Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra, renowned for their candidness regarding their decision to place their firstborn daughter, Carly, up for adoption, are now shedding light on the ongoing difficulties stemming from this choice.
More than a decade ago, viewers witnessed Catelynn Lowell’s episode of “16 and Pregnant,” where she and her then-boyfriend Tyler Baltierra faced an immensely complex decision. Eventually, the now-married couple made the heart-wrenching choice to place their first daughter, Carly, up for adoption after extensive contemplation and discussions with both their families.
While this decision was deemed the right one for their family, Catelynn and Tyler have been forthcoming about the challenges they’ve encountered along the way.
Recently, the couple embarked on a visit with Carly and her adoptive parents, Brandon and Teresa Davis, accompanied by their daughters.
Catelynn took to Instagram to share a poignant snapshot of the entire group. Carly, now 14, stands beside her biological parents, holding her younger sister Rya, with her back to the camera. In her caption, Cate expressed gratitude for the time spent with their eldest daughter, acknowledging the complexities of adoption.
“An amazing visit with our girl,” the Michigan native expressed. “She’s funny, kind, SMART, goofy, and STUNNING.”
Catelynn delved into the intricacies of adoption, admitting, “Adoption is hard and saying goodbye time and time again is soooo hard!!!! But seeing all of our girls together, getting to know Carly deeper and deeper each time, and being with all four of our daughters is truly such a blessing!!!!” She punctuated her post with hashtags such as “#adoption,” “#loveyou,” and “#mygirls.”
Tyler also offered his sentiments in a heartfelt post, highlighting the overwhelming purity of love experienced during their visit with Carly.
As their journey continues, the couple is grappling with a new layer of complexity related to Carly’s adoption: how to disclose this aspect of their family to their other daughters, Nova, Vaeda, and Rya.
Tyler shared in an interview with E! News, “We’ll probably show her our original ’16 and Pregnant’ just to provide more context about our decisions. She’s quite perceptive for her age.”
Presently, the plan is to watch the episode with Nova, recognizing the emotional impact it may have on them all.
Acknowledging the challenge, Catelynn shared, “We’d need a day just to ourselves with no other kids because we’ll be a hot mess the whole time watching it with her.”
Catelynn’s primary concern lies in the impact on her other daughters. She disclosed, “It’s more challenging for me to observe its effects on my children.”
During their visit with Carly, Nova grappled with understanding the dynamics. Nova inquired, “‘Why can’t you come spend the night at my house? Why can’t I come spend the night at your house? I don’t want to leave.'”
Navigating this complex terrain, Catelynn and Tyler are taking a gradual approach, addressing their daughters individually as they mature.
“We provide them with truthful, authentic explanations tailored to their comprehension levels,” Catelynn emphasized. “Children are often more perceptive than people give them credit for. When you explain things to them simply, they grasp it and move on. A short while later, they’re engrossed in play.”
Catelynn and Tyler’s journey reflects the intricate emotional landscape surrounding adoption, while also underscoring their dedication to open communication and familial understanding.
