Picture this: Kaleena, a high schooler, goes for a regular check-up and bam – she’s hit with the news: she’s pregnant.
Imagine the shock!
She double-checks with two more tests at home, and yep, it’s real.
Her stepmom, Kirsten Ballard, sums it up perfectly: “She had to make some very adult decisions.”
Talk about a curveball in the game of life.
So, what’s a teen to do?
Kaleena faces this head-on.
She knows deep down she’s not ready to be a mom.
It’s a tough call, but she decides on adoption.
It’s not just any decision, but one made with her baby’s future in mind.
Then, something kind of amazing happens.
A family friend, looking to adopt, comes into the picture.
Four months into her pregnancy, Kaleena reaches out.
She’s not just handing over her baby; she’s forming a connection, sharing ultrasound pics and keeping them updated.
It’s like she’s weaving this new family into her journey.
But Kaleena doesn’t stop there.
She dives into learning all about the benefits of breastfeeding.
A nurse fills her in, and she’s sold on the idea.
She’s determined to give her baby, Raylie, the best start.
She tells Montgomery Adviser, “When a baby is fed breast milk, they are just way ahead of the game. I decided that I wanted my baby to have the best options and to be able to grow — and so, I knew I was going to pump and give her that benefit.”
Kaleena’s plan?
Breastfeed Raylie in the hospital.
Sounds simple, right?
But it’s anything but.
She struggles to produce enough milk, and it’s tough, both physically and emotionally.
Yet, she doesn’t give up.
She’s all in for her daughter’s health.
Her hard work pays off.
She ends up with so much breast milk, it fills the adoptive family’s freezer and then some.
What to do with the extra?
She stores it at her parents’ place.
Later, she realizes she can donate it to NICU babies – talk about a heart of gold!
She contacts a breast milk bank in Colorado to donate the surplus.
Meanwhile, the adoptive family keeps her updated on Raylie’s life.
They really want Kaleena to stay part of their world.
It’s like they’re building a new kind of family together.
Life goes on for Kaleena.
She starts training to be a dental assistant, but she always carves out time for Raylie and her adoptive family.
They share photos, videos, and catch up on Facetime.
Kaleena shares their heartfelt words, “They have told me that we are a family now. They say that I will always be her mother, and that they are appreciative of the gift of life I have given them.”
She even gets to be part of Raylie’s first birthday celebration.
Looking back, Kaleena knows she made the right call.
She tells Today, “Placing Raylie with this family was the best decision I ever made — there is never a moment that I regret my choice.”
Her story isn’t just about making tough choices as a teen; it’s about the incredible lengths a mother will go to for her child’s happiness.
Curious to know more? Check out the video below for the full scoop on Kaleena’s journey.
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