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I would reroute my walk. It depends on the type of open agreement you have, but if it where possible, I would let her know that open adoption is one thing, but living right by is another, particularly if she is interacting with Pixie each time. Maybe there's a way to tell her that it is unacceptable to live so close that she is putting herself into your life and violating the agreement.(again, I don't know the details of your agreement, but mine is for visits only 4 times a year. )
Regardless of any agreement written, I doubt it's legal to tell anyone where they can and cannot live. (unless maybe there is a restraining order and they can't be within 100 feet of you etc. which I don't think is the case here) If it makes you uncomfortable to see her daily, then yes I'd re-route the walk. Unless she is violating your space by walking up and down your sidewalk, visiting all the time etc. I don't know that I'd say anything or that you can legally do anything. She can sit outside her property if she wants to. Since you have an open agreement, I'm assuming she is a safe person?Did she move a block away specifically to be near you?I wouldn't want a "shadow" in my life no matter who it was so I understand being frustrated over it.
This is one reason we decided to adopt from out of state -- we just didn't want to always be running into birthfamily. We'd have been fine with visits, but wanted a schedule so we'd be prepared for it.I don't blame you for being freaked out -- that sounds like a little too much contact to me. I'd definitely reroute the walks, and see if there is any sort of recourse. I don't think you can force someone to move, obviously, but I'd see what your agency or social worker had to say.
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Can you talk to her? Possibly get a mediator?
We have an open adoption. Our contract specifically states that our P.O. Box and the visits are the ONLY way she can contact us. Attempting to contact us by any other means is grounds to terminate all contact.
That being said, I am not encouraging that you end contact. I do think that safe open adoptions are great. I would suggest that you talk with her and be clear what your limits are. If she is making you uncomfortable outside of planned visits it will interfere with visits being successful.
Good luck. That is a tough situation.
You know her best, so best know if this is just an irksome thing or the beginning of a stalking. I think I would watch and document over the next few weeks/months any other forays into your space/life activity then try to decide if they seem, taken together, as more than coincidental. A reasonable person could break boundaries hopefully but understand the need to dial back if dealt with respectfully. A stalker won't stop. If that's how it seems after time passes with her and you've asked her to step back but she won't, then I don't know but I suppose you could talk to an attorney about it. I hope it works out OK. I know the openness is important to you.