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.
Natalie M. says
I totally squealed when I saw this post in my feed reader. Congratulations! She’s beautiful.
Kristin says
I only know you two through your blog, but as a reader for quite a while now, I feel like I really know you! Congratulations! What a beautiful baby and a beautiful name! I cannot wait to see her grow along with how your blogs grows with her! Congrats! Congrats!
Amanda says
*~*~* WELCOME CLARA!!! *~*~* And *~*~* CONGRATS *~*~* Sherry and John! I am so sorry for your scare, and so glad and grateful that Sherry and Clara are a-ok and healthy. Clara is just beautiful. Enjoy this time with her, REST, and Sherry – I hope you’re feeling back to 100% soon!
Michelle says
Congratulations!!!! She is lovely and I am SO glad to hear that everyone is okay after your brief scare. I hope we get to hear all about your adventures, from if you really did bring cupcakes to the hospital to if you got to listen to your birth playlist and everything in between.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Michelle,
We like to keep things pretty home focused over here on YHL, so while we plan to share how we tackle baby clutter and how our home evolves to work with our growing family, the whole birth story can be summarized right here for you:
I noticed on Friday morning that I was having some pretty intense contractions and by the time I started timing them they were four minutes apart. I called John who was out to lunch with all of his advertising coworkers to celebrate his last day and told him to get home fast! By the time we got to the hospital my contractions were already two minutes apart and they sent me straight into labor and delivery. As we waited for the doctor to arrive and check my progress (I was already 3.5 cms dilated and 80% effaced at my last appointment) my water broke in the hospital bed- but instead of being clear it was bright red. So much blood. Very scary.
Immediately the room filled with frenzied nurses and doctors and they explained that I was having a placental abruption, which happens when the placenta inexplicably detaches from the uterine wall before the baby is born. This is extremely dangerous for the baby (since they get their oxygen/nourishment from the placenta) and the mother can hemorrhage so it’s a pretty dire situation all around. Within about a minute they had me in the OR and within three minutes they had my sweet baby out thanks to an emergency c-section. They saved her life by acting so fast.
Once they got in there they saw that not only was she in distress from the placental abruption, but the umbilical cord had somehow gotten pinched below her head when my water broke so she was struggling to get oxygen from that as well. Basically it was the scariest day of our life, but we are SO THANKFUL that the doctors and nurses worked so quickly to come to our rescue. We feel so blessed to be home together enjoying each others company! And John even got to be in the OR (in full body scrubs of course) since they worked fast enough to be sure he was there to hold my hand. Thank goodness. I couldn’t have done it without him.
The recovery is cake compared to the scare she gave us. We’re practically floating on air because other nurses and doctors in the hospital dropped in to see us for days just to tell us how lucky we were (they heard our story and were so glad that it had a happy ending). But no one is more glad than we are! So that’s the story of the scariest/best day of our lives. Whew.
xo,
s
betty in munich says
Congratulations! And Clara is one big bundle of Cute Overload!
Nicole H says
I’m so happy for you!! Congratulations, she’s a beautiful addition to your wonderful family!
Laura says
congrats, she’s adorable! I love that Burger is her buddy already.
Aleida says
Congratulations !!!!
Kari says
Wow, wow, wow!! SO, SO happy for you all! She is beautiful and I am so glad that you all are ok and settling in! Welcome baby Clara and glad you’re getting back to normal Sherry!! Take care of your ladies, John!
Karin Rigo says
Congratulations!!! She’s cute!!!!
Jess says
A fellow reader and I were sitting around together last night and we started talking about what you’d name her! We guessed “Gliddy”, short for Glidden…Val(spar)…or maybe change your last name to something that starts with a Y (Young?) and name her Dorothy Isabelle Young, so her initials would be DIY!!! Haha!! Congrats :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jess,
That’s hysterical. And Val is actually a super cute name!
xo,
s
Amy says
Oh my word! What a beautiful little girl! Thanks so much for sharing your news and photos of your lovely little lady. So glad you are both doing well! Congrats and best wishes!
Natalie W says
Congratulations! she is beautiful and I absolutely love her name. I named my daughter after my grandmother and its so unique and such an honor to name someone after a loved one. Soak up the moments
Kristen says
Congratulations!!! :) She is absolutely adorable! I love the photo of her tiny toes!
Giselle says
Gosh i cannot believe it!!!!! she is absolutely breathtaking…. God bless Clara and u guys !!!!! im so happy!!!!! xoxoxoxo
Laura J says
I forgot to mention how stinkin’ ADORABLE the shot is of beautiful little Clara feet! Babies feet are the cutest!
Janice says
Congratulations Mommy & Daddy!!!!! She was born just three days after my sweet great niece mad her entrance into the world! It was a good week in the baby department.
Lindsay says
Congratulations! She’s so cute and I have always loved that name. I’m really happy for you.
East End says
She’s just beautiful! Love her name.
Melanie S says
YAAAAYYYYY!! Congratulations, guys! Clara is absolutely GORGEOUS!!! :) So happy for yall! This post just put a smile on my face for the rest of the day :)!
Laurie says
sincerest well-wishings.
Congratulations on a beautiful girl.
Lori B says
Congratulations! She’s precious!! Take it easy and feel good!
Dena says
Congratulations!!
Krista says
Awwe, Congrats guys! She’s adorable!
Jen Z. says
What a cutie! Congrats John & Sherry….and Burger too. Welcome to the world Clara! She is adorable!
Albion Chrisman says
Congrats! she is beautiful!
Michelle "Chaos Caretaker" says
Wow. I had no idea that I would be so moved by your sweet baby’s arrival. As a Mom to budding teens it feels as though those moments are so far removed from where I am now, but one look in that beautiful face and it all comes rushing back. Best of luck. You are fabulous. Keep up the good work…it makes us all work harder because you make it look so easy! ;-)
Liesal says
Congrats! I’m glad mama and baby are safe and sound now! And tell Clara that May 14th is the best day to have a birthday-it’s mine too! :)
TG says
She is a beauty!!! Sherry, hoping you heal quickly.Congrats to both of you.
Jenn says
Congratulations…wishing you a calm recovery. =)
Alicia Damron says
How wonderful, she is beautiful! Congratulations to all of you!
Katy says
Congrats!! She is adorable! :)
Rose says
CONGRATULATIONS YOUNGSTERS!!!
She is a beauty!
Were you guys out and about when this happened (labor)?
Talk about a DIY baby! hahaha
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Rose,
Fortunately I was at home when this whole adventure started (so no water-breaking at Target or Home Depot). The whole birth story can be summarized right here for you:
I noticed on Friday morning that I was having some pretty intense contractions and by the time I started timing them they were four minutes apart. I called John who was out to lunch with all of his advertising coworkers to celebrate his last day and told him to get home fast! By the time we got to the hospital my contractions were already two minutes apart and they sent me straight into labor and delivery. As we waited for the doctor to arrive and check my progress (I was already 3.5 cms dilated and 80% effaced at my last appointment) my water broke in the hospital bed- but instead of being clear it was bright red. So much blood. Very scary.
Immediately the room filled with frenzied nurses and doctors and they explained that I was having a placental abruption, which happens when the placenta inexplicably detaches from the uterine wall before the baby is born. This is extremely dangerous for the baby (since they get their oxygen/nourishment from the placenta) and the mother can hemorrhage so it’s a pretty dire situation all around. Within about a minute they had me in the OR and within three minutes they had my sweet baby out thanks to an emergency c-section. They saved her life by acting so fast.
Once they got in there they saw that not only was she in distress from the placental abruption, but the umbilical cord had somehow gotten pinched below her head when my water broke so she was struggling to get oxygen from that as well. Basically it was the scariest day of our life, but we are SO THANKFUL that the doctors and nurses worked so quickly to come to our rescue. We feel so blessed to be home together enjoying each others company! And John even got to be in the OR (in full body scrubs of course) since they worked fast enough to be sure he was there to hold my hand. Thank goodness. I couldn’t have done it without him.
The recovery is cake compared to the scare she gave us. We’re practically floating on air because other nurses and doctors in the hospital dropped in to see us for days just to tell us how lucky we were (they heard our story and were so glad that it had a happy ending). But no one is more glad than we are! So that’s the story of the scariest/best day of our lives. Whew.
xo,
s
Lindsay says
Oh I love her! Love the name you guys picked, clara! Young house love makes my day happy! Congratulations!
Tammy says
Congratulations! She is perfect and gorgeous! And Burger will be a great big brother!
Michelle says
She’s beautiful and precious… Congratulations!
Sarah McGuire says
Congratulations! She’s beautiful. I also had an emergency c-section with mine 6 weeks ago, and it’s the scariest thing you’ll ever go through. I’m so glad baby and mom are doing great! Recovery is hard, but it does get easier. And don’t worry, they do actually start to sleep a little longer after the one month mark!
melissa says
CONGRATS – Gorgeous little girl!!
Courtney says
What an amazing, sweet little girl! Congratulations to all of you on the delightful expansion of your brood. And I really adore the name.
Michelle says
Congratulations! She is beautiful and her name is gorgeous.
Ya’ll are too funny with your twitter post yesterday. Although, I have a feeling you would have went to the farmer’s market if your could. :)
Be sure to let us know when she starts picking paint colors!
Amy says
Congratulations, Parents! She’s adorable and that name is precious. I hope you’re healing well from the procedure, although I’m sure some cute baby snugglin’ will help with that!
Cara says
CONGRATULATIONS! You guys really snuck that one in on us, lol. She is gorgeous!
Sherry…my goodness. I’m sending you best wishes for a speedy recovery. I had an unplanned c-section with my son due to pre-eclampsia, and well…*ouch*. :-)
Have fun kissing those little cheeks and toes!!
Gabby G says
Congrats!! she is ver beautiful!!! Get some rest! The first month is the toughest!!!!
Adriene S. says
Congratulations! Clara is such a pretty baby! I’m glad things went smoothly and your doctors reacted quickly. I’m sure Burger is pretty happy too! Congratulations on your new addition to the Petersik family!
Christine Trebendis says
She’s absolutely beautiful! Congratulations to all of you! Enjoy every minute!
Cari @ Riverside Simplicity says
I just knew it! I had the feeling! Congrats to all of you!
April says
Clara is so precious! Congratulations and thank you for sharing this special time with your readers!
Amanda V says
OH WOW! How exciting John and Sherry! Congratulations. She looks so excited to finally be a Petersik! Cannot wait to see her grow up on the blog!
Are you planning to share the birth story to all your readers?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Amanda,
We like to keep things pretty home focused over here on YHL, so while we plan to share how we tackle baby clutter and how our home evolves to work with our growing family, the whole birth story can be summarized right here for you:
I noticed on Friday morning that I was having some pretty intense contractions and by the time I started timing them they were four minutes apart. I called John who was out to lunch with all of his advertising coworkers to celebrate his last day and told him to get home fast! By the time we got to the hospital my contractions were already two minutes apart and they sent me straight into labor and delivery. As we waited for the doctor to arrive and check my progress (I was already 3.5 cms dilated and 80% effaced at my last appointment) my water broke in the hospital bed- but instead of being clear it was bright red. So much blood. Very scary.
Immediately the room filled with frenzied nurses and doctors and they explained that I was having a placental abruption, which happens when the placenta inexplicably detaches from the uterine wall before the baby is born. This is extremely dangerous for the baby (since they get their oxygen/nourishment from the placenta) and the mother can hemorrhage so it’s a pretty dire situation all around. Within about a minute they had me in the OR and within three minutes they had my sweet baby out thanks to an emergency c-section. They saved her life by acting so fast.
Once they got in there they saw that not only was she in distress from the placental abruption, but the umbilical cord had somehow gotten pinched below her head when my water broke so she was struggling to get oxygen from that as well. Basically it was the scariest day of our life, but we are SO THANKFUL that the doctors and nurses worked so quickly to come to our rescue. We feel so blessed to be home together enjoying each others company! And John even got to be in the OR (in full body scrubs of course) since they worked fast enough to be sure he was there to hold my hand. Thank goodness. I couldn’t have done it without him.
The recovery is cake compared to the scare she gave us. We’re practically floating on air because other nurses and doctors in the hospital dropped in to see us for days just to tell us how lucky we were (they heard our story and were so glad that it had a happy ending). But no one is more glad than we are! So that’s the story of the scariest/best day of our lives. Whew.
xo,
s
Amanda says
Congratulations, you guys! My mom always told me that the instant you see the baby, the pain melts away. Not sure if I believe that, but I dunno, your little girl’s face does look like it could do some pretty serious melting. And by the way, I love your name choice. Really. Way to go with an easily spelled but not too common first name, and a creative, personal middle name. Love it!
Gabby G says
Sorry i had a typo :) I meant SHE*** cause clearly she is a girl, how could ou be mistaken with all the pink!!!