Catelynn And Tyler’s Daughter Carly: 5 Heartbreaking Updates On Their Open Adoption (2025)

The story of Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra’s open adoption of their first daughter, Carly, remains one of the most compelling and emotional narratives in reality television history. Now, over 15 years later, the couple continues to navigate the complex and often painful realities of their decision, with the latest updates in 2025 revealing a significant—and heartbreaking—"pause" in their direct relationship with Carly and her adoptive parents.

The journey, which began on MTV’s 16 and Pregnant and continued through Teen Mom OG, has always been public, making the private struggles of an open adoption even more complicated. The most recent information suggests a new phase of distance and acceptance for Catelynn and Tyler, as they focus on their three younger daughters while trying to maintain a connection to the child who changed their lives forever.

Complete Biography: Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra

Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra are one of the most enduring couples to emerge from the MTV reality television franchise. Their personal and professional lives have been intertwined since childhood, providing a unique foundation for their public journey.

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• Catelynn Lowell Baltierra (née Lowell): Born March 12, 1992, Catelynn is an American reality television personality, author, and public speaker. She has been open about her struggles with mental health, including anxiety and depression, and has been a strong advocate for therapy and mental wellness.
• Tyler Baltierra: Born January 12, 1992, Tyler is also a reality TV personality, author, and poet. He is known for his candid reflections on his troubled childhood and his commitment to breaking generational cycles of abuse and addiction.
• Relationship Timeline: Catelynn and Tyler met in the 7th grade in Algonac, Michigan, and began dating in 2005, making them high school sweethearts. They appeared on 16 and Pregnant in 2009, which documented the birth and adoption of their first daughter, Carly. They married in 2015.
• Career: Their fame stems entirely from the MTV series, starting with 16 and Pregnant and continuing on Teen Mom OG (and later Teen Mom: The Next Chapter). They have also co-authored the book Conquering Chaos.
• Children: The couple has four daughters. Carly (born 2009, placed for adoption), Novalee Reign (born 2015), Vaeda Luma (born 2019), and Rya Rose (born 2021).

The Current State of Carly’s Open Adoption in 2025

The open adoption of Carly, whom Catelynn and Tyler placed with adoptive parents Brandon and Teresa Davis in 2009, has always been the central, emotional pillar of their story. While the initial agreement was for an open relationship—including annual visits and photo exchanges—the reality of maintaining that bond in the public eye has proven incredibly difficult.

The most significant and recent update is that Catelynn and Tyler have been forced to "take a pause" in their direct relationship and visits with Carly. This is not a new issue, as communication has been strained and tense for years, with reports of Brandon and Teresa blocking Catelynn and Tyler on social media or limiting contact.

The tension typically stems from the adoptive parents’ desire for privacy, which is complicated by Catelynn and Tyler’s status as public figures on a reality television show. The adoptive parents, Brandon and Teresa, have consistently sought to protect Carly's privacy from the cameras and the intense scrutiny of the Teen Mom fanbase.

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In a candid reflection, Tyler Baltierra recently shared that he has reached a point of acceptance regarding the distance. He stated that he is "at peace" with the current situation, recognizing that Brandon and Teresa are Carly’s parents, and their priority is protecting her. This acceptance marks a mature, albeit painful, evolution from the constant emotional struggle they displayed in earlier seasons of the show.

The Complexities of Open Adoption and Public Life

The challenges Catelynn and Tyler face are common in open adoptions, but they are amplified exponentially by the glare of reality TV. The core conflict often revolves around boundaries, communication, and social media sharing.

For birth parents, the desire to share their child's life with the world—even with the best intentions—can be seen as an invasion of privacy by the adoptive family. Brandon and Teresa's need to control the narrative and protect Carly from public exposure is a major point of friction that has led to a lack of communication and limited visits.

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The couple has, at times, publicly apologized to Brandon and Teresa for boundary issues, acknowledging that their fame has inadvertently complicated the open adoption agreement. This public back-and-forth highlights one of the major problems of open adoption in the digital age: the struggle to agree on what is appropriate to share about the child on social media.

Despite the lack of direct visits, Catelynn has found a way to bridge the gap. She has shared that she sends photos of her other daughters—Novalee, Vaeda, and Rya—to Carly and her adoptive parents. This gesture ensures that Carly stays updated on her biological sisters' lives and knows that Catelynn still thinks of her.

How Novalee, Vaeda, and Rya Understand Their Sister

A critical part of Catelynn and Tyler’s current life is explaining the adoption to their three younger daughters. Novalee, Vaeda, and Rya are growing up knowing they have an older sister, Carly, who lives with her "other parents," Brandon and Teresa.

Catelynn and Tyler have been committed to being honest and transparent with their children from a young age. They want their daughters to understand the loving decision they made when they were just teenagers.

This transparency is crucial for the girls' development, teaching them about different types of families and the complexity of love. Novalee, the oldest of their three children at home, has been a central figure in this learning process, often asking questions about Carly. The parents’ ability to speak openly about Carly is a testament to their emotional growth and their commitment to normalizing the adoption for their family.

The goal is to ensure that Novalee, Vaeda, and and Rya never feel confused or ashamed about their family structure. By keeping Carly a part of the family conversation—even if the direct relationship is on "pause"—Catelynn and Tyler are teaching their daughters a powerful lesson about selflessness and unconditional love.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Baltierra-Carly Relationship

As of 2025, the relationship between Catelynn, Tyler, and Carly is defined by respectful distance. While the lack of communication and visits is undoubtedly painful for the birth parents, Tyler’s recent comments suggest a move toward acceptance and maturity.

The focus has shifted from demanding contact to respecting the boundaries set by Brandon and Teresa. This is a crucial step in open adoption, where the adoptive parents ultimately have the final say in the child’s best interest.

Catelynn and Tyler continue to share their lives on Teen Mom: The Next Chapter, but they have largely stopped discussing the details of Carly’s adoption on camera, a move that likely respects the boundaries of Brandon and Teresa. This quiet acceptance is the latest chapter in their long, emotional story.

For fans who have followed their journey since 2009, the hope remains that as Carly grows older, she may choose to initiate contact with her biological parents. Until then, Catelynn and Tyler will continue to parent Novalee, Vaeda, and Rya, holding onto the memory and the love for their first daughter, Carly, from a distance.