This morning is my friend of the court appointment at the court. I'm really nervous, my stomach is knotted up and I didn't sleep well last night. I guess it's more because I don't know what to expect. It seems everything is in my favor, and my ex hasn't even called the kids since March (only talked to the youngest then, hasn't talked to my oldest since November), and hasn't seen them since December '06 (he lives in Washington, was working out of country... But he still wouldn't bother even if he was in country), so I don't really expect him to make an appearance to this.

But still, I can't help but be super nervous.

Good luck -- good vibes coming your way. I hope whatever is in the kid's best interest turns out today!! Let us know -- waiting for a positive report

fingers crossed for you!

Our prayers are with you!

Lots of hugs to you!

Well, it went well. He didn't come. Like I expected. Child support is set and that starts from July 1st. I'll start seeing it whenever the papers all get processed, and they're taking it right from his check it sounds like. They're basing it on his wages now, even though he made a ton this year. He's gotta report any income increase to the court, and it'll be re-adjusted (like if he goes overseas again). We've been physically seperated since December '06, and he'd send a few bucks whenever he felt like it, which was few and far between, so something consistant will be nice. He can't take the kids out of state. Period. If he really wants to see them, he has to come here and re-introduce himself to them. The girls have just turned 6 and 7 this month (actually they're 6 and 6 right now ), and without seeing him for a year and a half, and only hearing from him a handful of times, they probably don't know him much anymore. I had to *schedule* a time for him to call, because "call anytime" is apparantly too vague for him. So, Sunday's at 2, I have to be near my phone with the kids. I really doubt if he'll even call.
Oh, his attorney said to the referee, "He'd like to be able to take them out to Washington after talking to them every Sunday on the phone for a year and after making a trip out to Michigan." The referee kinda chuckled and said he's got a long ways to go before the kids *ever* get on a plane.

I don't mean to air all my dirty laundry, but I feel better about things if I get a chance to talk about them. I think today went well.

Thank you everyone.

We all have "dirty laundry" Don't worrry! Glad it went your way!