Agreed, I took off 3 months when our second was born, then 3 months part time. Looking back, now in my late 50s, I realize work life is so long and toddlerhood

Agreed, I took off 3 months when our second was born, then 3 months part time. Looking back, now in my late 50s, I realize work life is so long and toddlerhood so short. If I could go back I'd try to take a leave of absence for maybe a year. All of this is of course is luxurious thinking for people with wealth and skills that stay in demand.