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…
Lesley says
From one busy family to another–good for you, well done, bravo and amen. You guys will never regret slowing down in these early years. I’ll keep reading, happily!
Mizden says
I’m so happy for you guys! You will definitely will need that extra time now that you have 2 kiddos! I just hope that we still get updates on how baby Teddy is doing and I’m specially looking forward to his weekly photos, are you guys doing that with him as well?
All the best Petersiks! We’ll (your readers) be here! :D
Mizden
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, we’re doing a photo project with him (took our first shot yesterday!) and can’t wait to share the tweaks we made to give him his own spin. We hope to share it next week after we take a second one (two of them will be cuter than one so you can see how they change ;)
xo
s
Silke says
Yes! I was wondering the same thing. Soooooo glad there is a Teddy photo project :) YAY
katie says
good on you guys!
Lisa perkins says
You guys don’t have to worry! I’m not ever going anywhere no matter if you post once a week! lol. I love you guys, wish you the best always and thank you for everything!
Leslie says
Recently, when I made the decision to get divorced, to leave a relationship that had turned into a completely “hands off” thing… I left for the possibility of happiness, even if only one date a week… it was SO worth it… and that date turned into a marriage that I really do feel has been blessed. YOLO
Chelsea says
I cannot believe the number of comments you have gotten on this so far! I am so happy you have made the decision to slow down. Things seemed to have been pretty darn crazy for you the last few months. I didn’t know how you were doing it all! I can barely keep up with myself most of the time… I will definitely like to see things slow down a bit and become more personal again. Those are my favorite blogs to read anyways :-)
Liz says
Awesome! I’m so happy for your guys and your cute little family! Take it easy(ier) and slow down, they are only little once.
Meghan,, UK says
This is very welcome news. I hope this change brings you all greag happiness, contentment and lots of time with your wonderfully squishy little ones (Burger included!) X
Tori H says
I have to agree with everyone that when I first started following you guys, I loved the mixture of posts and how down-to-Earth everything was. I’m excited to see the blog transition back to that.
I also have to ask..where did you get Teddy’s adorable blanket? I’ve been admiring it every photo! Thanks! -T
YoungHouseLove says
That was a gift from our friend Christi, but I think it’s from Nordstroms and the tag says Bella Tunno.
xo
s
Jess L says
Who knew my fav DIY couple would give me some much needed insight on work and family life balance. Thanks for this and your example. Needed it. God bless y’all!
jessica says
That first picture is melt your heart cute! And please tell where you got the blanket. Wish I could figure out a way to cut back too. xo
YoungHouseLove says
That was a gift from our friend Christi, but it’s from Nordstroms I think (the brand is Bella Tunno).
xo
s
Laura says
Hooray for your courageous decision. As a working to part time to SAHM, I know those decisions aren’t made hastily. Snuggle those cute little ones extra hard!
Amy in PA says
I’ll miss the daily posts but love that you’re doing this. Sounds like something you won’t regret & just may be surprised by what else it might bring your way! Enjoy the family!
Nicole says
I’m happy for you. Family should always come first and I think most people will understand. ????
Agus says
Congrats! I think you need a lot of courage to make such a desition, but as you asid before…..less is more!!!!! I took that path 5 Years ago and still do not regret! Best wishes
Janice says
Since I read everything you post, I will selfishly miss all the extras. I know that those babies grow up way too fast..having had 5 of my own!
You take care of those sweeties, and I look forward to whatever you are able to post in your “spare” time!
Natalie says
Good for you! Do what’s best for you and your little family!
Laurien says
High 5 guys! Enjoy your BEAUTIFUL little family while you can (before they get too big and run away to college). You can always blog later about redecorating the retirement home. Ha ha ha. And I think I speak for the majority when i say we’ll still be here :)
Courtney says
This made me teary eyed! Granted, I’m a hormonal pregnant mess, but I’m so happy for you and your family! Enjoy refocusing your efforts and slowing down to appreciate those two beautiful babes!! Congratulations!!
kayce says
I never comment, though I’ve been a reader since the very beginning. You guys are a class act. It’s been so fun to watch your journey. Your real life posts have been a great inspiration, to me, on living more thoughtfully. So. All this to say, whatever turn this blog takes, you’ve got a reader in me.
HeatherM says
Good for you guys! You have needed to slow down for a while. I am 36 weeks preggo, and stuck in the hospital indefinitely with pre-eclampsia. At this rate it looks like baby will be here a month before we had planned. Yesterday when I opened up your blog I thought “john & Sherry are really lucky they didn’t have any late- pregnancy complications like this. It would have thrown a complete wrench in their homearama project.
Leave room in your life to enjoy the good, and also room to handle the bad (so that unexpected things like what I’m facing don’t completely derail major life plans).
Soak up this time with your little one- they are only this little once!
Claire says
Amen! Good on ya for this shift — I judge it to be brilliant, perfect, smart, sane, and truly heart-centered. I absolutely expected it, too! Celebrating along with you as you re-calibrate to the perfect pace and rhythm for your family. And I will continue to be a devoted reader, as I have been for 2 or 3 years. You guys are a pleasure to read, and an inspiration — no matter how many times a week you post. Cheers and love to all of you! Brava!
Anna Whiston-Donaldson says
And we are grateful for YOU! Sounds like a terrific decision. We will always be here reading and cheering you on when you do post. About 5 yrs ago, Tim quit a $$$ job to spend more time at home with Jack and Margaret. You KNOW he does not regret that decision one bit. I’m not trying to be depressing, especially when Sherry’s post-partum hormones are probably all over the place :), but it sure does go by quickly. LOVE and BLESSINGS to your beautiful family.
Melissa says
You guys are THE BEST!!
Kari says
Good for you guys!!! Cheering you on! Enjoy changing the teeny tiny diapers and all the blessings that come with spending time with family.
Sarah says
Great call. I love it! Go Petersiks!
Lo says
Congratulations on your decision! You’re the best, and I’m so glad that you’re taking more time for yourselves and your family!
LARY@Inspiration Nook says
Kudos to you guys! You deserve this and more!
I’ve been reading and following along for many years now. I’m so proud of everything you guys have done. From small projects to huge ones it’s been nice to be part of it all. Virtual hugs to you all and enjoy your new family of five.
Taylor says
Yay for you guys, yay for your family, and yay for slowing down. We don’t want you burning out on us and I personally love the more family/daily life stuff just as much as home/DIY stuff. You gotta do what is right for you and we will be here as long as you are willing to share.
Lyndsey M. says
You go guys!!! I love your blog and will continue to read it no matter when you post. Thank you for sharing your life and love with all of us! :)
Treena says
My sentiments exactly! I love you all and only wish you guys the best! I too will continue to read no matter how often (or less often, haha) you post. I’ve been a long time fan/reader/follower and will continue to be one. Thank you so much for sharing so much of yourselves with us all!
Amanda says
This post made me all teary. I love that you’re not chasing huge success–it reconfirms all the down-to-earth things I (we) love about you guys and your blog! We’ll be here :) and we’ll be content with less. Because, as always, you’re staying true to yourselves and that’s what we love. SO happy for you guys. And Teddy is so adorable!!
Sarah says
So happy for you guys! As a long time reader and mother of 2 with a career, I’ve loved escaping to read your blog on my phone over my quickly shoveled salad for years! Thanks for remaining true to your values. I will digest (ack! food puns) whatever you put out there gratefully. Congratulations on that beautiful boy!
Ashley says
I just had to come back to read more comments, they’re a testament to just how awesome you guys are and the amazing community you’ve created. You must have goosebumps all over just thinking about how many stranger friends have your backs and support you no matter what.
Also, when you say “Less Is More” what you’re really saying is we’ll be seeing even more Clara conversations, right? ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, yes ;)
xo
s
Rae says
Good for you! I, for one, will be more interested in tuning in now that there will be fewer updates. It’s kinda weird writing that, but it’s just so much easier to follow along!
Double congratulations for you and your beautiful family.
Brianne says
Yet again you guys are setting an example for your readers. Thanks for reminding us what’s important in life. I doubt you’ve lost a single reader. Enjoy your family of 5 (of course I am counting Burger!)
Lisa Morton says
Good for u. Family first!
Ana says
I couldn’t agree more! I had my Mom and Dad working 24/7 when I was a kid ( the goal was to earn and save for house, car etc), and therefore lived pretty much with my grandparents, and you know what…I would not repeat their mistake with my kid! I am pretty much sure (and aware) that my Dad for example does not know banal things about me (like which is my favorite color, whether I preferred math or history, what was my favorite toy…) so…be with the kids! they won’t remember at the end whether they had three Barbie’s or ten Lego’s but they will surely cherish a family pic-nic, a sunday family bike ride or a walk in downtown while eating ice cream!
Plus, the fans will still be here waiting for the posts!
<3
Jennie S. says
I have followed yall since your first home. I am so happy you two have decided to enjoy what is truly important in life. I applaud your decision.
Tirsa says
Congratulations on the decision to change gears. I always wondered how you guys managed to do so much- almost made me feel lazy. Ha, ha. I wish for you a lifetime of joy as you raise your family. I’ll take what ever number of blog posts you decide to make. :)
Peaches says
As my 4 year old daughter Rory would say, “Nicely done”. Way to put your family first and remind the rest of us about what is really important. You will not lose my views or clicks.
Addy says
Great news. Little people do grow way too quickly & yours are very luck to have u as parents.now, go & enjoy those little treasures.
Clara looks like such a loving big sister xox
Ps: will keep reading whenever a post will come, it will make it even more special ;-)
Jenny says
Hi John and Sherry
I have been reading for ages but never commented until now. I know you have got a gazillion comments on this post already – they are making ME feel warm and fuzzy, so goodness knows how you are feeling, especially with those joyous post-partum hormones! I’m sure the last thing you are interested in is the opinion of a stay at home mum in the UK, but I just wanted to say that your post today is so inspiring and moving. All you can do is be true to yourselves and it is lovely to see that despite amazing (and well deserved) success, you haven’t lost sight of what is important. Also if you lose any readers because you are following your hearts and prioritising your work/life balance, then frankly they are the kind of readers you can do without!
Enjoy this special time as a new family of 5!
Xx
Priscilla Tharpe says
So,sooo glad to hear this! You will never be disappointed; these years will fly by and you cannot stop time. Treasure these moments and live a purposeful life. You will NEVER regret it!!
Love to all of you!
Karen says
I just love you guys so much…you ROCK! I wish I lived closer to you. I’m old enough to be your mom…I would adopt you in a heartbeat:)
Katie says
Good for you! I will be a loyal reader of whatever you choose to post, as will many others I’m sure. We don’t just read because of what you do, but because of who you are. And since we “know” you, we can’t help but be thrilled about what this decision means for all 5 of you. :)
Marsha says
Congratulations. You will not regret this. Do whats right for your family and enjoy them. This the most crazy time of your life as well as the best.
Have fun!
francine says
it’s wonderful that y’all are taking time for yourselves and your family! may the Lord bless y’all in all of your endeavors… work, family, friends, everything! :)
Emily G says
We had our first baby in November of last year, and just a few months later we somehow found ourselves on the verge of starting an Etsy shop and buying a house, all in the midst of us both working full time and my husband trying to finish school. We sat down a couple of weeks ago and kind of had this “what are we doing?!” moment and decided to put everything (namely the shop & househunting) on hold so we could actually enjoy being parents. It was a tough decision and I can’t imagine how much tougher it is for you guys since you have such a large following. I just want to tell you that you guys are setting a great example by doing this. I hope you don’t feel any guilt or feel you’re letting anyone down. You’re choosing LIFE and I can guarantee you won’t regret that.
Betsy says
Good for you guys! I’ll still be here reading.
anna says
I’m glad you guys are scaling back! I feel like I do home projects all the time – but you guys do them at warp speed! I always think – They have GOT to be working constantly. When you went to Hawaii I was SO happy for you – almost just as happy as when I go on vacation! And now with little Teddy here?!!! Enjoy the kiddos and blog when you can. I know you won’t regret it. Xoxo