Leah Shirley is celebrating her stepsister on her special day.
Teenager Leah Shirley, daughter of Amber Portwood and Gary Shirley, shared a sweet birthday message showing her close relationship with her stepsister, Karly Anderson. Karly is the daughter of Gary’s wife, Kristina Shirley, from a previous relationship.
Leah celebrated her sister’s 18th birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post on September 15th, sharing some special family photos. She encouraged her sister to embrace life without regrets and expressed her love, hoping she had a wonderful birthday.
I was so excited to see Leah share some sweet memories of Karly! She posted a peek at Karly’s 18th birthday party, including a fun selfie of the two of them – Karly was absolutely glowing in a pink birthday sash. It was such a lovely moment!
Leah’s heartfelt birthday message to her sister offers a glimpse into Karly’s life outside of the *Teen Mom* show. For years, viewers have followed Leah, Kristina, Gary, and their daughter Emilee Shirley, 10, as they shared their experiences on camera.
Oh my gosh, you guys, it’s just *so* heartbreaking! Poor Leah – seeing her 16th birthday on Teen Mom was tough, but what’s happening now is even worse. She’s still not speaking to her mom, Amber, and honestly, I just want her to be happy. She’s trying to officially become the daughter of her dad’s wife, who he’s been with for ten years now, and I’m just rooting for her so hard! I’m completely invested in her story and just want her to find some peace.
Leahexplained on the March 13th episode of *Teen Mom: The Next Chapter* that she wants Kristina to officially adopt her, because Kristina has always been a constant presence in her life. She emphasized that the adoption isn’t just about legal paperwork, but about solidifying their already strong bond.
Honestly, this situation has been really tough, especially when talking with Amber. We share a son, James Glennon, with my ex, Andrew Glennon, and her choice to end our relationship has sparked some difficult conversations. It’s never easy navigating these things, and it’s been a process for all of us.
In a text message shown on the season finale of *Teen Mom: The Next Chapter*, Leah explained, “I don’t want to hurt you, but I want you to know that my choice to not have a relationship with you has always been my own. No one else has influenced it.”
I need to tell you something because some recent interactions online have made me realize I need to set some personal boundaries with you.
Though, at the time Amber wasn’t necessarily ready for that conversation.
She shared on the show that her daughter was being difficult, saying, ‘You don’t understand what you’re saying. You’re young, so enjoy being a teenager!’
For more on the Teen Mom cast, keep reading…
Viewers first met Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra on the first season of *16 and Pregnant* in 2009, when they made the heartbreaking decision to put their daughter, Carly, up for adoption. The couple, who are now married, tied the knot in August 2015 after 13 years together. They have since welcomed three more daughters into their family: Novalee, Vaeda, and Rya.
Even though they still miss Carly, who lives with her adoptive parents, Brandon and Teresa Davis, they continue to hope for a better future.
Catelynn explained to TopMob News in January 2025 that they want to respect their daughter’s wishes regarding their relationship. She said they’re open to any level of connection – whether it’s with her biological siblings or with them as her adoptive parents – and will fully support whatever she decides, prioritizing what’s best for her as an adoptee.
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve followed many young parents, and Maci Bookout’s story really resonated with viewers on *16 and Pregnant*. She and Ryan Edwards became parents very quickly – less than six months into their relationship! While they did get engaged, things were tough with Ryan, and ultimately they split less than a year after welcoming their son, Bentley, in 2008. It was a challenging time, and a lot of viewers could relate to the struggles of young love and parenthood.
Maci and Ryan are currently working on having a healthy co-parenting relationship. In 2023, Maci told TopMob News they were doing well, and that Ryan was being more reliable and involved than in the past.
Maci met Taylor McKinney in 2012, and they quickly became a team, starting a family. They had their daughter, Jayde, in May 2015, followed by their son, Maverick, in 2016. That October, they got married in Florida.
Oh my gosh, they’re just *everything*. She actually said he’s ‘just her person,’ and it melted my heart! Even when things get tough – and let’s be real, every couple has those moments – she still chooses *him*. She genuinely *likes* him, flaws and all! She even admitted she sometimes wants to punch him, but she’d rather fight with *him* than never experience that kind of connection with anyone else. It’s so real and raw, and honestly, it’s relationship goals. They’re perfect together, even when they’re not!
Even though they’ve both started dating other people, the stars from the MTV show *The Challenge* are still working together to raise their daughter, Ryder.
From the start of Cory’s relationship with Ryder, we always discussed the kind of father and parent he wanted to be,” Cheyenne told TopMob News in March 2020. “I didn’t want him to be a ‘Disneyland dad’ who just provides fun, or an ‘Instagram dad’ focused on appearances. I wanted him to be fully committed. I think he recognized that from the beginning and appreciated it, which is why we’re able to co-parent so effectively.”
Cheyenne and Zach briefly broke up in 2018, but they decided to try dating again. Cheyenne announced on Instagram, while celebrating her 28th birthday, that they were back together. They had their first child, a son named Ace, in May 2021, and then got married in September 2022.
In 2024, Cheyenne told TopMob News that the past two years had been about achieving some major life goals. They welcomed their baby, Ace, got married, and purchased a house – everything they’d been hoping for.
She said she simply didn’t want to do anything, or strive for any goals. All she wanted was to relax, be peaceful, and enjoy the moment with the people she was with. She didn’t need anything more than that – just contentment and connection.
Cheyenne revealed she was pregnant with her third child during an episode of *Teen Mom: The Next Chapter* that aired in May 2025.
Let me tell you, navigating the conversation about starting a family is so common! My husband and I went through a similar thing. There were times when I was really excited about having a baby, and then times when he wasn’t so sure. We definitely had our back-and-forth moments, but eventually, we got on the same page and decided to give it a try. It’s all about communication and finding that shared vision!
It might seem unlikely to find love while filming a reality show, but Cory and Taylor Selfridge, who first connected on *Ex on the Beach*, have proven it’s possible. Years later, they’re still together and have two daughters, Mila and Maya.
He told TopMob News in 2023 that he and his partner recently purchased a house. He then acknowledged everyone is curious about their wedding plans. He confirmed they’ve discussed marriage and are working towards it – all that’s missing is the proposal and the ring. He feels his partner deserves a proposal, and it’s something they both want, but they’re taking things one step at a time.
Shortly after marrying Mackenzie Standifer in May 2017, Ryan entered rehab. Their first son, Jagger, was born in 2018 while Ryan was still receiving treatment.
Mackenzie and her husband welcomed their daughter, Stella, in January 2020, but she filed for divorce three years afterward.
Ryan and Amanda Conner are engaged and expecting their first child, a daughter named Presley, in February 2025.
Despite a very rocky and public breakup in 2013, the couple successfully co-parented their daughter, Leah, who is now a teenager, for several years.
Amber explained to TopMob News in January 2022 that while they enjoy each other’s company, they maintain some space in the relationship. She described it as a strong family unit, emphasizing that they prioritize a familial dynamic above all else.
Families sometimes have disagreements, and it seems Amber and Gary are no longer on good terms, with Amber publicly sharing accusations about him. Her strained relationship with Leah has also been featured on the show *Teen Mom: The Next Chapter*.
After being together for several years, getting engaged, and appearing on the show *Marriage Boot Camp* (where they didn’t resolve their issues), Amber and her fiancé Matt Baier, who moved from Boston, ended their engagement in 2017.
Amber explained on Dr. Drew Pinsky’s podcast that she and her partner eventually reached a breaking point where they stopped truly listening to each other and simply stopped caring about the relationship. She admitted to emotionally shutting down and building a wall to protect herself from further hurt.
Amber found love while filming *Marriage Boot Camp* with a crew member named Andrew Glennon. They first appeared as a couple at the 2017 MTV Movie Awards, and in May 2018, they welcomed their son, James.
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve followed this case closely. Sadly, things took a difficult turn for this couple not long after Amber’s arrest in July 2019. Following a really tough legal process, Andrew, who’s from California, was ultimately granted full legal and primary custody of their son in 2022. It’s a reminder that even when relationships end, the focus needs to remain on what’s best for the children involved.
I’ve been working incredibly hard on becoming a better person, especially for my kids. I’ve always been open about my struggles with addiction and my mental health, but I really believe everyone deserves a chance to move forward. It’s frustrating to feel like my past mistakes define me, and I wish people would let me show how much I’ve changed.
She refused to be discouraged, saying, “Even if life hasn’t been easy, if you’ve worked to improve yourself and become a kinder, stronger person, keep going – I will too. My love for my children is what drives me, and I’ll always fight for them.”
Amber met Dimitri Garcia online, and he first appeared on *Teen Mom OG* in April 2020. Amber described him on the show as a handsome 39-year-old – ten years her senior – and explained that they connected online before deciding to meet in person.
During the April 2021 reunion of *Teen Mom OG*, Amber shared that she was still seeing Dimitri, though they hadn’t been together in person for a year despite having known each other for 18 months. While they never publicly ended their relationship, Amber later introduced Gary Wayt as her new partner on a June 2024 episode of *Teen Mom: The Next Chapter*.
Amber met Gary 2.0 on a dating app in the fall of 2023, and he quickly became more involved after she introduced him to her fellow cast members during an online conversation.
Although Gary proposed in May 2024, their engagement didn’t last long. During a trip to North Carolina for her brother’s wedding in June, he left after an argument, and Amber filed a missing person’s report.
And while Gary was soon located, the duo’s engagment wasn’t the only thing left broken.
On *Teen Mom: The Next Chapter*, Amber shared that she went through the incredibly difficult experience of believing her fiancé had died for several days. She explained she had to cope with the grief and confusion of such a frightening situation, and is currently dealing with a lot emotionally.
She explained, “He really hurt me. I was doing well, emotionally stable, for years. But now, for the first time in a long time, I feel completely off-kilter, and it’s all because getting engaged to him changed everything.”
Gary and Kristina Anderson got married in a lovely beach ceremony after welcoming their daughter, Emilee, in April 2015.
In a 2022 Instagram post, Gary shared how much he appreciates someone, calling them a beautiful soul and saying he couldn’t manage life without their support.
Farrah Abraham’s daughter, Sophia, was born in December 2008, two months after her father died in an accident.
After losing her high school boyfriend, Farrah’s first significant relationship was with real estate agent Simon Saran. They dated on and off for more than two years.
Their breakup in 2017 was really messy, even involving legal letters, but they attempted to stay on friendly terms – with limited success.
Simon told TopMob News he wasn’t angry with Farrah, explaining they simply lived very different lifestyles. He felt she preferred a superficial world, while he valued authenticity. He expressed his good wishes for her future success.
Oh my gosh, it’s just so sad! Jenelle and Andrew had Jace way back in 2009, but they broke up almost immediately after he was born. It’s heartbreaking because Jenelle wasn’t really around much after that, and it’s just awful to think about poor Jace growing up without his mom being a big part of his life. I’ve followed their story for years, and it’s just…ugh, it’s tough to watch.
Jenelle explained that she felt conflicted because the man in question is her son Jace’s father. However, she added that she’s aware of his pattern of behavior and doesn’t want him to repeatedly enter and leave Jace’s life, potentially causing disappointment.
Oh my gosh, it’s been such a rollercoaster following Jenelle’s life! First, she was married to Courtland Rogers, and then she had her sweet little boy, Kaiser, with Nathan Griffin back in 2014. But then, everything changed when she met David Eason! They just *clicked*, and they got married on their property in North Carolina in September 2017, after welcoming their adorable daughter, Ensley, earlier that year. It was so amazing to watch their family grow!
Following a difficult period where David faced a misdemeanor charge of child abuse concerning Jace – which Jenelle believed was a deliberate attempt to damage their reputation – she announced they were separating.
She said she would have gotten divorced immediately if North Carolina law hadn’t required a year of legal separation, including proof of living at two different addresses. She shared this information on social media.
Their divorce was finalized in July 2025.
Do you remember the guy who asked Chelsea Houska when he could finalize the paperwork to deal with their child, referring to their relationship as a ‘mistake’?
Completely in the rearview.
Despite a difficult past, Teen Mom alum and HGTV star Chelsea Houska has a surprisingly good relationship with her high school ex, Adam Lind, who is the father of her oldest daughter, Aubree. She told Us Weekly that they have an open and positive connection with no lingering negativity. They see each other occasionally and everything is amicable.
Chelsea and Cole DeBoer first met in 2014 at a gas station, and their connection quickly blossomed into a relationship. They married in October 2016 and later welcomed their children: son Watson in 2017, and daughters Layne in 2018 and Walker in 2021. Now, the couple is sharing their life and design talents with viewers on their HGTV series, *Down Home Fab*.
Chelsea said she wanted her return to television to be a positive and genuine experience. She told TopMob News that this project felt like the perfect fit because it allowed her and her family to be themselves, and she described it as a really exciting opportunity.
Chelsea shared with TopMob in June 2025 that many of her friends feel finished with having children, but she isn’t sure she’ll ever feel that way herself.
Leah Messer and Corey Simms tried to make their friendship into a lasting marriage, but the parents of twins Aleeah and Aliannah divorced just six months after getting married in October 2010.
Corey has been married to Miranda Patterson since 2013.
In 2012, Leah married Jeremy Calvert, who works as a pipeliner. They had a daughter, Adalynn, in 2013.
Even after their breakup in 2015, they’ve tried to share parenting responsibilities for their daughter, though it hasn’t always gone smoothly.
Leah shared with TopMob News that watching her daughters grow is like seeing a fuller, happier version of herself. She finds immense joy in supporting their passions and being involved in their lives, describing it as a truly magical experience. She especially loves being a mom to girls.
Leah and her daughters were already fans of Jaylan Mobley, a United States Army officer, when they publicly confirmed their relationship on Instagram in 2021.
The couple announced their engagement in August 2022, but broke up that October.
Looking back, I really needed that split,” the *Teen Mom* star told TopMob News a year later. “I’ve grown a lot since then, and I feel like a new chapter in my life is starting now.”
Kailyn Lowry became a mom at 17 when she and her high school boyfriend, Jo Rivera, had their first son, Isaac, in 2010.
Although their romantic relationship didn’t last, Kailyn and Jo have successfully co-parented their son. They even developed a friendly relationship, with Kailyn co-hosting the podcast *Baby Mamas No Drama* with Jo’s wife, Vee Torres, for several years. Kailyn shared on X (formerly Twitter) after attending Jo and Vee’s wedding in 2018, “We’ve both grown a lot since we were young,” and expressed her gratitude for Vee as a stepmother to their son, Isaac.
Kailyn’s son, Lincoln, was born in November 2013, about a year after she married Javi Marroquin. At the time, Kailyn was a well-known cast member on *Teen Mom 2*.
After separating in late 2016, the former couple has experienced a sometimes difficult relationship as they’ve both continued their lives.
Kailyn Lowry began dating Elijah Scott, while Javi Marroquin married Lauren Comeau in a small ceremony on Vero Beach, Florida, in April 2025. Lauren shared on Instagram that only Javi’s father, their children Eli and Maizee, and their pastor were present. They are planning a larger reception with family and friends this summer. Lauren explained that everyone was supportive, and Javi’s mother had already been able to share in their sons’ milestones. They wanted a special, intimate experience for their family, and for Lauren’s father to walk her down the aisle.
In August 2025, several months after their June wedding celebration on the beach, the couple announced they were expecting their third child. Javi shared the news on Instagram, calling the baby “the best honeymoon souvenir” and praising his wife as a strong and wonderful mother. He expressed how lucky they both are to be expanding their family again.
Kailyn and Chris Lopez, despite having two sons, Lux and Creed, together during their complicated relationship, ultimately broke up.
She told TopMob News in 2020 that they weren’t currently speaking. While she hoped things would improve eventually, she wasn’t expecting a major reconciliation. She shared that she didn’t harbor any ill will and simply wished for the best outcome for their children, whatever that might be.
Kailyn felt she’d found a solid partnership with her construction worker boyfriend, Elijah. She told *People* magazine that he’s different from her previous partners and the fathers of her other children. While his job is physically demanding – he works with concrete and isn’t afraid to get dirty – he’s also very family-oriented. He’s close to his own family and has quickly become a loving part of hers, making him a great partner and a good fit for her. Elijah is the father of her son Rio and twins Verse and Valley.
A strong enough one that she finally said yes to one of his many proposals, in fact.
Kailyn explained to TopMob News in September 2024 that her now-partner, who was originally a neighbor, had proposed to her multiple times. She wasn’t rejecting him, she clarified, but simply saying, ‘Yes, but not yet.’
Ultimately, though, the timing wasn’t right, Kailyn revealing in July 2025 that they had split.
She explained on the *Give Them Lala* podcast that she receives a lot of criticism for ending her relationships with her children’s fathers. She clarified that she left those relationships because she refuses to tolerate mistreatment.
Jade Cline, from Indiana, and Sean Austin have faced challenges since their daughter, Kloie, was born in 2017, but in January 2022, Jade hinted to her fans that things were improving for them.
She told TopMob News that they’d experienced significant positive changes in their lives, especially for Sean and his future. She expressed immense pride in him and their current situation. They announced their engagement eight months later and were married in October 2023.
Jade admitted in 2024 that her relationship isn’t flawless, but emphasized that she and her partner share a strong love and are committed to making things work, according to TopMob News.
Ashley Jones and Bar Smith, who are both from California, got married in a private ceremony in 2021. They had welcomed their daughter, Holly, four years earlier.
But after calling off their romance several times, Ashley officially filed for divorce in 2024.
Briana DeJesus, who first appeared on *16 and Pregnant*, and her daughter Nova’s father, Devoin Austin II, briefly considered getting back together years after their daughter was born in 2011.
In a 2024 interview with TopMob News, Briana explained that she’s now looking for a mature, confident man, saying she’s tired of dating younger or less assertive partners.
Briana first appeared on the show *Teen Mom 3* for one season. She then joined the cast of *Teen Mom 2* starting with season eight and welcomed her second daughter, Stella, with her ex-boyfriend, Luis Miguel, in July 2017.
Luis hasn’t been consistently involved since then. Briana told Dr. Drew in a December 2019 episode of *Teen Mom 2* that she believes Luis wants to start a family with her, and because she’s not ready for that, he seems to be completely withdrawing from her life.
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2025-09-20 00:21