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…
Kylha says
Hey, just read your post, and I’m so happy for you guys- family should always come first. Take the time to smell the baby powder (and not the diapers, lol). It’s so nice to find a family willing to put their family where it deserves to be.
Ashley says
I don’t think I’ve ever posted before, but I’ve been reading for a while! I just wanted to send some encouragement your way! Spending more time working on the important things in life (like family) will never be a bad decision! I look forward to seeing how your blog changes and adjusts! Enjoy every moment!
Rachael says
Balance is so important. I am reading this at a time that I have been asking myself a lot of the same questions about what is important in life. I would rather have less money/material items and more time with my family and friends. When I look around, I think of how blessed I already am, and want to enjoy it because time is fleeting. Soon you will find the perfect balance. I wish you so much happiness. You both have found a way into the hearts of so many people and are raising a beautiful family. That in and of it self is such a success.
Kayla says
Good for you! Life is too short to get swept up in this whole idea of the “American Dream”. That chase can often lead us away from the ones we love. More is less. You guys rock, your babies rock, and Burger rocks. :) Cheers!
Tricia says
Good for you guys! Hopefully your example will inspire others to have better work/life balance. So many of us forget what is really important in life and family really is #1. Congrats on your new little one and enjoy taking some time for yourselves to soak up all the fun new memories. All your loyal fans will still be here:)
Mindy says
I totally support your decision. Life needs to be about things that are purposeful, and having kids is incredibly purposeful!
I am just finishing a BA with a triple major and a major thesis, while working and doing an internship, and I am so ready to graduate and spend more time with the family. In the future I will try hard not to take on so much. I see the rat race there is in academia and I don’t want to be a part of it.
And thank God you have the ability to scale back! Many people don’t.
Angie says
First off, congrats on your new edition! Clara looks absolutely delighted with her new baby brother. I have two boys that are about the same age difference as your children. They are now in high school and middle school, how quick it goes by! You will never regret the decision to spend more time with your family. I know I haven’t :)
Lauren @ Sassy Molassy says
Like many others, I agree that this feels like a relief. I love to hear when people are willing to do less and enjoy more. You guys totally deserve it and thanks for being good role models for all of is. Balance is important.
Rach @ Mrs-Adventure says
I’ve been a reader since before you had the bean, although this might be the first comment in years (I’m an avid lurker) I love reading you’re humor and miss the old blog days when Sher Bear was still doing mood boards :o). Enjoy all you’ve accomplish and soak up those babies. We have a 19 month old little girl and a 4 month old little man so our hands are full but we’re always inspired by YHL.
Whitney says
As sad as I am to read this I am also very happy for two reasons… 1) as a new mom I haven’t had as much time to read you as I would like and can’t keep up, so now I know I won’t miss as much (so very selfish of me) and 2) as a new mom I was thinking to myself, “How the heck do they do it all?!” You are superstars to have done what you did with one kid- with 2 I can’t even fathom! I am so happy that you value your time with Clara and Teddy more than money- you are right, time flies by and you can’t get it back! And we will all still be here no matter what! Enjoy!!!
Dolly says
Congratulations on taking a step back and slowing down! That could not have been an easy choice to make but must be a relief as well. I will definitely still be reading your blog, and appreciate it even more when it is less frequent. :)
My husband and I just celebrated our son’s first birthday last week and it was bittersweet. Kids grow so fast! I am already planning when to have our second child, so I can have another little one around. :)
By the way, can you share what the lumber is for that John is buying? I am so curious!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s tomorrow morning’s post, so in 12 hours we’ll have all the pics and details for ya ;)
xo
s
Geri says
Woohoo!! Well done to you all for making such a great choice xo
Lesley says
Bravo Petersik family. Bless you for always staying true to your hearts and putting family first!
Elizabeth says
I never post a comment, but I just wanted to say…good for you, you will never regret time with your children. Take care.
Brittney says
SO stinkin excited for you guys! and what a wise choice, support it totally, and will continue to follow the blog, get ideas from y’all, and enjoy the parenthood journey. And P.S!!! Was in Terget (say like the SNL lady) the other day with all three kiddos and amidst the cray cray, stopped and noticed your lovely new line in the store. Y’all are awesome sauce.
Brittney says
And can I just say your son is ADORABLE! I mean what??!!! That bunny hat is too much. And Clara is a such a precious big sis.
danielle says
good for you… your blog is so wonderful, we’ll take whatever we can get! ;-)
Jordan says
What a fantastic decision. Although I’m sure I’m not alone in loving your daily posts, spending time with your family is so much more important!
Congratulations on going back to the days of less work, more family!
Beth says
It’s so weird to feel so happy for complete strangers! Good for you guys and your decision. Thank you for giving us so many glimpses of your homes and your life over the years. You’ve inspired many changes in my own home and fun projects for my family. I look forward to contuing to read whatever you decide to share!
Robin L. says
A faithful reader I have been, and a faithful reader I will be… So happy for you guys and the guts it took to make this decision. Enjoy your new family of four (or five – can’t forget Burger!) and congrats on Teddy!
Jill says
Good for you guys! Hooray for new babies! My daughter Coraline was born on the 1st, and I discovered your blog about 2 weeks ago…. You’ve been keeping me company/entertained through all my nursing sessions, and for that I say thanks. :) I’m working my way back through your posts, and even if you were to only post once a week now, I’ve got lots to sift through. So fun! My little architect heart swoons. Best to y’all!
JennyC says
Thanks for sharing your plans and while I will certainly miss your regular posts, I am glad to hear you are going to be taking a step back for the familia!
Emily @ My Love for Words says
As a blogger (on a much smaller scale) ;) I always wonder how others do everything blogging requires while balancing family life. Not that my opinion matters in the least, but in hopes of offering a little encouragement, I think you’re making a great decision. I love and try to live by this Anna Quindlen quote, “When in doubt, choose the kids. There will be plenty of time later to choose work.” It’s refreshing to see a couple who’s so successful still have their priorities in line. Congrats and enjoy those babies and one another!
Bethany says
I don’t have kids yet, but I love that quote. Thanks for sharing!
Vanessa says
Yay! With two little ones of my own to chase around I have always been a little behind reading your blog. 3-5 posts/wk is perfect! Congrats on the handsome little man and the new change of pace. Love your blog!
Barbara says
I used to check in once a day or so for new posts, then a couple of weeks ago, I was checking back every couple of hours to see if ‘Baby Petersik’ had arrived yet, I could not contain my excitement . . . almost as if I was part of the family! Now I am checking back every couple of hours to see if I have missed the next post . . . the wait has been so long! It’s like being a child at Christmas again and I have to wait to open my pressies.
Good on you guys for having your priorities straight with family first – a great example to all those that read your blog, even those of us who will have to suffer a little withdrawal symptoms – at least you have not forced me to go cold turkey lol.
Looking forward to every post to come, even it they are a little further apart ;)
Erin says
Good for you! You guys deserve a break!
I actually had a request for a post, and didn’t know how to ask… so I figured I’d post it here. I have been a long time reader, and every time you update the look of the blog, I always forget what the previous look was. I’d love to see how the look of the blog has changed, sort of like a timeline. It is just an idea.
YoungHouseLove says
That would be a really fun post – for us to look back on too!
xo
s
Jamie B, says
Totally understood. Congrats on your new babe. :)
Ashley says
See, it’s decisions like these that are another reminder of why we love you guys so much – you have your priorities straight. Enjoy every minute of cuddling your new handsome little guy and have fun trying to figure out how to balance two of them(and, ummmm, if you do happen to figure it out, please share the wisdom!!)
xoxo
hollyloo says
idea for you:
jump on the throwback thursday train and post an old project from your archives every thursday. young house love greatest hits! #tbt
congratulations on teddy. love the name! and the cutie pie!!
Sara says
This is my first time posting a comment – I just have to say I am so happy for you and your growing family. I have been following your blog for the past year or so (the only blog I religiously follow I might add :) and have enjoyed it very much. I had my second baby last month so am a new mommy of two as well. I also chose to cut back my work schedule to take time to enjoy my children. I admire your decision and wish you all the best!
Jennifer says
There’s a saying I always use when someone is struggling with a decision or the potential impact of a decision.
“Do what makes you happy.”
This has become a guiding principle in my life, personally and professionally; and so I wish you the freedom to do just that and know that I will be here continuing to struggle along my next reno project and looking to you for inspiration and guidance… honestly both in reno and in finding more balance.
With love, light and gratitude, from Canada. All the best to the whole family!
Jennifer
Rebekah Hoyt says
I really applaud you guys for knowing your limits and prioritizing your sweet family over everything else! It’s so difficult to do, especially for people like you who have been incredibly successful, but I know that your fans and followers will understand and respect your decision – I certainly do! :)
Kimberly says
Totally understand your decision; its the relationships with people that make this life worthwhile! Nobody on their deathbed says they wished they had worked more, right? I’m glad you will still be posting and will be looking forward to your updates. Enjoy this new stage of life!
Jessica says
No one ever gets to the end of their lives wishing they had worked more, but rather spent more time with whom matters most. Good job, you guys!
DontBlameTheKids says
I absolutely agree with this. Oreos are ALWAYS the exception.
W says
First off congrats!!!!!
I’ve enjoyed your posts immensely and personally won’t mind if they even cut down to 1-2 times per week. Nowadays the world is just crazy busy, who has time?
I believe family time & togetherness is really important for couples and for any child involved, so you’re making the right decision!
Clara starts kindergarten next year? I feel sooooo old ;) Ha ha ha … Treasure the time you have now!
Wishing you health, happiness & financial increase.
Cheers,
W
[From the beautiful island of Jamaica!!]
Kristen says
Please Please Please keep posting clara conversations!!! They were my absolute favorite posts to read on Young House Life. I have loved reading your blog every day at work. In fact, as soon as 10:00 hit, I had to stop all my work and check out your posts. I’m glad you guys are taking more time to be a family. I know you wont regret a thing!
YoungHouseLove says
That has been the most popular request! Not to worry, they stay :)
xo
s
Vicky T says
What a wonderful decision to make…having children, being a mother is a beautiful gift and what a joy when you do have time to enjoy it all with them. Enjoy!!
Jamie says
I’m so happy for you guys, this time with your little ones is precious and brief. You deserve it. Enjoy and we will be here.
Erica says
I think your blog name “Young House Love” is totally fitting with your new priorities. You are putting what you LOVE most first, and that is completely admirable! I hope you are pleasantly surprised that fewer postings won’t hinder your traffic. Good luck to you and congrats on your little man!
Janny A. says
I’ve been here from the beginning and I will continue to be here!! I absolutely love what you do and you are definitely in the right track! Family is what matters! My kids are growing fast too! I have a freshman in high school, a sixth grader and a third grader! It seems like it was yesterday I held them in my arms as babies! Treasure the moments with them, make memories with them and you will never regret that! May God bless you and your family in everything you do!
Nicole says
I’ve never left a comment here before – but I’ve been a reader of over 4 years and I have loved all that you have shared with us! And I just wanted to say – GOOD FOR YOU! I hope you enjoy the extra time you get with your growing family! You won’t regret it!
Jenny says
I think you guys are smart. Kids do grow up fast; my oldest is ten and I can’t believe it. I have loved your blog over the years and I don’t think less posts a week is going to change that for me. Thanks for your fabulous posts and writing style and enjoy your little one!
kate says
congratulations! you guys deserve it. give those babies all the love!!
meaghan williams says
That is so great! Good for you guys – what a wonderful gift to give to yourselves and your little ones! I will continue to be an avid reader of your blog even though I’m sad it’s slowing down.
My husband and I have always chosen quality of life over career so that we can be home as much as possible for our kids. Sometimes we think we’re crazy, but we can’t imagine not being there.
So happy for you!
Meaghan
PS saw your book on Anthropologie’s website the other day (they were displaying book ends and your book was right in the middle!). Thought that was cool ;)
Stacey says
Enjoyed this post! Time passes so quickly with little ones and you’ll never regret having spent more time with your babies! I left the northeast to raise a family, my first born is Claire and I love DIY, so your blog has always resonated with me on one level or another. I look forward to experiencing your continued growth through Young House Love. Thanks for being so open and inspiring!!
Miranda says
10,000% right on. Would be concerned if you did not pause to reconsider and fully embrace this time. You could post even twice a week, or once, for the next year and be fine with your audience. What’s it for, anyway? Enjoy.
Annika says
Kudos to all of you! I’ve been following your blog for 3? 4?+ years, and appreciate how you’ve handled so much growth in a relatively short space of time. Your consistent work to be on each other’s side, keep priorities in view, reflect and revise is one of many reasons why it’s been so fun to follow and celebrate the growth of Young House Love. Thank you for sharing your professional and personal journey.
Your decision to cut back really resonates with me. I lived a crazy, busy, achieving life up until recently, when I got sick, and did not bounce back; I am still recovering 16 months later because my body was under so much duress beforehand. Health reasons forced me to pull back, when common sense (and scary zombie eyes) clearly didn’t.
That said, it’s not a popular decision to do less–at least in my circles, it’s counter-cultural. Part of my continued recovery is resisting the urge to rise to every occasion. Having recently married, we’re constantly asked “Now what?” as if working out the foundation for life together is not enough.
Anyway, more power to ya! Truly focusing is not giving up, it is building into those things that matter.
Amanda S says
You guys are incredible. I’m so happy to hear that you are spending more time with your family. I have been an avid reader for about 4 years. I’ve commented a few times… Entered some giveaways, But mostly just read and use your ideas around our house! (We have a brick ranch just like your 2previous houses!) your blogging style is so genuine, I think of you and your fam as my friends, I often refer to you guys by first names to my husband and friends.(lol. It’s true.).. I’ve shared in your joys, book to target (I own both) and love to hear about your family! I’m so excited to watch teddy grow just like I did with Clara. And I secretly hope I’ll see you someday at the beach in Delaware since we vacation there too(and live in northern de!) Congrats on teddy and I’m with you guys wherever you are headed!!!!
Biggest fan,
Amanda S.
Anne says
So proud of y’all for making this very tough decision! You still have my readership and now I only have to look one place for those sweet baby pics. Enjoy this very precious time with your kiddos.