It's been a long time since we've heard from Britney Spears. Just over a year ago, OK! magazine attempted to sit down with the pop star, but that interview and accompanying photo shoot were scrapped after Spear's erratic behavior (and non-housebroken dog) made it evident things were not going to proceed as planned.

What a difference a year makes! This time around, with her father at her side, a healthier Britney was able to sit down and finally have that talk with OK! magazine.

Britney's fans may be holding out hope for a career comeback, but she's been busy making a comeback of a different type. Last week, the custody case between Britney and ex-husband Kevin Federline was settled. While Kevin will retain primary physical custody, Britney will get visitation with the boys three days a week and two nights, or about 40% of the time. Kevin, on the other hand, will see a "slight" increase in child support payments.

Anyone who watched Brit's breakdown a little less than a year ago will know that she's come a long way in her recovery process. Eight months ago, she lost custody of the boys and seemed unable to pull herself together to even fight for them, which, as a mom, was really frustrating and difficult to watch.

Britney's affairs are still under the control of her father, Jamie Spears, but she's slowly been making professional gains as well, with a cameo on How I Met Your Mother and work toward a new album. I think this is a major victory for her personally, and hopefully a sign that she's on her way to a more balanced and happy life.

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In a sign that we really are approaching the End of Days, Kevin Federline has been award the title "Father of the Year."

The good news is that honor was bestowed on Popozao by the Las Vegas nightclub where the former Mr. Britney Spears is scheduled host a party, at which time the unofficial honor will be awarded. (You know, because that's where all the great dads hang out, in Vegas at a club in the wee hours of the morning.)

In case you aren't up to speed on what Vegas finds a prize specimen of fatherhood, here's a brief recap:

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I want to hate Kevin Federline. After all, what kind of jerk leaves the pregnant mother of his children for another woman?

But I'm having a hard time keeping up the Federhatin'. Because after that initial lapse of judgment (I'm talking about Popaozoa, of course) and under all the stupid gangsta posturing, Kevin seems like he might be a decent guy.

The twenty-nine year old stepped up and assumed full custody of his two sons with after Britney's breakdowns, and has successfully managed to keep the toddlers out of the glare of the paparazzi, which is no small feat. He's also on friendly terms with his first baby momma, as well as with Britney's family, from whom she is estranged.

And word is, because of the precariousness of Britney's mental health, Federline has put the brakes on a reality show based on his life as a single father. The interest in all things Britney would undoubtedly make the show an instant hit and bring in a lot of money, but for the sake of his family, Federline has taken the high road.

Good call, Kevin. Now work on trying not to look such a cocky tool in photographs.

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I've seen numerous headlines lately promoting the idea that Britney Spears is longing have another child to replace the two that have been taken from her by Kevin Federline and the courts. To me, that sounds a lot like something a tabloid would invent in order to sell papers and I've pretty much assumed it's not true. But now, I'm not so sure.

Earlier this week, Britney was spotted and photographed shopping for pregnancy tests with boyfriend Adnan Ghalib by her side. As far as I know, pregnancy tests have just one purpose: determining whether or not a woman is pregnant. Based on that, one could assume that Spears has reason to believe she might be with child and is looking to find out for sure. But this is Britney we are talking about and for her, there could be another explanation.

Every move Spears makes is photographed and documented and talked about like it was real news. She knows this. And she knew she was being photographed in that Rite-Aid and I believe it is entirely possible that the attention-seeking pop star was putting on a show intended to get us talking about her. As messed up as that sounds, I sincerely hope that is what she was doing.

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The very idea that Britney Spears would rush off and get married in the middle of her custody battle with ex-husband Kevin Federline is preposterous. But this is Britney we are talking about and she has shown a predilection for the preposterous.

Rumors are flying that Britney has informed her lawyers, as well as Federline, of her intention to shock us all and marry close friend Sam Lufti in Las Vegas. Not only is Britney ignoring her lawyer's advice to get a prenup, according to a family friend, her choice of mate is anything but a winner.

"Kevin has seen Sam lose his temper. We hear he swears a lot and makes very derogatory statements when he's alone with Brit." This insider says that Kevin dislikes him so much that he has forbidden Britney from having him around the kids and has threatened to get a restraining order. "She'll lose custody if she allows Sam around them, Kevin will make sure of it," says the insider.

Britney's friends insist that Lufti is only with her for the celebrity perks and that everyone can see that but Britney. "I hear that he stays with her most of the time, and she pays for his food, his bar and restaurant tabs and clothing. She takes care of everything," says one friend.

I really don't want to believe this, but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to find it's true. As evidenced by her recent missed court dates and continual partying, Britney clearly isn't getting the help she needs.

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Remember when Kevin Federline married Britney Spears? He was a laughing stock, routinely mocked in the media for taking Brit's money, getting her pregnant, and partying like a rock star (instead of a back up dancer).

But times have changed. Now K-Fed has re-tooled his image, and -- especially in light of the recent custody battle for Sean Preston and Jayden James -- appears to quite the family man. So much so, that Details magazine recently called Federline a "good father," while also placing him at number seven on their list of the "50 Most Influential Men Under 45."

He tells mag: "To be a father is...everything. It shows me how little I am."

Granted, anyone would seem like parent of the year when compared to Britney Spears, but maybe this new side of K-Fed is more than just hype?

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The never-ending legal nightmare that is the Britney Spears/Kevin Federline custody hearings takes yet another depressing turn. Britney can't seem to get her act together behind the wheel, leading a judge to forbid the former pop star from driving her kids anywhere.

Seeing as Britney's been driving without a valid license, hit a car and drove off without leaving a note, ran a red light -- and has been caught driving around with her children in her lap -- this isn't surprising. At all.

But what's odd is that, despite the fact that her every move is documented, Britney insists on breaking the law -- knowing that every time she does she's putting her relationship with her kids in jeopardy. Public figures bemoan the paparazzi whenever their photos leads to negative press, and there's always backlash to celebrity gossip, but -- at least in this case -- two little boys are a lot safer because of it.

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Sure, Britney seems crazy, but it can be hard to know what to believe amidst the media fervor that surrounds this unfortunate woman -- so who's to say whether or not Britney should have custody of her children?

Well, these court papers might help. They reveal how the ridiculously wealthy pop star spends her enormous income -- partying, buying clothes, eating out, and talking on the phone.

Here's a quick rundown on some monthly expenses:

• $102,000 on entertainment, gifts and vacation
• $49,267 on mortgage payments
• $16,000 on clothes
• $4,758 on eating out
• $2,500 on phone bills

Yikes! All of those figures are more than my mortgage. And that's not to mention the $15,000 a month she pays in child support, and the $120,000 she owes in legal expenses (a ruling based on the fact that most of the hearings were only necessary because she's been acting like a lunatic).

Meanwhile, while KFed isn't exactly thrifty, he's spending a mere $5,000 on entertainment, $7,500 on rent, and $2,000 on clothes. I know I have a long history of making fun of Mr. Federline, but those kids are lucky they have at least one parent who is somewhat under control.

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Apparently, Britney still isn't willing to obey the rules laid down by the judge in her custody case.

The mother of two, who just won the right to keep her boys overnight last week, is now suspended from seeing her children pending "compliance with the court's orders."

In the judge's original ruling, Britney was ordered to submit to random drug testing twice a week, spend eight hours a week getting parenting training, avoid alcohol or "other non-prescription controlled substances" 12 hours before taking custody of the children, attend co-parenting classes with her ex-husband, refrain from making derogatory remarks about her ex, his family, or significant other during the case, and not use corporal punishment on the kids. Also, any contact Spears with her children had be supervised by a parenting coach .

TMZ is reporting that Britney did not provide the drug testing people with contact information so they could find her to do the random tests and that is what triggered the suspension.

It seems like it might be a good idea for Britney's rotating personal assistants to be assigned the task of making sure all Britney's i's are dotted and t's crossed and court stipulations met-that is, if she wants to get her kids back.

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A judge has ordered full custody of Sean Preston and Jayden James temporarily be given to their father this Wednesday at noon.

While it is sad news for Britney Spears, who appears mentally and emotionally unstable, it is not her children's job to keep her together. Hopefully this will be the wake-up call the young mother has needed to get her life back together.

I'm unfamiliar with the legal system, but doesn't It seem a little dangerous to leave kids with the parent who was denied custody for a day and a half?

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The judge in the Britney Spears-Kevin Federline custody dispute has ruled that if Britney wants to keep her kids, she will have to undergo random drug and alcohol testing and hire a parenting coach. In his ruling, Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Scott Gordon says, "Based on the evidence presented, the court finds that there is habitual, frequent and continuous use of controlled substances and alcohol by the petitioner".

Well, that explains a LOT.

Britney's drug and alcohol testing will happen twice a week on random days and times. In addition, she and Federline are both prohibited from using drugs or alcohol for 12 hours prior to having custody of the children. The ex-couple currently share equal custody of Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1.

The judge also ordered both parents to undergo 'joint co-parenting counseling' and to stop talking trash about each other. In addition to the joint counseling, Britney was ordered to meet weekly with a counselor on her own and to work with a parenting coach at least eight hours a week.

I don't know how Britney feels about all of this, but she should be grateful. This judge is giving her the opportunity to prove she is a fit parent - all she has to do is quit partying and learn to be a parent. I hope she can do it, but I have my doubts. Either way, Britney's next move will show just how much she really wants to keep her kids.

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Usually, family court cases are considered private and court documents are sealed when minor children are involved. But not this time. Los Angeles County Superior Court Commissioner Scott M. Gordon has ruled that some of the court documents in the Spears-Federline custody case will be unsealed and therefore available for public consumption. In essence, the judge has said that the public's interest in the couple's case overrides any privacy concerns.

"In this matter, the children have not been afforded the choice of litigating this matter in public and must suffer the 'good and bad' as a result of the decisions of those who care for them," Gordon wrote. "The evidence presented in this case clearly demonstrates a tremendous and ongoing media interest."

I don't disagree with the judge's assertion that there is intense public interest in this case. Britney Spears' life has been publicly unraveling since she hooked up with Federline and the resulting drama fascinates and horrifies us.
But I am surprised by the judge's opinion that the public's desire to know trumps the kids' right to privacy. Do you think the judge made the right decision? Or should Sean Preston and Jayden James have the same right to privacy as do children without famous parents?

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Like a lot of people, I tuned into the MTV video music awards for the sole purpose of watching Britney's big comeback performance. And, like a lot of people, I was dumbfounded by what I saw. It is clear to me that the people in Britney Spears' inner circle are not looking out for her. Or she is ignoring the advice of those who are wiser and saner than she is.

I don't know who exactly is in her inner circle, but as of Monday, you can count a few people out. Like attorney Laura Wasser. She is no longer representing Spears in her custody battle with Kevin Federline due to reported disagreements over strategy in the case. I suspect that Wasser wanted to get off the Britney-train before it completely crashed and burned.

Also fleeing on Monday was Spears' manager, Jeff Kwatinetz of the Firm. After representing her for just one fun-filled month, the management company confirmed that relationship has ended. "It saddens us to confirm media reports that we have terminated our professional relationship with Britney Spears. We believe Britney is enormously talented, and has made a terrific record. But current circumstances have prevented us from properly doing our job. We wish Britney the best."

But Britney's bad awful day wasn't over yet. Federline's attorney Gloria Allred brought out her secret weapon in the custody case: Spear's former bodyguard Tony Barretto. He's filed a declaration alleging "drug use, nudity and safety issues" perpetrated by Spears in the presence of her children. Nudity in front of her children? The horror!

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This morning I woke up, exhausted, like most days, and pried myself from bed so I could suck down coffee and stare, in silence, at unreturned emails -- putting off work. Once or twice a week the house is filled with chaos, as Edan shouts for breakfast, or wants to hide from giants, but not today. In these quiet moments, while Amanda sleeps, I'm alone.

I'll spend the next five hours trying to accomplish what resembles full-time employment, working as fast as possible, fuming at any interruptions, and trying, occasionally, to breathe. If I get tired, or fed up, or burnt out, the penalty is a life where I see my daughter 5 or 6 days a month -- because, unless you work around it, that's what the law allows.

So I keep pushing -- not least of all because, if I do, I don't have time to think, and I won't spend my morning shaking, shouting and screaming, railing against the endless compromising, negotiating, and bartering for better holiday visitation.

I suck in a deep breath, but my chest is tight -- trying to shrug the weight off before knocking on the door at daycare. It's a bad day, and Edan doesn't want to leave, so she whines from her car seat about going home, or to the park, or wherever -- barely speaking to me as she rejects the snack I packed for her. So we visit friends, but it's brief -- Edan's mom is done with work early, and I drop her off hating that our time together was spent trapped in the car.

And I sit there, staring at the dashboard, wondering if I'll always feel this tired.

* * *

That was yesterday. It'd been creeping up on me for awhile.

But less than a year ago, the life I lead now would've seemed like a ridiculous, impossible fantasy. With that in mind, I made a quick list of reasons I should be looking on the bright side:

1. I see my daughter almost every day. Think of the last time you were away from your kids for a vacation, or a business trip. Now take the feeling of those few days, and imagine it every week, over and over, until it's dull, throbbing ache. Allowing that to fade has been nothing short of amazing.

2. Edan's mom and I no longer resemble Britney and K-Fed. She was never a coked-out psycho, and I am a way better rapper than Federline, but we used to fight, just the same. These days, however, despite the fact that separated parenting sucks -- it sucks, it sucks, it sucks -- we're as respectful of one another as our personalities will allow, friendly when at all possible, even considerate of each other's feelings from time to time -- like real human beings!

3. I like my jobs. Recently I spent a few hours at my old job, and was blown away by how much I'm taking for granted these days -- seeing as I'm somehow lucky enough to spend my days occupied by my passions. I write. I parent. That's it.

4. Edan's mom is a good mom, her stepmom is a good stepmom, and her stepdad is a good stepdad. This is kind of related to number 2, but I bring it up because it's important to think about the big picture. The four of us all parent differently, which means there's always the temptation to lament the details. But, regardless of what we would or wouldn't do if the other wasn't in the picture, we all love Edan, and none of us are Scientologists.

5. Edan is happy. Every day she takes it all in stride, and you can't be in her presence without feeling joyful.

I suppose that, really, that's reason number 1.