Conflicted Emotions

[As we are coming in the house from swimming lessons]

"Mama, do we need drama in our lives?"

[grin] "No, Natalie, I guess we don't need drama in our lives"

"That's what I thought... but I still miss Kaitlin"

[insert big laugh from mom]

She is one funny girl. She misses Kaitlin so much when she is not here, but at the same time enjoys the not having to continuously bargain and compromise for things at home.

Kaitlin has been gone since Sunday on a school retreat and I have to admit that without the tension of having to get her to school on time we have been getting out of the house late these last two mornings. As we got in the car this morning, Natalie mumbled "we need Kaitlin to be able to get to school on time..." and then she smiled at me and said "but at least nobody is yelling at us that we are going to be late".

However, don't let her fool you into thinking she does not like routines. Both mornings, she has left the car crying because since we have gotten to school later than normal she is supposed to go straight to her classroom and not wait in the gym for the bell to ring and that causes her great confusion.

This afternoon, while having her snack, she told me "tomorrow, let's pretend Kaitlin is here and leave for school on time".

Great idea, Natalie!