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…
Lacey Denton says
You two are amazing! Nothing but love and respect for the both of you. I read your blog because I too am a DIYer but I keep reading it because of the heart, soul and family you put into it. Family is so important I am so glad you two are putting things in place to make sure that priority #1 stays #1. Teddy is beautiful, love the name!
Kerry says
Good for you guys! You’re inspiring me to think about what I really want and how to get there, instead of just being in the rat race.
Jen says
Good for you!!! Enjoy that family of yours…
krys72599 says
I’ll be here, at this end of the blog, whenever you post…
If it’s less often, woe is me, but yay for you and yours!!! You don’t need me to tell you to put your family first – it’s been quite obvious to all of us who have been here from the beginning (well, just after the wedding…) that your young house is full of love. I just want to say thanks for sharing, and I hope you’re around – at least a little bit – for many more years to come… but be sure to do it on your own schedule, putting those beautiful children and each other first!
Barb says
You two will never have these amazing and precious years with your kids again. You will not regret your decision to tone it down. Go for it and enjoy those beautiful babes of yours!
Jill says
Bravo!
We just sent our youngest off to college last fall. We made similar life choices & don’t regret not having a larger home or better careers. Our children (all in college) actually text/talk/visit with us weekly. They knew our family was our priority & we’re reaping the harvest of those choices.
Besides, your posts will now be more like dessert instead of a daily meal.
Blessings to you all.
Stacey C says
We’ll all miss the daily updates, but I never understood how you did it all to begin with! I have 2 little ones and couldn’t dream of accomplishing anywhere near what you guys do! Congratulations on the new baby and I’m glad you guys will be taking the time you need for your family. I’ll still tune in and can’t wait to see what you guys do next!
Whitney says
You guys are amazing! My husband and I had our first baby in September and we talk all the time about how to balance work/life so that our little family always comes first. It’s tough and there are tough decisions to be made, but I don’t think anyone ever regrets spending more time with the ones they love! You guys are a great example to a young family like us. And you know we’ll keep reading. God Bless!
ps. We definitely just hung your teal octopus hooks (from Target) in our son’s bathroom – they are just too cute holding his little hooded towels!
Sara says
At the end of day family is what is most important. I am so glad that you are evaluating what’s important to you at this time and making the changes that will bring you the most happiness. Like others have posted I enjoy the sharing of yourselves and who you are a family the most, not how often you post and how many projects you do. Enjoy your family!
Belinda says
Good for you! I for one will continue to follow along regardless of how little (or lot) you post! Congrats on prioritizing what is truly important!
Brittany says
Many kudos. It’s a tough decision to make. My husband and I had our first baby last year and have since taken voluntary demotions at work. Choosing lifestyle over career, prestige and money can be difficult (it’s surely not what our culture promotes as the “right” choice), but sticking to what’s important to YOU is admirable. I find you have to keep making the choice every day as friends or classmates buy huge homes or get promoted to awesome new gigs. But, doing your own thing and being so proactive with your life decisions is… liberating.
Good luck with your new approach!
And John – UVA Class of ’04 FTW!
Andrea says
Yes. Good for you, guys. I too have slowed down or chosen to do less at various points in my career. It’s always been rejuvenating. So important to not just grow for the sake of growth!
As the Yiddish toast goes: May you go from strength to strength!
Leisa says
So glad to hear it guys!
What’s the point of creating a beautiful home you love if you never have the time to enjoy it?
No-one ever lay on their death-bed wishing they spent more time at work. So enjoy your life, your home and of course your family.
From the 900 plus comments, it sounds like we’ll all still be here, ready to read whatever you have to post.
xx
Deborah says
Good for you!!! I was hoping that’s what this post was. I was a little stressed out by your “a day in the life” posts. We appreciate all that you do for us readers, but it isn’t necessary. Although we love a post or two every day, 3 a week is just fine too. Enjoy your sweet babies. Mine did go to kindergarten this year. Sob.
stephanie says
and that’s why we love y’all.
Sara T says
Congrats on the change! New babies tend to cause us to pause and reflect on life (as I hold my almost 4 month old). I will keep reading, regardless of how many posts you do a week. I started reading when I lived across the country in AZ, continued reading as we became “locals” in the Richmond area, and will continue reading wherever the Army takes us next.
Anna says
One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about your blog is your interest in keeping it real. Good for all of you for evaluating your priorities and making adjustments that will bring you happiness. Thank you for sharing your lives and your stories with all of us. I’m sure I am one of many who feel personally invested in seeing you all be happy first and seeing your projects second. Enjoy!
Andrea says
Just…bravo. Way to set (once again) a really good example. Rock on with your new little one!
Lindsay J says
Good for you! At first, I was a little bummed. I hate to hear less from you. But in reality, I only pop on once a day to read. I love to hear about everything you have going on. Even the non-project related things (life). You are right; you’re blessed. This blog has opened up so many opportunities for you.
I am excited to hear that you are focusing on family and what matters most. Your readers respect you and you will become more fruitful!
You have always been inspiring, and with this change, you continue to be! THANK YOU!
Tania says
I think it will be a good thing both for the blog and for you guys! Personally (this is just how I feel) sometimes the posts were a little fluffy for my taste, and I always wondered if that was due to the pressure on you guys to post post post. I think less quantity will up the quality of the posts, and obviously allow you more family time. It’s a win/win and I don’t think you will lose readers.. so a win/win/win!
Andy C. says
God bless you guys. I was wondering how you could do it, while I could barely keep up reading with 2 kids under 4 of my own.
Taylor says
This is such a commendable decision. As a newbie freelance blogger I couldn’t BELIEVE how much work you guys were doing. I don’t even do DIY have kids or own a home and with my own blog posts, pitching, and posting for others I feel overloaded. I can’t imagine how busy you must have been. Congrats on your beautiful family. You’ve got a forever follower in me!
Maggie Lord says
As a fellow blogger I could not agree with you more! Very inspiring!!
Jamie says
Good for you! As we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our little girl I have noticed that our priorities are slowly shifting. I never really wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, but now that she is coming I desperately wish I could be. These littles change an grow way to fast and I don’t want to miss anything!
I’m excited to see more family posts! The remodel, DIY stuff is fun, but watching Clara grow up has been more fun, and I appreciate how much you are willing to share with all of us!
Enjoy your family, you only have one, and they are truly the greatest gift!
jbhat says
Wonderful! Whatever works for you and your family works for me.
jbhat
emily says
This warms my heart. Can’t wait to read what you have time to write, but so happy you’re making this choice. Kiddies grow up too quickly, and I have never heard anyone ever say they regret spending too much time with their little ones. xoxoxo
Kristin says
I am so glad you’re making a choice that fits your needs. I will keep coming here for sure! I know it won’t diminish the quality of ideas and tips you put out there! And it actually helps me with my “working mom with 2 small children at home” goal of spending more time off the computer and with my kids. :) Best wishes, so happy for you all!
Emily says
Good for you guys! As a mom myself (one that is 4 born just before Clara and one on the way), I can no longer even keep up with reading all your post so I completely understand. Enjoy your family time, you deserve it =)
Sharon says
I’m very impressed with your self-knowledge and bravery. As someone reassessing where I am and where I’m going (and having just started a blog that I mean to be just a creative outlet on the side of my paying job) I wonder where all the outside projects you have taken on fall into your plans? I.e. more books, the hospital family room makeover, the show house. Do you see more of those in your future or fewer? Do you think taking them on upped the breathless pace? I had been wondering on on earth you had been juggling it all.
I wish you the very, very best of luck and will miss my assured daily 10 a.m. hit. It’s my mental coffee break at work.
Sharon
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
Angela says
Dear Young House Love,
I started reading your blog several years ago after doing a Google search for mood boards. I was very impressed with your site, your projects, and most of all; what nice people you are.
I am once again impressed by your decisions regarding your family. That sweet baby boy will be running and jumping off of every surface available pretty soon and it is wonderful that you are opting to enjoy the experience fully! I can’t believe that Clara is almost in school!
Jamie says
Good for you guys! I’ll still be eager to read every post :)
Sharon says
As a retired teacher, I will let you know the first 6 years of a child’s life are the most important! We influence them the most in these years. You are so wise to make this choice and influence so many readers. Congratulations !
Ashley C says
While I absolutely love all your posts and I am a little sad you won’t be posting as frequently, your family is the absolute most important thing! So glad you guys can step back and do what is best for you and your family! Congratulations on little teddy. He is a doll. Here’s to more sleep (hopefully!) :) and more cuddle time with your littles!
Jordan says
I have a new level respect for you and love that your making this choice.
Pam the Goatherd says
YHL is the only blog (of the 10 that I follow regularly) that has a new post every weekday. You guys have been really INTENSE with the regularity of posts for quite a while now. I’ve frequently wondered how you manage to keep up with it and still do anything else.
So, I completely understand your decision to dial it back a bit. All I ask is that you keep posting Clara’s Conversations. Those are some of my favorites!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s so funny how many Clara Conversations comments there are! They definitely aren’t going anywhere, and it’s so nice to hear how many of you guys like them :)
xo
s
Sarah says
Good for you guys! I’m happy for you, that you’ve figured out what you want and what works for you and are going for it! And I, for one, am excited to hear about more family posts on this site, (I would sometimes forget to check Young House Life) those are some of my favorites :) Enjoy this precious time with your family…I can guarantee we will all still be here for whatever you’re willing to give us ;)
And word of advice, things I’m sure you already know (since our third, who is a year old now, is our last)…soak.it.all.in!! Hold him every chance you get, enjoy those middle of the night feedings, just you and him. They grow up way too fast and it’s just all so bittersweet with that last babe.
Essie says
I have been a daily reader since the week after you had Clara! And I will continue reading! It is so wonderful that you are doing this for your family. I am glad that you are and at times have missed when things were slower for you guys because I could relate to you more! I know this is personal but why is Teddy your last baby? I’m sure others have asked this too but it stuck out to me so was wondering.
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
grace Nielsen says
Bravo!! Once again, you’ve made a brilliant decision!! SO wonderful and wise! We’ll be happy with whatever tidbits of your lives you offer us in your blog-world! You will NEVER regret this decision. <3
Alexis says
Nice try… but you’re not getting rid of me that easy! Just kidding. So happy for you and your beautiful family and I’ll still be stopping by every day! I love all your posts… family, style, DIY, Burger and everything in between. I think it’s wonderful that you’re doing what’s right for you. I’ll be around no matter what!
Sharon says
Wondering how y’all see your outside projects playing out? More books, hospital family rooms and show houses, or fewer? Those were the things I watched in the last year and wondered, “How can they do all that?”
As someone reassessing life, and having just started a blog as a creative outlet, I wish you the very best and will sincerely miss my assured 10 a.m. mental coffee break from work when I always check in.
XO. Sharon
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 fewer & farther in between).
xo,
s
Jessica says
Love the reminder that you’ll never get this time back. Enjoy those sweet babies. They do grow way too fast!
Jennifer says
This only makes me love you more. I can’t imagine how crazy your life is! You all are the example of the TRUE American Dream! So happy for you!
Meg says
Good for you! No matter how many times you post or what you post about I will always be a reader. I don’t read your blog because of how often or how much content you pack in, but because of how thoughtful and real you have always felt. I rarely comment, but always read, and that won’t change. We have one little guy (Teddy, actually!), and hope to add another into the mix soon. I look forward to watching and reading about how you adjust to two kiddos and seeing the house come along. Clara is going to be just the best older sister.
Sending lots of (not creepy) internet love your way. xoxox
Jennifer Cobb says
This is your BEST post ever. I had a baby in December and I cannot believe how the time is already flying. I love that you are downsizing a little, and even bigger yay for the family posts (they are my favourite!!) You will not lose fans or traffic I’m positive, and as you said, who cares if you do? you know what is important and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the kind of people (and family) you are! Much love xxxx
Ps. I was sad to read on your breastfeeding post that feeding in public isn’t that ‘ok’ over there (USA). I couldn’t imagine the extra nerves that must add to it. Im in London and I had to get over my shyness pretty quickly with a real wriggly boy! :-) xxx
Jennifer Cobb says
Sorry PPS! if you get chance one day, could you quickly post how you get such gorgeous baby pics? (like the Teddy bunny in the chair one) I have an slr and it doesn’t come out that good! thanks! xxx
YoungHouseLove says
Sure! We’re hoping to take some more newborn photos of him and will share our settings/how we got them (assuming we get a few good ones, haha!).
xo
s
Marissa says
Buy the “nifty fifty” lens!!! It’s AMZING and will give you professional looking photos with sharp focus, natural light, and lovely blurry background (bokeh). It’s a beautiful portrait lens, even if you’re not ready to take your camera off auto (but do turn off the auto flash).
It’s a fixed lens (so no zoom), 50 mm-1.8mm aperture. You will not regret it, and it’s only around $200. Google nifty fifty lens for more info.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, we love our nifty fifty!
xo
s
Jennifer Cobb says
Thanks Sherry and Marissa! – I will google and look forward to your post xxx
Emily says
Ooh! I agree – I would love the newborn baby photography tips! I have the same camera that you guys, but not the same results (yet!) Maybe I can learn a thing or two before baby #2 arrives in October!
Ladizzle says
AWESOME!!!!! So so happy for your family! Putting family FIRST will change the world!!!!!!!!
Whitney Dupuis says
Good for you guys. At the end of the day, the most important thing is family and what is best for you and your beautiful children. I commend you for making this decision. We, as loyal readers, will always be around cheering you guys on!
Stefani says
I love you guys!
This post and reading through some of the comments kept bringing tears to my eyes. As I started reading your post, I thought, “oh my gosh, yes, this is exactly what I was hoping for, even though I didn’t realize I was hoping for it!”
I showed your Facebook picture of Sherry and Teddy to my husband and step son the other day, saying how sweet it was and how tiny he is, and my step son said, “who’s that?” and my husband said, “that’s Stefani’s friend Sherry.” I DO feel like you guys are my friends, even though we don’t know each other.
And I DO get so teary eyed thinking about how precious our little children are, and how fleeting the time is that we get to spend with them.
I think you guys are the perfect model of following your dreams, and keeping your priorities straight, and I believe you have been a positive inspiration for MANY people because your story is so magical, almost like a fairy tale – and it shows that if you follow your heart, your passions, believe in yourself, keep your priorities straight, and live with kindness and respect, you can live an AMAZING LIFE where miracles happen that you never could have predicted in a million years (publishing a book?!, your own product line at TARGET?!) and I know that you will continue to have success and more miracles because you all live your life with integrity, faith, love, and passion, and you DREAM BIG!
Enjoy this time, cherish the moments, savor your success both in your family and your “business,” and allow yourselves to FEEL all of the love and support flowing towards you from all of your blog reader friends :-)
E.D.R. says
And this is why I love this blog. Because, even with all the amazing and wonderful things you are doing, you are keeping it real as real people with real priorities and not diving into the crazy rat race. I am sad I won’t get a daily YHL fix, but I am so glad for you, and your ability to be able to do this. Enjoy the littles, and do what you love.
Kara Joy says
Proud of you guys for being alert to your feelings and life enough to realize the need to shift gears. You’re so hard-working and have been rewarded for it, but you’re right that babies bring enormous clarity to priorities. I have learned so much as a first-time mom this year.
Praying many blessings for you and more time to notice them.
I don’t have time to read everything you write, but I’ll keep reading as much as I can. :)
Kari says
Good for you. So happy for you guys.