I can relate to how your W feels about giving up on the MR. It's really hard to engage after you've completely given up. To think that was the first time you have been alone in five months.......is very telling of a lonely W. And, you had not talked about your relationship since before S8 was born. That's a long time! She was starved for your attention and some one on one time. Marriages have to be nourished, or they die. It's just that simple.
It is not about what you feel should work in your M. It is about doing the work that gets the right results. Do what works!