Just dropped in to say hello. The quick update is that I haven't seen SS since January - although I'm pretty sure I saw him on the street (my eyes aren't that good) and he was looking me over to see if I was still pregnant. SO is still out of the country and unfortunately won't be back for the birth. But baby Niko and I are doing fine, and I can't wait for his arrival.

I never thought this would happen, and I'm enjoying every minute of it.

Wishing you all patience and peace of mind with your step situations...

L

So I'm pregnant, and have to be very careful because I'm old, and I've lost a baby before. And SO had to leave on an extended trip out of the country.

SO told SS16 to keep an eye on things with me for him, hoping SS would show more responsibility than he has been lately. (SS lives less than half a mile from here with BM.)

Today, SS was supposed to come shovel the snow. He took all day to tell me whether he was coming, finally said yes, and then hadn't showed an hour and a half later as dark was falling.

SS16 had his hearing a couple weeks ago, and was given one day of community service. Big fracking deal. Today was the day - and they only kept him an hour because it was "too cold" (30 degrees).

Ok, so I guess he's learned not to worry about getting picked up trespassing at 4AM, because at the end of the day NOTHING will happen.

I didn't go to the hearing. SO told the committee that he felt that by giving SS only one day of community service and not even recommending counseling, they were failing to help SO and BM to bring SS back under control.

SO has decided to go to the hearing. But I need to minimize my stress right now since I just had an embryo transfer.

The hearing is in front of a "juvenile committee" which serves as an alternative to municipal court for kids with no prior offenses. SS16 was picked up trespassing at 4AM in the next town. In addition he's been having all kinds of attitude and behavior problems over the last 6 to 8 months.

SO is going to tell the committee that SO believes SS has a problem and needs some kind of program to straighten him out, either community service, counseling, or both.