Life has been busier than ever for us – and there’s nothing like having a baby to confirm your true priorities. We’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately: what exactly are our goals? What are we working towards? Hoping to gain? The answer, we realized, was definitely not more blog hits or traffic or approval. Honestly we both feel unsettled by the idea of our blog growing any larger, and we look fondly back on the earlier days when we worked less, slept more, and spent more quality time with our family and friends. This little website of ours has already surpassed every expectation we ever could have had for it. So what are we chasing?
When Clara was born we were both blogging full time, but we had about a third of the traffic that we have now and we usually shared around one project a week amidst other home-related chitchat, family happenings, polls, reader makeovers, etc. It was one of the best times of our lives. We did less and had less, and we were completely comfortable. So in light of everything on our plates, this new baby boy, and a girl who’s growing up entirely too fast (cue the Armageddon music), we’ve decided to paddle back towards that.
We know this choice may directly correlate to fewer hits and therefore less income – and we’re ok with that. Sure, it’s a little scary not knowing where we’ll be in a few months or years (but we’ve never known that as professional bloggers anyway). We’ve made “risky” career choices before in the name of life quality – like leaving the NYC rat race and giving up steady salaries for blogging – but they’ve also been some of our best decisions.
Just like we did when we made those leaps, we’ve saved enough to help us sleep at night. We’ve also both left the door open in our previous professions, so even if this choice means we’ll eventually be taking on freelance advertising work again (which I did to make a living before we started this blog, and which John has dabbled with over the last few years) it’s a risk we’re willing to take in the name of bringing some balance back into our lives.
The good news is that our love of home improvement and blogging is burned deep into our hearts, and our to-do list is still a mile long. We have no plans to stop blogging anytime soon. We’ll still be posting our projects, planning, shopping, and other usual fare here regularly. But things will be noticeably different as we recalibrate our priorities (we think we’ll end up in the 3-5 posts per week range).
We’ll also be going back to sharing all of our family posts on Young House Love (sorry Young House Life). We’ve always had family stuff here – in fact some of our favorite (and most popular) posts are the personal ones about things like breastfeeding, Clara’s birth story, her photo project, this ridiculousness, and random facts about me and John. Between those types of posts always existing on our main site, and Instagram taking the place of the smaller family updates, Young House Life has felt less necessary lately, so we won’t be posting over there anymore.
We know some people will be relieved by this change of pace (many of you have encouraged us to slow down) or excited about the new looser style of posting, while others might decide to tune out – and we’re ok with that too.
We feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to make this choice. It’s not a decision that we’ve made lightly, and we realized that if we don’t seize it now, we may never have the chance to again. Teddy is our last baby and Clara is just a year away from kindergarten (how did that happen?!), so we want to enjoy this time with them instead of working our nights, weekends, and vacations away chasing some business goal we don’t even want.
We have no idea what the future holds, but even if the internet exploded tomorrow, we’re already so grateful for this amazing and completely unexpected journey of ours. This blog has surprised us in the most major of ways, and has led to some unbelievable experiences and opportunities, many of which we can’t quite wrap our minds around.
We still have big dreams for this house of ours and can’t wait to share how it evolves with you guys. But if you’ll excuse us, I have an almost impossibly tiny diaper to change and John’s off to buy some lumber again…
Tabbitha @ Turnip Tootsie says
You can’t go wrong, when you are choosing to put your family first. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised, to see just how many of us continue to stick around! Like many of the above comments say, we love the decorating and the home improvements, but what we love the most is you, the Petersik family; so here’s to less blogging, and more family time!
<3
Tabbitha
Katie says
I don’t think you can go wrong by putting your family first and listing to what you feel most compelled to do. You have risen to success thus far by having fun and following your passions. I’m sure more of the same will continue to follow and I (among many of us) will continue to follow your blog.
Congrats on the new addition to your family!
Wishing you the very best,
Katie
Heather says
I’M SO EXCITED FOR YOU! (Yes, I just yelled that at the computer – in my head). I’ve been hoping for some time that you guys would scale back to take in family life more so you could steal those little moments back just for you. I also love that you’re bringing family posts back over – this blog is about your family as it should be. Instagram definitely impacted my blogging too, but I actually enjoy the balance I’ve found between the two.
I’m just so thrilled for you all. Here’s to stepping back, stealing those precious moments, and still having most of us here to enjoy in what you do choose to share. <3
Tanja says
Congratulations on actively taking a step back and focusing on what is important – family and friends. Life is short and it’s the only one we get so best take advantage of it.
Lacy says
Very well written. Your family is the cutest and your projects/crafts/challenges/stories are so relatable. I’ll be sticking around and applaud your decision to embrace your family, your time, and what goals you want to chase. Kudos!
Bree says
Good for you! I still intend on tuning in for your occasional DIY post and using your wealth of knowlege on your archives for inspiration. And I also intend to go buy YHL lines of merchandise at Target, etc. ( NEEEEEEEEED that key hook!)
You are sooooo doing the right thing. You’re awesome!
Emily Jo says
That should read …”to you four.”
Leila says
Horray!!! Good for you all!
Jodi T. says
Your blog was one of the very first that I ever religiously read and I’ll be a reader for life. I think it’s awesome that you have the option to down size and enjoy your life a little more. Can’t wait to see what the future brings for you guys (and the house).
Congratulations on the little guy, btw :D
Theresa says
Congrats! You should absolutely enjoy this time with family. I’ve often wondered how you managed to do all these projects, all these posts, secret projects AND have personal/family time. I’m glad you’re listening to your gut and aligning your work with your priorities. You’ve been my favorite blog for about 5 years now, so I won’t be going anywhere. And I look forward to the addition of family stuff on this blog and continuing to watch as you create your dream home.
Erin says
I think this is the biggest reason I have always been a huge fan of yours! You are such a down to earth, real family who really appreciates the important things in life. I will look forward to the posts just as I do now and will continue to be the avid follower of Young House Love!
Soak up all the new firsts with Teddy and enjoy all the exciting moments with Clara…they grow up too fast.
Cheers!
Marielle says
I follow so many blogs and yours is, by far, my very favorite. Fewer posts will be somewhat of a bummer BUT…I’m also so happy for you guys! You are making a decision that’s right for you and your family and I don’t think anyone can blame you for that. You’re focusing on what’s most important to you and that’s a wonderful thing. Clara and Teddy are so lucky to have you as parents.
God bless! I’ll still be following!
Sherri Conley says
Yes! I agree with your decision 100%! Family is so important and those little ones grow up so fast. Blessings to you all and congrats again on baby Teddy.
Brenna says
Good for you guys! Such a lovely post and I’m so happy for you! It’s a tough call to make, but I think you definitely made the right decision. I will absolutely be following any posts you still post though! :) Much love to you all!
Kaitlyn says
I hope you guys always have the courage to do what feels right with your blog. Kudos to you guys for trying to achieve the ever elusive work-life balance. It’s a tricky thing to do, and I wish you all the luck!
Elle B says
I’ll be sad to see fewer posts, because I love your blog and writing and evvvverything…but I think it is an awesome decision for y’all. Enjoy!
Catherine says
This is why I love your blog. You guys are so real and the fact that you aren’t ‘status’ chasers is a breath of fresh air these days. It is such a great example to so many people. Whenever you post, whatever you post, most of us come here for you. So happy for you that you get to have this time with your littles. What a wonderful way for them to grow up!
Laura says
Fantastic idea! As a new Mom to a 4 month old, I understand how quickly life can move and how fast these awesome little things grow up. Besides, I only get a chance to check your blog a few times a week so this will make it easier for me to stay caught up! Enjoy your moments with Teddy and Clara!
Ernie says
So does this mean you won’t be doing anything else for Target? I know the books/collections, etc. are a result of the blog’s success. Congrats on the new, big family.
YoungHouseLove says
We’ll be slowing down our pace on those as well, but obviously will still be working on projects we’ve committed to (like the book and future products, although they might come out later or be fewer and farther between).
xo
s
Angie says
You’ve made a very timely and sound business decision. And, if this is any consolation or comfort to you: the difference between 3-5 weekly posts vs more is just that now I may actually have the opportunity to read more of everything you post. I think you’ll discover the total number of clicks you get from your FB followers would remain almost the same. I, for one, simply don’t have time to read everything you’ve been putting out.
Lindsay L says
Maybe it’s just the pregnancy hormones, but this post made me tear up! I’d love to be able to step back and change priorities when our first little one arrives this fall. Family is so precious and the years pass too quickly. Enjoy this time with Clara and Teddy and know that your readers will still be here. I have been reading your blog for 4 years and have no plans of stopping!
Casey says
SO THRILLED to read this post. I am acutely aware that the more you give to me, as a reader, the less you have to give each other and your kids (two of them!). One of the reasons I, and I assume many of your followers, feel connected to you is you seem to share our priorities related to marriage, parenting, etc… and your work life has grown to a point that it could easily eclipse those things without a conscious decision to scale back. Proud you’ve decided to make it. As a stay-at-home and also freelance-work-at-home mom I have a hard time with the balance sometimes—and that’s doing about 3% of your workload. You get nothing but support from me… now and going forward!
Also, embarrassed to say I truly meant to sit down at the computer and write a heartfelt congratulations on Teddy and his uneventful delivery (in the drama sense, not the you-got-a-new-baby out of it sense), and haven’t don’t it yet. Not that you missed it. :) But I really am so so happy for you, and also happy you found another classic literary name to go with Clara. :) Enjoy these days, they are so fleeting.
Julie H. says
Every time I click to your blog is like a visiting old friends and catching up with
you. Slowing down is a good thing for both of you and your family. Enjoy this time. Won’t stop visiting. I will keep checking in to see whats new with you.
Kelly says
I just made the same decision to stay home and leave teaching, even though money will be super tight. I’m super nervous about it, but I know that the time will be WAY more precious than the money. I’ve thought a lot about you guys, and couldn’t imagine how you were faring have TWO kiddos and still working. Seeing this post this morning was wonderful. It helped my heart. It encouraged me that I’m making the right decision. It also makes me so happy to see that you guys get to be with your family more. You’ve shared your life with us, and we love you guys! I think we all want what is best for you, and knowing that you get the opportunity to slow down and enjoy this time with your family is such a blessing.
Whatever posts you do wil be awesome, and I, for one, am SUPER excited about this new journey. For you and us! Less is more!! :)
Laura says
I’m so glad you guys have made this decision – I really admire how down to earth and discerning you guys are and I think this is part of being true to that. I can’t wait to see your home continue to evolve on a slower, healthier pace. :)
Shelby says
What a great post! Enjoy the slowing down. Fewer posts won’t drive me away! I’ll enjoy them all the more. All the best to you guys.
Erika says
So proud of you – less is ALWAYS more, yet I’m sure making this decision was very difficult. I am one who loves the “laid back” posts – the glimpses of normal, real, common, everyday stuff. You are GREAT people, and you bring joy and laughter with a side of practicality and the gift of reason to my life.
Whatever you do is GOLD, Petersiks. We love you!
Mikal says
I got goosebumps reading this post!!! I’m so excited for your family that you’re making this decision. I wish more people had their priorities straight! This post just endeared me to you further. <3 Enjoy the time with your babies. My oldest is finishing up his freshman year in college, and my two youngest are heading into Kindergarten in the fall. The time goes by way too fast, so enjoy every second. <3
Chris says
You won’t lose this reader!! :) I am so excited to get to see more family updates here and to continue to follow your progress on your projects. We homeschool two of our 3 (the third is only 18 months old) and I made the jump off of Facebook and all social media sites over the past year or so. I still read approx. 3 blogs and check e-mail, but other than that I’m with my kiddos and taking care of things here at home. I love it! A slower pace isn’t for everyone (some people really do thrive on having more to do and that’s a great thing–they are some of the people keeping the world and resources I use every day going!), but there is definitely something to be said for backing up and taking a deep breath. I am so excited for you guys as you continue to enjoy your newest little one and many prayers for sleep and rest for you in the coming months!!
MrsMurrrm says
I think I join the list of people who are posting for the first time just to show support.
As others have said, your commitment to your family is beautiful. At the end of the day, this blog is a job: one I’m very glad you do! Your marriage and children are the priority, and by making that clear to the world, you challenge us all to follow your example. The world likes DIY blogs (a lot!). The world needs families.
I wish you Petersiks the very best, and I look forward to continue following your story :)
Molly says
You guys rock! I love that you put your family first! I commend you for this decision. Enjoy every minute with your babies!!!! Only good things will come from this!!! :)
Kaelyn says
Just another reason to love you guys.
You are setting such an amazing example of being true to yourselves, being willing to dive into the unknown, and taking time to prioritize your sweet young family. Things so many of us struggle to do.
I wish your family nothing but the best in this season.
3 posts, 5 posts, or 1 post a week – I will always look forward to catching a glimpse of your passion, creativity, and love for design.
Laura says
I think this is such a great move for you all! My best childhood memories are those with the whole family and although my parents worked a lot, they always made time for the family, so it is something that both Clara and Teddy will treasure later in life and there is no better thing you can do than that!
Mackenzie says
I’ll still stop by every weekday! You guys are my favorites! Good for you!
Jen says
I rarely post here, but I read your blog every day and get freakishly excited when there is a new post. I’m a technical writer by trade, so the type of writing you guys do that’s this fun hybrid of, well, fun with technical is something I deeply admire. You both seem like the type of people everyone wants to be friends with in real life and your blog will always be among my favorites as long as it exists. I appreciate how much you share with us – of both yourselves and your home improvement abilities. More than that, I appreciate you guys looking out for your family and stepping back in a world that keeps trying to add more.
I’m not sure what I’m trying to say other than “good for you!” and “I’m sticking around because you’re my fave!” :)
Tara says
Good for you guys! It’s really about time you finally slow down. Don’t worry, I’ll still be just as excited to read 3-5 post as I was to read 7-9 :) I’m sure there are more people out there who feel the same!
Kate says
An excellent move forward!! Clearly, we all couldn’t agree more! Lots of love and good thoughts to your family during this precious time in life. I will definitely be staying tuned in the future. xo
Alicia says
Good for you! This post made me tear up because of how awesome it is that you put family first. Your accomplishments are something to proud of but I’ve been worried about the pace you’ve set and I don’t even know you! I’d hate for you to burn out and not be able to enjoy your family and life. I’ve been a reader for five years now and plan to stick around :)
Teresa says
Did I read correctly the sentence where you say Teddy is your last baby?
I hadn’t gotten that idea from your previous posts…although it’s none of our business, I hope it isn’t health concerns that made you choose that. Say it ain’t so!………
YoungHouseLove says
We’ve been on the “we’ll be satisfied with two healthy babies” train for a while (pretty much since the complications with Clara’s birth, although we weren’t 100% sure until more recently). With Teddy here we just feel complete :)
xo
s
Aja says
Like so many others have said, taking care of your family and keeping yourselves living a life that makes you happy is the most important thing! I’ll still be here for any and all posts! Congratulations on little Teddy, you guys are such a sweet little family!
India says
Well done to you guys on taking such a strong decision and articulating the reasoning behind it so well! I think we can all learn from you, in that often we are running ourselves ragged, trying to do more, be more, earn more, and headed in a certain direction without ever taking a moment to think about whether it’s the right thing for us.
I’m sure tons of readers will be with you all the way, after all the blog has evolved so many times over the years (perhaps not as consciously as this time!) and we will all still love reading your posts, whether that’s 3 a week or one a day.
amanda says
How can I say what hundreds of others already have in a different way? Don’t think I can – so I’ll just say good for you, great decision, whether you post once a day, once a week or once a month, I’ll always enjoy seeing what the Petersiks are up to.
Angela A. says
I fell in love with your blog when you guys just started out and am happy to hear that you are scaling back a bit for the sake of your family. I get it and am actually relieved to hear that it’s catching up with you; I was starting to think y’all were super heroes. It was getting really hard to keep up with your blog as a reader. I actually enjoy reading blogs more when there is a little anticipation. Good for you. I’ll keep reading.
Dana says
Good for you! Do what’s best for your family.
Barbara in CT says
I’ve been reading since the kitchen remodel in your first house. While you started out with a house blog, I’ve enjoyed getting to know you through all your posts. You really are the finest example of what young couples and families should aspire to.
You could never post often enough for me but I respect your choice to step back a bit so that you can do what is most important for you and your family. You deserve every bit of the success you have achieved.
Karmen says
I love you guys!! I don’t think I’ve ever posted a comment before, but this post was just so timely for me, I had to! I’ve been a reader for a looong time, and applaud you for making the switch. It’s always important to take care of yourselves and your family, and I couldn’t be more excited for what the future will hold for you all. I think I speak for lots of your readers – we appreciate what you do, and will continue to appreciate it :) Best wishes.
Shannon says
I will miss daily weekday posts, but I can understand your re-focusing. We did the same thing in our family 2 yrs ago, when I became a stay at home mom. It’s been an adjustment, but so rewarding!
I look forward to seeing how your home evolves with your new addition!
Allison says
As a long time reader (and someone who went back and made sure to read every previous post) I love this post so much. While you guys are DIY all the way, there is no shortage of love for your family shining through your blog and I think that this change will actually make your site richer reading material for everybody.
I will be sure to continue to check in daily and I look forward to reading more in the future!
Rachel @ The Sunny Disposition Home says
I completely understand, family first!! I just started blogging and am finding it to be very time consuming :/ I will miss the daily posts!
http://www.thesunnydispositionhome.blogspot.com
Bonnie says
I’m so impressed by the maturity and foresight you two have for the way you handle your blog and your family and life, in general. Major decisions are never easy exactly but sometimes it becomes incredibly clear what you must do. Good for you! :)