Sunshine is here and the joy of time together

It had been too long since I last saw you and a huge amount has been happening. The impending court hearing is a dark cloud over everything.

Our day together and meeting old friends

I picked you up from City Square, your attention initially being on the birdcage swings that so many visitors to the area enjoy. We queued for a moment and I gave you the chance to swing. Playtime didn’t last long because you seemed to enjoy jumping off at the swing rather than holding on! It was hilarious.

The weather was warming up, it was due to be a lovely sunny day after its coldish start. So instead of popping straight home we went for a walk around the neighbourhood.

At home

You’re feeling more and more comfortable at home. It’s clear you’re familiar with it and your bedroom. I’m so happy about this, it’s your home and I want you to be at ease, it’s your home sweetheart and always will be the first place you lived.

Napping and seeing friends

Soon after lunch I took you out, I wanted you to have a good rest and it was lovely out so the fresh air would be good.

As usual, you fell asleep pretty quickly. While you slept I passed some time by walking to Lake Lane to see what events and activities were taking place and until our friends Craig and Phoebe arrived to the area. They’re looking to buy a house in recognition of how family friendly it is around here.

Beer or croissant?

Oftentimes wherever you look, families are walking with their buggies. It’s the perfect place to have a little one like you. I hope the bubbas being walked around and kids laying out of the side of the buggies while they nap, will include some of your best mates in the future.

I don’t know why you pulled this face but I love that I caught it on camera

Cafcass report

On Monday, Cafcass will produce their report. This will be a big moment, court are likely to follow what they suggest and if it goes wrong I’ll have even less access to you, less time together to grow our relationship and make memories.

I’m terrified, I barely see you once a week and your mum has done everything to make our time together uncomfortable and stressful.

While I treasured every moment together today, I’m filled with dread that the sporadic and insufficient time we have will be further reduced and made worse.

Life cut off from you is horrible.

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#Cafcass #childhoodMemories #courtHearing #dad #dadLife #family #familyCourt #fatherSRights #fatherhood #growingUp #heartbreak #parentalAlienation #parenting #toddler

Stress between Cafcass interviews

I’m writing this in a moment between Cafcass meetings. I spoke with the case officer on Monday, and your mum will speak to her next week.

I’ve struggled to keep a record here for you as so many moments are sad and hopeless. I have lots of notes in drafts, waiting to be revised before I save, but the pain of recalling those moments has been too difficult and I avoid going back to them to avoid provoking more sadness. Ultimately, I want to keep a record for you, so I’ll work it out.

This relentless situation means I’ve got to make the most of what we have.

Your mom continues to fight against me, against us being a family where I have equal responsibility, time and care for you. She doesn’t want me involved and I’ve been fighting just to be able to see you more than once a week. It hurts me so much that we barely have 5 hours together on a Sunday and many of those are cancelled anyway.

Staying in your memories

I’m terrified you don’t know who I am right now. What if you don’t see that I’m your loving dad who will always love and care for you.

I got a bit of hope because you can understand and remember little things. Like on the weekend, when you knew where to get your plates and bib for lunch. It was a lovely surprise to get your help but most importantly for you to have remembered something about our time together.

Missing so much

Even with some positive signs, I live devastated that I can’t give you a bath at night or kiss in the morning.

More hostilities to come

Next week your mum will spew more hateful deceitful lies with the only one aim, to keep us apart.

I think about you every moment, even though it hurts.

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#Cafcass #courtCase #dad #dadLife #dadTime #daddyDaughter #family #familyCourt #fatherTime #fatherSRights #fatherhood #heartbreak #makingMemories #parentalAlienation #parenting #preparingForCourt #timeTogether

I’m now at the #ICFA stage of proceedings regarding my battle to get more time with my kids. After all of the blood, sweat, tears and monumental amounts of money handed over to solicitors, I’ve been landed with a complete dud of an officer for this crucial stage. She’s going against the clear recommendations in the #cafcass section 7 report, and is actually working with my ex to reduce the amount of time I spend with my kids. It’s f#cking outrageous. Talking to my solicitor tomorrow. 💵

Mother ‘devastated’ after rapist ex-partner given access to their daughter - https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/aug/31/mother-devastated-after-rapist-ex-partner-given-access-to-their-daughter "Convicted sex offender who was also found to have raped child’s mother was allowed contact by family court" #Cafcass