Back even before I knew for sure that I was prego I used to peruse BabyCenter for articles about “early signs.” And once I had a test in my hand that confirmed that I was in fact “with-bean,” John and I immediately logged on to find out when Baby P would be due. While there, I also signed up for emails about our baby’s weekly growth (which I used to read aloud to John every time they landed in my inbox) and joined a message board to converse with thousands of other expectant May moms.
After Clara arrived I started receiving emails about her development outside of the womb (which I continue to read aloud to John every time they roll in) and I still find myself stopping by the May Message Board to read about milestones that other babies are reaching and challenges that other moms to two-month-olds are currently facing.
So imagine my geeked out reaction when I got an email from none other than the kind folks at BabyCenter asking if John and I would be interested in blogging about baby-related home stuff (toy organization, kid-art display ideas, tot-friendly decor, etc) as a part of their Momformation team. Yeah I pretty much lost it and fist pumped my way around the room until Clara and John exploded with laughter about “silly mommy’s frenetic wiggling” while Burger cowered in fear. Picture Clara looking at me like this:
And Burger looking at me like this:
Even though that email only showed up a few short weeks ago, today our very first post is already live over on BabyCenter! And we hope that those of you who indicated an interest in a baby-based blog will head over and check it out. We know that many of our readers rely on us for non-baby-centric home improvement and decor advice over here on YHL, which is why we’ve worked hard to keep the wee-one-chatter to a once-every-few-weeks occurrence. And although many others of you have suggested/requested a baby spin-off blog in honor of Clara’s arrival, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to create and manage an entirely new blog- so our once-weekly column over on BabyCenter is an amazing solution!
Today’s post is just a nice-to-meetcha type of thing, but we already have tons of kid-related projects up our sleeves for the coming weeks. Seriously, we have a list about a mile long of fun tutorials, tips, and ideas that we can’t wait to tackle. So for those of you with a bun in the oven, a bun that’s already born, or just a love of bun-related projects (many of which can most definitely be adapted for adults, teens, tweens and even whipped up as that perfect niece or nephew present) we hope to see you over on BabyCenter every Tuesday when our latest post will go live each week.
So with our big announcement out of the way, now’s the part where we get all mushy (stupid post-pregnancy hormones) and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and sweet sentiments. You guys have no idea how much you motivate and inspire us every day with each kind comment, Facebook shout out, or sweet Tweet. You’re the reason we do what we do and we love you (sniffle). Now somebody get me a tissue. Sheesh.
Lesley says
Congrats! I still visit regularly with my Sept ’08 and Feb ’10 boards!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers says
Congrats! How wonderful- I can’t wait to read it!
Katie says
Congratulations!! Can’t wait to read!
Robyn in Chicago says
Seriously. Is there anything you guys can’t do?
This is great – congrats on the news! I can’t wait to (some day) be a regular reader to your Baby Center blog, like I am to this one. And what an awesome addition to your blogging careers. Wahooo! The Petersiks are unstoppable!
Christy says
Woo hoo! I love Baby Center, and still get updates on our little guy..he’s two! Congrats!!!
A says
I love your blog and have been reading for a couple of years, but I am on the verge of unsubscribing in my Google Reader. I’m sure I’m not the only infertile person who reads your blog, and your entries are increasingly baby-focused. I am happy that you are new parents, but it would be nice if you could have a better balance of non-baby-related posts. I mean no offense, but if I wanted to read a mom blog, I could read one of the dozens that are out on the internet. I was attracted to your blog because of the cool house-related projects that you were doing, and now it seems to be all baby, all the time. I am sorry, but I am losing interest.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey A,
First of all, we’re very sorry to hear about your infertility and won’t even pretend that we can imagine what you’ve gone through because we can’t. But we do hope that you read the paragraph in this very post (excerpted below):
And we hope that those of you who indicated an interest in a baby-based blog will head over and check it out. We know that many of our readers rely on us for non-baby-centric home improvement and decor advice over here on YHL, which is why we’ve worked hard to keep the wee-one-chatter to a once-every-few-weeks occurrence. And although many others of you have suggested/requested a baby spin-off blog in honor of Clara’s arrival, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to create and manage an entirely new blog- so our once-weekly column over on BabyCenter is an amazing solution!
As you can see, this post is announcing that there will be a new destination for baby-related posts since we’ve done our best to keep from getting too baby-heavy here on YHL. So it’s really a solution to your complaint! Admittedly deciding how much Clara to share has been a hard line to walk, because having a baby is a pretty big life change. And this blog is about sharing our projects and our life, as it always has been- even our “first baby” Burger has been making regular appearances since the blog’s inception!
We publish over 45 posts a month and try to limit just two or three of those to baby-focused content (like the one about how our house is evolving with kid clutter or the one about how we made our own DIY baby book since many readers have requested that info). We hope that you stick around for all the non-baby-related things like: tutorials, house crashings, reader redesigns, projects, mood boards, burning questions, giveaways, etc. But we do understand that not everyone will love our blog so we just do our best to write about what we love and stay true to ourselves! Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Emily says
Congratulations! That’s super exciting! I’m excited to see more of your baby/kid ideas on BabyCenter (a site I’m also subscribed to). :)
margie says
Im so happy for you guys, I can’t wait to read your post! But did you seriously fist pump? uhh I hate the jersery shore!! Congrats!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Margie,
Unfortunately I’m from Jersey (born and raised) so sadly it had nothing to do with the Jersey Shore- it’s just ingrained in me. My own little happy dance of sorts…
xo,
s
Megan says
BabyCenter was the reason I found your blog! You were often mentioned on the Decorating Divas message board, so I’m happy to see you are writing for them! I can’t wait to see it!
Lesley H says
Congrats to all 4 of you! Your list of accomplishments just keeps growing. It gives me such faith when good things happen to deserving people. Thanks for all you share!
patti says
such great news! congrats!!
Meagan says
It’s working now! : )
Amanda says
Hi, would you mind sharing where you found the blanket that Clara is laying on. I actually have a lampshade in that same fabric that I’m in love with and have been trying to find the fabric source. Thanks.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Amanda,
It’s actually a fabric swatch that we picked up from an outlet (we’re taking weekly pictures of her on different patterns and textiles while photoshopping her age on the white onesie that she’s wearing in each shot). If you click the Facebook link up near our search bar you might be able to find the fabric vendor though (some people recognized it and commented under that pic so if you scroll back through the posts on FB you should be able to see that info). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Cordia says
BabyCenter is great. I get the weekly updates for my 7 1/2 month old and still rely on the site for info on milestones to feeding as well. Congrats!
Looking forward to hearing ideas on what to do with the fifty finger paintings,lol! Was just doing another cleaning/quick organizing of our playroom and collected a pile of art to go in a box. This just inspired me to maybe put some of the art in frames (white frames,lol) and hang in the playroom and around the house. We can change out the art every so often, if I have time to do that,lol!
Christiana says
Congratulations! I admire you for handling all positive and negative comments with class and great aplomb.
Alli says
Yay! As a planning for mommyhood gal, I’m super-excited to see all the amazing baby-related stuff you guys have planned. I’ve already bookmarked nearly all of your nursery tutorials for future use! Congrats on the new column, you guys are the best!
amanda says
Ahhhhh, score. Thanks so much. My 6 month mission has been completed. Don’t you just love it when stuff like that happens:).
tara says
http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/home-sweet-baby-friendly-home/ Here’s the link to the blog! WOO to the HOO!! :) So happy for you guys, and on a side note, am also dealing with infertility but still support your blog 100%, even with including a little Clara in it every now & then. What an honor for you guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks for all the love guys!
xoxoxo,
s (& j & c & b)
Chris says
Congrats!! You are so deserving of this :)
CarMaj says
How exciting!! CONGRATS!!!
Alicia says
Congratulations!! This is very exciting! I also applaud you for your professional manner in handling all comments. :)
Kate says
Sherry and John,
What a privilege it is to allow us to all follow in your journeys! You are so open and helpful… I look forward to your posts each day. GREAT JOB!!!
There are so many blogs out there. I read several of them regularly. However, there is something that sets you guys from the rest… you have such a connection to your readers. You feel like friends… it’s not something that everyone can accomplish. Your hard work and dedication is so apparent.
I was so bummed to read the comment by “A.” You handled that SO well. Praying you don’t loose any sleep over that.
Keep up the great work!
Kate :)
tara says
eeeeeekkkkk!!!! I’m so so excited lol. Sorry for the outburst. I always want to ask you guys a million baby questions and now maybe more of my questions will get answered on your new baby blog posts. I think you guys are doing a great job balancing the content on your blog and I’m so excited about somewhere to go to read about all the baby goodness!
Amy Wolff says
Awesome!!!!! Your blog and BabyCenter are the first two places I go when logging onto the computer. I am so excited.
Maybe you can remind us every time there is a new post on babyCenter- it would be helpful.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Amy,
Yup, we plan to do a little PS on the normal YHL post that day each week as a quick reminder!
xo,
s
Erica says
Congrats, John and Sherry! I love Babycenter, too! I look forward to seeing what you guys post. My sweet baby Claire is just a few weeks older than Clara!
The Frugal Style says
Great! Will have to take a look… Congratulations!!!
Melissa :-)
Michelle says
John and Sherry, you are just getting after it. And by it, I mean everything. I continue to be completely proud and totally unsurprised with each new opportunity you guys get–you’re just so fun to read, no matter where I’m reading you. And though YHL is primarily a home-decor niche site, I have always loved how much you infuse it with your personalities and relationship. Keep on keeping on, guys!
kristin says
looks fabulous. we’re in the market for a house again (sigh!) and this will give my hubs a positive outlook on some not-so-pretty looking homes!
Stephanie says
Congratulations! How exciting!
margie says
I am also dealing with fertility, But I love hearing about baby Clara. Just because we are suffering with this problem doesnt mean you (A) have to act like babies dont exist.
I love how real you are and how many personal things you share on your blog, It’s what keeps me coming back. (Twice a day :)
This is your blog and you should be able to post about anything you want! Baby Clara is a part of your life now and it is crazy for people to think that you are not going to talk about her. It would be crazy for you not to! I may be infertile and will be looking into adoption so its not the end of the world.
John and Sherry keep doing what your doing! You are obviously doing something right!!!!
hi-d says
This is SO cool that you’re doing this. I’m definitely going to check that out. I do get email updates from Baby Center (along with a few other sites)…so funny, cause I do the same thing…read them to my hubby…I’ll be 12 weeks tomorrow. Yahoo!
Angela says
This is so exciting!! You guys deserve it, and I can’t wait to start reading your new posts!
Erin @ Two Story Cottage says
So exciting! Congrats! Looking forward to reading your baby related posts. Then again I look forward to reading ALL your posts. :)
Julie says
Hopefully you can do an article on managing all of the kids books. We have a 3 year old and 2 one year olds. If the one year olds have access to the books….books everywhere…if the 3 year old can’t get to the books…tantrums.
Chelsea says
Hi guys! This is non related to the post. Just curious. How many visitors a day do you get to your site? Have you ever considered doing a post that could track what states your readers are from?
Another question…have you kept a total of all house improvements, decor purchases that you’ve done along the way? If so, how much have you REALLY spent?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Chelsea,
We’re shocked and humbled to receive over 2 million visits a month (and around 80,000 per day). Crazy huh? We still remember the days of zero comments (we blogged to nobody for at least a year, haha). As for where our readers are from, it’s hard to pin that down exactly but we do know we have lots of national and international readers and we’re thrilled that people around the world care about what’s going on in our casa. As for how much we’ve spent on the house, here’s a post from a while back about that (including info on how much our house appraised for at the time). It hasn’t been cheap to completely transform our house, but we’re thrilled that we’ve been able to take on projects like basement, kitchen, and bathroom makeovers that come in way under the average cost. We also have learned that since this is our day job we have to keep it going- so those projects will definitely keep a-rollin!
xo,
s
Sarah @ Dream in Domestic says
Yay! I love reading about Clara, so I can’t wait to check this out. There’s nothing I love more than diy decorating and babies!
Cheri@IHeartOldHouses says
Yay, congratulations! I look forward to the weekly Clara pics…the backgrounds you guys come up with are amazing (though not as amazing as the main subject, of course)!
Ashli Malinek says
Congratulations!!!!! That’s so exciting for you! you two totally deserve it!!! yay
~Ashli
http://www.maillardvillemanor.com
Carmen says
That’s awesome! Congrats!
Carolyn says
Congratulations! and I love..
“I pretty much lost it and fist pumped my way around the room until Clara and John exploded with laughter about “silly mommy’s spastic wiggling” while Burger cowered in fear.”
Too funny! I will have to go over there and check out your article.
Amanda says
I’m so glad! I actually found you guys while I was trying to DIY my wedding, and then I was so glad that your blog was mostly about houses because I was buying one, and I’m due in two weeks (oh man oh man!!) and so now that I have my house just about done, I have more Petersik blog help! Outstanding! Yaaaayyy!
Lesley says
Congrats! Our baby is due this Saturday and I have been getting those great emails for a while now. That site has been very helpful.
Ali G says
I’m thrilled for you two!!! I am practically addicted to BabyCenter and the August 2010 message board. Can’t wait to read your stuff!!
Kelly says
Every time I start to read a new website regularly, team YHL pops up. Any site you’ve been dying to write for? Let me know and I’ll start looking at it every day until the editor contacts you.
Chippy says
For the reader that was looking for the fabric in Clara’s 10 week pic, here is one source that I found (am ordering for my new kitchen bench!)
http://www.tonicliving.com/productsDetails.asp?categoryid=26&productid=1185¤tpage=1&onsale=0
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much for sharing that link Chippy!
xo,
s
jaya says
Ok so John and Sherry my friend was showing me pictures of a model home in Denver, CO that had so much of your design sensibility (that I have grown to adore) imprinted all over, down to all the small white accessories and your new bathroom towels (I remember your towel design from your bathroom reveal, west elm and z gallerie stuff So I had to ask at the risk of sounding too inquisitive… did you perhaps design some model homes in Denver??
YoungHouseLove says
That totally sounds like fun, but it wasn’t us! We’d love to see them someday though!
xo,
s
Allison says
Congrats! You guys amaze me at all you do! That’s so cool!
On another note- where did you get the fabric in Clara’s 10 week picture? I just got matching lamps from Marshalls that have the exact print on the lamp shades!!
YoungHouseLove says
We actually got it at a local fabric outlet but someone commented with a link so you can pick some up to match your lamp shades (just scroll back for that info). It’s such a small world!
xo,
s
Newlywed and Decorating says
Congratulations!! That’s great! Clara is adorable!
Valerie says
Awesomeness! I lurk on the BBC Bargain Hunters board all the time, BBC is actually how I heard about “This Young House” way back when. I’m so excited you’ll be contributing!
Sarah says
Yay!!! This is so exciting! I will definitely be reading the new column!