Rita has been very cooperative, and simply adorable the last two nights.

After dinner on Monday night, it was just Rita and I at home. She was upstairs trying to replicate a picture that Lena drew earlier in the day. I called her down to take Thani for a walk. She came down without argument and we went on a nice walk. Then she asked me to come up and help her with her shower. She wanted me to wash her back, and I helped shampoo her hair and dry her off. Then she wanted me to brush her teeth. We cut her bangs and nails. Then, we read a book and went to bed. It was 1.5 hours of really good bonding activities.

And tonight as I was cooking dinner, Rita really REALLY wanted to help in the kitchen. She kept asking (politely!) to help with the dishes, the food preparation, etc. Then she asked politely to go outside, and then said unprompted that she loved both of us. And she said I was prettiful ... you know, the cross between "pretty" and "beautiful". (Gosh, I guess she could have been saying "pitiful" but she said it so sweetly with a smile.)

I really hope this lasts another day (or more).


School report

Rita likes her teacher, her classmates, and went to after-school care without trouble. Mommy guilt is high right now as we are leaving Rita at school from 2:20 until 4:45pm - that's the soonest I can get there. I am fortunate I can leave early from work but I still feel bad that she has to go to after-school care. Her teachers are very nice though and it seems like they have a good program ... freetime, homework time, snack, outdoor games and indoor craft. When I picked Rita up today she was playing dodgeball with a bunch of boys and she was totally into it ... laughing and having a good time. I see this as a good opportunity for her to socialize (without me needing to schedule a million playdates ... don't kids just get together and play anymore??? not where we live!) and run off some energy before coming home.