Are you in love with your job? I think sometimes the decision can be easier based on that - if you aren't then quit and having the time at home with Avaleigh will let you re-evaluate where your interests are and you might even choose a different career path.
Great question Sherie. NO I am not in love with my job. So that is why I am thinking of just quitting and when I do return to work full time I will make sure I am in the field that I want to be (architecture!!)

But everyone has stated a good fact that if I do take the maternity leave, then it will be a safety net if I do need to return back to work after the 12 months. Thanks everyone. I feel like I will just stick to my original plan of taking the maternity leave and seeing what happens after the 12 months