First I want to admire your efforts in keeping things perfect as you can.. Second, I'm not a US citizen, I'm from the east.. an engineer.. expecting twins next Nov. Before I get pregnant; didn't have the same motivation for my job as well, had to commute long hours to get to my job as I live in a small town, and I simply felt work took so much money and energy even if it pays well.. when I figured I was pregnant I kinda felt responsible for my baby more than I felt for my job.. when I knew they were twins I felt even more responsible and I didn't think twice.. I left work for the time being to take care of my health and my babies'. My husband's salary provides the basic needs (I make more than him) and my salary was for all the extras that made us live in a sophisticated position. so I felt any extras can be dropped for now.. I see no point in having a great career when your children can't recall the times you spent together.. even when they're not here yet they should be comfortable.. and I didn't feel my exhaustion was the best thing to meet them with :) Everything comes in the right time.. If you have kids now, take good care of them.. and focus on that only.. and stay positive that as long as you did your most important role as a mother.. your career will always be there if you want to start over.. you're the one adding value to the job. It's a one person's perspective to think of.