I was having a year off with some travelling and 'thinking' when we learned my girl was arriving! So had 6 months at home with her anyway which was great, although strange too as my dad died in same period - which made it a very emotional time, even though we were prepared for my dad's death (cancer). I missed that time at home when my boy came along. Would think hard about taking 6 months though, not just for financial reasons, but also because works alot easier than looking after a new one on your tod!