This is a great thing. This will give the writers time to tighten up the story and not have to do so much filler. This will also give Kerry plenty of time off from when she has her baby till the start of season 4 production. I think 18 episodes per season should be a permanent fix. Then they can start the season a little later like in October end it in December with the first 9 episodes having  aired then come back in February to finish up the final 9 with the season ending in late April.