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…
Sara W. says
I was so incredibly happy to read this post today. As the mother of a 9-month old, I totally understand what you mean by having your life priorities shift– time passes, money comes and goes, but you will never again have this type of time with your kids. It’s crazy how quickly it passes. I wish you so much luck with everything you do– and hope you enjoy the journey! Thanks again for all you have done for us, we enjoy that you share everything you do, and we all be here for you– (goodness knows I’ve been a reader since before Clara, I don’t intend to stop reading now!) Much love from our family to yours!
Lisa says
You’re doing the right thing. I blinked and my babies are nearly all gone from the nest. I wish I’d had the guts to slow down and enjoy it more…although it’s still been the most wonderful ride. Your choice will be the best you’ve ever made. There will always be more opportunities to be swamped and too busy but you NEVER get the all too fleeting time with your children back.
Laura M. says
You guys obviously worked your buns off to make your blog successful, and like any successful business- it’s now time for you to sit back and enjoy what you have accomplished! Family is always #1, and we (your readers) all fully understand and appreciate that! I have my own business, stay at home with my 3 year old and 4 mo. old with a husband who works full-time, and no matter how much time we spend with them, it’s never enough :) Love ya, and love the blog!!!
Christy says
Such a wise decision! Seems only yesterday my mom was telling me how quickly time goes, but that was when I was slogging through the busy (although happy) child-rearing years; now I am telling my daughter the same thing as she raises my grandchildren. Oh, how quickly time passes, and once it’s gone, it cannot be relived…and you’ll never regret giving more time to your family.
Natanya says
“..there’s nothing like having a baby to confirm your true priorities”. Yes, yes, and yes! So much clarity can come at this time of change, if we are open to it… congratulations on taking a stand for your family and your values. It’s heartwarming to feel all of the support for you here :)
Jamie says
I started reading your blog before Clara was born and I will appreciate you going back to a less is more style. Not to say I don’t love your blog now but I think the new approach will lead to a more genuine feel. And not like you did the project just for the blog. Enjoy the extra time with those cuties!
Sally says
Good for you! Your family is first and you have such a beautiful one! I have enjoyed watching you guys through your blog and will continue as always :)
Heidi P. says
Yaaaaaaay for you guys!!!!!!!! I want to give you a standing ovation. I’m so excited for this dial-back. Sometimes it’s important to let some things fall out of the wagon, so to speak. I love you guys!!
Heather S. says
I have a feeling that with two sweet little ones you may not read this, but just in case you do and in case it wasn’t said a million times already, this is wonderfully refreshing to see. As a Momma myself to two littles under two (22 months, and 3 months) I am encouraged by your commitment to your family over “prosperity.” I’ve been blessed to stay at home for the past year but due to tight finances it is very likely that I will have to return to work in the fall and I am dreading leaving my babies. So, from my mother’s heart to yours, I get it, I so get it. In a world of bigger, better, and more it’s wonderful to see people who understand what is really important in life.
Kim Bauer says
Congrats on Teddy and on slowing down. We’ll all miss your daily posts, but family is so much more important. They do grow up too fast.
Joy says
Good for you… you have to think about you and your sweet family.. it is going to only get busier for you as they grow. God Bless ?
wendy says
Good for you guys. Your family is always more important than anything else. Looking forward to still following your home adventures and watching your family grow.
Paige says
I never commented but I just wanted to say YES! So glad you are making this choice. So excited to see where it takes you.
Brenda says
Eloquently said. Far too many people are chasing the perfect scenario when they have it right in front of them. Best wishes for whatever you choose.
Lisa says
Maybe I have PMS but I’m crying like a baby right now! Happy tears though.
alexis says
Good for you! Enjoy that baby and that little girl and that home and that doggie!
Cynthia says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on your blog changes and decisions. .
Congratulations on baby Teddy :)
One thing I would love to see and haven’t for a while is Sheri’s earring purchases or gifts. Ever since her Kendra Scott pair I am always looking to see her earrings :)
YoungHouseLove says
That would be fun! We shared birthday gifts and Mother’s Day stuff more often a back in the day, so I’ll have to work some more of that in.
xo
s
Shanna says
I just wanted to say congrats on your super sweet little bundle of joy! :) I’ve been reading your blog since the beginning and will continue to be a loyal reader. It’s so important that you make time for your family and is SO understandable! Enjoy more time with your family of 5!
Ginger says
You will never regret the decision to put your children first. Their childhood will fly by. The upside of that is spending time with grandchildren! Cherish all of these wonderful moments as I am sure that you will. I will still continue to look for every post you write! Blessings to your wonderful family. Have fun!
Jo says
I’ve been reading this blog almost since the very beginning, and I won’t stop reading it until you guys stop writing it. It’s my daily treat to myself to open it up every day and live vicariously through your wonderful sense of enthusiasm. Thanks guys! I love it all. Oh, and I finally bought the book – the Target special edition paperback! What a great idea! I love it.
Karen says
I rarely ever post but this decision makes me happy. I think it is right and I will still follow. In fact, I look forward to it. Congratulations on baby Teddy!
Rina says
Well Done on making this decision! I’m actually relieved for you! You guys actually make me feel exhausted following your life!!
I think I’m really going to enjoy this change of pace and love the family posts so can’t wait to see more of that on the main site. Take your time, enjoy your family… Your fans will still be here!! Xx
Rozlynn says
I really encourage you both to consider flipping a house you do not live in maybe 1 per year or 2 per year and working your way up to more if you like it. If you find the right construction crew, it can be a pretty much hands off or as intense as you want it. My husband and I rehab for a living and most of our days are focused on our family. It gets hairy at the beginning and end of projects, but all in all I really like it. We just go slow and do about 2 per year and recently we have been able to hire out a majority of the work (minus painting and little finishing touches we like).
Secondly, if your income allows, find a good Real Estate agent who can coach you in the benefits of owning a rental home weather it be single family, duplex, or triplex. We have a duplex and it is managed by a good/reputable company where we live. For the most part it is stress free and I really enjoy receiving the rent checks each month. :)
Deana says
As a mom of a 2 year old boy and 1 year old girl, I totally think you are doing the right thing. I worked full-time as a designer until last September when my daughter was 6 months old. I quit my job and now freelance some from home, and I have never regretted it. Everyone keeps telling me how fast time will fly by — I’m tired of hearing that! It makes me so sad!! But at least now I know I will be able to enjoy as many moments in my children’s lives as possible, and hopefully won’t have any regrets! Congrats on your decision!!
Amy J says
It’s all about priorities and you’ve picked the very best one to enjoy! Now go cuddle those babies. Snuggling mine this very moment. ;)
Destiny says
I like your blog, but I love your family.
My baby is twenty-one – it happened in a blink. I left a “career” I loved to be a stay at home mom who took the twelve year homeschooling route (He’s a 4.0 first year senior thankyouverymuch.) You have made a decision you won’t regret – mad respect!
Sarah S. says
I’m such a fan of YHL! I can’t imagine how you balance it all. I think it’s a brave move, scaling back and keeping family first. You guys will be happier and enjoy projects more without the pressure of having to keep up with all the additional stuff. It wouldn’t matter to me if you guys posted once a week or once a month, I’m a YHL fan for life!
Jenn says
Amen sister (and brother)! There is nothing more important in life. I’m envious to be honest. My one career goal is to get to a position so I can work from home. Or win the lottery, whichever comes first. It’s corny but true… The best gift you can give your children is your time. Congratulations
Sandy says
Good. for. you.
I’ve been following since your first house and I can tell you that you wont be losing this reader. I honestly don’t think you’ll be losing many if any at all. I’ve gone through fazes following other shelter blogs but they don’t seem to last. The thing I appreciate about yours is that you don’t write sponsored posts, take freebies, or go out and buy something just because you want it. You’re down to earth regular people who save pennies, DIY, and make things do until you can afford to upgrade. Best of all you put your family first. I so appreciate that. Because after all…the thing that makes a house a home isn’t how beautifully it is decorated but the people we love that live there with us.
Meg says
Yay! I love this. I’ve never commented here but am an avid follower. This opportunity calls for an applaud. You remind us all of what’s important beyond work and money. Thanks for sharing what you have and what you will continue to — it’s ALL great. xo!
Lisa says
I think this is wonderful. Family is everything. I will continue to visit your blog and look forward to the coming changes.
Lisa.
Kate says
We’ll still be here! Glad you are cutting back!
Lisa says
Congratulations! Best decision you could make. My baby ( 3 kids) is graduating high school next month. It goes by in a flash. I chose to be a stay at home mom. We did without many “things” because of our choice. A choice we have never regretted. I cherish those years and feel blessed that I was able to actually make that choice. All the best to your lovely family!
DianeG says
Congrats, Petersiks! I admire and respect your decision. I’m at a similar stage in life as you guys, and I have no idea how you do as much as you do. I’m so glad for you that you are in a position to step back and slow down – earned through your dedication and hard work, of course. Our baby (also a little brother to a 3-year old big sister!) is almost 7 months old and it is really going by so much faster this time around. Enjoy. You guys deserve it.
Natalie says
I am so selfishly devastated you wont be posting everyday haha its literally the first thing I do in the morning is read your blog. Now I have to actually get a life and stop living through you guys lol SOOOOOOO much love and appreciation for you, thanks for all the un-seen effort you put in and for the memories and inspiration. You really practice what you preach by putting your family first and that is the best DIY lesson you have ever given us. Good on you!! xoxoxox We will always be here and we will never stop reading the blog! YHL FOREVER!
Nicki says
You know what? I am pretty sure you guys are going to be just fine! You need to make the decision that is best for you family! You will never regret that! And the people who love you are going to stick with you guys no matter what. I know that the changes you have in mind do not bother me in the slightest. I will still be following along just like I always do. Kudos to you both. You were the first blog I ever read, you inspired me to start a blog of my own, which has turned out to be a true passion of mine. It is just a tiny little thing, but I am still figuring it all out. But I do know that it makes me very happy, and that is credit to you guys because I never even knew what a blog was until I stumbled across yours.
India says
Good on you guys! I think we all pretty much love your blog in whatever format it comes :)
Now that you’ll have all this extra time, maybe you’ll bring your book tour out to Australia! ;)
Timothy says
hello! i dont know if you’ll actually get to read this or not considering your business. haha. but im 13 and read every single post posted. i started reading about 2011 i guess and i have loved every post since then and when i go on vacations i come back and catch up on all the posts i missed. long story short you guys have made a very big impact in my life (i want to be an interior designer btw) and i want to thank you so much for taking the time to write these posts every day because they really do mean alot to me and to everyone. i totally understand posting a little less because honestly your family is more important than your career and you should definatley spend lots of your time with your little ones :) one of my favorite quotes is this:
“dont get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” and its very true and so is the fact that you guys are awsome!! bye! :)
Nicole S. says
I haven’t read all the comments here, but Ive read enough to convince me I’m in the minority. At least people who have commented in the minority. I must confess myself very sad. I go to school full time and work full time and always look forward to reading your posts and my one guaranteed bright spot of the day. I shall greatly miss that. I hope you find what you’re looking for.
Nicole says
I have never posted on here before, but just so you know, you have lots of young fans! I am 25 year old and just got an apartment for graduate school and have been designing using yalls tips and tricks … Also, I have your book and my friends want to borrow it all the time! Your book is my new go to home warming gift since most of my friends are into DIY projects. Can’t wait to purchase the second book! Congrats on baby Teddy! He is adorable!
Timothy says
P.S i will never stop reading until the posts stop posting :)
Tracy Vaughn says
Quality over quantity is always the right choice. Young House Love is a beautiful place to visit. Thank you for inviting us all in.
Lisa says
My kids are three and eleven months. My husband and I both agree that having two kids was definitely a game changer for us even more than having the first child. For me personally, I had to cut waaay back on my work. I just could not work full time with the two of them and get ahead. Also, they are only young once and like you, I didn’t want to miss this time. I just found your blog and blogging in general in the last month (I think having all those kids and working left me too little time…) and I didn’t even realize that you did a daily post. I think three times a week for this blog would be perfect for me as a reader. I wouldn’t even have time to READ the blog more than that!
Just like I said to your last post, I was a little shocked that Sherri was blogging so soon after a c-section. Any other job you get twelve weeks off! I realize that passion and work are co-mingled in this situation so it is a challenge to find that balance. But PLEASE, cut back! It will also make your posts more interesting. As a now regular reader, I will look forward to them.
So, I feel a bit guilty even leaving a comment because I know that you guys SHOULD NOT be blogging right now, but spending every spare moment squeezing in a nap or enjoying your time as a family. Feel no need to respond to me, just know that I KNOW exactly where you are at. I just made it through the rain. Now that my youngest is 11 months, now I feel like indulging in home improvement or staying up after I put her to bed and surfing the internet for a little while. The next 6-10 months are going to be a blissful blur. Please enjoy it!
Casey says
Good for you :) I check in once or twice a week anyway and just scroll through. This is the best decision. I have a 7 month old and it has been THE fastest 7 months of my life! Enjoy your days with your babies, they wont be babies long :(
erin says
I say “go for it” do what you guys need to do. I must say, you’re my favorite thing to do/read when 9:00am hits in central time but I also understand your need to slow down. You have always keep your blog real and I have never felt like you were selling out, no matter how big you have gotten over the years I’ve been reading. Unlike the other blogs I’ve been following for awhile. I feel like they are not corporate sell out and they have lost the voice behind why I started to read their blog to begin with. I have never felt that here. I think it’s your sponsorship policy. :o)
I wish you luck all that may come with this new “slow-down” approach.
erin says
*now not not
Heather G says
Longtime reader, rare commenter. I just wanted to say that it seems like you’re doing the right thing. I say that with some confidence because I’ve been there! :) (I took a leap of faith and stayed home with my son, leaving my full-time job in late 2012 and permanently handicapping my opportunity for advancement in my chosen profession. Interestingly, said profession has hit on a severe downswing in the last 18 months and I’d probably be looking for new work by now anyway.) Sometimes the old goals lose their appeal or disappear entirely, and that’s okay.
A mentor once told me: you have to trust yourself to make decisions in the moment with the information you have at that time, and then stop worrying about it. This feels right for your family and even sort of makes sense on paper. I say great decision and ENJOY IT with no worries. :)
Jenn says
Good for all four of you. You will never, ever regret it. Enjoy it all, and I hope many blessings continue your way! I bet most of us will stick around, regardless of how often you post. :)
Kari says
You guys are the best. I’ve been reading your blog since I think early 2009, and I loved you just as much as the “novices” you were then compared to the “professionals” you are now. I’m so happy for you and that you are in a place to make a decision that you’ll never regret. Hugs to you and your beautiful family.
Val says
No question you have your priorities straight! (Not that you needed me and a thousand other people to tell you so.) Looking forward to whatever you give us, [and can’t wait to see the end of the blue trim in the dining room, ;-) ] Welcome Teddy !
M says
I will still be reading. :) You guys have to do what you have to do and you’re right–family and friends are most important in life. Especially when you have two little kids growing up so fast! <3