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…
Amaris says
Why oh why is Teddy your last baby!!
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
Kate says
I almost never post (but read daily!) and I just wanted to say GOOD FOR YOU!!! I’m really really happy for you and wish you all the best.
{As an aside, I know you’ve experienced some negativity lately, and I really hope that goes away for you with this new “mission statement.”}
Viv says
And enjoy those tiny diapers while they last! I just want to chime in – I keep coming back to your blog for all the awesome tips and laughs I get from them, but most of all, I keep coming back because you are YOU. So congratulations on making these changes, the best is yet to come, I know it! Thanks for keepin’ it real, guys!
Alyssa says
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.
Let’s hope this mantra of yours spreads all over the internet (or right into my boss’ inbox – haha).
You guys rock! Keep on keepin’!
Paula says
Good for you! I was seriously beginning to wonder how the hell you had time for everything you do!
David says
It is so refreshing to read this. It’s silly since I don’t know you, but I had become concerned about your balance these past few months (life balance, not baby belly-induced tipsiness), and I’m glad you have drawn a line in the sand about what is more important. I heard once that very few people reach the end of their lives and think, “I wish I’d spent more time in the office”–but so many regret not spending enough time with their kids before those few short years were over. And you can count one more YHL reader who isn’t going anywhere!
Carmen says
Kudos to you! What a wise decision! My best to you as you navigate through life with your two lovely kids (& furry one). Life is far too short. You will not regret your decision.
Meredith says
oh, man. almost 1700 comments? not that you need to hear this again (because i wasn’t about to read all 1700 comments but i’m sure many are saying the same thing as I am), but you are well loved and reducing your postings to 3-5 times per week will NOT change that! 3-5 is still VERY frequent (coming from someone who can barely make time for my little family blog…it is SO neglected)– i was always amazed at how often you two were able to post! now you will just seem more human! :)
good for you guys for recognizing you wanted a change and then acting on it! like the old saying goes, no one ever says on their death bed, “i really wish i had worked more and saw my family less!” :) have fun with that stinkin cute new baby!
Kellye says
You will never regret this decision. My baby graduates from college in two weeks. It goes so fast. Money can’t buy the important stuff! Smart people you are.
Jenni says
you must do what is best for your family, I am another reader who will be staying, whether one post a week or more, I enjoy my window into your lives of d-i-y and family, thank you for sharing :o)
Penni McNamara says
I blame the Show House for pushing you over the edge!! HaHaHa! Just kidding. No need to justify your shift to family and slowing down. Loyal readers will still read and enjoy your site. I have been a reader for a few years and I think what people like (at least myself) is your amazing, positive attitude and generosity of for the community and world around you. Congrats on the baby and new life you will lead!
kai says
very happy for u and ur family:-) enjoy every minute of ur time with
your family. Will miss u:-(
Joscelynne says
I’ve been reading your blog since before Clara was born. You will continue to have loving and loyal fans. We will not leave you for your choice to put your family first!
Congrats
Sarah says
This is so refreshing to read. I get sick of hearing professionals/businesses always talking about “more more more!” i.e. more revenue, more traffic, more growth. What sets you guys apart is the quality of your posts here on YHL and how authentic and personal this blog feels. Those things keep your readers coming back, regardless of the quantity of posts per week. Now go snuggle that baby!
Jessica says
I have been a reader of your blog forever (since the this young house days) and will continue to be due to decisions like this. I find you so relatable and your career goals and motivations inspiraitional. Thanks for reminding us that we all deserve to love and live and enjoy our work without having it rule our lives. Having “enough” is more than enough for me and you make me feel ok about not striving for more stuff at the cost of quality of life. All the best to your growing family!!
Jessie says
This is my favorite post from you guys….a few less posts a week from ya’ll will just be a few extra minutes to tend to OUR babies and fam bams! Good Luck and congrats! You all are good people.
Stefanie says
Congrats on recognizing what’s important and not being afraid to go for it. More importantly, congrats on a beautiful family! I look forward to continuing to follow your adventures. Oh, and as for Oreos, I agree that more is more!
Laura N says
Congratulations guys. It’s so hard to make these decisions, but so important! I love that line that you wrote about working nights and weekends, “chasing some business goal [you] don’t even want.” What am amazing moment of clarity for you guys, and something that so many people can take on board. Myself included!
As a high school English Lit teacher I am constantly working – planning, marking, organizing, report-writing etc – and am striving for a balance. You guys have solidified my underlying feelings that my husband and I need to work out what kind of life we want, and what balance can be achieved.
You guys are superstars! This place is wonderful and I have no doubt that it will continue to be a place of inspiration and motivation, despite any changes that you choose to make.
Best of luck to you all! Xo
Susan says
Good for you! Enjoy life! :)
Kim Allison says
I am all for whatever is best for your beautiful family. You guys are amazing and as a mother of a 6 month old you often inspire me and give me reason to reflect on my own life and my priorities.
Stacia says
This is the best choice you can make and one you’ll never regret. I work in healthcare, I have never had a patient tell me, ‘I wish I had worked more.’ In the end it’s about the time you spend with those you love and creating a life you want. I can’t wait to keep up with the new format.
Courtney says
Good for you! Enjoy your family! :)
Laci says
Is it sad that this post actually relieved me a little bit? This is completely selfish, but my 3rd baby is due the end of May, I’m working full-time (and exhausted), and things are just super-busy for us right now for numerous reasons. I LOVE following you guys and REALLY miss the merging of the “life” posts with everything else. I also have not been able to keep up with all the projects along with the instagram and life posts (due to how busy we’ve been), and seriously miss being able to sit, relax and catch up on your blog when I have a minute. So I am happy for ya’ll to cut back for ya’ll and for me. ;-)
Laci says
…and hey, the beautiful thing about the different seasons of life is just like the regular seasons…they change. ;-)
Amanda says
And this whole post is exactly why I love you guys.
Denise says
Good for you, enjoy your little family and of course I will be checking in daily to see if you posted or not. I have been reading your blog since you first started. I found it quite by accident when I was searching for something and your blog popped up. I don’t even know if you had any comments back then and you were called something else but I’ve been with you every day since then. I love your blog and I am very happy that you are taking some time for yourselves.
Rachel says
PREACH. I love reading this blog, and I love that you don’t sit behind a team of people, continue at the same pace, and pretend like you somehow manage to balance everything all the time all at once. You’re blessed with the gift of personal flexibility in your careers while raising kids, and you totally deserve it. Enjoy your kids and you life and the careers you’ve built at whatever pace feels right. I’m so, so happy for you. (But if you retire this thing forever and don’t let us see what happens with the unfinished room upstairs, expect hate mail. Or maybe not so much hate mail, but a brief moment of severe disappointment from three states away.)
XOXOXO
Kara says
Congratulations to you and your family! First time I’m commenting although I discovered your blog maybe 2-3 months ago and have fallen in love with all you post. The DIY and tips were great but I really enjoyed your more personal posts (it’s always interesting how others live their lives plus I’m a mom of 2 as well). Will be praying for you and your family. You guys are so blessed and good on you for making the correct and important decision that works best for your family. :) God bless!
Flagless says
I completely disagree. Oreos are nasty. I don’t see the appeal.
(Oh, and as for that blog thing – go for it :) )
Sarah says
Congrats! Your blog is such a happy place and that’s the reason I visit regularly. Those looking for major projects and long, detailed posts (on a strict schedule) can look elsewhere for content. :-)
I have been a freelance writer for more than 10 years and recently cut way back. I’m in my mid-30s, and I realized I was spening way too much time looking for story ideas, responding to my editors, working on lame projects, etc. It’s simply not worth it – and my time is much better spent with my son and hubby.
My only question is this: Is Clara still loving her title as “Big Sis” to Baby Teddy? She looks giddy in every photo. Love it!! :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, she is so cute! She comes home from school and runs in screaming “Baby Boy! I’m home!” and she loves helping to change his diapers. I’m sure it won’t all be roses, but right now it’s a pretty sweet place to be.
xo
s
Lauralou says
Congratulations. Love your blog and will follow it regardless of the number of posts per week. :)
Emily says
Good for you guys! I really admire you both very much. Enjoy your new baby and that beautiful little girl of yours.
Courtney says
So happy that you guys are able to do that. I so applaud you for choosing family over work, too many people don’t and miss out on what really matters. I will still be here whether you post 10 posts a week or 1. Love your blog, and I’m excited to see the progress you guys continue to make on your beautiful new home. Teddy is adorable, congrats!!
lauren pavao says
i love this. i always wondered how you guys kept up with such an insane schedule. congrats all around.
Lindsey says
“I wish I worked more & spent less time with my adorable family” -said NOONE, EVER.
You will never regret this decision & if you lose readers I will be shocked. Maybe you could give us all an update in a few months. Maybe that makes me a creeper, but I’m super curious to know if people up & leave because you post less. I can’t fathom that.
Ashley H says
Hi!
I was so moved when I read this post that I actually got a lump in my throat. I think it’s really easy to get caught up in chasing goals and lose sight of what is really important. You all have definitely not lost sight of anything, and I am encouraged by your decision to take a few steps back and reprioritize. It’s heartwarming and encouraging to see two very accomplished people put their family first, even if it means a less income or traffic. I am at a crossroads, too. Thanks for sharing this post. It really helps put things in perspective. You guys are so cool. :0)
Gillian says
Just a great post. Your parents must be amazing…they have raised children who are such a positive influence in the world. You continue to make choices that reflect outstanding character. I’m sure you are passing on all that good stuff to Clara and Teddy. Best wishes on where this road takes you…I’ll still be reading to follow the journey :)
Christine says
Time slips by so fast. My 19 year old daughter was just born yesterday and now she’s in college. You can’t get the time back. There are no do-overs when it comes to your kiddos. While I’ll miss your daily posts, I’m happy for you both. :) congratulations on a new chapter!
Missi says
I’m so excited to hear this! Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE your content, and have loved seeing new stuff every day – but your family time is more valuable. (Also, I should probably spend more time at work actually working rather than reading your posts…)
My babe is 7 months old this weekend! I’m already so nostalgic for her early days. Take it easy. The rest will come.
Rachel says
I am so happy for your little family! I have been a faithful reader since the old style blog and will continue to read faithfully. I’m kind of excited to have the old blog back (maybe it won’t take me as long to catch up when I miss a few days!) I can’t wait to see where this change in your journey takes you.
Kaylin Lydia says
I have often wondered how you guys keep the pace you do! I am in awe with how you all seem in complete alignment with living your best intentional life – especially in the wake of crazy success like Target and Oprah! I think the best life is a more balanced life that focuses on fostering personal relationships. So congratulations on making such a significant decision in your lives that I am sure will bring you more joy. xo.
Jannean says
I imagine this must have been a difficult decision but now that you have decided to cut back a bit you must be feeling a sense of relief. I echo the sentiments of so many others that say we read your blog not just for the entertaining and informative posts but because we have come to care about you and your family. Congratulations on your beautiful family and all your success. I will continue to be a loyal reader.
Natalia says
I love this! I think it’s great that you guys have always been so intentional about your family and your lifestyle. It seems like you haven’t let the success of the blog get to you. I’ve been reading your blog for years and I loved it then so I know I’ll still follow along. Good luck!
Amber says
Way to go! Sounds like a great decision. Glad to hear you’re giving yourselves permission to slow down a little and more time to find the right balance for yourselves/your family. Having our second child a year ago has really made me think a lot about what I want for me and my family, too.
Stacy says
So I admit to totally reading all 32 pages of comments and it looks like you’ll only lose 2 readers :) The rest of us are totally thrilled by your decision. I have to be honest that since my 2nd was born in June I have only been able to get to your blog maybe 2 or 3 times a week anyways and sometimes I just skim instead of read… So, I am looking forward to a slower pace and can’t wait to see more updates about your precious little ones. Family is the most important thing.
Anika says
So excited for this new adventure for you all – who knows where you’ll end up this time next year. I sincerely hope you guys feel like you are able to find more of that balance you so crave soon.
Jana says
Good for you! You will never regret spending more time with your children :)
I’ll still be coming by daily to check in. Part of what I like about you guys is how genuine you are in all that you do.
Lise Johnston says
As a reader since basically the beginning I think the change of pace could be good. Congratulations on the little one and keep the inspiration coming.
Karrie says
Just wanted to say thanks to John! I installed my Nest by myself last week (single mom, finally bought my own little fixer upper). I’ve been dreaming of a Nest since he installed yours! That whole “don’t own it, not mine” thing got in the way though. I came back to YHL and searched up John’s post, followed his links (thanks for those), put on my big girl panties, shut off my power and did it!
I’ve been reading since the first, before the wedding even in the backyard even! I like to see your family life on here, and am glad you aren’t quitting altogether!
Dawn says
Shucks, less of my favorite blog. Yeah! My favorite bloggers will be healthier, happier and chosing a life filled with things they truly love. So in essence my favorite blog will be better and be more filled with the things I love about your blog. Confession: I have a completely different style of decorating than you but your writing and your projects simply inspire me! I suspect what I truly love about your blog – the love for others and the love for making homes beautiful – will only get better.
bianca c says
I’m so happy you’ve made this decision, personally I felt winded trying to catch up on every blog post you guys made! You guys have always created great posts and this amazing blog, but we all agree that quality is more important than quantity! I love you guys and I’m very excited about YHL’s future. :)