Glad to hear you have such a fun week planned with your teacher and your girls.
In the dark recesses of my mind I recall some lengthy halfway driving you and Kim did early on to swap Caleigh. I can't remember the details, but do you think that has something to do with it? Another woman mothering her only child is something that's probably upsetting her, too. Because of Caleigh's tender years, your daughter will develop a significant nurturing relationship with someone other than her biological mom based on your romantic relationships. Kim is one scared mommy. It's a scenario you may dealing with at some point, too.
With that said.. what to do?
Ask in a reasonable way fashion validating her fears and reassuring her?
Offer Kim more time with Caleigh? (I remember she wasn't one to let you 'make up' days.)
I'd suggest not paying Kim.. but bribery might work. Offer to pay for a night or two in a hotel starting the day you leave. That way Kim can make the whole drive up, hang out at the beach with Caleigh for mother daughter bonding time and drive back at her leisure. Or a gift certificate for a Mommy/daughter mani/pedi. There must be some way to make having Caleigh be up there the entire week appealing to Kim... and not have it come back to bite you in the ass. Michele probably has some sound suggestions.
Try thinking like Kim... What would appeal to her? After all she's the one you have to convince.
