Why not get the kids beds and mattresses? After all you need them now and in the future. And why not let the kids be part of the process.. something they own.. like picking out the colors and themes. It's a new life for them, too. And having a choice is exciting.
Listen to your sister, try what she suggests. She's someone who knows and loves your kids. The worse thing that can happen is that it doesn't work.. but at least you tried.
I felt like I'd destroyed promises I made when the kids were young and growing up with the divorce. It ripped me apart. I even had a $1000 meltdown (the cost of lawyer's time) when I couldn't do a fourway with the lawyers and divorcing spouse because they mentioned two households. That day I learned what the word paroxysms meant. Sucks.
My personal grief colored how I reacted to the kids needs. I learned to respond to their needs, that their feelings were far different than mine. They were moving forward, I was mired.
You got the absolute best settlement possible. You have a mother who is increasing the time you have with the kids. I think this is where the true PMA kicks in because you're no longer 'surviving'.. you're rebuilding.. plotting a new journey.
Do what you've always done. Be the dad. You don't need the perfect answer. Validate what they feel. Reassure that you'll always be there, that they're the most incredible kids in the world.
Sometimes the best 'fix' is listening.
You can't change the past, but you can make a bouquet of all the positives and move forward.
