RSG, she needs to feel the loss, that's why it's the right thing to do. I'm not in your position with a young child, but I think if I was in your position when she asks why you didnt give update I'd say something to the effect of I was busy and it slipped my mind, I wouldn't acknowledge the part of even though she does, but if you feel like you must, maybe something along the lines of its not like I meant to not give you an update, I just had other things on my mind.
M - 9 1/2 years 5/5/16 - Bomb drop - 3 week EA 10/31/16 - We sold house 01/10/18 - D Finalized