[nostatic]

Thanks for the input so far. I never speak ill of my ex around my son, and always try to be positive. I'm on time, and show up when/where I'm supposed to. I try to make sure that my ex and I email each other with dates/times since we seem to have different memories when it comes to phone conversations (gee, maybe that was part of the original problem...).

To date it has been pretty civil and lines of communication have been open, although strained from time to time. We also try to keep standard rules across both households so there is consistency. I think we're doing most things "right" so far, but it is a constantly changing landscape. The big issue I fear will come when she wants to move. She already asked me if I was going to give her a hard time (ie court) if she wanted to move and take him with her. I said no, but that we would have to work it out. The present plan is no moves until he is done at his current elementary school. Plus I'm paying child support even though the "formula" says she owes me money, and she's staying in the house.

I guess it has just been nagging me somewhat...the thought of them moving and me not seeing him every other day. And the fact that I "get" him in ways that his mom, or any other step dad never will (one advantage to spending every night and weekend with him for the first 7 years of his life). That along with living in a crappy apartment vs. the nice house, etc makes for a somewhat compelling argument to suck it up and move back. But I don't know that she wants me to (or that I want to), and things would have to radically change from where they were before, and I don't know if that is possible either. Just no easy/clear way to move forward. It becomes a bit easier if I have some hope that it *is* possible to help him grow up even if I'm not there every day.