What's up with that? Maternity leave in Sweden

What's up with the fact that Swedish family leave for the birth of a child is 480 days. This is split between both parents as they choose. That comes out to about 16 months. All of this is paid, with a guarantee to return to your position, and continued health benefits (which is nationalized). This leave can also be extended if one wanted to come back part-time or flex hours in that respect. Rob's co-worker is having a baby in a week and will begin 8 months of paid maternity leave. Then her partner will take another 6 months of paid leave after she returns to work. This policy is thought to benefit the child, and the parents by not putting to much burden on one parent. Also, they say it assists women to remain competitive in the workforce by not having significant work gaps from quitting a job to stay at home and care for the kids. It all sounds great to me.

Drottningholm Palace was ok. Weren't overly impressed as palaces go. The gardens we great for Saniya who brought he favorite ball to play catch.

Rowan is sleeping more. The issue seems to be separation anxiety and if we sit with him until he goes back to sleep then he doesn't cry the entire night. This takes about an hour or two and he usually wakes upset around 11 to 1 am. Lovin' it. Also, he is crawling now and really getting around. He is 8 and 1/2 months. Time flys!

All else is going well. Saniya is definitely challenging right now. But, she misses her house and her friends. What can I say.

Yasmiene