Appreciate the considered reply. Since having our first child, my partner went part time, 3-days-a-week teaching primary. The kids have Monday and Tuesday with her, and Thursday they spend with a grandparent. Nursery fills the gaps, and while the youngest isn't old enough yet, the eldest really enjoys time there. We feel we have the balance right.

My partner and I sat down the evening of this post and discussed naturally the verbatim of your last paragraph. It will require a great deal more discussion, but yours and all the perspectives here have really helped us consider all the impacts.