I'm amazed at how laid-back my 5-month-old son has been when dragged around the country while I attempt to juggle motherhood with sport.
To date, my dribbling, nappy-filling offspring has: slept through a Manawatu Turbos game (which wasn't an indication of how boring the game was, because they won); supported from the sidelines as I attempted to play 20 minutes of rugby without embarrassing myself or blowing a gasket; stayed relatively silent in the background as I clocked in for board teleconferences; attended the launch of the Maori rugby centenary celebrations at the Beehive; and slept in his buggy while I walked 10km up and down the hills surrounding Kaiteriteri.
Being a parent has definitely changed my perspective on life and what role sport plays in my life, and in the life of my family.
I want to be a good role model for my son, I want to make sure we have a secure future, and I am more understanding of what it is like to try to maintain a healthy work-life-leisure balance.
It seems family has also played a significant role in the decision-making process for two former All Blacks, but the outcome has meant one is coming home to roost, while the other continues to chase the dollar overseas.
Carl Hayman waited until the last minute to announce he was no longer considering a return to New Zealand shores in time for the next World Cup.
Instead, he has ditched Newcastle for Toulon to ensure his family has a sound financial base for the future.
Rumours suggest the Toulon deal means Hayman is rolling in the hay, and fair enough.
In professional sport it is important for athletes to harvest what they can while the sun is still shining.
Hayman's star is still shining bright and, unfortunately, the lure of coming home wasn't bright enough to divert his attention from the millions of dollars being thrown in his direction.
As one star shines, another one dims.
Tana Umaga is entering the twilight years of his playing career, and has struggled to foot it as a professional coach in the European club circuit.
His mana as a community icon, however, is unquestioned and perhaps it is enough to pull in the punters for the struggling Counties-Manukau union.
For Umaga, the lure of being close to his wife's family was enough to get him to pack his bags, rugby boots, berets, croissants and parenting journals.
He should be commended for realising he needs development as a coach, and it looks like Counties-Manukau is willing to give him that mentoring support he needs.
New Zealand's hopes of having one of the best props in the world back in black have been extinguished, but the flame of community interest may have been ignited for Counties-Manukau.
With careful management of all his roles, Umaga could attract crowds, instil passion in his team-mates, and make a sound contribution as a player.
In terms of value for money, I'd invest in Umaga over Hayman any day.
