The criminal case was serious.

The recording removed much ambiguity.

Prosecutors initially filed multiple felony counts related to intentional child abuse and the bat attack on me.

The exact charging language depended on our state.

Her defense did not argue the pillow was accidental.

Instead they focused on mental-state evidence, stress, absence of prior convictions, and whether the government could prove the most serious intent element beyond reasonable doubt.

Eventually a plea resolved the case.

Valerie admitted to felony child abuse involving conduct creating a substantial risk of serious harm to Leo.

She also admitted aggravated asNextlt for striking me with the bat while I held Leo.

Other overlapping counts were dismissed under the agreement.

The judge reviewed the monitor footage privately before sentencing.

Valerie received a custodial sentence followed by supervised release.

Not life.

Not a theatrical fifty-year punishment.

Several years.

Mandatory mental-health treatment.

No contact with Leo while incarcerated.

Any future contact after release would require separate family-court review.

No contact with me during the protective period.

Dad attended sentencing.

I did not.

I was taking an algebra final.

That felt important.

My life was allowed to continue outside her case.