Just thought we should mention that we recently welcomed a new member of the family.
On Friday the 14th at 5:57pm, Clara Kenley Petersik was born with a paint brush in her hand weighing in at 7 lbs 10 oz and measuring 20.5 inches long. We’re insanely in love with her. And she and Burger are already best buddies. Seriously, he thinks it’s his job to stand guard next to her at all times.
Clara was named after John’s grandmother on his dad’s side. And her middle name, Kenley, is an homage to my dad (Ken) with John’s mom’s maiden name worked in there (Kelley) along with a reference to my great aunt on my mom’s side named Lee. Gotta love rooms and names that multitask.
We’re all home from the hospital and happily settling back into life here at Casa Petersik (there’s nothing like a four day hospital stint to make you miss your house like crazy). Yes, we actually had an extended stay due to a pretty terrifying scare during Clara’s birth (an unexpected placental abruption paired with an umbilical cord prolapse had a slew of wonderful doctors and nurses performing an emergency c-section in under three minutes to ensure that Clara was a-ok). But although her delivery was anything but restful, we’re both over the moon that she’s 100% healthy and 1000% adorable (not that we’re biased or anything).
And now that we’re all back home, Clara really seems to be enjoying her new surroundings. In short: we feel like two of the luckiest people in the world. And we’re so thankful to be able to share this amazing time in our lives with such wonderful readers. Thank you all for the well wishes that you’ve passed along throughout our big journey to parenthood. We can’t wait to detail all the ways that our house grows and changes to accommodate a little person and we promise to share all the organization, storage, and simple living tips that we pick up along the way (while tackling even more DIY adventures and cheap-o room makeovers of course).
But now back to our regularly scheduled blogging. We have an awesome house tour to share, so stay tuned…
Psst- We’ll also be announcing the random winner of the big baby pool (and a $100 West Elm gift card) tomorrow, so stick around.
Kate says
She’s gorgeous and love her name! So glad all is well after all that super scary stuff. Enjoy her, you are very lucky! :)
dee says
It’s silly but I actually teared up when I saw your announcement post. Wish you all the best with your precious little Clara. Congratulations, she is your best DIY yet!
Rebekah says
Best wishes on your new addition! She’s lovely.
Rachael says
Congratulations! Gorgeous baby girl!
Jenna says
I’ve been anxiously awaiting this post! CONGRATS!!! She is lovely!
Sarah says
So Baby P is now Baby C!!! Congrats and so glad to hear everyone’s happy, healthy and well. I’ve been checking the blog nonstop to see when she’d be born – I had a feeling it was last week!! I thought the blog was going to get behind for a day or so, leaving your followers wondering… Amazing what happens when you share your life online…. you get a slew of people who care about you and genuinely wish all the best to you and your family – especially when you care so much about us! Thanks for being a constant provider of good tips and good news every day! You guys are such wonderful inspiration!!
Felicity says
Congratulations! I would have never known the bean had arrived from your speedy respond to my comment the other day. Geesh, well done youngsters!
Jessicah says
Congratulations!! The name Clara was on our shortlist, but our Eleanor was born 3 weeks ago. Clara is beautiful!
I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog the last few months, since I was pregnant too, and I had fun watching your nursery develop–and took a few of your tips as inspiration for our nursery! One day I’ll find time to take pictures and send them in.
Congratulations again! Enjoy the sleepless nights! :)
Amanda says
Welcome Clara! Congrats John, Sherry & Burger!!
Cori says
ADORABLE!!! Blast i was just 7 hours off *sigh*
Kevin M says
Congrats, I know you’ll hear this from everybody, but enjoy it and take lots of pictures, she will grow up way too fast!
Nichole@40daysof says
Congratulations and what a beautiful name!
Michele says
Congratulations! Clara is gorgeous!
Rosemary says
Congratulations! It’s so awesome to see your growing family. Clara is a wonderful name. Congrats!!
Suzanne D says
Congrats to you all. She is beautiful.
Holly Marie Gibbs says
Congratulations Petersik family!! She is absolutely adorable. Also, major props for the post — complete with edited photos — a mere four days after major surgery and the birth of your daughter.
gina says
What a beautiful baby girl with a beautiful name to match! I am so happy to hear that everyone is healthy and home. Congratulations! She is perfect!
Renee says
Little Clara is soooo precious!!! Congrats!!!
Alicia says
Congratulations! Your little beanette is absolutely beautiful and I wish you a lifetime of happiness!
P.S. Sorry to hear that there were complications but happy to hear that everything turned out well!
Michelle F says
Oh my goodness she is so beautiful!!! Congratulations!
Lauren says
Congratulations!! She’s absolutely adorable! I’m so excited for you both and for Burger too ;-)
Catherine says
Congratulations! She’s beautiful, as is her name. And I’m so relieved that you all made it through what sounds like a scary few minutes. And Sherry, I have to say you looked awesome right after delivery! What a happy day!
Mindy C says
Congrats to you both! She is adorable! Very clever with the name :)
ania says
Congratulations! She is absolutely beautiful!
Krys72599 says
She’s bee-you-tea-full!!! Congratulations to you both!
Allyson says
Awww…I have a big tear in my eye, after reading this joyous news *sniff sniff* :)
Clara is a gift from above. May she never know a day without love. With you & John as her parents, she never will :)
xox
Terri says
Congratulations!
Aldora says
Congratulations! Clara is a beautiful baby!!
Corey Maxwell says
Congratulations, John and Sherry! The little Clara-bean is finally out, and she is ADORABLE. I am a mother of an almost three year old son, and I can tell you that while the road ahead will be a rough one, every single step you travel will be 150% worth it. Good luck! Congrats again!
Mrs Soup says
Congratulations!! She is so beautiful and I am SO glad both of you are safe and healthy!
Amanda Z. says
Congratulations, what a gorgeous little girl! Enjoy every minute, the newborn stage goes by so quickly! Sherry, you are so lucky you have your husband home full time now, I bet you guys are having a blast. LOVE the old fashioned family name too!
Tiffany T. says
I’m so happy, happy, happy! She is a blessing! We may never cross paths but my life is enriched knowing yall are in the world!
indigorchid says
Welcome Clara, and congratulations to the family!
Katie says
Congrats! Your daugher is absolutely adorable! =)
lins says
yah! She is so darling. Congrats.
Sandy says
Congratulations! Clara (love that name, by the way) shares a birthday with my older sister. If one were to believe in astrology (which I don’t, actually) I would say that means she will be quite strong-willed (my family calls Karen “bullheaded,” actually), dedicated to causes and family, and have an aversion to spiders and nuts.
Rachel W says
oh dear she is adorable!
Saskia says
Oh wow, congratulations to the small family!
Tracy Napper says
Congratulations!! She is gorgeous. Love those cheeks! Sorry about the birth scare but glad you are all okay.
Jennifer says
Congratulations!!!! Clara is goregous – as is her name.
You know, if you guys miss a post or two, we’d all TOTALLY underdstand!!!! Many of us know what it’s like to have a newborn at home. If you need it, give yourself a break!!!
travis says
Congratulations! She is perfect! Good job on the name, too! So glad all is well.
John, wasn’t it amazing to see and hold her for the first time? It’s amazing the quickening of the heart and the deep intense love one feels towards their child the very instant you see them. Amazing! Again, congratulations!
courtney says
oh my goodness! what a doll. she is stunning. congrats you guys!
Erica L. says
So excited to hear about the arrival of your daughter. There is no joy like that of a newbornin your home.
Brandi says
Well, she’s just beautiful..
Congrats!! I’m glad that everyone is doing well..
Sheela says
Congratulations John and Sherry! Clara is beautiful – what a lovely name and such a lovely addition to your family! Enjoy her, and get rest while you can!
Kacey says
Congratulations! Sounds like quite a scary ordeal. So glad you guys are ok!
Jennifer says
Congratulations! She’s precious:)
Katie says
Clara is beautiful! Congratulations on such a joyful time!
Heather says
Congratulations!!! She’s beautiful! Can’t wait to hear about your new adventures!
Rachel says
Congratulations! Clara is such a beautiful name and she is an adorable baby girl! Your family is so blessed!