I didn't want the mother to die, but they've dropped so many hints that she did. This was the only way to fit the story into what was already shown throughout the series.

Here's how I would've liked the story to end: Barney and Robin had their share of marital problems, but instead of divorce, they decide to separate. Barney, heartbroken over the separation, decides to adopt a baby girl. Robin sees Barney looking at his daughter for the first time and is overcome with emotion - they…