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Addison Heard uses an image of his wife and infant son for the background on his laptop. An MBA student at the University of Virginias Darden School of Business, Heard thinks about his family constantly. But because hes away at B-school, he has experienced much of his sons first year via phone calls and digital photos. Says Heard, It has been particularly hard, not being there with them every day. This was his familys choice. It didnt make financial sense for his wife, Eden, a corporate lawyer in Washington, to quit her job, sell their condo， and move to Charlotterville with her husband. So he went alone. In his first Year each spouse made the 200-mile round-trip commute on alternate weekends. Since their son was born last May, Addison has been doing most of the driving。 As complicated as the Heards situation seems, it isnt all that rare. In any year, hundreds of couples deal with how to handle the family logistics of going to B-school. Some choose a long-distance relationship, commuting back and forth on weekends and breaks. Others see partners and children only on vacations and holidays. Still others pack up the family and bring them along。 Being apart hasnt been easy, but the Heards have made it work. On weekends when the couple is in Virginia, they attend social events, so she can feel a part of the community. Heard also avoids Friday classes to gain more family time. Weve gotten into a routine that works, he says, but Im looking forward to being home, so the three of us can be a family. | 
