Why I won't settle for anything less than joint custody of my children:
I settled in a nice little place in town, picked by one of my daughters. It is small, yet has room for all the kids to live comfortably. It is near lots of places to eat, play, and study. By "near", I mean walking distance - 1/2 a mile tops. This affords a busy social life style to any kid who wants one. I can deliver my kids to friends' houses with a very short drive, or allow them to bike/walk the safe back streets.
I always was (and still am) a dedicated father. I changed lots of diapers. I cleaned all the diaper pails. I washed all the diapers. I cooked close to half of all the meals we as a family ate.
If something, anything, in the house broke, it was my responsibility to fix it. I did this competently. I know basic household wiring, drywalling, carpentry, HVAC, and landscaping. I also did a good share, though not always 50%, of the housecleaning. I did essentially 100% of all the outdoor maintenance (gutter cleaning, snow removal, lawn mowing, etc.)
Since I have a better understanding of the sciences and medicine than my wife, I expect to have final say on my childrens' healthcare. My college major was pre-med. I come from a family of highly trained registered American nurses and licensed physicians. The health of my children is a top priority. This is the reason behind my encouragement of outdoor activities, which included learning to bike, and biking frequently. This is the reason I discourage the regular serving of junk meats like sausage and bacon, and overly sweetened processed foods.
I have a better and more intimate knowledge of the American school system tham my wife does. My knowledge is significantly more well-rounded, which puts me in a better position to help out with homework and navigate the school bureaucracies. I am a self-starter who has taught himself several languages and trades without any formal classroom training.
Knowing that I am a good learner outside the classroom. I voluntarily forsook post graduate education for the duration of our marriage in order to free up more time to run our household. This freed up time for my wife to pursue additional college degrees (BA in Accounting, Masters in Taxation). I gave up the possibility of extra income for a better run, more independent household, free of the financial burden of child care.
I was extremely active in our church, and did my best to live by the principles embraced by it, setting the best possible example for my kids. Since my estrangement from Natalia, I will continue to do this in another church.
If permitted, I will continue to be a hands-on parent who attempts to raise motivated, well-rounded independent children who excel both in the classroom and out, making decisions in concert with my soon-to-be former spouse.
