Lifestyle

Our Miracle of Miracles

October 10, 2013

We believe we should all love where we live.

We’re a couple of homebodies, working to uncover the home our home wants to be. And we’re so happy to have you here. 

Portfolio

Projects

Design

We're Chris + Julia

read more

What we're                   right now

Loving

browse the shop

Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here. 

We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen. 

Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.

browse all

browse all

browse all

02

01

03

Popular Posts

1.

2.

3.

Top Categories

When Greta was 9 months old, we decided we wanted to give her a sibling.  And when she turned 2, she started asking for one herself. At last, 3 1/2 years later, the stars have aligned and our family is expanding.  We couldn’t be happier–or more surprised (sometimes when something doesn’t happen for so long, you stop expecting it to)–about our little addition due in mid-April. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

What do you think?

  1. I’m seriously late on commenting but I wanted to send my heartfelt congratulations to your growing family! Greta’s going to be an awesome big sister :)

  2. Dawn says:

    Congrats! Persistence and prayers. I love having two kids. They are such a blessing. I also love that green reading room too!

  3. Ahhhhhhhh!!!! YES! Congratulations! :D :D YES!

  4. Alex says:

    Hooray!!!!!!!! Aw I am so happy for you all! <3 <3 <3 and one to grow on <3 This is awesome, congratulations!

  5. Ann Ehlert says:

    I was really hoping this was the news! I follow your blog to remind me to pray for you next child. Your blog is fun and all but when I first read about your struggle I wanted to be someone who could pray when you just couldn’t. Each of our girls took one to two years each with help. We now have three girls and I am so grateful that they came to be. VERY VERY HAPPY FOR YOU! Now we pray for you, Julia, and the little one to be brought into the world safely.

  6. bikethief says:

    I knew it! My exact thoughts: “Whyyyyyyyy are there no new posts. This better be baby stuff.”
    :) Congrats!

  7. Whitney says:

    Congratulations!!! Greta’s excitement is so adorable!

  8. Congrats to all three of you!!! I’m due at the end of March, so so happy to add another to the spring baby boom list! Can’t wait to see your progress on the baby growing and nursery planning! Hoping your nausea gets better fast!!!

  9. Ahhhh!!! Congrats you guys!!!

  10. Jenny Park says:

    We had a very similar experience…conjoined twins…miscarriage….pregnant soon after with a beautiful baby girl. We have never tried to prevent little ones from coming so when Emmie was close to three we started the process for adoption when the fertility doctor stated “we don’t know why you can’t get pregnant again…secondary infertility just occurs and there is no reason….this may be it for you. You should appreciate the baby you have and move on.” Wow! Anytime you want/desire/pray for and beg for a baby for you family it is painful to not have those wishes fulfilled. I felt guilty that I already had a baby and wanted more…like I was greedy. But we moved ahead with adoption and we just about done with our paperwork when surprise! Our Ava Jane was born 3 1/2 years after our Emmie. Then 2 2 1/2 years later our Kai then 1 1/2 years later our Lucy. I don’t know why we can’t always determine the timing for our babies. (Maybe running around in heaven is just so fun they forget to get in line to be born?) ;) But I know that God is good, he gives us babies when he can, He heals our hearts when He can’t. Congratulations on your new family member! And maybe you will get closer and closer together siblings like us? It is amazing to me how you can really love another baby just as much as your first and how your family just gets better with each addition…it’s like your heart grows to receive and give more love. Congrats, how wonderful! And I can’t wait to see your new little bean’s nursery…how fun and beautiful it will be to be in your new home, closer to family and with a beautiful little girl helper to give ideas/opinions on décor as well. Happy Day!

  11. I am so happy for you!!!!

  12. Shannon says:

    Ahhhhhh!! How exciting! Congratulations! :)

  13. Best picture ever! congratulations!

  14. Huge congratulations Julia and fam! I’m thrilled for you guys!

  15. Congrats on your newest miracle! Life has an uncanny way of sending miracles at the perfect times…when we’re least expecting them ;) xo, Dana

    PS – My open ID wasn’t working in the comments so I had to use my very antiquated google account. Normally, I wouldn’t sign off so formally…haha!

  16. Steph says:

    Happy for you that you are getting your dream of another baby! Best wishes for a healthy pregnancy!

  17. Score one for me. My baby predicting abilities have been spot on lately. I should monetize my abilities.

    Seriously though– so happy for you guys. Congrats!!

  18. Tara says:

    Congratulations!! I know I sound like an obsessed fan but you seriously made my day. I had a very stressful day at work and then when I opened up BlogLovin on my phone and saw your blog post title I just smiled so big. I’m SO happy for you guys and Greta. I wish you a smooth pregnancy from here on out and an easy delivery too.

    I also love that three of my favorite blogs are all due with their second baby in April. You, YHL and LittleBabyGarvin. You (almost) make me want a third baby now, hehehe.

  19. <3

    So happy to see this! Congrats!

  20. Mama says:

    Congrats, What wonderful news for you all! Greta will be an amazing big sister! We just announced pregnancy #3 on our blog too! http://ourtinyplace.blogspot.com/2013/08/monday-morning-video.html Blogger baby boom!! hope you’re feeling great!!

  21. tinkster says:

    Hyperemesis sucks big time (all three of my pregnancies) but hopefully it eases soon. Biggest congrats. I have about 3.5 years between 2&3 and they are awesome together.

  22. Melissa says:

    Congrats!! So happy for you all!

  23. Angel says:

    I am so happy for your family. Congratulations!

  24. Morgan S. says:

    Congrats – I’m an April 14th baby…so your baby’s got a good time of arrival :-) I am due May 15th with our 3rd! Wishing you a healthy pregnancy! http://www.styleoyster.blogspot.com

  25. Urban Wife says:

    Huge congrats to y’all!! We know all too well the sweetness after a long wait to have a child. Can’t wait to read along this journey with you guys. Prayers for a healthy pregnancy. :)

  26. Deborah says:

    NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATS! Is this the “health issue” Chris alluded to?

  27. Nichole says:

    Congratulations!! I was hoping that’s why you were feeling under the weather. Being sick is the pits, but when you’re pregnant, at least it’s worth it!

  28. Jane says:

    oh baby! how wonderful!

  29. Congratulations! What an exciting time for you guys! And I’m weirdly excited to be due the same time as Katie B and preggers along with you and Sherry. :-D

  30. Lindsey says:

    Congratulations! I found your blog via the forums at YHL and I love it! I am so excited to be pregnant (for the first time) with my favorite bloggers (Katie, Sherri, and YOU!). Especially after a struggle with infertility myself. Congrats again to you and your family!!

  31. Amy says:

    Oh congratulations! So happy for you & your family!

  32. Andrea says:

    SO SO SO thrilled for your family. Congratulations, and hope you turn the corner soon and start feeling better!!!

  33. I just knew it!!! Oh my goodness, congratulations guys! Just read some of the other comments, hyperemesis is no joke. I had it with both my pregnancies (and it’s a big reason why I don’t want ANY more). I’ll be praying that it ends soon and for a healthy baby (boy, maybe?). Lots of love from the South!

  34. Britt says:

    Best news ever! Julie, I have had you in my thoughts and prayers more then ever and couldn’t be happier. What a miracle! Can’t wait to see baby grow and you to not be sick. YAY!!!!

  35. Liz Marie says:

    Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am overjoyed for you. I know exactly how “infertility” feels. I hate that word. I am so overjoyed to hear your success stories. I love hearing success stories because it makes me have hope. I am praying for a beautiful healthy baby for you 3 & I can’t wait to follow your updates. Congrats again!!!!! xx Liz Marie lizmarieblog.com

  36. Rebecca says:

    That is just absolutely awesome!! Congratulations and I hope you have an absolutely uneventful pregnancy and birth!! Funny way to put it but I know the second time around that is what we most hope for.

  37. Abbie says:

    Oh, I’m so happy for you all!! I was hoping that this was the ‘health issue’ referred to in previous posts… I hate to be the one who roots for morning sickness, but in this case, yay!! :) Congratulations!

  38. YAY! Congrats! So happy for you guys! Cant wait to see all the new things going on in that house!

  39. stephy213 says:

    Congratulations to you and your family!! I love Greta’s face. Priceless!!

  40. Congratulations! I suspected something was up when Chris wrote something like, Julias feeling under the weather but ill let her explain it when shes ready. Haha! So excited for you guys, we started trying for our second when our daughter was 8 months old- she is also 3 1/2 and we are (finally!) expecting our second in December. so i know how hard that can be! :)

  41. Jessie says:

    YAY!!!! What a beautiful, happy picture!! So thrilled for you all!

  42. Lucy says:

    My heart is singing for you and your cute family! Yay!

  43. Congratulations! So happy for you guys. I love all the little family photos you always take together : ]

  44. The Smiths says:

    Yay! SO happy for you! I’ve been wondering….I sort of have a 6th sense about these things. :) Our first finally came with the help of a specialist and he’s now 6 months old. I’m so happy when great things happen to great people!

  45. Emma Scott says:

    CONGRATULATIONS! So happy for you and that your absence has been due to a great blessing!

  46. Tanja says:

    Congratulations. I’m super happy for all of you. I can’t wait to see the nursery.

  47. So so happy for you guys! Morning sickness is the worst (been there twice!) but amazing how it ends up being worth it … most days :)

  48. Elaine says:

    Amazing. So, so happy for you. Awesome news :)

  49. Totally teared up when I saw this photo! Beautiful photo and beautiful family. I am so so happy for you guys! Congratulations!!!!

  50. Cassie A. says:

    I’m so excited for your family! I knew that had to be the reason for your absence! I hope you are feeling better.I’ll be sending prayers for a healthy pregnancy and baby! Congrats!

  51. Kala says:

    Congratulations. My husband just said to me the other day, when I told him about another blogger being pregnant, “It seems like all your bloggers are pregnant.” Well guess he was somewhat right. I think there are like 5+ bloggers in my Feedly that are pregnant right now. Love it!

  52. Alise says:

    Congratulations!! What joyful news for you all!

  53. Thrilled for you guys! I’ve been hoping this was the reason for the Julia-absence. Sending lots of love from a total stranger in Oklahoma :)

  54. Lindsay says:

    Congratulations! Morning sickness is horrible. Ask for some anti-nausea (zofram) from the doc. I had sickness throughout my whole pregnancy with my son. Maybe it’s a boy! Congrats. Someone told me once that “you’re giving your daughter one of life’s greatest gifts, a sibling.” Great advice!

    • Lindsay says:

      Oh and Chris looks great!

    • Aww, I really do feel that. Even though some days, I feel like, “There’s going to be two!?” Hahaha. I am on Zofran and Phenegran. I have very severe morning sickness (hyperemesis). Had the same thing with Greta. Hoping the end is in sight!

    • Lindsay says:

      Keep thinking that it will be good for both of them in the long run to have each other. The other thing that may come is feeling guilty for taking away time from Greta. It is possible to love both children. It made me so sad when I was in the hospital after delivering my second that I was missing my first baby! But it’s for the best. YOu will get through it!

  55. K-Krew says:

    Congratulations! I was wondering if sickness = pregnancy. Oh I totally remember the morning (all-day) sickness. Hope you start feeling better soon!!!

  56. Mary says:

    Congratulations!! Greta’s obvious joy makes my heart happy :)!

  57. CONGRATS!!! So happy for you and your sweet little family!!

  58. Chrizelle says:

    This is AWESOME!!! So happy for you guys! Haha, the smoothie comment makes sense now;-) Oh so sweet!

  59. So happy for you! Congrats!!!

  60. aww congrats guys how exiting, was that why you were felling sick lately?

    can’t wait to find out what it is, and plans for the nursery

  61. I knew it!! With all those mysterious posts about Julia not feeling well, I was like “Oh man, I hope she’s pregnant!!” I am so happy for you guys!!!! :)

  62. Elisa Self says:

    Congrats! Knowing you wanted this for a while makes it all the more sweeter. I’m also due with our second at the beginning of April – looking forward to watching your family grow! :D

  63. Congratulations! Hope this was the cause for your sickness the last few weeks! :)

  64. Christie says:

    Congratulations!!!!! I am so happy for you guys. Continued blessings to you and your family. :-)

  65. Congrats guys, so very happy for you all!!!!!!

  66. R Grokan says:

    Congratulations! What an incredibly exciting time for your family!

  67. Congratulations! So exciting!

  68. There’s a happy Grandma Ginger over here! Can’t hardly wait!

  69. Oh-em-gee…Greta’s face is priceless! Congratulations!

  70. Congratulations!!! So happy for you guys! Xo!

  71. chonga says:

    How sweet!!! Congrats!

  72. vicks27 says:

    Very happy for you guys! Gimme another cute nephew or niece!

  73. Jenn Leigh says:

    I’m so excited for you! Congrats!

  74. Samantha says:

    Wahoo!!!!!!!! So happy for you all!

  75. CONGRATS! What an awesome picture! I love it!

  76. Congrats! All my fav bloggers are having babies! Wishing you a happy healthy pregnancy.

  77. Congratulations! My sister and I are a little over 4 years apart, and we are close as can be :)

  78. Yes! I was hoping that’s why you were taking the break! Congrats!

  79. Congratulations!!! So very happy for you and your family!! :D

  80. Julianne says:

    Congratulations! That’s so exciting. And a great family pic!

  81. Erin says:

    How wonderful! Our sons are almost 5 years apart, and it’s been perfect. Congrats!!

  82. A + S says:

    So very happy for you all!

  83. Brad Cowan says:

    Congratulations! I can feel Greta’s excitement.

  84. Katie says:

    How fantastic. Coming from someone who understands the battles of infertility, I am so happy for you all!

  85. YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! Overjoyed! LOVE the picture. Look at the joy in Greta’s face!

  86. K says:

    Congratulations! (And, I know it is totally happenstance, but I think you are are on the same timeline as YHL).

  87. Beth says:

    wow! congratulations to all of you. this is SUCH great news. hope you are feeling better! xo

all the latest

We believe we should all love where we live.

We’re a couple of homebodies, working to uncover the home our home wants to be. And we’re so happy to have you here. 

HI! We're Chris + Julia

read more

Load More

Reader Faves

SHop all

What We're                     Right Now

What We're                 Right Now

Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop. 

Loving

looking for inspiration? 

A reader recently asked me if I’m starting to fully embrace traditional style and whether we still consider our house to be a “modern Colonial” and why. It was a really great question and so timely — I had really just been thinking about my approach to this home and how my style has changed […]

Can We Send You Our Love Letter?

Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!

Follow Along on Instagram

Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations

@chrislovesjulia