MTV Remote Control Blog › 16 and Pregnant's Catelynn

So far we've seen three adoption stories on "16 and Pregnant"--Catelynn, Lori, and now, Ashley. They all had different experiences with their adoptions, which is no surprise since the laws and adoption arrangements vary from state to state. Here are some basic facts about adoption:

Birth mothers in the United States usually place children for adoption either through an agency or an attorney. Agencies provide counseling and support services during the pregnancy and after the adoption takes place. They also help the birth mother select an adoptive family. Private attorneys who specialize in adoption often cover all the same stuff the agencies do. Either way, it's important to do your research and work with someone you trust and feel comfortable with. Placing a child for adoption shouldn't cost the birth mother any money--all costs and fees are usually paid by the adoptive family.

Open Adoptions
This is when the birth mother chooses the adoptive family, they get to know each other and they stay in touch. That can mean letters, photos, phone calls or in-person visits--whatever the birth mother and adoptive family decide.

Closed Adoptions
This is when the adoptive family is not known to the birth mother at all. They can still exchange letters or photos, but that kind of communication would go through a third party, and they probably wouldn't use last names or other identifying details. Closed adoptions were much more common decades ago, but not so much anymore.

Depending on the laws of the state, the biological father of the baby may have to be involved as well. If he is unknown or can't be located, there are legal steps to go through in order to complete the adoption without him. Agencies and attorneys can help with that.

Again, laws vary from state to state so it's important to talk with experts where you live if you are considering adoption. It's also a good idea to talk with other people who have been in your situation as you consider options. There are lots of resources online to help someone who is making an adoption plan--ichooseadoption.org is a good place to start.

--Written by Amy Kramer of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy

Related Content 16 and Pregnant, Ashley's Unsure About Signing The Adoption Papers

Tags 16 and Pregnant's Ashley, 16 and Pregnant's Catelynn, 16 and Pregnant's Lori, Amy Kramer

Many Season One viewers connected to teen parents Catelynn and Tyler and their struggle to come to terms with making an adoption plan for their baby. We reached out to the couple to share their courage, strength and experience with Lori, who agonized over making the same decision on last week's "16 and Pregnant." Below, check out Catelynn and Tyler's reaction to seeing Lori's episode and read their special advice to her.

Watching Lori's story brought back feelings from our experience with Carly. We thought it was sooo nice to see another girl doing what we did. We both related to everything she was going through, especially her confusion about whether or not to settle on adoption. Our advice to Lori for moving forward is this:

Don't let anyone tell you that you did the wrong thing. It takes time, but time WILL prove to you that you made the best choice possible for your child. Look forward to getting pics, letters and phone calls from Aiden and his adoptive parents. When we get new photos of Carly and we see just how happy she is, it always reassures us that we did the right thing.

Without a doubt, you will have your days when you miss him and want him to be around, so just remember how wonderful his life is going to be, and how one day he will tell you how much your sacrifice meant to him. We promise that you will soon begin to see how amazing adoption really is.

Last but not least, have fun! Don't get stuck thinking that you shouldn't go out and be a teenager again.

If you need anything -- even just to talk -- you have our number.

--Tyler and Catelynn

Related Content 16 and Pregnant, Teen Mom, Lori's Story, Catelynn And Tyler's Story

Tags 16 and Pregnant's Aiden, 16 and Pregnant's Carly, 16 and Pregnant's Catelynn, 16 and Pregnant's Lori, 16 and Pregnant's Tyler

It was a long and hard decision, but in the end, Catelynn and Tyler made the choice to put their daughter up for adoption. So what's it been like taking a backseat in Carly's life? Catelynn wrote in to explain where she's coming from (she's still "100% confident" she did the right thing) and to offer advice to other young couples facing the same difficult decision.

My life has changed a lot since the Life After Labor reunion show. Tyler and I found it easier to say goodbye to Carly by saying "See ya later!!" Right now, Tyler and I are trying to find jobs and get our own place. I get excited to see pictures and get phone calls every week. Carly is starting to roll on her side!!

Read more...

Related Content 16 and Pregnant, Catelynn Says She's Still 'At Peace' With Her Decision

Tags 16 and Pregnant's Carly, 16 and Pregnant's Catelynn, 16 and Pregnant's Tyler

Good news, 16 and Pregnant fans! MTV has just announced a new spinoff series, Teen Moms, which will continue to follow Catelynn, Farrah, Maci and Amber as they embrace the challenges -- and responsibilities -- of raising a family. Better yet, we're giving you a chance to catch up with all of our moms this holiday weekend.

Tune in Monday, September 7th, for the 16 And Pregnant "Labor Day" Marathon (get it?!), plus check back later for updates from from the mommies themselves. It all starts at 11am ET/PT, with an encore presentation of the Life After Labor special, with episodes airing right after, at 12:30pm.

+ Can't wait til then? Read up on all your favorite 16 and Pregnant moms and find out what they've been up to since their episodes aired.

Related Content 16 and Pregnant, Find Out What's New With The 16 And Pregnant Moms!

Tags 16 and Pregnant's Amber, 16 and Pregnant's Catelynn, 16 and Pregnant's Farrah, 16 and Pregnant's Maci

If you tuned into last Thursday's 16 and Pregnant: Life After Labor finale special, then you witnessed an incredibly moving moment when Baby Carly's adoptive parents placed her in the arms of her biological parents, Catelynn and Tyler. We spoke with the brave, young couple after the show taped to ask them a few questions about what it was like to give away their child, as well as what they want her to always know about them. Check out the video clip from our interview below and make sure to watch this Thursday night's 16 and Pregnant: Never Before Seen special (10pm) to catch deleted scenes from each episode.

BONUS: After the jump, hear whose eyes, nose and butt Carly's resembles. Plus, click here for more exclusive online videos with all of the the teen moms from 16 and Pregnant.

Read more...

Related Content 16 and Pregnant, Exclusive Online Interviews With Each Teen Mom, Watch The Life After Labor Finale Special!

Tags 16 and Pregnant's Catelynn, 16 and Pregnant's Tyler

Last night's 16 and Pregnant finale was a tearjerker, especially the moment shared between Tyler and Catelynn, as the soon-to-be father read aloud a touching letter he wrote for his daughter.

When we chatted with the couple at last week's reunion taping, they spoke happily of how their episode turned out. But their one wish was that viewers could have heard Tyler's entire letter. And that's where we swooped in ... Below, read it and (literally) weep.

To My Little Girl,

First off, I want to tell you I love you so much. Words could never explain the love a father has for his daughter. I know I'm not with you right now but I am in your heart always.

You came into this world as an unsuspected surprise of joy. When your mom and I found out that she was pregnant with you, we didn't know what we were going to do. We were so young and inexperienced in life yet. After thinking and thinking and thinking we came to the decision that adoption was the best choice for you. We knew that's what we needed to do in order for you to have the best life.

I love you so much, sweetheart. I actually love u so much where I can detach myself from you to give you a better life. Let me tell you, it wasn't easy for your mom or me. I believe that as a parent you have to make sacrifices for your children, and losing you was my sacrifice; my emotional distress was my sacrifice, and not having you in my life was my sacrifice. I only did it to deliver with the absolute best that I could, for you and you only.
Read more...

Related Content 16 and Pregnant, Catelynn And Tyler's Story

Tags 16 and Pregnant's Catelynn, 16 and Pregnant's Tyler

Tonight's finale of 16 and Pregnant documented Cateynn and Tyler's decision to put their baby up for adoption. And as painful as it was to carry out, Catelynn says now that she has no regrets. Check out her update below...

Being pregnant as a teen was difficult, but it made me determined to finish school and go to college. It pushed me to do more and grow up.

The filming of this show was amazing. I grew really close to the crew -- they became like family. There were a couple of times when I just wanted them to go away because I had so much on my mind, but overall I'm very happy I did this. I put my story out there and hopefully helped millions of young girls who are going through the same thing I did.

Since filming wrapped, I've just been hanging out with friends and enjoying summer. There's not a day that passes that I don't think about my little girl, but I'm 100% confident in my decision.

I'm at peace with myself, especially knowing that my daughter is well loved and taken care of.

Tune in for MTV's 16 and Pregnant: Life After Labor (Thursday, July 23, at 10pm) to get more updates from Catelynn and the other five moms, and make sure to check out Remote Control after the special to watch extra interviews with each couple.

Related Content 16 and Pregnant

Tags 16 and Pregnant's Catelynn, 16 and Pregnant's Tyler

For many pregnant teens, the choice to raise a child herself isn't always clear cut, especially when she doesn't think she can provide a baby with everything it needs to stay happy and well-adjusted. Such is the case with Catelynn's story.

On next week's 16 and Pregnant, you'll meet a young couple who's been put to the ultimate test of reason, strength and courage. Take a sneak peek below, plus get caught up on the previous five episodes during this Sunday's 16 and Pregnant marathon, starting at 6pm. Let the tears flow.

Related Content 16 and Pregnant

Tags 16 and Pregnant’s Catelynn, Video