Paul and I had our required mediation yesterday to see if we could resolve the petition he filed on 6/5 and the counter petition I filed in July. After four hours of mediation we actually resolved everything. He admitted that I was not an unfit or dangerous mother and the mediator straightened him out on his other issues as well.

Essentially the entire headache was about money. He wanted a reduction in child support. Unfortunately Tennessee has a child support law that is very unfair and essentially screws motivated parents and rewards deadbeat parents. So he got what he wanted. His $400 a month was reduced to $187 a month. This amount barely covers 1/2 of Madison's monthly child care and health insurance. It does not touch a single cent of all of her other expenses. I'm 100% responsible for everything else. My atty and the mediator both suggested I get active in communicating with our state rep and state senator as they recognize that the child support law as currently written is very unfair in situations like mine.

The irony is that Paul fully expected that I would have to owe him child support. Believe it or not, with the Tennessee law it does turn out that way sometimes. . . the custodial parent will pay 100% of the child's expenses AND still owe the non-custodial parent child support. This is what he was banking on. So, I should count myself fortunate that it did not turn out that way.

The ridiculous part of all of it is that we both spent more than a year's worth of child support on legal fees. Who really loses here? YES. . . Madison. That's all money that could have been put to her benefit.

STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID

I feel like I was victorious yesterday. Afterall, it is just money. The important stuff was decided in my favor!

Thank you EVERYONE for your prayers, and support. I am such a lucky girl to have so many wonderful friends that stand behind me. I feel so incredibly blessed and I don't take any of you for granted.

Love you all!!!

Amber