Holy cow — you all had even more questions this time than the last Q&A after we announced that Clara was on the way! It was a blast answering as many as we could before the post got too long. Below are lots of answers for everyone who made us smile all day on Wednesday after our little bun announcement. We’re so thankful, and you’re definitely on that list.
Will you find out the sex of the baby? Are you taking an early blood test like Maternity21? Do you or John have a preference? Any maternal instincts?
After Clara’s scary birth, a healthy baby is all we really want. A little sister for Clara would be adorable, and it’s also exciting to imagine having a boy since we’ve never experienced that. I have a hunch it’s a girl, but my doctor relies on the 20-week ultrasound for confirmation, so we won’t know until November. With Clara it was a fun mid-pregnancy reveal, and we loved sharing that moment — we’ll tell you when we know. For now it’s enjoyable to guess names, chat about nursery ideas, and imagine possibilities.
Is this the secret side project you mentioned?
Nope. While the baby was technically a secret, it’s not the secret project from our blogiversary pie chart. That side gig has been in the works for over a year and is on a different timeline. Coincidentally, our secret project is also planned to launch this spring, so we’re excited to share more when we’re cleared to do so.
How is this pregnancy different from the first? Has your morning sickness subsided? Have you found anything that helps?
This pregnancy has felt more tiring — which makes sense since I’m chasing a toddler now. With Clara I experienced morning sickness mainly between 8–10am that tapered off around 16–17 weeks. This time I had nausea pretty much all day at first, which was surprising, but I’ve gotten better at managing it. I’ve tried ginger candies and gum, acupressure bands, and B6/B12/magnesium. Sometimes I call it “bowing to the bowl,” but it’s all worth it for this little bun. Fingers crossed it eases up sooner than last time.
Will this be your last baby?
We’re taking family planning one child at a time. We won’t rule anything out, but right now we’re content and excited about the idea of being a family of four (plus Burgs).
What prompted you to take a test? Morning sickness, food aversions, exhaustion?
With Clara, one of the earliest signs for me was dizziness. When I felt that again, I wondered if it could be pregnancy. I took a test, stared at it for a few minutes, and then we celebrated quietly before surprising John.
How did you tell John?
I waited until I had a positive morning test so I wouldn’t accidentally get his hopes up. When it came back positive I hid the test on the keyboard and called him over to look at my screen. He eventually noticed the test, we laughed, and we hugged. It was a sweet surprise.
How did you tell your parents? Did you really wait until the end of the first trimester?
Yes — just like with Clara, we waited until we had the “safe to share” nod from the doctor. We planned a reveal when family gathered for John’s dad’s birthday. We leaned into his family’s tradition of homemade paper crowns: a “Birthday Boy” crown for his dad and a playful “Pregnant Lady” crown for me. Telling them that way, surrounded by family, was amazing.
How did Clara react? Does she understand?
We told Clara the same day as our family reveal so she wouldn’t accidentally spill the news. She was absolutely thrilled — rubbing my belly, listening for the baby, kissing my tummy, and asking the sweetest questions. She’s been talking about sharing toys and being gentle. She’s so excited to be a big sister.
Does Clara have name ideas or a guess on the baby’s sex?
Clara says it’s going to be a girl and wants to name her “Pom-pom Petersik.” We’re amused but not convinced.
How are you preparing Clara for a sibling?
We casually mention things like which room will be the baby’s and that newborns sleep a lot. Mostly we reassure her that she’ll always be loved and that my heart has room for both of them. We’re mindful about preventing feelings of displacement and keep conversations age-appropriate and comforting.
Does the new baby have a nickname?
This one’s affectionately called “the bun,” while Clara remains “the bean” and of course we have “the Burgs.”
How far along are you and when’s the due date?
Dates have shifted slightly with each checkup, but the best estimate is that I’m about 13 weeks and due in mid-April. Because of past complications, I’ll be closely monitored and will likely have a planned delivery about a week early if needed.
Any name ideas yet?
We’re drawn to names with family meaning — Clara honors John’s grandma, and her middle name honors my dad and great aunt. We’ll toss ideas around and wait until we know the sex before settling on finalists, likely heading into delivery with two contenders.
Will you do a weekly photo project like with Clara?
Yes — we’d love to. We haven’t decided whether to reuse the exact format (bright fabric + white onesie + week number) or try something new, like showing scale with props. We’ll definitely do something to document growth.
Are you due around the same time as friends?
We’re due a few weeks apart from Katie Bower — she’s due in March and I’m due in mid-April. It’s a happy coincidence and nice to have friends going through similar stages.
After Clara’s traumatic birth, how did you know it was the right time to try again? How do you handle anxiety? Will you have a scheduled c-section?
My placental abruption with Clara was triggered by labor, so for safety I’ll be monitored closely and will have a planned c-section if labor looks imminent. It’s a complicated situation, but the excellent medical care that helped us before gives me confidence. We waited a few years to heal physically and mentally, and now the excitement outweighs the fear. I’m still nervous but grateful for everything going well so far.
How did pregnancy timing relate to your other projects and plans?
The book tour and move were finished before I became pregnant, which was helpful. We still have deadlines for our second book, the showhouse, and the secret project, some near my due date, so we’re planning ahead and batching work where possible. We believe you don’t have to wait for perfect timing to grow a family — you make it work.
Will the baby and book be happening at the same time?
Our second book will likely be released well after this baby, so the baby wins the race. Touring with a newborn would be tough, so we’re grateful the timelines don’t collide closely.
Did it take longer to conceive #2?
Yes — it took us longer this time as well.
When you hurt your back during the Oprah shoot, was that morning sickness?
No — I wasn’t pregnant then. That was in May before the pregnancy.
Any tips for pregnant DIY lovers? What do you avoid, and what precautions do you take?
I’m careful with products and ventilation. I use no-VOC paints and colorants (Olympic Premium, Mythic, or Benjamin Moore Natura) and safer sealers (Safecoat Acrylacq). For oil-based products or spray paint I either wear a proper VOC-blocking respirator or let John handle the project. I avoid heavy lifting and very strenuous work, and I check product safety before using items like strong adhesives. Also, exposure to lead paint is especially dangerous during pregnancy, so take precautions if you’re dealing with older paint.
Will you change blogging or take maternity leave?
We don’t have concrete plans yet. We didn’t take a formal maternity leave with Clara, but we did pre-write and stockpile posts. We’ll likely do similar preparation this time and figure out childcare or workflow changes as needed once the baby arrives.
Will the blog shift toward more lifestyle/mommy content?
Our blog has always mixed family moments with DIY and home projects. DIY will remain our primary focus, with family content sprinkled in — much like it’s been for six years.
Will pregnancy posts go on Young House Life?
We’ll keep the same approach we used with Clara: in-depth home and kid-related posts here, and quick updates, photos, and videos on Young House Life. Think of that site as our family photo album for short pieces.
Can you share nursery plans or a mood board?
We’re excited to plan the nursery but will wait until we know the baby’s sex before diving in, like we did with Clara. That gives us time to brainstorm and avoid jumping the gun.
Any weird cravings?
Baked potatoes, salt-and-vinegar chips, and pickles. Classic pickles — can’t help it.
Where did you get the fabric in the background of your photos?
We picked it up at a local fabric outlet called U-Fab; it was a great deal. It’s a Braemore print called Pomegranate and we’re thinking of using it here or in the showhouse.
Are you driving again?
Yes — I’ve been driving. John remains the primary driver, but I run errands and help with longer trips when needed. I always kept my license, so it took a little practice to get back into the routine.
How do you keep the house quiet for baby naps with Burger being barky?
We don’t tiptoe constantly, and Clara grew up ok despite household noise. We use a sound machine in her room to mask outside sounds and blackout curtains so she prefers total darkness while sleeping. Every child is different, but these strategies have helped.
Will you cloth diaper again? Are your old supplies still usable?
We kept our Bum Genius diapers and the sprayer and plan to reuse them once the baby fits into one-size options, like we did with Clara. We’ll double-check everything and pick up extras if needed. They’re worth it financially and environmentally.
Are you nesting?
Not yet. I’m making lists and planning, but the intense nesting phase didn’t hit until later with Clara.
Does the pregnancy change your home project priorities?
It bumped the nursery to the top of the list. We aren’t planning large gut renovations before the baby since we just moved in, but we’ll focus on non-gut projects: nursery setup, built-ins, and finishing rooms like the living room and guest room.
Can we be honorary aunts and uncles?
Yes, please! We’re so grateful for all the positive thoughts, prayers, and excitement you’ve sent. We’ll take every bit of support and love — it means the world to us.