We’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what our lives will look like in a few weeks, a few months, and even a few years with the impending arrival of the littlest Petersik. And a big part of that process included wondering about how we’d keep up with this blog once there was a tiny (yet huuuuge) responsibility around here to be cared for and coddled. So we put our heads together and concocted a few new strategies for making time for everything: each other, our baby, this blog, and of course our main man Burger.
We’re still as dedicated as ever to keeping this home improvement adventure going since we’ve had the fortune of taking this hobby/passion of ours and turning into a full-time job for Sherry. And at the risk of not saying this before I forget: THANK YOU for encouraging, supporting and humoring us on a daily basis so that could happen (read how Sherry went from hobbyist to full time blogger here).
But with a newborn on the way, we’re not delusional. We know how much time and effort that will take. Caring for Baby P alone could be a full time job for Sherry so we knew that maintaining our two-post-a-day habit and coordinating weekly giveaways, all while taking on consistent DIY projects would be a stretch. So we came to a major decision (not without a ton of careful consideration and number crunching of course). The verdict? We’re charging forward with Young House Love full force- and in order to keep things going we’ll be bringing on a second full-time employee (to help with both baby and blog duties). Any guesses as to who it could be?
I know, some of you are probably crossing your fingers that it’s Burger – he is quite a hard worker…
But it’s actually… me! That’s right, once Baby P comes along I’ll be saying a sad goodbye to my time as an 8-to-6 advertising geek and hello to full time fatherhood & bloggerdom. And for that, I feel incredibly blessed. So again: THANK YOU. It’s not like I don’t already work about 20+ hours a week on top of my full time job when it comes to keeping this blog going, but with all the time that we’ll gain with me being at home during the day we’re certain that we can better juggle the blog, the baby, and the rest of our lives. In fact we have big plans for YHL when I come on full time, so stay tuned for even more action around here in the coming months…
And what does my new role as a full time father/blogger really mean? Of course the obvious: I’ll be around to tag team both the care for our beanette and the blog with Sherry, seven days a week. So we can nurture each of them as one big (hopefully very happy) family. But it also means that we’ve got another major room makeover on our to-do list. That’s right, Casa Petersik is getting a bona fide two-person home office!
For now, all of my night and weekend work on our blog has been done at the dining room table, while Sherry remains parked at her nook in the den. But if I’m going to be around all day, we know we’ll need a more permanent space so we can reclaim the dining table and keep the room-to-room shouting to a minimum. Plus there really is something to be said for a designated work space to help delineate work and play zones, which we know will be very important when it comes to maintaining that fragile and oh-so-important work/life balance.
So if you haven’t already figured it out by process of elimination, the new office will be taking over our current guest bedroom. And with the nursery having given our other guest bedroom the boot already, we have to keep this office 100% guest friendly as well (yup, that means it must sleep at least two people as it always has). But it also has to accommodate two working bloggers, their wee one, and their playful nine pound pooch. Not to mention store all sorts of paperwork without looking too corporate for our guests when they come to stay. Oh yes, we’ll be walking quite a delicate line in there (all while trying to squeeze every last ounce of function out of the tiny 10′ x 10.5′ space).
Oh and did we mention that we’d also like to see it multitask as a playroom of sorts for Baby P since she’ll obviously be hanging out in there as we do our blogging thang? We didn’t? Well add that to the list. So stay tuned for the play by play as we attempt to fully reconfigure this soon-to-be triple duty room into a space for work, play, and overnight guests. It’s sure to be a doozie, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
And we’d love to hear any tips that you guys have when it comes to designing a home office, working from home without losing your mind, or just generally creating a room that has two or three separate functions. Share and share alike.
Katie Cereceres says
Spend as much time with you little one as possible. They grow up so fast. Work will always be a necessity but never as satisfying as your beanette wanting to cuddle just because. Remember to also take time for just you two.(you will want to eventually :) Thank you for considering all of us here on the outside and keepin YHL going. you have our full support!
Tiffany says
Good luck with the big change. When creating a room with multiple functions, I like to create zones with either fabric or furniture placement. Sometimes staring at a wall is enough to make you think that you’re all alone.
Katie says
What an inspiration y’all are, in so many ways–and today, in a new one! Your taking this leap is so exciting. Can’t wait to see how you continue to grow this wonderful venture.
Erin says
Congratulations on everything! The baby, the beautiful house, and your “new job”! And let me say thank you for choosing to continue to indulge me. I read your blog everyday, and at the beginning of this post, I thought you were going to cut down on the number of posts of quit blogging altogether. Whew! Can’t wait to see the new office!
Shelley says
Loved reading this post! My husband and I took the leap 2 years ago to start a business together – working from home, full time, together – BEST. DECISION. EVER! I hope this works out to be just the same for you two. Congrats!
Melissa says
This is such great news! It sounds like a decision that will make everyone happy! By everyone, I mean me (a selfish but loyal blog follower) and your expanding family!
Jennifer F says
Congrats! As a person who recently scrapped a well-paying but not soul-stimulating job for one I love that pays only occasionally, I have to commend you for your big change. So great that you can take advantage of the opportunities that your hard work has afforded you, and thrive in something that may have seemed out-of-reach at one time – and the beanette will have two parents at home more than most babies! You can always go back to advertising later – take the risk and enjoy life!
Medea says
Such great great news!
I really recommend overhead shelving for files. And keeping plugins above the desktop. When I was working at home last year those were my two biggest wishes, and I incorporated that into our new house plan.
Good luck!
Skooks says
I am really excited to see how you transform your little room into a super multipurpose space. I work from home and am currently typing on my computer which is in our office/play room/guest room. I feel your need for multifunction space and while I think we’ve done an ok job incorporating all 3 functions into one room, I’m sure you’re going to chic it up more than I have. I’d prefer a little more calming work environment and guest space, but I wanted to keep the room playful for the kids so it’s quite colorful and FUN in here. In truth, the kids use the space more than the guests do, so I’m less concerned if it is “hotel-like” in there for their sake. We’re moving in a few weeks and going to reconfigure everything into new rooms and spaces (some of which will still do double/triple duty) so I’m really looking forward to seeing if I can incorporate some of your ideas into our new space.
Congrats on being at a place with your blog where you can both work together from home! That is completely awesome. What a blessing to be able to both be at home with the baby and each other. :)
Erin says
Congrats! What an amazing decision. I work from home most days (and usually only half days) as the main money maker for our family, while my husband is the primarly stay at home parent. So on any given day, our kids have both mommy and daddy around. It’s hard to juggle sometimes and we have to stick to a tighter budget, but we feel like we are giving a huge gift to our children (and of course, we get a lot of reward by being home with them). I love that our 2 year old son comes bounding into my office when it’s snack time, or that I can do some work in the evenings in case I decide to while away an entire day snuggling my baby girl. Enjoy every single minute- and way to go!
Melissa says
We have a combo guest / play room (used to have the office in there but moved it to another space), and the thing that really makes it possible is a raised inflatable bed. If we owned, I’d seriously consider a Murphy Bed, but in the meantime we have the Frontgate “Essential EZ Bed”, and it is a great compromise between keeping floor space open for multi-kid playdates while still providing a comfortable, attractive sleeping spot for visitors. (Having the bed at normal bed-height makes a BIG difference in the comfort factor.)
Colene says
As a relatively new reader to your blog (who doesn’t normally post comments!), I just wanted to say congrats to you both on this big change! All the best and I’m glad that the internets and your readers are supporting your lil family like this :)
Cristina says
Uauuuu O_O What a changing!
I’m so curious to know how you both will menage this change of life style (and this change of guestroom in multitask room as well!).
Ok, if I see something like laptop station that transforms into doublebed or box toys that transforms into desktop I will tell you ;-)
I love changes in life, and I love people who have the courage to change :-)
Buona fortuna!
Cristina
Barb says
1. Congratulations!
2. What about a Murphy Bed in the office/guest room?
Rachel says
2 Words for that office: MURPHY BED. I’d love to see you guys design around one of those — mostly because I want one myself, but I’m afraid of how the large cabinet-type thing would effect the closet-type feeling I have going on in my guestroom…soooo congrats, and get to it!!
Amy E. says
wow, that’s AMAZING! you guys are living the dream. doing something you love, spending as much time as possible with family, and getting paid enough to keep up a comfortable lifestyle!
congratulations.
i bet neither of you thought in a million years you’d end up making a decision like this one!
and i agree with Barb, a murphy bed (or two so you can sleep 2 people in there) sounds like a grand idea. how about one that can be a desk and a bed? Unplggd (AT’s sister site) highlighted a really neat one here!
Alice at Simply The Nest says
Congratulations! This is awesome news, and sounds like a really great decision for all of you. I hope you won’t be stressing yourselves out too much trying to blog in the early days – I’m sure we will all be able to cope without our multiple YHL fixes :-) while you guys take some pat/mat leave and settle into being parents!
My husband and I converted our spare bedroom to a home office – enter sofa bed, huge desk, floor-to-ceiling Expedit, and plenty of floor space for our two colleagues (Penny and Enrique the Jack Russells) to play… it totally works for us, and makes much better use of the space than before.
Madelaine says
Congratulations! I am more than a little jealous that you are able to do this! I love your site and have recommended it to more than a few people. Good luck with the full time blogging and impending parenthood!
Darlene says
Hey John, I want to be like you when I grow up! ;) Congratulations on your decision to become a SAHD (Stay at home Dad). As for your new workspace, if you think you can squeeze in a sofa bed, I think that would be great. When you are tired sitting on your office chair, you can take a mini break and sit at the sofa and play with the beany. Whatever you decide to do, i can’t wait for the final result, I know that it will be fab!
Laura says
Just out of curiosity… Have you considered a hideaway type desk? My husband wanted to make one at a previous home we lived in (military, 11 moves, you get the picture).
His thought was to take a nice piece of wood, stain and attach/hinge it to the wall. When it is open/lowered use as a desk space, but when not, flip it up against the wall and “lock” it. You’d want to do some totally fab artsy thing on the bottom so that when it locks/closes up it looks like cool artwork.
Just a thought! :) Good luck, and congratulations on the career change!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Laura,
We’ve considered tons of options and actually came up with one that stuck. So stay tuned to see what (and why) we chose what we did. And how we pull the rest of the room together!
xo,
s
Jenn Mc says
Can’t wait to see what you guys come up with!!
Beth says
WOWZA! This post had me biting my nails thinking you were leaving (selfish, I know.) But what a huge and fabulous change for yall! Congrats to you both!!
So when does the YHL reality show start?? That’s what I want to know!
Wishing you the brightest blessings as you embark on TWO exciting new chapters:)
Yall ROCK!
Kate says
I can’t WAIT to see this transformation! Right now we have a sort of office/guest room combo thing going on. It contains a computer desk for my husband, sewing/bill paying/sometimes laptop desk for me, three bookshelves and a dresser for stoage, and a folded futon mattress (which gets upfolded with an air mattress on top for guests). Hopefully I can get some tips from you guys for making it more functional AND more lovely.
Sarah says
yay! a new makeover! Can’t wait to see it come to life!
Congrats John, we’re excited to hear from you more now!!
Mandi Felici says
Solution for the guest room/office: A murphy bed! There is a set of instructions online that tells how you can make your own fabulous Murphy bed using some IKEA Lack table to make the folded up bed look like a cool art piece. Check it out:
http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/2008/01/save-moolah-and-space-with-moddi.html
Trina says
Way to go! Being home with your fam is a decision you will never, ever regret! (And I speak from experience on that one.)
jennifer says
congrats guys, what a dream to have started a business that’s “made it.” all the best.
i really respect the fact that you’ve decided to keep the blog focused on design, DIY, and house projects. but for those folks who dig your philosophy on life in general (all of your $$ saving tips, eco decisions, etc), will there ever be a time you share some of your favorite baby websites, pregnancy/baby blogs, tips, etc. for all of us future moms-to-be to snack on? thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
We definitely share the more personal stuff and discuss baby related info over on our Facebook page, so feel free to pop in over there to get a bit more of that info whenever you’re in the mood!
xo,
s
Sarah Fogler says
Congrats! Big step… I’m intrigued by what you’ll do, because we know if we have another kiddo, we lose the guest room… so will need to convert our office as well. And we’ve been doing some research on Murphy Bed’s as an option… not cheap to buy, but the concept is a great one! We’ve seen some that have shelves that are on sliders to open and reveal the bed behind – maybe an option for your office! Good luck…
NicoleM says
Congratulations!! I work from home and my tip: Have low fat snacks around because easy access to the kitchen = non stop eating!!
I love reading your blog. I wish you both the best of luck and many more blessings.
Katelyn Likes This says
Congratulations for taking the leap!
All the best, you deserve it!w
Desiree says
It cracks me up that you got about eleventy billion suggestions for a murphy bed! I especially love the commenter who said ‘I haven’t read any of the comments, but the smartest thing you could do is get a murphy bed!’
Yet you are as sweet and professional as always, replying again and again that there will be no murphy bed. I don’t usually comment but I’m an avid reader – we too have an old house with not much storage and I’ve turned to your tutorials countless times. However, this time I was struck by your professionalism and manners and had to commend you for remaining upbeat through the repeat comments and continuing to answer the same questions over and over again.
I guess that’s why you’re so successful! Congratulations on the new ‘job’ and I’m sure you’ll both be great at it. You are a model for us all – beautiful house, great relationship, debt-free, and you’re NICE!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Desiree. You’re making us blush over here. We definitely don’t expect people to scroll back through over 500 (!!) comments so we don’t mind cutting and pasting here and there, just in an attempt to keep everyone in the loop!
xo,
s
Sherri says
I am so happy for you both. My husband and I have been working from home together for the last 11 years. Work self is sometimes different then home self – working from home gave us an opportunity to learn another dimension of each other.
My tip is to pay attention to the way you work. My husband likes music and noise while he works, me not so much! Once we had separate offices we were both so much more productive. It also helps when you have “creative differences”!
Good Luck
Sherri
Ivy says
Congrats to you two! So exciting! We are a young family too with a 4 year old girl and we have lived in a tiny cottage for 7 years now, so I totally get the whole multi-task room thing! One great idea that has worked for us is turning a closet into a work space…check out this post on my blog for some ideas.. http://graceandivy.wordpress.com/2010/03/06/closet-office-anyone/
Wishing you guys lots of luck on your new adventures! Love your blog and looking forward to see how it all unfolds.
xo,
Ivy
Eppu says
Congratulations for the “new” job! You guys are doing an amazing job; I can’t wait to see what you have in store. Best of luck with baby P. and all your other projects.
Funmilayo says
Congratulations guys, what a blessing to be able to work with someone that you love, while doing something that you love @ home :).
I’m no designer by any means, but when i read about all the multi-tasking you expect out of your place, the 1st thing I thought about, was having a wall-bed. You know those kind that fold into the wall, that are popular in places like NY due to the small spaces.
That way, you can have it up, the majority of the time, while you’re working, and on those days that you have guests, you can pull it down.
Erin O. says
I am so happy for you both! This is such an awesome decision. As a mom-to-be, I am so envious. You 2 have worked so hard and with this new change you will reap such great rewards!
jbhat says
Hi Youngsters! Work and life have been busy for me for the last few weeks, so I haven’t been able to chime in and comment here as often as I’d like…and that got me to wondering how you were going to keep up your pace with actually PRODUCING a blog (for people like me to comment on) after you become parents. I am a parent who works full time, and know how much time and energy goes into making it all balance out (hence the blog commenting ending up taking a back seat for now). But I know that you, as parents and stewards of YHL, wouldn’t want your blog baby to get short shrift, so you had me pondering.
And now here you are with your exciting news. I’m very happy for you, and can’t think of a couple better suited to working from home together. You do it so well already; I have always found your teamwork very inspiring. I can’t wait to see where this next stage of life takes you.
(Oh, and whatever you do with the guest room works for me!)
jbhat
Mike and McGee says
Congrats on the decision to stay at home. Mike works full-time as a video game artist, and I work part-time from home, in addition to caring for two small children and blogging.
We transformed our breakfast room into my office because it is open to the living room, kitchen and hallway. I know that doesn’t work well for some families, but because I’m often working with little ones underfoot, it’s necessary to be where they can be near me. Alex can be in his swing or playing on the floor with some toys while Meredith is watching a DVD in the living room or creating a masterpiece at her art desk in the kitchen. I can see who is coming and going in and out of bedrooms or in and out of the backyard. It’s pretty ideal for us.
We are going to revamp the area to squeeze in a workspace for Mike too so that he has a dedicated place to work when he’s working from home. Maybe he’ll pick up the slack and blog some more then too…
McGee
Jessie says
GEES you guys are adorable! I can’t wait to see the little P and I am so glad you’re going to keep the blog going- I am an addict :) Thanks for sharing your lives with us, much love!
Deann says
Congrats! Great news for you as well as your readers. Looking forward to all the projects to come!
Michelle says
I would love to get a mood board done by you but what time zone are you so I can try to get in and also how much does it cost??? Oh yeah and I love your great news!!! My husband and myself are serial renovators also and after finding your blog last week I think we are in for the long haul.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Michelle,
Thanks for your interest! You can find that info here: https://www.younghouselove.com/home-advice/
We list 1-2 mood boards every Monday at 8am EST (they sell out in about 30 seconds – craziness!). Good luck and we look forward to teaming up!
xo,
s
Jonez says
Oh, wow! Congrats and a blessing that you’re financially able to leave your corporate job to pursue your passion. I can’t wait to see the results of this new undertaking.
ourlifeinaclick says
Awww Congratulations you guys! I kinda figured that was on the horizon!! Good for you and baby too!!!
Can’t wait to see what you cook up!
-heather
Fiona says
Hi Youngsters! I’ve been sent your blog by a co-worker who wanted to share your great nursery project with me – I’m also pregnant but still have a way to go (only 21 weeks) so am just starting to think about how to transform my pokey little guest room into a fantastic bright nursery for my little one.
Just wanted to say your blog is great..very inspirational. Look forward to seeing your new projects and all the best with the arrival of Baby P!!
– Fiona from Perth, Western Australia
Martine, from Canada says
That sounds like a fantastic plan! Congrats on making a decision that is both family friendly and, we hope, business-friendly too! I can’t wait for you guys to get started on that new office project – I’ve been following your blog for a while, but had yet to comment on your posts. But this feels like a project custom-made for me, as I’ll soon be moving in a new apartment with my partner, and we’re hoping to create the same sort of multi-purpose room (minus the play area), in a space with the same dimensions, more or less. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with, and reading your tips! Good luck!
Laurin says
Wooooo Hooooooo!!!!! I was so worried you guys were going to have to cut back on the blogs when the beanette arrives. Thank goodness I’ll still be able to waste time at work by loving your posts and reading twice a day!! Way to go, and CONGRATULATIONS!!
wanderluster says
Congratulations John & Sherry on making the leap! With a toddler myself, a blog, and now a full-time work from home job myself, I totally understand how difficult it is to balance it all. You should check out Style Me Pretty’s Backstage blog where she has some great advice about blogging as a family profession.
Even with the best intentions though, don’t feel guilty if you find that your blog has to take a back seat. Sometimes you just have to take a break and enjoy those precious fleeting moments with your little one. They are glorious and will bring you more joy than you could have ever imagined!
I’ve enjoyed reading about your journey for a while now, from becoming new homeowners to bloggers to parents. I even remember posting a comment on your first video of the guest bedroom tour and how you could turn it into a nursery someday (which it did, lol!). Thanks for sharing so much of your home and your life with us. Your lives are about to change in the most spectacular of ways.
Jennifer
Sierra Nething says
It’s so funny how I can be so completely overjoyed and happy for your news and we have never even met! I’m a daily reader so I definitely feel like I know you guys. I love how you guys always seem to tackle a project right before I’m about to do the same one. You guys renovated your bathroom just a couple months before I did mine, so I got to use some of your great ideas. I am pregnant as well- 21 weeks so far, and I was so excited to see your nursery design ideas- some that I will soon be using. And my next goal is to transform a spare room into a guest room/3 person office. I will be working from home after Baby is born. My husband and our roommate own a wedding videography business and work on their editing on nights and weekends when they are not working their regular jobs. This new office is going to need to be VERY multifunctional, and I can’t wait to see what you do with your space!
I am so happy for you that you both get to work from home and spend time with each other and your new little one. I can’t wait for the day I finally get to work from home in just a few months. People say that being a stay at home parent is a full time job in itself. I’m sure it will be, but I know that it will be the best job we’ve ever had!
K says
2 words…Murphy Bed
: )
Laura says
So excited for you two! Sherry, you are going to love having John around to help out in that first month. I just passed that mark myself with my little bug, and it’s tough, but totally worth it! You will start to find time to blog again, take heart!