good luck to all you guys with kids and doing a phd, sounds challenging!
As for getting back into research after long term leave (eg having a baby), there's something called the daphne Jackson trust. they give fellowships to people who've been out of the research ciruit for an extended period. I think you apply for funding for a particular project and there's some kind of requirement of the lab you go to, that they will provide you with training in new techniques etc that you may not be up to speed on. Just thought that might be helpful for those of you having babies in the future!