I remember thinking 8 months was long enough to be at a place of humility, and for some alcoholics in AA, it is. But in my case, I never got amends made to my girls, my family, or an acknowledgement of my feelings. He did say sorry to me for some things that happened. And he did get better at checking himself while he spoke, but not much in the way of humility and honesty.
I got, even 18 months sober (so he says) that he was in this 'bad marriage' and although he would admit alcoholism 'played a part', there was much more to it all. I never agreed with that - alcoholism was the problem. And short term sobriety wasn't going to magically fix everything - like trust and confidence. Those things take time. Apparently he ran out of time.
I am happy you can keep distance between you both, and know that it will be a long time and a lot of emotional sobriety under his belt before you'd even consider getting involved again.
I hope he makes amends to your kids. Mine are acutely aware he never addressed any of the drinking and bad behavior to them. And for that - neither liked him when we did try to get back together. That was an uncomfortable couple of months.
Stay strong, my friend!
~T