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…
Kelly says
Good for you!! I will always continue to check for new posts – honestly I respect and like you more for this decision. Enjoy this time with your family!!
Steph says
As of now there are 1700+ comments so mine is probably redundant(!) but I still wanted to say good luck with everything, slowing down will be a great thing for your family and we readers will still be dropping in to see what you’re up to :). I’ve been reading since 2009 and I’m excited to see that you are taking care of yourselves for once since you always seemed to try and take care of us!
danielle says
awesome news! enjoy those newborn snuggles! (i’m pregnant with my fourth (my first is a few months older than your Clara), so clearly i have an addiction to them or something.) =)
Lora says
This is the first time I’ve ever posted a comment. I’ve been reading Young House Life for over 4 years. I appreciate you sharing your home improvements and general thoughts for everyday life :-) For me, blogs are like reading a great magazine…where the models are real! Each and every post has home owners, parents, projects and opinions behind it.
Over the years, it’s been great to see your process of selecting washers/dryers to painting a refrigerator. I relate to your approaches, they make tasks a little less daunting. Gosh, the research you do on the back end- so, so helpful. I have yet to see a disposable diaper system that I’ve liked better than the one you’ve talked about.
Thank you for starting Young House Love. Thank you for continuing to share. I wish guys the very best and will continue to be inspired by the generosity of sharing knowledge!
Mindy says
Congrats you guys! These days won’t come again. There will be a time in your life to ramp back up if you ever want to. Your littles won’t be so little for long. I will continue to read your blog no matter how big or how little and enjoying the glimpse into the lives of people I feel are my friends. Even though I’ve never actually met you.
Christina says
I fell in love with your blog before you had Clara. I was hooked then and will continue to be even with fewer posts.
While I always love having more information, I have thought that your posts could be trimmed. (Not that I am complaining–I was just amazed you were able to keep up that stamina with a little one!) It is nice having before and after, and in progress photos, but just that organization alone is time-consuming enough.
I am so happy you guys have the chance to refocus your priorities by choice.
P.s. Please post lots of baby and sibling stuff… Our family of 3 (no pets in that count) will be expanding to 4 before the end of the year… So tips and experience would be nice. :-)
sarah says
best thing i’ve read on your blog. ever. i have a little girl one week younger than clara, and another little gal 2 months older than teddy, so i totally get where you are in life and can’t imagine how you’d keep up the pace. i’m so happy for you that you can slow down, and really BE with them now and soak it all in… it certainly goes by fast!
enjoy this sleepless, spit-up covered, snugglefest phase that you are in! (right there with you)! the big sister is TOTALLY into “helping” with the baby so it’s been pretty sweet, i bet clara is a great big sis too! hugs!
Stacey says
I can’t lie, I look forward to your posts and am totally bummed to hear they will be less frequent. But I also look forward to family time, and given the opportunity to spend more time with them (as you are so blessed to be able to make the decision) anyone would be crazy to do anything else. Congrats on everything!! And someone mentioned backlogs of your blogs. That’s genius!!! I have been meaning to do that. Good luck with everything Petersiks! You guys are awesome writers and your references are seriously AWESOME!!!
Rona says
This post brought a tear to my eye. A happy tear…for you. Honestly, I don’t know how you do it. My girl friends and I recently started blogging. With just one baby, I can barely finish 1/10 of my daily to do list. I secretly hope she never transitions to one nap a day. Enjoy baby Teddy. He’ll only let you snuggle him for so long. I’ve been a reader since your “this young house” days so I’m not going where.
Nikki H says
I am so happy for y’all. I am one of those who will follow you no matter what. I feel like we’re friends, even if I’m old enough to be your mother/grandmother.
Amanda says
You do what you have to do! I’ve been reading since TYH days and I will continue to click over as you take care of that family of yours. It’s been amazing to see you guys grow as bloggers and diyers.
We’ll all still be here so don’t you worry about us!
Kat says
What a great post that inspires all of us who work WAY too hard to fully enjoy life. You two have worked incredibly hard and have earned this opportunity to slow down. 3 posts a week is plenty. We’ll still be here. <3
Kelsey R. says
Amen to this whole post! I completely understand your reasoning. John and Sherry, you guys are seriously SO smart and consistently make really wise decisions, we should all take note!
I’m so happy your spending more time with family and doing less work. And honestly I’m also really happy your scaling back a little, before you guys become completely famous and have to majorly adjust your way of living, etc. It makes perfect sense, to want to keep your readership from getting massive and dealing with any issues that would arise with that. I fully believe you both will not regret this decision, at all!
Cant wait to keep reading each week. Blessings to the Petersik five!!
Alice says
I wouldnt worry about too many people tuning out. Most of your readers I bet, if you were to take a poll, have followed you guys for years. I havent ever followed something for this long in my life- I began reading about a year and a half before Clara was born. You keep your readers entertained and always will. Good luck on your decision and congrats on a beautiful life! Shows what a little love and hard work can do.
Colleen says
Good for you. I’ve enjoyed your posts and they have encouraged me to try things on my own. Plus we are enjoying the risk of our own business, so we understand the need of balance. So again, good for you!
Sara says
I’ve been reading since your FIRST house, and I think this is only the 2nd or 3rd time I’ve commented on any of your posts. (I knew you when…)
I have to say I am relieved that you’re slowing down and going back to the old format. While I’ve been happy for you and your media empire’s success, it’s kind of made me uncomfortable too. The whole forum, two blogs, merchandise, giveaways, etc just seem a bit crazy. I may be the only one, but I never wanted all that – I want the old you back! I loved all the little graphs and updates about your life – that’s the stuff that grew your readership in the first place anyway.
Of course, I’ll still follow you no matter what. Sending love and luck!
Meredith says
Congratulations on that handsome baby boy!
You two are amazing. Thanks for being positive role models – in putting your family first. I truly admire you for this decision! Your blog has always had a holistic vibe; you do the DIY, family posts, budget and shopping, etc. It is never just one note and that’s what makes you and your blog so charming and personable. So I’m all for more of your good ol’ days blogging – even if it is less frequent.
I wish you every blessing and every happiness in this new chapter of your life!
trish says
How wonderful! I am so happy for you! Clara and Teddy are so precious you should be enjoying these days with them. You are so blessed. I have been following you since before Clara was born and I will continue to follow “my friends from Virginia” for years to come!
Sarah M. says
If there were a “like” button on this post, I would click it. As a first time mom of a 4 month old, I think you’re making a fantastic decision here. Blessings to your sweet little family!
Elizabeth Bumgarner says
Thank you for the work you do via your blog – I have been so inspired! Just this past week I was in a Super Target and got so excited to see your display – yes I bought the bug ! Thank you, thank you! Enjoy your young family and don’t regret anything:-)
Shelley says
I’ve been a reader since the beginning and that “era” was my favorite time to read you guys! Very excited for you, you deserve it! Congrats on the new addition!
Elizabeth says
I love your blog and read often but rarely comment but I wanted to comment on this. Congratulations!!!! While I love love love reading about your home improvements and everything in between, I fully respect and applaud your decision. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed and like I have to blog and then I just step back and realize what’s important to me…which is my family. I wish you all the best and look forward to what’s in store for your blog in the future!
Tamara says
First of all, Teddy in that bunny hat could not be any cuter!
Good for you guys! You do projects and post them so rapidly you barely have a chance to enjoy them. I’ll definitely still check in, and the extra time I have not reading your daily posts gives me no excuse not to get my own list farther along! ;) Definitely enjoy this time and set your own pace. There is no better reason to be self-employed.
Emily @ Life on Food says
I will still be checking in regardless of how often you post. You are so real with us and right now that means less blog time. Everyone should understand that.
Anne says
Love this post and the fact you are prioritising your family. Hugs!
Colleen says
As a mom of two (boy and a girl– 20 and 24) same order, just about the same spacing, I congratulate you on your decision. I can tell by the few pictures that you have posted that Clara adores her new “Barnacle” and it looks like he already has a pretty special connection to her too. Our two were much the same way right from the beginning and they still are to this day. We also knew our second was the last as we decided to take our “winnings” and run. Yes, they grow way too fast and you can never get this time back again, so embrace this gift and cherish every day. You’ll never regret it. I’ll keep checking back for updates because it helps me as a mom of two grown children to watch your family grow. If I didn’t, I think my husband might miss some of Clara’s videos, too, as he often catches me laughing and enjoying her just as I enjoyed our own children when they were young.
Angelica says
My husband and I have followed your blog dutifully since before Clara existed. Your is the only blog I check every day. We have enjoyed it so much so far. I am happy for you to cut back and prioritize your family! Congrats on the new one, and I loved seeing all the family pictures! Families are such a precious gift from God!
Anna says
So happy to hear this! This not only relieves you both of blogging more; it relieves us of reading more. We could all spend more time staring into the eyes of those we love instead of into a screen. If you realize it or not, you’re setting a fantastic example for Clara and Teddy on how to put family first, be brave and take time for yourself. 30 years from now, you’ll be so happy you did. Congrats!
Lori says
I have read so many blogs were mothers (and fathers) have realized that they had to scale back. Technology makes our lives so much easier. At the same time, what memory do you have of your mother texting or sitting a computer? Makes me wonder what they did back then…oh yeah…play with us kids! I am happy for you guys. Find your peace, enjoy your family. My children are 6 and 8….and I already miss when they were 2!!! If i can stop time……right now.
Megan says
this post just justifies why your readers (myself included) relate so well to you. You make decisions and stick to them – something that is inspirational! the fact that you are focusing on your family and the balance there almost brings tears to my eyes. What great role models for our society today! Less most certainly is more. My oldest is just a year behind clara and I cry thinking about school. This is such a precious life and season. I support you 1000% and will be even more anxious to read your posts. Proud Reader!! xo
Dawn says
It probably sounds odd because we don’t know each other at all, but I’m proud of you for making this decision. My husband and I just had our first child on April 14. Our little Norah is just two days older than Teddy. The minute she arrived it had us rethinking our priorities. Enjoy your family time. In just the 10 days we’ve known her, Norah has changed so much. I can’t imagine how fast the time is going to fly by and I want to embrace as much of it as I can. I totally understand where you are coming from and wish you the best!
Maria says
The years go by so incredibly fast…it seems like just yesterday that I happened upon your blog when I was planning our backyard wedding…5 years ago! Thank you so very much for sharing your lives with us. Enjoy every moment with those sweet babies, and we will just appreciate your posts that much more when you have the time!
Shannon says
Congrats! This sounds like a great decision for your family and I completely understand where you’re coming from. Looking forward to following the new, slower pace of YHL! :)
Jenna says
I’m so thrilled with the changes. I love keeping up with you guys but in the past year it’s been hard to read every post so doing less per week will be wonderful and I can actually start looking forward to them again instead of always feeling behind. Such a smart and wonderful change… Family time is irreplaceable … Enjoy it!
Beth says
Congratulations! An excellent decision that you will in no way regret. Enjoy this precious time with your family :)
Victoria says
I don’t think you will lose many, if any, regular readers. Enjoy your family! You deserve that, just like everyone else. They grow up so fast, and being present for your children is much more important! I think many of us feel like we know you, and it’s crazy that we have practically watched Clara grow up. Enjoy this wonderful time!
Jennifer Renda says
I will be here, whenever you post. Enjoy these days with your babies, because they will not be babies for long!
Jennifer says
Although your decision means we won’t see as much of you, I found a smile growing on my face as I read this. Such an exciting, exhilarating, and freeing time for you guys! Best wishes and lots of support to you and your sweet family. :)
Dream stairs says
I love your blog and think you guys are awesome! I have a 16 month old daughter and stayed home with her until a few weeks ago and I don’t regret it at all. I just want to continue having more time with her. I hope you keep making beautiful memories as it seems you do every day:)
Rachel says
Go you! I’ve been a long time reader, since I found your blog (and binge read all of it, haha). Your story and blog success is amazing! Do what is best for your family. Your readers will still be here for you, and cheering you on!
Jill says
Good for you! It is a brave and awesome decision you made. Many blessings!
Val @ Home Made Modern says
Oh, gosh, that’s awesome for you guys. I just love your blog and will always follow, no matter how often you post. Yours was the first blog I started reading in earnest and you inspired me to make a career out of mine. (And now I’m freelancing for About.com! So thanks!) And maybe this was already stated in the other comments, but I once heard someone say that you’ll never look back on your life and say, “Gee I wish I’d spent LESS time with my kids.” I try to remember this as I’m running around like a chicken with my head cut off. :) As always, best wishes!
Allie says
GOOD FOR YOU. I am so proud of you guys. Awesome. Look forward even more now. I actually tuned out a little when there were soooo many posts. Good job!
Kate says
Guys, I’m maybe a little sad to know there will be a little less of my favorite blog to read, but thank you for the well thought out post adjusting expectations so when there’s a little less to read I can smile and think of you guys spending yummy time with your kiddos instead of shaking my head at a blog drifting downwards. I am very jealous and hope you soak up and enjoy the extra family time. You’ve earned the opportunity to breathe more.
Courtney says
Yes! Slow down!! I wouldn’t have been surprised if you took a month long break…YOU JUST BROUGHT HOME A BABY!! <3 we just had our second. He's now 3 months old and I feel like we're just starting to get back to normal. So stop showing off with being so productive with an infant ;-)
Jill says
I have been reading your blog for years and never posted until today. I admire your decision so much and can totally relate. I just went back to my corporate marketing job after having my second baby. I am going back part time for more work/life balance. You have to make these choices for you and your family. Work will always be there but your kids are only babies for a short while. Congrats to you all :) hugs to bang Teddy!
Jenny says
Bravo!!!
Nicole says
Congrats on your decision. I’ve read you guys since probably 2009 (ish) and there’s no way I’m stopping now. You guys have such great ideas and tips for not only around the house, but for life. I think this post is just as relevant as any other post you’ve written. I’m looking forward to more family stuff on here too, and before you know it, you’ll be posting “Funny Things Teddy Says…”! Enjoy your new pace of life. We’ll be right here to read whatever and whenever you blog.
Meg Smith says
Well, that sounds just fantastic! And you can be sure I will keep reading! ;-) Now go hold those babies!
Jennifer says
I have been reading your blog for years. Even if you only post once a week, I ain’t goin’ nowhere! I love your family!