Last week saw the dramatic return of Izzie Stevens to Grey’s Anatomy. It turns out that the return will be somewhat short-lived.

ABC has confirmed that Katherine Heigl will soon be leaving again for some maternity leave. The actress is taking time off to spend with her husband, Josh Kelley, and their newly adopted daughter, Naleigh. (Her previous leave was to shoot a film.)

Heigl is expected to return to the show in early 2010.