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…
Alison says
I fully applaud your decision and know that this is a though one to make. I look forward to continue reading about your happenings and am excited that you have so much great content to go back to and read. We just bought a fixerupper in a great neighborhood and prior projects you took on will come in handy as we slowly renovate. First up is a family room full of wood paneling. Thank you!
Jessie says
Good for you guys! Enjoy this time with your family and I can’t wait to keep following along!
Marlena says
Hooray for you guys! I’ll always read, no matter how often you post. Hooray!
Lori Brezovsky says
THIS is SO much of why I looooove y’all!! Keeping life in balance can be so damn hard sometimes…and we don’t even have kids! I will say a few prayers for y’all, I know it’ll all work out and I’ll still be here keeping up with your shenanigans :) Much love to y’all and the family!!
Carla Kohlwes says
Good for you! I will check in regularly and enjoy whatever and whenever you choose to share. Congratulations on that new baby boy! Have fun with those little ones!
Allie says
Good for you! One of the things that I’ve missed since I had my own child about two years ago is the time to read all the blogs I used to. I’ve had to go on binge readings where I’m catching up with months worth of posts and some blogs I’ve just had to let go of. So I don’t know how you’ve been keeping up with the level of posting you’re doing with ONE child let alone now with TWO, since I can barely find the time to read a blog anymore with just one kid.
However, I want you to know that YHL or (This Young House as I first knew it)was the first blog I ever started reading and I have enjoyed every minute of you allowing us to follow your journey. Best wishes as you start this next chapter. I know it will be great no matter how much you post or don’t post.
Julie says
Good for you! You definitely won’t be losing my readership. In Quebec, Canada, we have a one year paid maternity leave. I am currently on an extended leave without pay, but it is so worth it to see your little babies grow up and to be an active participant in their lives. You have made a wise decision and will have no regrets.
Amy says
Well, I almost hate to add a comment because I know you’ll have to spend time approving it, but I couldn’t resist adding one more heartfelt “good for you!” What a great decision, and you certainly won’t lose me as a reader. Thank you for all the inspiration, how-to’s and great info you’ve given out over the years. I never understood how you did so much. Can’t wait to hear more about your growing family and see your house evolve (at a slower pace!)
Ashley says
This made me tear up. As always, I’m so happy for you all and you continue to be such an inspiration in EVERYTHING you do and share with us. I’ll remain here to read whatever you post no matter how frequent or wordy. And let’s be honest, the photos of the kids are the best part anyway! ;)
sarah k says
Hear, hear! Sounds very wise. Little ones grow up so fast. Nothing is worth missing out on that. Congratulations! And I’ll still be reading. :)
Lori H says
Wonderful choice! So glad you aren’t quitting the blog, but think you are really smart in going this direction. Still hoping I run into you in Richmond some day, but no stalking involved :)
Lindsay says
You will not lose me, and I think it is a great decision! Enjoy this time :)
Amy S says
Bravo! I love the sweetness, simplicity, and fun of the blog as it was when I first became a reader and I’ve loved seeing how your blog and lives have grown. You will never regret taking a step back to add time and quality to all that is most worthwhile of being cherished.
Carla Kohlwes says
Good for you. I will regularly check in for whatever and whenever you choose to post. Congratulations on that new baby boy. Enjoy your little ones!!
schmei says
Good! I had a c-section 2 days before you, Sherry, and when I saw that you were already back at the showhouse yesterday I got a little angry at you. You need rest! I’m relieved to see that you’re embracing that. Now go sniff Teddy’s sweet little head. :-)
Kelsey says
Such an inspiring post! Our family is about to grow to 4 as well, and I’ve found myself asking a lot of the same questions you reflect on. No–we don’t carry the same loads, but I share your realization that while those loads contain many fantastic and unexpected blessings, they are drowning out the small blessings of day-to-day life with the family under our own roof. I applaud your courage to voluntarily take the leap from what seems safe to what seems most important. I hope I find the same courage as well!
Blessings on your journey…
Carrie says
I’ve read YHL for a few years now and absolutely adore you both. Strangely enough, I’ve never commented until now. Just wanted you to know that this reader would never begrudge you lowering the frequency of posts in order to get some work/life balance. In fact, I welcome it! You both deserve happiness with your beautiful family–and we can all find the strength to cope with a few less posts per week ;) Best of luck and I look forward to reading about your adventures for years to come!
Nichole K says
I’m happy you’re doing what makes you happy! I realized recently that I’ve been reading since before you had Clara. Where has the time gone? Enjoy your family and we’ll enjoy everything you post, no matter how frequently or infrequently. Love from Washington State and a mama-to-be who will need to do some soul searching about time commitments soon too :)
Amanda says
Good for you guys for knowing your priorities and doing what’s best for yourselves and your family! You’ve worked your tushes off for a long time, and you deserve to enjoy some personal/professional balance.
That being said, I’ll still be reading te blog, because I enjoy it, and I think that this shift in gears could make your projects that much more interesting, complete, whatever.
You guys are awesome, and maybe getting back to that personal level on the blog will be a really nice reboot.
JoAnne says
Good for you. At the end of your lives, you will not wish you had blogged more, but you will wish you spent more time with your family. Lord bless you.
Jenna says
Good for you guys! Nothing more important than your family! I will still be a way-too-addicted reader, no matter how many fewer posts per week :)
Lisa T. says
Less is so very much more! Such a wise decision! Love your little family now. We readers are not going anywhere!
Janet Belbeck says
As a mother of two (now teenagers), a wife of a freelance writer/director and a new blogger – you’re making the best decision. Hang on to those babies cause it’s a very fast ride!
Chris Ann says
As a fellow parent, I thought your decision and words were beautiful. Enjoy each and every moment, and I will continue to check in to see all the action :)
Kenan says
Oh Sherry, I just want to hug you!!! I absolutely adore the blog and totally wish you would travel to SC to help me pull off an impossible room!! But I am so happy that you guys are taking a step back!! What a wonderful gift to yourself and those beautiful babies!!! ::hugs::
Courtney says
I think you guys are making a very smart decision! I’m just grateful you aren’t giving up blogging for good :)
Neyir says
Yes, yes, yes :-). Just echoing so many others that this sounds like a wonderful decision. Frankly if you guys didn’t prioritize your family this wouldn’t feel like your blog anyway. Can’t wait to see the new ‘looser’ format as I have been reading since near the beginning. God bless and enjoy all those baby and big sister cuddles!
SherryB says
If anything I think your decision makes me love you guys more. :o) Thanks for sharing your sweet little family life with us. Looking forward to you sharing what the future holds, even if its only 3 times a week.
Enjoy your two little blessings!
Luke's GiGi says
You will never regret that decision! I tell my adult children all the time….this really is the best time of your lives……raising your children. Enjoy each and every moment. God Bless.
Katie says
You guys have always and will remain my favorite blog. I respect your decision and as a mother of 2 young kids myself, I completely agree with stepping back and enjoying your family. They are only small once and you can never get this time back.
Monica says
Thank you so much for being such incredible rolemodels. I have beed inspired by you guys countless times since I discovered your blog a couple years ago. I just found out I am pregnant with my first child and I will continue to look to you guys for advice (both about DIY and work-family life bablance). Thank you so much for sharing.. and I am very glad to hear the Petersik’s will be slowing down a little :)
Maggie says
I feel relieved for you. Your children are beautiful; I’m sure you’ll cherish this decision.
Tami says
This is beautiful. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about that modern proverb, the one along the lines of, “Americans sit in traffic for 3 hours every day in cars they don’t own to work at jobs they hate to pay for houses they never get to enjoy and to provide for families they barely see.” What’s haunting is that we teach our kids to do the same thing even though our supposed goal is to make it so they *don’t* have to do that. Instead enough is an ever changing line and we miss this beautiful life right in front of us. So, I say kudos to you both! Much love to your sweet little family from Seattle :)
Janelle says
This is so brave and smart of you. I support it. Like a lot of others have said, I come here and read because of the two of you, your family, and your humor and humility and creativity. You could be teaching how to watch paint dry and I’d still read it and love however much I can get of your brand of fun.
My favorite YHLife posts are Clara Conversations so I hope you continue sharing those in some way and eventually adding Teddy Talk!
High fives for being awesome! I wish you guys all the best and am so happy for you!
Heidi S says
I think this is great for you guys!
It takes a strong person (or couple in your case)to make sure you keep your priorities in order, and make time for the things that really matter in life. While I will miss the everyday posting, I definitely think that more people need to take a step back and assess their priorities like you have.
Thanks for being such great role models :)
Melody says
Yay for you!!! You are doing the right thing for your family and you will never regret it!!! Here’s to less is more!
Priscila White says
Hi guys!
I have been reading your blog for a long time, but never left a comment. Just wanted to say I am very happy for you guys for making that decision. In the end, family comes first. Congratulations on the new baby and all the success!
Priscila
PS: Just wanted to tell you I am originally from Brazil and that MTV fanatic showed over there too (I am an Eminem fan too, maybe that’s why I still remember… LOL)
Dacia says
Well done! Your family continues to be an inspiration on so many levels!
Joana says
Good for you! You should totally do what feels right to your family! I can’t believe you’re writing posts already!!! When my babies were a week old, all I did was cry! Serious baby blues! Go rest!
Rhiana says
Good for you! I look forward to your new format!
Kelly says
Congratulations on this brave, wonderful step. Life is always about balance, isn’t it? Bravissimo to you and your family for this decision. I’ll never stop reading you, even if there are less posts! Your blog brings a lot of enjoyment and pleasure to me (and I’m sure to your wider audience as well). May you take back some of that time to enjoy more things within your own family. Yay Petersiks!
Abby says
Your blog is the only one I ever check on a daily basis! I am a huge fan of your easy-going writing style and your FANTASTIC decor style. No matter how slow you go or speed up, I’ll always be a fan! Family is so very important and any person in their right mind would agree:) God bless!
Colleen says
Good for you! You’ve had an amazing ride! I often wondered how you could manage to do all you do, being super-people takes a non-negotiable toll. There is a huge mantra/movement out there that if you don’t “do it all” you’re a failure – yes, I’m talking to you Lean In. I think failure would be Cats in the Cradle syndrome (doesn’t just have to be about having a family, can apply to friends and other personal dreams that you shelve until too late). That is a far bigger loss than anything bad that could happen professionally.
Lauriane says
Good for you guys! Brave decision! I always wondered how you managed to do it all anyway! Kids and family are more important than anything else, enjoy those two precious little beings and we will still be there to appreciate (maybe even more, like all rare things!) your blogging!
Enjoy every bit of your life and congrats on baby Teddy!! :)
Mary says
I’ve only posted once before, but I can only say that you both have finally earned my respect. All of your hard work, ingenuity, frugality, DIYing, savvy decision-making, and creativity pale in comparison to this decision.
Keeping your family ‘off the radar’ is one of the best things you’ll be doing for them and for your marriage. Posts are great, but as your family matures, you may find (as many of us have) that their privacy (and yours, for that matter) will and should take precedence over sharing over the Internet (as wonderful as that community can be, it’s still not a truly “present” community).
I,too, love your posts, but as I’ve watched the posts this past week (and your Instagram feed), I’ve been secretly hoping and praying that you’d put the blog WAY, WAY aside to be as present as possible with your beautiful family. Yes, we all need to eat, we need work that stimulates us and allows us to give back, but mostly, we need lives filled with meaning, purpose, and the joy that comes from being present in the moment. Like so many others who have posted, I am launching my first born to college this fall, with our second just a year behind. The ONLY regret I have is that I didn’t savor more moments and that I wasn’t often FULLY present (meaning putting the iPhone, laptop, monitor, and other distractions away).
You both have shown yourselves to be so engaged with one another, and with sweet Clara, and now with little Teddy. No amount of effort will ever compare to THAT investment. Big house, little house, well-designed, or pared down, the only house that matters is the house that is truly home…
I stand and applaud this decision. I think it’s the best one you’ve ever made….
Beth says
Our children do grow fast. Enjoy it as much as you can. I love your blog and your positivity. I’ll read your blog whether you do 1 post a week or 30. Congrats on your little one!
-Beth
Maggie says
Good for you guys!
Kristin says
Yay you! Take advantage of this time. I have a feeling the posts that you do write will be the ones I love, and the ones that don’t get written will be the ones I skim anyway. Wishing you all the best & looking forward to what comes, when it comes.
Vanessa B. says
I think this may be my most favorite post to date. Not because you are going to be posting less (heck no!), but because you are choosing YOU, and that’s big. I’ve been blown away with everything you have had going on lately – not to mention a brand new kiddo! Crazy town.
Enjoy those kids. Enjoy your family. Savor every single second – the good and the bad. That’s the good stuff. Those of us who dig you guys for just being you will still be here.
Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork says
I’m so happy for all of you! I think that’s an amazing decision and fully support it and will still be here to read when you do post. Your family ones, such as cloth diapering, are some of my absolute favorites and it’s your personalities that always have me coming back for more. I know whether or not it’s house-related that it will be thoughtfully written, usually with a good dose of humor, and will seem unique.
Did you anticipate this coming? Has it already been part of a bigger conversation since you’ve been pregnant (if you don’t mind me asking)?
All the best as you adjust to life as a four family (sorry, Burger–five).
YoungHouseLove says
During the last few months we felt a strong pull towards simplifying, probably because it was such a strong comparison to what life was like after Clara’s birth, so it slowly became more and more clear that we wanted to paddle back towards that.
xo
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