The Strained Open Adoption: 5 Shocking Truths About Catelynn, Tyler, And Carly’s Relationship Now

Contents
The emotional and complex journey of Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra’s open adoption with their first daughter, Carly, remains one of the most talked-about storylines in reality television history. As of late December 2025, the dynamic between the birth parents, the adoptive parents Brandon and Teresa Davis, and Carly herself is more strained than ever, marked by periods of no contact and public revelations that have shocked fans of *Teen Mom*. The couple's commitment to the open adoption model has been repeatedly tested by disagreements, culminating in a recent, painful 'pause' in their relationship with their eldest child. The decision Catelynn and Tyler made as 16-year-olds on *16 and Pregnant* to place Carly for adoption was intended to give her a better life, but the reality of maintaining an open relationship has proven to be a continuous, heartbreaking challenge. Their story has become a central case study on the complexities, joys, and difficulties of modern adoption, especially when the family is under a constant media spotlight.

Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra: A Complete Biography

Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra are best known for their roles on the MTV reality series *16 and Pregnant* and its spin-off, *Teen Mom OG* (now *Teen Mom: The Next Chapter*). They are high school sweethearts who have been together since childhood.

Catelynn Lowell Baltierra (née Lowell)

  • Born: March 12, 1992
  • Hometown: Algonac, Michigan
  • Career: Reality Television Personality, Author, Public Speaker (focusing on adoption and mental health advocacy).
  • Notable Works: Starred in *16 and Pregnant* (2009) and *Teen Mom OG* (2014–present).

Tyler Baltierra

  • Born: January 12, 1992
  • Hometown: Algonac, Michigan
  • Career: Reality Television Personality, Author, Poet.
  • Notable Works: Starred alongside Catelynn in all their MTV appearances. He has also released a book of poetry.

Children:

  • Carly Elizabeth Davis (Biological Daughter, Adopted): Born May 2009. Adopted by Brandon and Teresa Davis.
  • Novalee Reign Baltierra: Born January 1, 2015.
  • Vaeda Luma Baltierra: Born February 23, 2019.
  • Rya Rose Baltierra: Born August 28, 2021.

Catelynn and Tyler married in 2015, six years after placing Carly for adoption. Their journey has been heavily documented, including Catelynn’s struggles with mental health, which she has openly discussed to raise awareness about anxiety, depression, and trauma.

The Painful Truth of the 'Open Adoption' Contract

The concept of an open adoption, where the birth parents and adoptive parents maintain contact, sounds ideal on paper, but Catelynn and Tyler’s experience with Carly’s adoptive parents, Brandon and Teresa Davis, has highlighted the profound challenges. The agreement was initially set up to allow annual visits and photo updates, but the terms have become increasingly restrictive over the years.

The tension began to escalate as Carly got older and the adoptive parents sought more privacy for their family unit. This led to a significant shift from an open relationship to what Catelynn has sometimes described as a "closed" one, or at least a highly controlled one.

In a move that exposed the legal and emotional intricacies, Tyler Baltierra publicly shared portions of the original adoption contract on social media. He did this, in part, to vocalize his frustration with the adoption industry and to clarify the terms they had initially agreed upon. This public sharing, however, reportedly caused further friction with Brandon and Teresa, who prefer to keep Carly’s life private and off-camera.

One of the most recent and painful updates came in a January 2025 interview where Catelynn and Tyler confirmed that Brandon and Teresa have actively blocked their contact with Carly. This means the flow of communication, including photos and updates, has been severely restricted, causing immense emotional distress for the Baltierra family.

The 5 Most Recent and Shocking Updates on Carly

The relationship between Catelynn, Tyler, and Carly is constantly evolving, often in ways that are painful for the birth parents. As Carly reaches the pivotal age of 16, the dynamics have shifted dramatically. Here are the five most significant and recent updates as of late 2025:

1. The Last Visit Was in June 2023

The most recent reported in-person meeting between Catelynn, Tyler, and Carly took place in June 2023. These visits are a lifeline for the Baltierras, but they are infrequent and heavily managed by Brandon and Teresa. The long gaps between visits are a constant source of anxiety and grief for Catelynn, who often expresses her feelings on *Teen Mom: The Next Chapter* and social media. The lack of a confirmed visit in over a year and a half (as of late 2025) underscores the current distance.

2. The Adoptive Parents Have 'Blocked' Contact

Catelynn and Tyler confirmed in a January 2025 interview that Brandon and Teresa Davis have blocked them, cutting off their regular contact with Carly. This is a devastating development, effectively turning the 'open' adoption into a 'closed' one for extended periods. Catelynn has publicly shared her feelings of being shut out and the difficulty of watching her biological daughter grow up from a distance, or not at all.

3. Allegations of Exploitation and TV Appearances

A major point of contention has been the use of Carly’s story on the MTV show. Catelynn and Tyler have openly accused Brandon and Teresa of initially wanting to appear on the show, and then later using their appearance to 'hugely' benefit from the exposure, only to restrict contact when it no longer suited them. They have suggested that the adoptive parents’ actions were hypocritical, creating a deep rift over the ethics of privacy versus the reality of their shared history being public.

4. Carly’s 16th Birthday Milestone

As Carly turned 16, a significant age milestone, the emotional weight of their decision intensified. Catelynn and Tyler often reflect on their decision around Carly's birthday, celebrating her life while mourning the relationship they wish they could have. This age is particularly difficult as it marks the point where Carly is approaching adulthood and will soon have the autonomy to seek out or restrict contact on her own terms, independent of her adoptive parents.

5. The Decision to 'Take a Pause' on Public Discussion

Due to the ongoing tension, the drama, and the pain it causes their family, Catelynn and Tyler announced they are "taking a pause" from publicly discussing the adoption. This is a protective measure to shield their younger daughters—Novalee, Vaeda, and Rya Rose—from the constant media scrutiny and the emotional fallout of the strained relationship with their half-sister. While they continue to advocate for adoption awareness, they are attempting to keep the specific details of the Carly situation private to preserve any fragile relationship they have left. This 'pause' is a clear indication of how toxic the situation has become.

The Future of the Relationship: Hope for Autonomy

The entire Baltierra family, including their three younger daughters, Novalee Reign, Vaeda Luma, and Rya Rose, remains hopeful for a future where they can have a consistent and loving relationship with Carly. The ultimate hope lies in Carly's future autonomy. Once she is a legal adult, she will be able to decide for herself how much contact she wants with her biological parents, Catelynn and Tyler.

Until then, Catelynn and Tyler continue their work as mental health advocates and parents, ensuring that their younger children understand the complex but loving decision they made for Carly. They have consistently defended their choice to place her for adoption, emphasizing that it was an act of selfless love, not abandonment. Their story serves as a powerful, albeit painful, reminder that open adoption is a lifelong, dynamic process that requires commitment, understanding, and mutual respect from all parties involved.

catelynn and tyler and carly
catelynn and tyler and carly

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