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…
Susan Winters says
I am so proud of you. All the acclaim and fortune in the world will not get back the time lost with your spouse and your children. Your priorities are definitely in the right place. I suspect it will have little effect on your traffic. We all think of you as family now. The future is full of rewarding possibilities. Enjoy the slower pace.
Love the little bunny hat. ???? I’m such a sucker for pictures of loving siblings and their newborn playmates.????
Janice says
I ‘love’ you guys even more ! I’m teary eyed and so proud of you and happy for you!! You inspire me constantly – to try new things (Peterisk it!) and to remember what’s important. So happy I stumbled on this little corner of the net way back when. :)
Dawn says
At the end of the day, nothing matters more than your family. As a single mom to a now 16 year old, the old saying, “they grow up so fast” is so very true. Love each other and your babies and we loyal readers will enjoy the posts when you get to them and send you love and happiness when you are spending time with your family. Blessings and Love from Tennessee. :-)
Wendy says
You guys are so talented and funny, I’ll keep tuning in! You’ll always be successful if you put family first!
Elizabeth says
I’ve learned now that my youngest is approaching Kindergarten that there are many seasons to life/motherhood and to enjoy the season you’re in and you’re doing just that! Enjoy those babies because they really do grow up contrary to what I thought everytime someone approached me in Wal-mart and told me they grow up so fast. :)
Kudos to you both for finding a good balance for your family!
Deb says
Congrats to you guys on making the decision to stop & smell the roses! We are in a similar boat – our last baby about to turn one and her big sister starts pre-k in September! We’ve also been facing scaling back choices for the sake of our family (& sanity!).
Thank you so much for your honesty! I won’t be going anywhere, love your blog, Enjoy your family!!
Elida Rodriguez says
Yay for work, life and family balance! I think that if your readers are truly loyal, they will stick with you at no cost, which from a business standpoint are your greatest fans! I’m one of those readers who used to read your posts every single day, and as my life got busier, I scaled back, but still popped in every once in a while and enjoyed your posts. I think that’s what will happen to your audience. Your little familia is so darn cute and we’re all so nosy about wanting to know about your life that you could post about making a peanut butter sandwich and we’d still read it! LOL. Best of luck with your little one (I myself am a new mommy!) and Clara, Burger and to the two of you. I bet ya we won’t even notice you’ve scaled back!
Best wishes!
Elida
Marsha Kern says
Way to go! So proud of you guys, you know what the real value of life is….
Kathy says
I’m so proud of you both for making this decision. I truly believe it’s one you’ll never regret. You’ll always have me as a reader. ???????? And as I read the comments from others, I see they feel the same way I do. God has gifted you both in so many ways but your little ones are your most important gifts you’ll ever receive. I’ll pray for your family. Congratulations!
Beth says
Great to hear you guys can slow it down! I’ll keep reading and maybe I’ll be able to send some more “clicks” your way by getting more friends to read :)
Janel says
You’ve always been my favorite bloggers because you keep it real. Thanks for continuing to do so. Nothing is more important than doing what’s best for YOU and your family, and we’re all so lucky you invite us along for the ride, even if it’s in the form of fewer posts! Congrats on Teddy and your beautiful growing family.
Franna says
Kudos! I’ve been a regular reader for some time now, and lately I’ve been breathless reading your posts – where do they find the time, the energy, etc? – what with two small children and Burger, you’ve got plenty to keep you busy already. It sounds like you’ve been very smart in saving, not burning bridges etc. so you’ll be fine. I will continue to be a loyal reader as I love,love,love Young House Love! Congrats on Teddy and get some sleep!!
Christine says
I think this is a wonderful idea! To be perfectly honest, sometimes I would get overwhelmed with the amount you posted just because I wanted to read every single one, and sometimes I just didn’t have time :o( I felt like I might miss something big (or some DIY project I could really benefit from) if I didn’t read them all. I really wondered how the heck you all kept up with everything!! You definitely have not lost me as a reader. Your personal posts help us connect, and I feel like I can trust your DIY advice, recommendations, etc. because you’ve allowed us to peak into a part of your life that is not all about the house. Long story longer…I’m very supportive and happy with your decision and will continue to faithfully follow :oD
Rosa says
You know what? This sounds prefect to me! This is real life, not some ‘perfect internet world’. Love you guys for being so real & honest :)
Karissa says
Good for you guys, I’m so glad to hear that you’ve put a lot of thought into what is best for your family and you aren’t getting wrapped up in the excitement of it all. I will definitely miss your daily posts though!
Amelia says
Life decisions based on YOUR true values, your family and each other are always the best decisions. So many people get on the treadmill of life and just keep grinding away, losing sight of what’s important, what they want out of life, and wake up having never accomplished anything of substance or meaning. I commend you guys for asking yourselves what’s important and listening to the answer. Best of luck to you! You’re not losing this reader no matter what!
Lynn says
I love your blog but always wondered how you kept it up almost everyday. I applaud your choice and will look forward to seeing your blog whenever it comes out.
Ami says
I will selfishly miss y’all posting as much bc I love to read you guys but I completely 110% get it and I’m glad for y’all and your babies that you’re making these choices while they’re little. My Dad used to work crazy hours until my last year or two of hs and it was amazing to have him home more. How cool would it have been to have him there years sooner… Go for it guys!
Katie says
You two were the first blog I had ever read (forever ago) and have inspired me to do things around our house, that I never thought I could do on my own. I have enjoyed watching your family grow over the years and I look forward to seeing all the great Clara and Teddy adventures to come.
As a mother of four, all I can say is, everyone tells you it goes fast, but you have no idea how fast…fast really is. While my oldest is approaching 18 (I swear he was just born yesterday) they grow up at lightening speed!
Enjoy this time with your family. That’s all that really matters.
PS: That last picture speaks 1,000 words. Love it!
Jo Devoy says
That’s really good news guys… I’ve two small kids and most days reading your blog I cannot believe all you fit into the week. I also love the small stories you do! The ones about food, groceries, wrapping stations (been a follower since house one ;). So I sincerely hope this works out for the four of you! Congrats on Teddy’s arrival… Enjoy the snuggles! They stay tiny for the shortest time!
Sarah says
Good for you guys! Don’t get me wrong, it will definitely be sad to see a less frequent posting schedule (or a non-schedule, as the case may be), but you’re doing it for the best reasons possible. Happy bloggers make happy readers, right? As long as you’re posting, I’m here!
Lesley says
Don’t worry, you won’t be losing this reader! So very happy for everything happening in your lives right now – it is well deserved for you to slow down, enjoy the ride and keep your priorities in check. You guys are the best! :)
Sara says
That’s a good decision, you guys should at least have the weekends off, I’ve always thought 7 posts a week is a lot.
Sorry if this is too personal and it’s ok if you don’t want to answer, but I’m interested if you have planned 2 kids before or did you decide to stop at 2 after the complications with Clara?
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
Amanda Clancy says
This is so beautiful. Maybe it’s because I’m pregnant with #2, but you made me cry. So happy for you all. Big congrats, great decision, totally behind you, all the way. I don’t really know you guys, of course, but, big hugs. xo
Shar Y says
Good for you for knowing what you want for your life and taking steps to get it. You will never regret choosing more time with your family. I wish I could go back and have more. Your blog is awesome and I will continue to follow and I predict that most of your followers will as well. To be the kind of person that follows Young House Love–well that kind of person will totally get what you are doing and will be here for you!
Laurina from Western Australia says
Aaaand this is why we love you! So true to yourselves and this crazy journey:-)
Shannon says
You guys are amazing! You are making the right choice and I will never stop reading or following you! Congrats on the beautiful babies and all the future adventures sure to come your way!
Holly says
Brought me to happy tears.
I’ve never commented before though I’ve read your posts everyday for the last 3 years. I can relate to you both bc I live in NYC and went to school at Richmond and now have two kids of my own. What an amazing decision. Very happy for you in every way.
I’m going to make my husband read this post so he can possibly take a cue from you.
Ashlee says
I am so happy for you guys! I have loved your blog since 2009 and will continue reading all about your journey! So many people sacrifice family and what is most important for their career goals, and it is so refreshing that you guys aren’t! Enjoy your beautiful little ones! Xoxo
Kimberly says
I think it’s wonderful that you guys are doing what’s best for your family. All the best to you as you enjoy this special time. I can’t wait to see what comes next for YHL and all of you. xo
Karelia says
While I’m selfishly gonna miss my daily does of YHL, there is no question that you guys will still be my favorite blog and I’ll still enjoy reading any updates you do have for us.
So glad you convinced your bosses (ha!) to let you have a slightly reduced workload. You two are seriously Superman & Superwoman with all the things you have going on. Enjoy the time with your adorable family.
Jo-Anne says
I’m good… and for sure I’ll stick around to read however many posts you can fit in to your oh so busy lives. Take care.
Deb xo says
Congratulations guys, and you deserve to take as step back, I’ll still pop in from time to time to see what you are up to, you are one of my fave blogs and I love how you mix reno’s with family life…. happy days.
Shannon says
I am so happy to read this post and look at the beautiful pictures of your family. I’ve been following you guys since 2008 and sort of consider you friends (uhh I know that’s kind of creepy..). As the child of a single mother who worked 80 hours a week running 2 businesses, I completely understand this decision. My Mom always says that if she could go back to those days when my brother and I were little she wouldn’t work so much. Enjoy every single moment – even the ones when your children are screaming and you have a pounding headache – because time really does fly by!
Oh, and 3-5 posts per week is above and beyond!
JP says
Seems a little short sighted to me. Definitely important to put your kids first, but that means financially too. I hope you’ve considered other options as well before you lose too much traffic. Once readers leave, it’s unlikely they will come back. All that traffic is what gave you the opportunities for a book, a second book, a line at Target, etc…… I hope you’ve considered hiring help as a way to give you more time with your family and NOT lose traffic. You can even go the intern route if the cheapies have kicked in. Have an intern to review comments, do edits and photos. You could have them write the giveaway posts. I’m sure there are many behind the scenes tasks that should be delegated. Good luck.
Michele says
I fully support your decision! Our world would be a better place if more people scaled back their professional lives to enhance their personal lives. I’m glad you’re not giving up sharing your lives with us completely – I would cry! You make me smile :)
Catherine says
Have you not been blown away at the number of long-time readers who’ve never left a comment have done so in support of this post?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! The response has been amazing! Best readers ever.
xo
s
Ciara says
YEY! So rarely comment although I’ve been reading along since you got married. This post is pretty much the exact reason I have been reading your blog for so long and will continue to do so. Family comes first always :)
Stephanie B says
Hooray for striving for a great work/life balance. And a previous commenter was right, we’re not going to stop checking for updates!
Anne says
Wow! That takes guts. I think it had to be a scary as h, e, double-toothpick decision to make. I don’t know that I’d be able to be that brave. I don’t know if you read this far back in the comments. I just wanted you to know that I’m impressed. To be so sure of what you want in life, to know your priorities and be able to act on them so bravely. I want to be like that when I grow up!
Kathleen says
Bless you all, again and again.
I have always enjoyed reading all (types) of your posts. Your site’s value is *much* more than just the information you share–and excellent it is. Another valuable message or vibe that flows through all your writing and photos is that of your mutual love and respect for each other and for your family and community. The world needs much more of that. There are few sites that share that in the holistic, natural (not staged), and open way you do. Thanks for sharing all you have. You’ve been *prolific* workers and writers. Now, rest a little, nap on the porch, pace yourselves. Go with your heart!
kc
Dawn says
Taking a step back for family is always the right decision. Your kids are only little once :) I think most of us will read your blog no matter how many times a week you post because it is so full of useful information.
I just read your Clara birth story for the first time and I am sitting here in tears myself. My first child was born via emergency C-section but not quite that dramatically. We really must always remember to count our blessings, not take things for granted and not waste a precious moment of this life.
Helen says
Good for you! In a field where over-dedication is the norm, finding a balance that works for you will be a long-term payoff. Congratulations on Teddy’s arrival and on your (future) sanity.
Fran says
Such wise words you guys have shared! The one thing that we can never get back is time. You guys have inspired me to make sure our family is making the best use of our time together as well. Thanks for sharing your thought process. I feel that it will help many families make a positive change!
Jo Tiessen says
Just wanted to add my voice to many others, and applaud your choice! I’ve always thought it was super-human what you two were able to do in a week. This just makes you sound a little more like me; which gives me hope that I, too, can have a beautiful family and still enjoy working on those little upgrades around the house.
Stephanie Ayer says
That’s what I love about you guys – you stay true to who you really are. Glad to hear you are following what is best for you and your family!
kelly ann says
God, how is it possible to love you guys more?! Such a great decision, and you will always have a loyal and patient reader in me!
Sammy says
Good for you! Life is not about work, but about being alive. Nobody ever regrets not having spent their nights working….
Enjoy every minute with your sweet children!
BrookeJ says
Blogging is fantastic because it’s so flexible. One of the reasons I love Young House Love is because of it’s dependability with posts–but really 3-5 a week is plenty, and much more than most blogs I follow. Your readers are invested in you, as long as you don’t go dark for a month here and there you’ll be fine. Keep it flexible-we’ll be flexible too!
Katherine says
I think it’s a wonderful decision. I only started reading your blog about a year or two ago, so I missed out on a lot of the early stuff. So on the days you don’t post, I’ll go back in the vault and catch up on those things. I’m sure your blog hits will still be high! I’ll still come in daily to see if there is something new.
You have an opportunity to do something that not all family’s have the luxury of doing; taking a step back and being at home more with your family. You are absolutely right to take advantage of that!
Best wishes for the future,
Katherine