I've kept up with the friendly texts, trying to keep my expectations low but it's hard.
We had good text conversations last week, nothing long, mostly friendly small talk referring to the kids. I wasn't sure about it but I invited w to go up in the mountains hiking or fishing (whichever the kids picked) this weekend. Her reply was "oh really? I already have plans otherwise I would:(" Then a couple minutes later she sent another thanking me for inviting her and said "maybe next time!" I told her I'd send pics. The next day she texted to tell me she left the car seats in the garage with some small talk and told me the kids bedroom doors I was painting in the garage looked nice and more small talk. Over the weekend we had more small talk and I sent pics of us fishing and the kids haircuts then kids playing d's made up ice cube trampoline stick hockey game (they've been getting into the playoffs watching with me) and things were nice and friendly. Later she sent pictures of some character pillows she bought and asked me to show them. I validated and built up their response and more small talk.
Then yesterday I sent another pic of the kids fishing and got a short response. She didn't send their lunch boxes and I asked if I could get them last night and she said she wasn't in town, I know it was partially me but I think her tone changed.
Also, last week she emailed me and asked if I had any ideas for the kids and this summer because she didn't know what to do. I told her I'd check with a friend of my mom's because she had a younger d that might be interested in watching them and she thought it was a good idea. Then Friday she asked what I wanted to do for a summer schedule. I said that I thought every other week was good and fair and normal for the situation. Then no reply to email until this morning. She said she thought every other week was too stressful for the kids and from what she's heard that's not normal and too much. This kills me, the kids were asking me why we didn't get to hang out more , s said "why can't we switch like every other day" this weekend. And from what she's heard according to who? Lol, her lawyer, boss/coworkers, roommate, om? Her tune changed here for some reason too.
I told her I didn't think it was and what the kids said but not much more. I was frustrated and thought it was best to not say much. Then she replied more of the same and tried to make my work travel a bigger issue than it is. I haven't replied yet. Not sure what to say yet.
D had her kindergarten program today so I had to put my frustration aside. I sat by w and startled her when I sat down, she didn't even notice me walk by 2 feet in front of her. Kept it friendly and took kids after school to exchange s's shoes I got him yesterday because he said they hurt this morning. I took them got ice cream after and texted w to see if she wanted anything. She didn't reply in time so I got her something. I think she was surprised. She came over and was here a little while but acting different, ate her ice cream though. Then tonight I texted to have her let me know when it was a good time to say goodnight to the kids and she was nice again. Then I told her I was supposed to meet the babysitter and her mom later this week and to see if she wanted to also and no reply, weird....she's so "worried" about the schedule and what's good for them but didn't respond to that?
I'm trying to understand why she's trying to keep them from me yet knows I'm a great dad. Control, somehow protecting her child self from her parents, jealous? This was upsetting today but I'm trying to stay positive and kill her with kindness.
