M.S.
Speaking as a stepmom of a wonderful 7 year old (I have been her stepmom since she was 2 1/2), I have to say that I would have loved it if her mom and come over to the car and spoke to me, or waved at me, or just even pretended like I exsisted. Things are much improved now, but the beginning was horrible. It is so difficult on both parties because I didn't want to offend her mother (who, by the way, is easily offended)so I was always cautious about my words and actions (okay, I walked on eggshells constantly). She didn't want to acknowledge the fact that I even exsisted. As the "newbie" it would have been nice to have the go-ahead from Mom that it was okay with her that I was around. Go for it. Make the first move. If she doesn't open up to that, I would have concerns about her person. Best of luck!