I feel your pain!
The reason I went with the Schwinn first was because it is as benign a ride as I could imagine. Cushioned stem. Little wheels with fat tires. Suspension post with cushy, sprung seat. I even added REVERSED bar ends to reduce her stretch!
I don't think that she would have stuck with the Trek if I started out with it instead of the Schwinn. But now I'm hoping that after a year on the Trek she'll be ready for a real road bike!
Of course, the best part is that now I find HER reading the Colorado Cyclist and Nashbar catalogues as much as me!