Love & Renovations

· 68 Comments

An Announcement

Family

You may have noticed over the past few months that things on the blog have been a bit…lackluster.

Projects have been few and far between, and nothing too complicated (or, um, well done) has popped up in a while. I’ve brushed it all off on summer laziness and being busy but that’s a lie.

You see, there’s a much better reason for my lack of energy, desire to complete projects, and the general boringness of the blog lately.

!!!

Yup. I finally get to share with all of my invisible internet friends that Corey and I are expecting a baby in January. We’ve just crossed over into the second trimester and we couldn’t be more excited.

Now that I’m finally starting to get some of my energy back (and I don’t constantly feel like I’m about to lose my lunch), I’m hoping there will be some fun projects coming your way again over the next few months. We’ve got big plans for the nursery, and once our bank account recovers from the amazing vacation we just took (more on that later!), we have a ton of other stuff on the agenda too.

So what does all this mean for the blog?

I won’t lie – things are going to change a bit. Now that we have a baby on the way, we’re going to start being a lot more responsible and careful with our money, which means less wiggle room in the budget for projects.

I also want to start focusing more on family time and step away from the computer more often. Corey and I both work full time and I’m also in grad school, so when you add in blogging four times a week I spend a lot of time on the computer. And that schedule just won’t be sustainable with a baby. So, I’m going to start playing around with it now so that hopefully come January things will have settled into a nice, new blog routine.

So, you can expect to see fewer posts around here, but hopefully that also means you’ll start to see more high quality posts and less “Crap, I don’t have something for Wednesday’s post, what can I write about?” type posts. If I’m being honest, this decision to move away from a schedule and into more of a relaxed “blog when I want to” routine is only partially fueled by the baby – it’s also inspired by this post by my fellow Weddingbee blogger, Kimberly Michelle, on the state of the blogosphere. She said a lot of things I’ve been thinking for a long time, and helped me realize that I’ve fallen into a lot of the traps she wrote about. And I’m not going to do it anymore. I blog for me, and I don’t make money from blogging (aside from a tiny check from BlogHer every month), and I feel like I’ve lost sight of that. I’ve already started to take some steps in this direction over the last few months – I stopped accepting sponsors and advertisers (aside from continuing to be a BlogHer member), and I’m excited to take a few more steps towards turning my blog back into something I’m excited about and not something I feel like I have to do.

BUT! I still plan on working on our house and slowly turning it into the home of our dreams, and I still plan on documenting that here!  It just may mean that now you hear from me once or twice a week (and some weeks I may not have anything to say), and hopefully you’ll start to see more quality and passion out of my posts because they won’t be forced anymore.

We’ve also always shared quite a bit of our personal life here as well, so you’ll definitely see more baby and family-geared posts as well. Just know that I don’t plan on turning into a full-on mommy-blogger, and I’ll keep the pregnancy and baby updates to a minimum, unless there are a ton of you who are just dying to hear all about it.

And now you know why the DIY projects have been mostly MIA over the last few months, and hopefully you’ll forgive me. I’m looking forward to this new chapter on the blog, and I’m excited to see where things lead!

I’d love to hear from you on how, if at all, you’d like to see things change with our big news. Would you love to see pregnancy and baby posts popping up from time to time, or are you crossing your fingers that this is the only time I’ll mention it?

(All photos in this post via Jessica Christine Photography)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. kimberly michelle says

    So late to the party in the congrats here… BUT … CONGRATULATIONS!!! 🙂 I’m happy that my little thought post could help push you to a better blogging place… and really can’t wait to see what shows up here! AND I think we need to create some sort of button that says “I blog for the fun of it!” 😉 Happiest and healthiest wishes for your journey right now!

    Reply

  3. Shoshanah says

    Congrats! I’m so excited for you guys! And I can’t wait to see what you guess decide to do for a nursery. And I’m all for baby posts. It let’s me live a little vicariously until we decide to have a baby ourselves.

    Reply

  5. Kelly Meier says

    Congratulations!!! The funny part of this was I saw some pins on Pinterest for maternity clothes from you so I had to go check out the blog. I love pregnancy / baby updates. So anything you are willing to share I will read.

    Reply

  7. Emma K says

    EEK!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So exciting! I must admit I’ve been impatiently waiting for this announcement sometime soon, because I’ve been dying to know what you’d do for a nursery! Also….I don’t know if you still frequent the Bee, but we have a January mommas thread going in Nesting, and a resultant TOTALLY PRIVATE facebook page as well (which is really convenient from a phone to jump on and ask a question!). It’s awesome to connect with other January mommas going through the same things (or similar) around the same times. Can’t wait to see/read how your pregnancy unfolds! And….I may be alone in this as a fellow soon-to-be-January-momma, but I’m totally not averse to you posting baby-related anything 😉 Happy 2nd trimester lovey!!!! Congrats again!

    Reply

    • Amanda says

      Thanks!! I’ve actually totally been stalking the thread on Weddingbee for a while, but didn’t want to post and out myself. 🙂

      I definitely wouldn’t mind being included in the Facebook group! I use that a lot more than I get around to checking Weddingbee, haha. Could you email me the info? [email protected]

      Thanks!! 🙂

      Reply

  9. Lilli Pilly says

    Big congrats to you guys!
    I’m sure someone else will say (or has already said) this, but just because you are in your second trimester doesn’t necessarily mean your nausea switch will just click right off. I was sick, sick, sick well into my 3rd trimester. I hope it’s not the same for you, but don’t be discouraged if you still have a bout every now and then!

    Reply

    • Amanda says

      Wouldn’t it be awesome if it did work that way? 🙂 I’ve definitely still had a bit of nausea, but for the past two weeks or so it has been steadily easing up, thank goodness. I think a big part of it is that I’ve learned how to eat the right foods/amounts to prevent the nausea!

      Reply

  12. Challie says

    First of all, CONGRATS! I was totally not expecting this, but I am SO excited for you!!! 🙂

    As far as the blogging goes… I started following you on Wedding Bee (Hi, I’m Mrs.Opossum!) at the beginning. I have continued to follow your blog because I feel like I can really relate to you (your awesome projects were just a bonus). So, with that being said, I hope that you’ll continue to share this part of your life with us!

    Challie

    Reply

  13. kjpugs says

    OMG OMG OMG HAPPY DANCE! I literally just started dancing in my seat with happiness! Also- I TOTALLY missed this. The signs are all there now that I look back but I usually pride myself in sniffing out preggos! HOW DID I MISS THIS!? You fooled me! SO SO SO SO EXCITED! I hope your nausea fades soon (although sadly at nearly 30 weeks going 2 days without my nausea meds put me out of commission all day Sunday, so I hear ya, ANY nausea SUCKSSSSS.) I hope you’ll add some preggo updates and bump pics. SO excited to hear about your progress and see that sweet baby come January!!!! WHEEEE! Best Monday ever!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

  14. Lauren says

    Yay! Congratulations guys! I am so excited for you! I’m a fan of reading about pregnancies and babies (I blame the major case of baby fever over here), so share as much as you’d like! Looking forward to seeing the changes coming to your blog!

    Reply

  15. Brooke says

    CONGRATS! That’s awesome news. My posting “schedule” also really fell off once I got pregnant with #2 and was trying to also keep up with a crazy toddler. And I agree with you on the state of things, I miss the more personal journals. My blog never really made it big by any means, and I kind of resent feeling pressured to do things a specific way just because it’s a DIY blog. Like you, I just love the sharing and passing on helpful tips to those who may use them. And you definitely don’t need to apologize for anything, your posts have been great! It will be so fun to see how things shift, I’ll bet we see the “media room” morph into a play room over time 😉 All the best!

    Reply

  17. Sarah Gail says

    Congratulations to both of you!!! I have no idea how I stumbled onto your blog, but it’s one I read often because I enjoy it…I would love to read anything you wanna share. I am a mommy to two boys, 3 years and 3 months and am also living in my constant home remodel project, so bring on any old topic you find interesting! I’m positive I would agree with you. Blessings on your growing family!

    Reply

  18. Bonnie says

    Ah! I am so excited for you guys! I definitely don’t mind reading baby/ pregnancy updates. Blog whatever you want! 🙂 Sweet that the baby is due in the same month as your anniversary, as well.

    Reply

  19. Amanda B says

    Crazy!! I started following you on the Bee, because we had the same wedding date. And we’re due with our first little one in January too!!!

    I definitely don’t care what you post or when. I’d obviously love to see the baby stuff, as I’m in the same timeline as you. But more so, I love seeing blogs that reflect their owners and their owners lives – it is, after all, for you. There’s no reason to sell out. :p

    Reply

  20. Sarah says

    Congratulations! I have a 1-year-old — you guys are in for quite a ride. 🙂

    As for the blog…blog about whatever you want! I feel like a lot of people put way too much pressure on themselves. Unless you’re in the 0.1% who makes a living from their blog, does it really matter whether you have a post on a certain day or at a certain time? I’ve read blogs for years and I have never once thought “oh, so-and-so didn’t post today, how dare they!” Blogs are supposed to be fun and they’re supposed to be personal. I hope you write about whatever makes you happy at any given time, whether it’s your baby-to-be, a house project, whatever!

    Reply

  23. Layla says

    YAYAYAYAYAYAYA!!!!!! I wondered when you started asking me random questions, haha. 🙂 January is a GREAT month for a baby!!!! SO excited for you two!

    Reply

  24. Kristie says

    How exciting – a little Cardigan on the way!!! (former WB follower here LOL) Congratulations to you & Corey!

    I look forward to reading whatever you decide to post about whenever you decide to post. I, myself, haven’t blogged in almost an month and I’m okay with that. It’s a rat race out there and you need to decide what works best for your lifestyle. LIVING life is much more important than trying to create blog content.

    Reply

  25. Morgan says

    So, so many congrats! I really can’t wait to hear about your nursery plans, whenever you have the time/energy to post about them! So excited for you guys 🙂

    Reply

  26. Sara says

    CONGRATULATIONS!!! Love these pictures and cannot wait to see the nursery! I have no doubt it will be inspiring, for sure! I really love the direction you’re going with the blog – good for you! Congrats again!

    Reply

  27. Lauren says

    Congratulations!! I’m super excited for you guys! It’ll be nice to follow along with someone who’s at the same place in their pregnancy that I am! We’re due 1/17 and our anatomy scan is 8/28!

    Reply

  28. Margy says

    Congratulations! So exciting! And I love reading about pregnancy, baby stuff… so blog whatever your heart desires!

    Reply

  35. Tia says

    Congratulations! I have followed you since your Weddingbee days and as a soon-to-be mama myself (November) I am excited to read along as you and the mister navigate getting ready for your little bambino/a. Good luck and cheers to a smooth pregnancy!

    Reply

  36. Debbie says

    Congrats! Exciting news! I followed you on Weddingbee since our wedding was 1/8/11, so I can’t wait to hear more about this journey!

    Reply

  37. Lara says

    Yay for you! That is so exciting! Congratulations! Glad to hear you’re feeling better. I think it’s a great approach to blog for you and what you want to blog about. It will make your blog that much more important to you. Especially once baby comes.

    And definitely blog about baby. Trust me. You want those moments, those feelings, and those milestones captured. Even if you make a separate page about it, or something. Do it. You won’t regret it. It’s nice to have that all in writing.

    I started a blog for me. All about my daughter. I don’t really share it and if people stumble upon it, then fine. But, someday, I want to look back and remember all of these amazing moments as she’s growing up.

    Hope your pregnancy goes smoothly!

    Reply

    • Amanda says

      Great advice! I’ve actually been blogging all along on a private blog, so I have tons of memories preserved already. I hope to turn it all into a baby book when I’m done! 🙂

      Reply

  40. Jenn says

    Congratulations!!! I love reading about whatever you’ve been up to lately, so whether it’s house or baby or the pups it’s all good 🙂

    Reply

  41. Sunny says

    Yay! I’m so excited for you guys!! I hope you’ll continue to blog the pregnancy and family posts, I’m due with my first in September and its fun to see others going through the same things. 🙂

    Reply

  42. Maddie @ SweetTownHome says

    Shut up, shut up, shut up!!!! I am so excited for you two!!! That’s wonderful news!
    And the photos in this post are too cute! I am so excited! I think bee babies are like my favorite thing ever.

    Congratulations! Sending you positive thoughts for a smooth pregnancy!
    And, for the record, I would eat up any baby posts on here :).

    Reply

  44. Cherri says

    Congrats!!! I’m so happy for the both of you. You’ll definitely have one busy house with three energetic doggies and the little one!

    Reply

  46. Corinne says

    Congrats! I had a feeling this was coming….what is it with all of my favorite bloggers suddenly having babies??? You should totally find a little Doctor Who onesie! Are you going to find out the little one’s gender, or wait until January for the big surprise? I’m a January baby, so I’m REALLY hoping the little one pops out on the 19th. Just saying, that’s a good day 😉

    Reply

    • Amanda says

      We’re definitely finding out! We should know within the next few weeks! And um, yeah a Doctor Who onesie will be a must! 🙂 Our due date is the 29th, so the 19th might be a stretch, but it’s possible! 😉

      Reply

  47. Sarah says

    Fantastic news! I am very excited for you, and also cant wait to see your creative spin on projects now that you are spinning in that new direction. Best of luck!

    Reply

  49. [email protected] says

    Congrats! Or as they say in Spain – felicidades! Such exciting news. As for the blog, of course it will change as your life does, and those are the best types of blogs – genuine and sincere, a reflection of your life as it currently is.

    Reply

  51. Mands @ Rhody Life says

    Congratulations! This is such exciting news! I can’t wait to see your plans for the nursery, and to hear all about your pregnancy so far. I’m one of those blog readers who likes to hear about everything, so pile it on!

    Reply

  53. Allie says

    Congratulations you two!!! And good for you on finding a way to manage the blog and life balance better. I’m fine with baby updates!

    Reply

  54. ErinY says

    Congratulations!! Such exciting news! You guys will be great parents, and you’ll find a balance for the blog that works for you. Just write what feels right to you, it’s your blog anyway 🙂

    Reply

  55. Lauren says

    Congratulations! That is so exciting. I’m excited to follow along and see how your blog evolves, along with your family. I definitely wouldn’t mind some pregnancy/baby updates every once in a while. Are you going to find out the gender?

    Reply

    • Amanda says

      We will! Our current appointment is on the 30th of August, but we may find out sooner if we decide to do an independent ultrasound. We’re still debating. 🙂

      Reply

  56. Sandi says

    So many things to say here, but I’ll start with your wonderful news. Congratulations to you and Corey! So excited for you two. How fun to begin planning a new nursery and so much more. As for your change in focus on the blog, I agree. I did not have sponsors, but I did find I became somewhat of a slave to my perceived obligations. I am happier thinking of it more as a personal journal and I know you will be too. Can’t wait to see where all this leads you. Again, I couldn’t be happier for you two. I can think of a few other former coworkers who are going to be thrilled as well 😉

    Reply

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