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.
Lori H says
Congratulations! She is so adorable, and what a pretty name. Glad that Sherry is OK too, sounds like you had a real scare. But it also makes for stories that you will tell for years! My dad is a pediatrician. His advice with a newborn is “sleep when they sleep, no matter when it is. Don’t use all that time trying to get stuff done”. It was good advice and got me through the newborn time as everything is easier when you are rested!
Lorrie says
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy!
She is beautiful John and Sherry!
Jenni says
Amazing! I’m so glad they were able to operate so quickly! Congratulations!
lauren says
congratulations!!! ive been on pins and needles waiting to hear this
Carrie says
Well I guess that means I didn’t win the baby pool, but you sure did. What a beautiful, precious little girl with such an wonderful name. I hope you are feeling back to yourself soon Sherri.
Love & prayers
Carrie
Mama Lungo says
Welcome to the best club in world – the parent club. She is lovely. Enjoy all of her!
claudia says
I’ve been religiously looking at your blog for the past year and although we don’t know eachother am just over the moon for you guys. Congratulations on your new family and thanks so much for sharing your lives with all of us! Can’t wait to see who Clara takes after more as she grow up…
Amy says
Congratulations–she is beautiful! Hope you have a quick recovery. :)
Sara T. says
Congratulations! She is beautiful! Love how Burger is watching over her–such a good big brother!
Elaine says
Congratulations! She is absolutely beautiful – so very happy for your new family.
Wendy says
Congratulations!! So precious!!!
Tabbatha Stephens says
Congrats! She’s precious – enjoy every minute. Everything changes before you know it. (Getting misty eyed over my 15mth old) :*) love the blog BTW!
Erin says
Congratulations! We’re so happy for your little family.
sarah says
I knew you two would pick a cute name! I love it. She’s very cute.
Kelly says
Congratulations Petersik family! I am so glad Sherry and baby are doing well.
Tracy says
Congratulations! I was hoping it would be soon, because I had guessed the 15th…but sadly I was wrong. I’m so happy for you too and you just make me more excited to have my first in September!
Stephanie says
Congratulations on sweet little Clara! She is mighty precious. I love the name Clara, as it is my grandmother’s name. Rest up and thank you for keeping us up-to-date on your lives!
Thais says
Congrats! She is beautiful and so s the name!
Sara @ It's Good to be Queen says
I just knew she’d be early! Whenever you’re sure it’s gonna be one way, it’s always the other! ;) Congratulations, she’s a beauty. I want to hear more of the story!!
Tracy says
Congratulations! Reading your post brought tears to my eyes, as I recalled the birth of my first child (also a quick c-section baby). It’s true that your lives will never be the same. Thank you for sharing the wonderful news with your readers. I will keep your sweet daughter in my prayers!
Amy says
Goodness! I got a day behind on your blog and am delighted to have scrolled down (after looking at the beautiful house crash!!) to see your even more beautiful baby girl! She’s lovely…you two make a pretty baby! Congratulations to you both, and wishing you, Sherry, a speedy and uneventful recovery!
Janet Prata says
This is the first time I’ve left a comment, even though I’ve followed you guys for over a year now (I love your blog!) Your little girl Clara is just beautiful, and I am so happy that everything turned out alright, despite some obstacles. Congratulations and best wishes to both of you. Oh and I forgot to mention… I LOVE BURGER! He’s going to be a wonderful big brother.
Teri says
Congratulations!!! She is adorable and I am so glad that Burger has assumed his rightful position as big brother.
I am glad that the doctors were able to quickly get her out and everyone is well.
jen@odbt says
Congratulations! So glad everyone is home and doing well. She is beautiful. Enjoy all her wonderful baby moments.
Emy says
Congratulations aahhh yeayyyyy! first on my mind this morning I thought about before opening your blog I wonder if baby P came into the world? and bingo! so cool enjoy guys!!! oh making me want another baby! I have a 3 year old not much of a baby anymore! :( Your daughter is adorable can’t wait to follow your journey into parenthood :) you guys are lucky!
Jenny says
OMG…she’s too precious! Congrats on your newest DIY-er! I am so glad that everything worked out well and that you and she are ok. Hope you are recovering well! Enjoy your new bundle of love!
Yulia says
You probably won’t read all these comments, because who has time for anything with a new baby, but congratulations!!! I am teary-eyed happy for you!
Here’s one of my favorite quotes:
“To the world you are just one little person, but to one little person, you are the world.”
Charity says
She is so beautiful! Many congratulations to you. :)
Patrice R. says
Congratulations John & Sherry! What a BEAUTIFL bambino!!!
Ashley says
Congratulations you two! She is just precious!
Rebecca says
What a beautiful baby. Congratulations!
Laura says
Congratulations! I’m so glad you are both healthy and happy.
You’re going to have so much fun with her!
Michele says
Congratulations!! She’s beautiful, and I love her name. Glad she’s healthy.
Lise says
Congratulations and welcome home little one.
Sarah S. says
congrats darlins! im sure youll enjoy her to the fullest!
Michelle says
Congrats! I’m glad that she’s healthy and happy, and I hope that Sherry has a quick recovery!
erica says
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!
she’s adorable! and how cute is burger, the protective big brother?!?!
SO happy for you both! :)
ourlifeinaclick says
Congratulations!!!! She’s just beautiful!!! So glad you’re all ok!! Enjoy this fuzzy time (as I call it), it’s all a blur but so wonderful!
-heather
Jessie at The Gimlet Eye says
Congratulations! Such wonderful news….enjoy!!
Sarah S says
Congratulations, Petersik family! Clara is beautiful… Will Bower won’t know what hit him. ;) So thankful that everyone is healthy and doing well after your scare.
Jen says
I just started reading your blog, but I have to say that a) I love your house and b) I’m so happy you’re all doing well after such an ordeal. What a beautiful baby girl! Congratulations!
Also, I’m glad to see your pup has warmed up to Baby Clara so well. It gives me hope that my pup will do the same when my hubby and I have a child. Best wishes! :)
Holly says
Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl! I hope Sherry is feeling well and has a swift recovery.
Jessica M. says
Congratulations! She is beautiful!
meta says
Awwww! Glad everything went OK! Have a speedy recovery to both girls. And, Welcome Clara!
Amy Y. says
Congratulations! She is beautiful!
Laura says
She’s absolutely adorable! Congratulations! Glad to hear everyone is doing well :)
Mary says
Congratulations!!! She is just gorgeous! So glad to hear that everything turned out well! That is a terrifying experience!!
Priscilla says
What a beauty! Well done you two :)
Jessica {lovely jubbly london} says
Congrats! I love the name Clara and May 14 is a great birthday since it’s mine too!
Ashley says
Many, many congratulations for the delivery of a healthy baby girl! She is just precious!