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…
Reva says
Congratulations! What lovely photos and what a precious time. I was wondering when this post would come, and as a faithful reader for many years, I’m so happy for you to be doing what is right for you and your family.
Bobbie Brown says
Congrats on a decision that sounds like a great one! And I wish you the very best! Truth is, since you guys got so ‘big’ and posted so much I have not been able to keep up. I just don’t have time to check every day and when I did I felt like I had missed so much I was kinda clueless as to what was going on! haha
Your words and this post in general reminds me of a quote I came across the other day:
“As people get older, they realize that time is more valuable than money. And finding more time to do absolutely nothing is perhaps exactly what we all need.” -kinfolk (on instagram)
Asha Rao-Schertler says
As much as I have loved reading about the ins and outs of your sweet family I am totally supportive of you scaling back. It is so important to enjoy this precious and fleeting time with our little ones. I had my first born soon after you had Clara and our second is 6 mo older than Teddy so I feel like we’ve been in this together ;) I recently stepped away from my job to be a full time momma and we moved to save money. It’s been an adjustment but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’ll look forward to your posts as much as ever but it great to know you’ll be doing it all for the right reasons. God bless!
Ldia says
Good for ya’ll! It’s hard to dial it back but it’s true that time is fleeting and what are numbers if they don’t have a family behind it??
Teddy is adorable! Clara is beyond cute as a BIG!
xoxo,
Lida
Constance says
First of all, congrats on the birth of your son!!
I have been following your blog since you guys appeared on the Nate Show (which aired last year in Taiwan – I know…tv here is so behind the times.) We have used several of your tips and suggestions on this site to convert our new, shell of a house we bought here in Taiwan into our very own personal western oasis.
And because of that, I would like to say thank you!!
Allison says
Chalk this up as another comment of 200% support. :-)
Ali says
So glad for you guys to read this. I was wondering if baby #2 would bring that about. That was a turning point for us as well (our son also had/has special needs, so that brought up other questions) and we decided to move closer to family, take new jobs, blah blah blah. Hope the transition is ok.
Kate S. says
Yeah!! This post makes my heart sing. SO glad you guys are taking this time. You’ll never regret it! So happy for you all!
Charisma says
I totally relate when my kids were littler I had to work 3 days a week and it meant my portion of the family income was small so we had to be very cautious in our spending. I kept getting offers to work full time which would have increased my work days to two but my pay would have been 3 times as much. I struggled with what the best thing would be and ultimately each time I declined the full time positions. It was more important that I spend the time with the kids at home before they started school. Now they are in school and I work full time but am a teacher so our schedules are the same. Even though our time with our children is more than most parents get it is never enough and I don’t regret waiting to work full time one bit. I just wish my kids growing up would slow down, it goes by way too fast and I want to savor every moment. Good luck and enjoy this time it will be gone too soon!
Amy@TheBlissfulBee says
This must have been SUCH a hard decision for you guys to make, but sometimes you just have to follow your heart and trust everything will be ok! You have such a loyal readership that I only see things getting better for y’all:) I’m still a mini blogger compared to you guys, but I just made the decision to switch up my blog platform as well. It’s a big and scary change, but I just had to follow my heart. Well wishes!! xo, amy
France says
This just shows once more (not that we doubted it), that you’ve got your values right!
And from a very selfish point of vue, as a mom working full time with four kids, who also enjoys your blog very much, this means I will now have a chance at reading all your posts and not falling behind when I can’t come “visit” every day:-)
Now all you have to do is answer the 2378+ comments on this post and you can rest after that;-)
A bientôt!
Nicole of Bumps & Beginnings says
I am SOOOOO happy to read this. It’s tough to keep up with reading all of your many wonderful posts, so as an expectant mom + newbie blogger myself I can only imagine how hard it is to keep up writing all those posts! I am so happy for your family that you decided to take a step back. Enjoy every minute with Teddy & Clara!!! xoxo
~ Nicole from bumpsandbeginnings.blogspot.com
tracy says
I followed your blog a long time back when you had your first house and were planning for Clara, I was pregnant at the time too and decided that home improvement and family was just a little too much to tackle at the same time. So we have put some of our plans on hold and focused on raising our little guy instead. I totally get where you are coming from keep it simple and enjoy those precious moments as long as you can. great job though, I admire your ability to tackle as much as you have!
Jenny says
Best post since I started following you guy in Oct 2009, when I was looking for a modern nursery. I love this decision! I am very happy for all your success, but I am so relieved that your going back to your roots. I am still amazed how you do it with a kiddo and now two. BTW, I love all the Teddy’s nursery, excellent color choices!
Melanie says
I don’t blame yall one bit! Enjoy your time together! Congrats again on Teddy! He is so cute!
Anne says
SO glad to hear this, Sherry & John! We don’t even have one little one (unless you count Callie The Cat who does think she’s human most of the time) and had no idea how you were able to work/post so much. Honestly, I couldn’t keep up and would often have to catch up on posts once a week or so. (Case in point: I’m even late to comment on this post!)
Oh, and side note: seriously, what is it with Oreo’s?! Pretty sure there is at least one illegal substance in those things. SO addictive!
Congratulations on your beautiful new family of four!!
xoxo,
…anne&bill
Wendy says
How could anyone not support you guys in this? I mean, we all read because we love you, in fact – I am thrilled you’ll bring more of Young House Life into the blog because that’s why I read, but I’m equally happy you want to scale back and enjoy your family more. As much as I’m inspired by your eye for great decor and design, it’s the Clara Talks and the burger whereabouts and the cute gift ideas you come up with to give each other that keep me reading regularly. Wherever the blog ends up in the future, you built something really special and the journey with your family has been lovely. So I wish you so much happiness as you figure out moving ahead. (Also, you totally have to watch the movie “About Time” – it’s very in-synch with this post. Just ignore the dorky DVD cover and watch, I swear!)
Kaetlyn says
So excited about this post! I’ll actually be able to keep up with your blog now:) My family has recently gone through a similar life-simplification process, and we’ve found that for us, it is the recipe for extreme happiness.
tiffany says
you two are some of the hardest working, gracious, character driven people on the blogosphere and this is one of the best posts i’ve read of yours! knowing that you are putting family first, hooray for the four of you! (and congrats on that new little boy!) your hearts and souls go into the blog and it shows! even if you posted once a week i would sincerely hope that everyone would continue to follow you, if anything, i would hope that the desire to put family first while still sharing with the world (at any pace) would draw more people to you, i hope so! i pulled back from the internet as a whole a great deal this past year and it has been wonderful, it’s easy to get caught up and life whizzes on by. best of luck younghouselove family!!
lindsay says
BRAVO!!
Shannon says
Congrats on your decision and your new little one. I highly doubt you’ll lose any followers as a result. As much as I love your project posts, I love reading the posts about your family/life even more. It was your post(s) on cloth diapering that made me want to try it when I had kids. Nearly a year after reading it, I had my first baby 5/12/13 (I can’t believe she’s almost a year old- tears). And thanks to you, we cloth diaper and love it! I look forward to any future posts. Please keep those pictures of your gorgeous family coming. Wishing you all the best!
Dena Frank says
Have you guys considered Guest Posts? Just an idea, I love reading your blog everyday, but totally understand how demanding and time consuming it is while trying to raise a family! It would keep the frequency up and give exposure to other talented bloggers!
YoungHouseLove says
We considered guest posts or contributors but keeping things “in the family” and simple (not having to outsource/manage others/expand our team/etc) just feels right for us right now.
xo
s
Kristin says
So So happy for you guys. Family is so important & I think your decision is justified. Rock on!
Sandy says
Love it!!!
Missy says
I’ve been lurking around here since Clara was born. You’ve inspired me to be more creative around my house and be more of a team with my hubby:) family is number one….you guys work so hard.
I can’t imagine the time you put into all of this.
I am happy that you are slowing down. Take the time you need and deserve to be a family. You won’t lose me a reader! Enjoy those little bundles of joy;)
Missy
Jim says
Wow, exciting times. Hope the internet doesn’t blow up so you continue doing what you do.
Lauren says
Congratulations you guys!!! I have been reading your blog since the very beginning and will continue to read until you decide to move onto other things. I am so incredibly happy for you both in your personal life and professionally. Enjoy you guys!!! :)
Marybeth says
I’m so proud of you guys! I had a weird kismet type of situation after reading this post. I found an amazing line in an amazing book (The Invention of Wings), decided to blog about the line and create a printable and then stumble back upon your blog post you did about the watercolor artwork you did with Clara and offered as printables. I hope you take a peek at the post if you have a moment between diaper changes!
http://undercoverdiyer.wordpress.com/2014/04/30/wings-beats/
YoungHouseLove says
So sweet!
xo
s
Katie says
I just found your blog yesterday through Holly @ where we can live like jack and sally. I am in love with your home(s) and your style! I absolutely applaud you in slowing down to spend more time with your kids. You’ll never get this time back with them. I agree with your priorities 100%! Even as a new follower, I will continue to check back, even if you don’t post for a few days!
Becca says
Long time reader, first time commenter. First, congrats on baby Teddy!! Second, I support any decision you take re: blogging quantity but I make one request: that you keep a regular schedule (even if it’s only 3 times/week or whatever you choose). I regularly read a few blogs and something that I really appreciate about yours is knowing when the posts are going up. It’s a small thing in a sad desk jockey’s life, but it’s annoying when one of your faves unexpectedly drops off the face of the earth for four days.
Last, I would love to see a post on baby sleep. It sounds like Clara was a dream sleeper and I’m not sure if you had any “techniques” to get her there or it just happened. I was recently chatting to a couple whose first child started sleeping through the night at 8 days old. Then they pointed at their one and a half year old and said: “and that one still hasn’t!” Yikes. My guy was tricky and I’d love to hear your thoughts on this (because you guys do feel like old friends at this point).
xo
Vel says
Congratulations on your newest member!!!! I am so happy for you and I know what you mean about priorities, though I’m not a blogger full-time like you are, I am mom, wife and physician too, so blogging just takes #4 priority in my life (maybe even less really), Enjoy your little ones. I’m getting ready for my 3rd (after 9 years from my last) and I’m so excited and love following your nursery project. CHEERS TO ALL OF YOU and hugs to big sister Clara (my other name btw since my full name is CLARAVEL)!
Jennifer Fogerty-Gibson says
Good for you! Blessings. And Teddy is amazing! Congratulations. I love birth stories, so if you ever feel like sharing it with us, I’d love to hear it. <3
Amy says
Here’s yet another message of support. :o) In terms of your audience numbers, for what it’s worth, my husband and I will keep coming back as long as you continue providing such wonderfully complete information about your amazing projects and purchasing decisions. We tend to check in with you guys every few weeks (sometimes more, sometimes less) and get caught up all at once. So while we might shed a tiny tear for the theoretical posts that might never come to be, I seriously doubt we’ll even notice a decline in output.
And as a fellow parent, please accept yet another high five from a fan. I think it’s so cool to see a lot of parents our age taking a step back to define priorities, and building a life around that. I have a hunch you guys are capable of building an empire whenever you’re ready.
Thanks for all that you do. :o)
Lj Grimm says
I am sure you have read literally thousands of comments on what a wise decision this is, but I just wanted to add another post of support. As someone who has grown children I can attest how fast their childhood goes by. Enjoy every moment, take those little trips when there is a huge to do list at home, play and enjoy. I am so impressed by you both.
Retrosmith Design Co. says
I hope that the number of comments on this post means you have both had over two thousand messages of support for your decision. As much as our opinions matter for your blog & business, I would like to think that we matter very little in comparison to those two beautiful children of yours, and the quality of life that the two of you need. Personally I think I may even be able to keep up with your amazing life, both house & family, now that it will be slower and on the same page. You seem to have blossomed and over achieved to the point where I think you must be dizzy! Can’t wait to feel the relaxation and hear more about family fun time on your blog. Rest up ok???
Tracie H says
Congratulations!! Love your blog and think that more about your family life will only make it better!
Christin says
First, congrats on Teddy’s arrival!!! He is beautiful and so glad to hear all went smoothly for you. I just became a mom for the first time on April 8th! I have a whole new appreciation for parents who have older kids to take care of AND a new born!
Second, congrats on scaling back, or so to speak. I love your blog, I love your book, and I am just a big fan! I admire you for taking the chances you do in the name of keeping your family first and those things that are most important to you. I truly believe that if you continue to do what’s best for you and your family, even if it doesn’t make sense to others (like making less money for example) you can’t go wrong. I pray for continues blessings and success for you and your family. And I will continue to be a fan wether it’s one post a month or 30. : )
Shannon - AKA Design / Bloggers & Brands says
I was just thinking about you guys this morning, wondering how you were doing with the arrival of Teddy. I remember how much life in general changed when the parent to child ratio was no longer 2:1. I’m glad to hear that you won’t be working on blog stuff around the clock. Family is WAY more important than that.
xo,
Shannon
Mindy says
Good for you for adjusting to the craziness of life and going at your own pace! It can be hard to make those choices sometimes, but in the end you’ll be so grateful you did. Congrats on your adorable baby boy–the picture of you, Teddy and Clara is awesome! (I’ve been thinking about how much I hope my girls look back and think that their mommy was happy during their childhood… this picture of you is a perfect reflection of that and I’m sure your two will totally remember these happy days!!) :)
Martine says
Congratulations on baby Teddy.
Like everyone else here I support your decision and will continue to follow you for as long as you keep blogging (I hope you never quit – but if you do I hope it will be because you guys have become so successful that you’re just too busy with the tv shows, magazines, etc.).
On a side note, this slower pace of yours allows me to catch up on posts I never took the time to read.
Julie S says
Oh, so glad to hear this. I kind of quit reading your blog because it was exhausting as I mentally juggled your projects, blog workload and family life as I read. I decided I’d check back in after your baby was born and see what was up with y’all then. My LO turned 1 on April 28 and having a kid for the first time made me so aware of how much they need you and how important your attention and presence are to them. <3
Laura says
“Love is all you need”
Lourdes says
Well said and so proud of you for making this decision! I love your blog but lilfe gets in the way and I am not able to read it as often as I’d like. Your blog brings me inspiriation, happiness to see all the love you share with the world and all the amazing home projects! Wishing you all happiness and lots of snuggle time with those precious babies! God Bless! xoxo
Megan says
Love this. I’m a little behind on blog reading (oh yeah this is a month old!!), so congrats on the baby. He’s adorbs. And three cheers to doing what you want to do for your family.
Anna says
You guys are so smart! Thanks for setting an example for all of us by choosing balance.
Priscilla says
Less Is More! Don’t know how I missed this post. But I think that is so great you guys are blogging less, and doing more with family. You guys are so great for making a decision like this, and prioritizing family. I love that. Makes me want to keep reading more, even if it’s less. You guys are doing so great with Clara, and Teddy is just so cute!
P.S. I saw a fun Iggy parody of motherhood, and thought $herdog would enjoy how “street” it is! Hahaha!
YoungHouseLove says
So funny! Love me some Iggy.
xo
s
Melanie says
I have no idea how you I found your blog what seems like forever ago. What are some of your favorite blogs? Looking for some additional reading for my Saturday morning mommy time.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Melanie! We love so many other blogs (my feedly = 200+ reads). Domino put out two awesome lists recently (one for design blogs and one for DIY blogs – many of which we read and love). Hope these help!
http://domino.com/the-best-design-blogs
http://domino.com/best-diy-blogs
xo
s
Barbara says
I am not a blogger, just a follower of many and yours has been a favorite for many years. I feel like I know you, John, Clara, Burger, and now Teddy. You have
made a choice you will not regret, ever. We raised our 2 girls with both of us working full-time, struggling when they were sick, when they had drs appointments who would take the time off etc. They are 23 and 29, and it’s true
where does the time go. It can never be replaced.
Enjoy your babies, that you will never regret. I will continue to follow and admire the 2 of you, you guys are awesome!
Cindy says
Enjoy your time with family while you re-evaluate where you want to go. Your readers will be here when you are ready to return.
Yuko Jones | northfield gate says
Hi, I’m new here. I came over from Emily Clark’s :) I’m a baby blogger myself but I know how much work you need to put into in order to post regularly and offer original contents. I hope you enjoy your break – everyone needs break once in a while! Looking forward to following you on your journey wherever you decide to go from here. Thank you for all the work & love you put into this blog.
Yuko Jones | northfield gate says
Oops, the previous comment was meant for the most recent post (9/9/14 post)! Sorry!