beachlover, This man left your baby infant alone! He stole $7,000 from you! Since you have the proceedings already started, don't back down. He needs to be away from you at least a year anyway, in order to give himself time for recovery. And you never know where it will lead. I would recommend supervised visits with the children if he ever gets visitation. Don't dwell on what he's done, but do not forget. He will try to make you forget. He will try to bring you back into denial. Do not forget!
Hoping for all the best for you and the children.
NH7