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…
Kristie says
I found myself oddly emotional while reading this post, but in such a good way. I admire your overall career shift (I’m a marketer myself that would love to feel some sort of passion for what I do) and knowing that you’re willing to lose a little web traffic for the sake of YOU is awesome. I happen to be visiting my grandparents with my mother this week and my mom just asked, “Do you know these house love people you always are liking on Facebook,” to which I responded, “Nah, but I feel like I do!” You guys keep it real in such a relational way and even if it’s a post a week I’ll keep coming back for more!
Lacey says
Good for you for putting your family first! Your children are beautiful, you guys are so blessed!!
Lindsay says
Just wanted to say I am excited to hear about the changes. I support them all and I am happy to see more family posts! This is one person you will not be losing :)
Blessings, Lindsay
Mimi says
Congratulations on your decision! Even though I love all your posts and won’t like seeing fewer of them, your readers would only want you guys to do what’s right for you. After all, if you start hating this blogging thing, we’ll all be down and out.
I am sad that Teddy will be the last Baby Petersik, though. Clara would be impossibly sweet with a little sister. (Of course, she’s clearly impossibly sweet with a little brother, too, so maybe that’s just Clara.) We’re looking forward to watching them grow. :-) Thank you for sharing your lives with us!
angel says
So wonderful. Congratulations on such a beautiful and happy family, as well as all of your business success. Thank you for letting us enjoy a big peek into your lives. xoxoxo
ErinY says
So happy for you guys that you’re able to make this decision. I always remind myself that when I’m old and on my death bed I’m not going to say, “I wish I had worked more”. Just one more way you guys are keeping it real! Best wishes with the new family and I’ll still be over here checking things out all the time no matter how often you post :)
Janene says
I am honestly so glad to read this post and so happy to read about your decision to scale back! I am an interior designer and have been following your blog for about 2 years. I have never commented but felt like I really needed to today! I am a first time mom of an almost 4 month old little girl, and have recently gone through the whole re-evaluating priorities and work conversation with my husband (multiple times), and we have chosen to earn less so I can be with her. I am so glad you are putting your family and what really matters first and not trying to appease the blogging world :) I am proud of you both for making a decision that you most definitely won’t regret. And I’m sure you will feel that way every time you look at those sweet babies. Every time I look at my daughter I know I have made the right decision to put her before a big “career” Enjoy this time with your new little one! You guys are awesome and have a great sense of humor and I always enjoy your posts! Bless your little family!
Centsational Girl says
You guys, I’m so SO proud of you, of all you’ve accomplished, of the amount of work you’ve put into your blog, and the constant stream of inspiring work. But I am really impressed with your choice to slow down for the sake of family! I’ve felt the same for six months and know it was the best thing I’ve ever done for us. I’m sure your readership won’t suffer in the least but as you said, even it was to, it’s so worth it to gain that balance you seek.
Big hugs and congrats friends!
xoxo
Kate
N Shirley says
Having just come home from the hospital where my husband is in intensive care I whole-heartedly applaud your decision. Life goes too fast and the times when your children are small are the happiest times of your life. My husband has spent about the last twenty years wanting to slow down and enjoy life. He has looked forward so much to his retirement. He retires tomorrow, and tonight he is so sick. I am feeling very sad tonight but wanted to tell you you are making the right choice.
ginger says
hope he feels better soon <B
diana says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband. I know what you are going through.
Amy Lynn says
I think this is awesome. Nowadays, so many young families are thrown into the limelight, often unexpectedly, and it negatively affects their family. Good for you for preventing that and putting first the one thing that will always be there. XO
Laura J. says
A wise decision, I have to say. As much as we all love seeing what new things you’re up to, putting your family first is the best decision you can make. My daughter is graduating from high school two weeks from Saturday, and it seems like yesterday that she was Clara’s age, just getting started. It flew by much too quickly! Make LOTS of memories, because the best things in life do not have price tags!
ashley says
I had a feeling this would come with baby #2! And I much admire this decision. You have your priorities straight and that makes me respect you guys even more. I will miss the frequency of posts, because YES I enjoyed each one… but know it is with good reason :) Congratulations on the new little one. Enjoy this time!
Lauren @ The Thinking Closet says
I really applaud you guys for making the decision to scale back and re-shuffle priorities. I don’t even have kids yet and have found that making the small shift from posting 3-5 times a week to 2-3 has VASTLY improved my own personal sanity and my relationships with others. As an over-achiever, it’s no easy feat to intentionally do less, but so important for the long haul. We’re running a marathon, right? Not a sprint. And I also admire you guys for keeping an open hand as to whether that marathon will always involve blogging. I find that when I do stay open to whatever comes my way, things just fall into place. Just wanted to give you a virtual high five from Orlando, FL tonight!
Yana says
Commenting here from Malaysia. I’m an avid reader of your blog. I’ve been reading your blog since 2009 and this is my first time posting. It’s just my habit to click to your site every other day. I will definitely miss your blog post but I’ll stick around. Enjoy your sweet family!
psst: I was born on May 14 same as Clara (and it’s Friday in 1982) :)
Jenny says
Good for you! I’ll still be here everyday :) And I’ve missed the family/life posts! For whatever reason I never sought them out on the other blog,but I’m happy they’re coming back over here. Enjoy those adorable kids, because it sure does fly. Our second is turning 1 next week (and full-on walking!) and I cannot believe it. It’s even faster with the second!
xox
Gail says
If anything, this makes me want to read your blog even more!;) Seriously, people who prioritize family and life first have my utmost respect. Will look forward to your posts as you are able to write. Now go enjoy those babies of yours! I have 2 small boys of my own (3 & 1) and let me tell you…everything everybody says is so true- they do grow up entirely too fast.
Hugs & best wishes on this new life stage!
Gail
marlene says
Bravo! We also chose spending more time together as a family over success. I wouldn’t change that for anything!
Sara says
This is a big decision. I’m so proud that you were so courageous to chose family. It makes me like y’all so much more (if that was possible). I’ve been a faithful follow from the 1st house. And I will continue to read. Really, life ebbs and flows. I’m so happy you are flowing with it. It makes me feel that you are human. Thank you for your honesty. This is a good reminder for myself as me and the hubbs are thinking of starting a family. We’ve worked hard to be where we are today, so this is a good reminder that family is so important too. Love to y’all!
Christina-Mai Just says
Long time reader, first time posting.
Your decision is an inspiration. Being in the moment
and doing what’s in your hearts will make
all your future posts that much more authentic.
Enjoy breathing and this amazing time and thank
you for being an example of the journey being
so much more important than the destination.
Xoxo
cori roberts says
I have been following you guys for so long and love reading everything! I love how down to earth you are!
I feel like I know you guys! So happy for you guys and what you are doing to better your family time! Clara and Teddy are very blessed little babes!
I will still be following you guys! Looking forward to seeing what you do with your house even if it takes 5+ years! I will still be here! ;)
Kym says
I love everything about this post. Your courage and honesty is so refreshing. Over 1800 comments of your readers supporting your decision says a lot about who you are as people. Way to recognize the real priorities in life. I will always be a faithful reader even of your posted once a month :-) Congratulations on Teddy and your beautiful family of 5!
Amber says
Such a great decision. Enjoy those sweet little ones! I have a feeling most of your readers will stick around regardless of how many times you post…I know I will :) Teddy is seriously adorable btw.
AshM says
Very admirable decision you guys have made. You will never regret spending more time with your kiddos. After my first was born, it took me very little time to march into my high stress job and promptly resigned to take a part-time position for far less money so that I could be with him. Having a child completely refocused me and I’ve never regretted it. When my second came along 4.5 years later I couldn’t imagine the difference adding one small human would make. It was like I added 4 more. I do wish that I had scaled back further and spent more time with him. It just went by so much faster. So way to go, kiddos, high five! Enjoy those little snuggles! You won’t regret it. Your true fans will still be here watching your progress!
Jami says
About time! Enjoy your sweet family – Ill still be reading faithfully :)
Beth says
As a reader this doesn’t bother me one bit! When I first discovered you blog a year or two ago, I binge read everything over a few nights and then continued to check back every few days. Now I come by every couple of weeks and enjoy that I can scroll through and see what y’all have been up to and get some inspiration. I have a long to-do list myself (I managed to get my new kitchen light hung tonight, yay me!), but as a single mom of a 7 year old, I can’t imagine how any of it would get accomplished throwing a baby into the mix! Your family has inspired me to be brave in tackling my own home improvement projects and I am now proud to say that I built this or installed that and have a power tool collection that rivals most of the men I know. Enjoy your babies, I love beautifying my home but time with my kiddo trumps all! Your blog is amazing and you feel like close friends. As your friend I will always come back when you have time to share. :)
Beth
Dallas, TX
Tiffany says
Wonderful to hear! My second just turned 1 last week and I have no idea where the year went. I wasn’t warned how quickly baby #2 would fly by, and it’s made me quite sad feeling like I missed things. You will never regret this decision, enjoy the family time!
Nicole says
Thank you for being an inspiration to me as I look for ways to improve my home and think about the family I might have in the future. I love your blog and look forward to seeing your new home evolve and cute pics if Clara and Teddy as they grow older. :)
Laetitia says
you’ve always struck me as a pair of very classy bloggers, knowing when to share and when to just be quiet and I’v always appreciated that about you. Knowing when it’s time to bow down and take some steps back is something I’ve seen a lot of bloggers struggle with and I think you are making the right choice. I’ll sure be tuning in to see the evolution of your style, your family, and just because you make me laugh, and escape.
Thanks for everything.
Rebecca Smith says
Its cool you guys, we aren’t going anywhere. We will miss the daily updates but you are doing the right thing. Enjoy what you have, you’ve earned it :)
Kayley says
Best idea ever you guys!!! Those sweet babies aren’t gonna be babies forever! Can’t wait to see the direction this ‘little’ blog takes! Much love from Australia.
Seren says
I’m SO happy for you my favorites bloggers ever !
And I had sometimes hard times to follow your rhythm ;-) small kids at home sometimes did take all my time …
so it is perfect for me to know that I made now be able to really read everything again :-)
And I will always be a reader !!
Enjoy your moments !
Estrella says
I was overwhelmed myself about the length (and previous work!) of some your latest posts. Wise move! I’ll definitely keep coming back.
Florence says
I really wish you the best and I really respect your decision as parents. I have two little ons and my daughter will start school in September. time flies so quickly. Even though it is beautiful to see your children growing, I still find it bitter sweet. Enjoy the time with your beautiful children.
Ps: I never posted here before but have been reading your blog since 2010, I bought your book and you have really inspired me in being a bit more bold in my interior design choice.
Ps 2: hope you are recovering well from your c-section.
Lots of love to you all and long life to your blog Xxxx
Joan says
As much as I’ll miss your posts I completely applaud your decision-well done! Some things are so much more important than work. Good luck.
Abilu says
We love you more for making this brave choice!
Annabel Vita says
I don’t comment as much as I used to because a change in my job means I’m reading posts in a reader most of the time these days, but I still read everything you write and am rooting for you 100 per cent in this new blogging stage!
I’ve always been impressed at how true to yourselves you are with your blogging and I think this change will be great for the family. Lots of love to all of you!
Laura says
When I first read this post I felt a little crushed in the same way I felt when they canceled Cottage Living (I’m still not over that magazine being gone!). I know you said you are not ending the blog (phew), but you just had a baby. It’s totally understandable that you would want to shift gears. In fact, in corporate jobs there’s a name for it: It’s called maternity leave. Even bloggers deserve maternity/paternity leave too. Take the time to be with family. Everyone says it, they grow up too fast. On the subject of maternity leave though, be French about it. French women get a whole year. Americans only get 6 to 8 weeks. Not long enough. It’s very inspiring to hear when people are happy with what they have and not constantly striving for bigger and better. Having said that, I do hope to see a post about the full kitchen reno when it happens. :)
Wes says
I’m so happy for you guys. This sounds like a great decision, and I totally support it! You guys do more than almost every blogger I read, and I will still be a faithful reader no matter what! I also love the idea of re-integrating the family posts into the main page, those are honestly my favorite ones.
I was also thinking, I bet this could open up for some really cool opportunities for the future of your careers you can’t even imagine yet. How exciting!
Nicky says
Hi guys! I have to be honest; I am kind of bummed reading you won’t be writing as many articles. But I completely understand you and I agree with you; this is something Clara and Teddy will benefit from hugely I think.
Please promise me one thing though; will we still get those ‘Clara conversations’? I just love those. And I am secretly looking forward to the day you can include ‘Teddy Conversations’ because I have fallen in love with the little man already :)
YoungHouseLove says
So funny how many folks have asked about CCs. They’re here to stay :)
xo
s
Beth Marie says
I think this is awesome and I doubt you will lose the attention of anyone because your family has been imbedded into our hearts. Congrats on making a great “big person” decision!!
Sarah says
I’ve loved following you guys for a few years and do not plan to go anywhere, even if you only posted once a week. ;). I totally understand slowing down when you have a newborn. I had the same thoughts a year ago when our third was born. Enjoy the time! :)
Anna says
Good call!
I’ve reduced my working hours whilst my two girls are young. There are plenty of years to work, not so many to be with your babies :)
Anne Lossing says
You guys are AMAZING! My admiration and respect for you just grew again. You are an inspiration! You are true living examples of how to follow your heart. Thanks for sharing as you do! xoxo
Stephanie says
The days are long but the years are short.
The time invested in your family reaps rewards beyond any the other “stuff” gives.
Congrats!
Pat says
So glad to hear of this decision. I was wondering how you could possibly keep up the pace with 2 kids – and maintain your sanity! It’s all too easy to just keep going, going, going without ever stopping to assess whether it is still what you want and need for your family’s well-being and happiness. Kudos to you both. You are excellent role models for your readers (yet again). Enjoy!
Gia says
I’ve been a loyal reader since your early days and I will continue enjoying your blog whenever you post! This is just a reminder for all of us to continue to look for that balance in life and it truly hits home for me. My husband and I are constantly trying to find the balance with family, work, friends and various commitments. Thank you for being so honest!
Anna says
The days are long but the years are short. Good for you guys! All the best!
Ashlie F says
I quickly became an avid follower 6 years ago and did so because not only do you two make a house a beautiful home, you keep it real and that’s what sets you apart, in the best way possible. As much as I’ll miss your daily posts, I am honestly happier knowing you are spending your time with what matters most in this life, your family.
Meg says
As a former blogger, and current business owner of 18mo (with my husband, so it is our Sole income), and mother of 2 toddlers I give you mad props for doing this. I go to work every day with the goal of one day being in a spot where I can work less. It’s encouraging to see others who’ve made it there.
Sally says
That’s wonderful news!! As much as I’ll miss my daily read, I can’t blame you guys for wanting to slow down. Enjoy more time with your family – family is the most precious thing in the world:) Looking forward to your future blogs!