\_link
7. ↑ https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/bringing-up-bates-trace-bates-lydia-romeike-engaged-photos/
8. ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/CjOdUqrplqG/
9. ↑ https://people.com/tv/bringing-up-bates-trace-bates-is-married-to-lydia-romeike/
10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVgISG981TA
11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHhQyg0F5OM
12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk\_M4MQAj94
13. ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/CxKDot6gNmf/
14. ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/CxMTRQgrkHm/
15. ↑ https://www.instagram.com/lydiaromeikephotography/
16. ↑ https://hslda.org/post/romeike-fact-sheet
17. ↑ https://www.peoplespunditdaily.com/policy/2014/03/04/romeike-family-update-dhs-will-allow-family-stay-us-blowback/