I think you handled the kids perfectly. The fact that when H called and they didn't want to speak to hi speaks volumes. They are adjusting fine and as we know, these feelings of sadness come and go
You called your H about the kids, okay. What if you send him an pic or little text?
Something that you found funny ( and something you know he would), but something that can be used to open a door or just stand on its own.
In August when h was rebounding from the rebound, he sent a very funny photo to about four people. Me, a couple friends and his current gf. I replied back that has gotta be the funniest thing I have ever seen. He replied, no one else got it.
I said really??? Because that made my day... . Of course, only after did I know he sent it to current gf, but I also knew that this particular photo he took would have cracked him up....and it was funny btw.
So what I am saying is find something that you can share on a deeper level but also claim as something superficial if need be...does that make sense?