I haven't been in the mood to blog lately. I don't have much drama (to share).

Rita has been a very sweet girl lately. I don't know how to explain this - but I've been really enjoying our time together. She's been easier to get along with, we talk & share more, and she really is just a happy girl who seems happy to be with us. Lately, she has been spontaneously grabbing my hand when we are walking, or coming over after dinner and sitting on my lap, or saying nice things like "I love you mom" "I will miss you mom" in the mornings before going to school. We also sort of have a routine in the morning, where she'll come in and show me what she has picked out to wear and will finish off styling her hair with my styling cream - while I'm doing mine - and will watch me and flick her hair back and forth imitating my actions. It's too cute.

I think I am also enjoying our time together because I feel more secure in my parenting abilities and therefore act with more confidence. I'm also feeling pretty good about my work-life balance. I've been working 7:45 to 4:15ish and then picking Rita up from school (or coming home on days Michael picks her up). We have a homework routine, dinner routine and getting ready for dinner routine.

This week we have Science Night (I'm a helper), school pictures and a high school football game on Friday night. We are also thinking about going shoe shopping on Thursday and "extreme bowling" on Saturday night. Hmmm, I just remembered that I have early dinner plans with a group of adoptive moms on Saturday night.