The valadation piece see to be the million dollar question. I myself, have pushed to feel heard by my W and in turn she felt "unheard" by me.
I don't know the exact dynamic of you and your hubby, but do you think asking him more about his views, how he thinks you could handle the mom/house situation would open him up a little more. I don't have much for resources, but it seems that people are less likely to validate when they feel invalidated themselves.
Me: 35 W: 31 S:9 M: 10 years Together 13 MySitch - Ups & Downs She moved out the day before Thanksgiving 2009, over 13 months post-bomb.