Crimson.....just checkin' in again.

[labug]

Tough stuff. ((( )))

I'm only going to comment about the text exchange.
Don't try to change her mind or convince her of what a nice guy you are.

If you want to pick him up at 9 and it's not a negotiation don't ask if that's OK.

It might go better if you had the pick-up time pinned down at the same time the drop-off is decided, even down to who's doing the driving.

Don't get into the who did what back and forth with her, it serves no purpose.

I would be keeping a journal of changes you both decide to make.

Do you think you have anything to feel guilty about?

How can a mother see her child in that much pain like she did on Christmas Eve and not wonder if this is the right path??

You don't know that she doesn't, she just handles it differently.

Some people think if they ignore a child's pain/emotions, everything will be just fine. (I could go on a rant here, but won't.)

Could you talk with XW about having a transition time at drop-off, where the two of you read a story to S or play a short game? Something that you do every time that's enjoyable for him.

Do you always wait until the last minute to tell him he's going back to mom's? That's ignoring his emotions in a different way. How might you do that differently.