SS13 arrives tomorrow for 4 consecutive weeks (the longest time we have EVER had with him in his entire 13 years). It's sad it took us this long to reach this point, but we are thankful that it finally happened. I have been extra nervous about SS coming, especially for this long, since he has been struggling at BMs. It's like Jekyll and Hyde; you never know what SS you're going to get. We spoke to SS a few times over the last week and he is SO EXCITED to visit (and we think to finally have a break from the constant extracurriculars BM has him in).

SS13 is riding the spring break cruise high, as he has been SUPER talkative and engaged with us on our twice weekly phone calls since he went home last weekend. Clearly the cruise for spring break had a positive impact on SS. We are happy to see him so much more engaged with us. 

DH picks SS12 up next Saturday for our cruise. We are busy prepping, packing, and finalizing hotel, rental car, etc. While I am excited for the trip, I am also nervous with everything going on with SS and BM's drama lately. BM has been radio silent since DH refused to pay for SS' therapy, which we discovered we will be responsible to pay if she runs it through out-of-network insurance deductible after further consulting with our attorney and the FOC (but DH didn't tell her that). She threw her hissy fit and is now "punishing" DH by being silent and not providing any updates about anything.

Today is DH's birthday... Tonight BM emails DH (after just seeing him yesterday and not mentioning it) that she enrolled SS12 in therapy because he has been having severe anxiety - BM did not specify what the specific issue is. BM provided DH with the therapist's name/contact information. She informed DH that this provider was "hand selected" by her and doesn't accept insurance so they are privately paying. Session rates would be $125 total per week.