If you follow me on Instagram you know we had a really shit week.
It’s too long a story, but Harry has been having issues with sleep, feeding, etc for awhile. I went to the pediatrician six weeks ago and told him I really felt something was wrong, and he sent us to occupational therapy to help with his feedings. At each of those appointments I reiterated I felt this was a breathing problem, not a feeding issue, but nada. Then finally last week I asked to see another Doctor in the practice and after a few basic tests we were sent to Texas Childrens Hospital where we were checked in for two days while more intensive tests were run. We have a diagnosis, and the good news is that it is something they think he will grow out of in 2-12 years. The bad news is, well, the whole thing is bullshit bad news really.
I just can’t believe we are going through this again. When we found out about Grace, it sent our life into complete upheaval. Pete quit his job, we sold our house, moved from Chicago to Texas, and a lot of the past three years has been spent trying to put the pieces back again. I am trying to keep a positive attitude, we are so lucky in so many ways, but if I am honest I am feeling a little defeated right now.
And I would love to be able to share more about what we are dealing with. With children’s health issues I have seen a lot of times the hopeful cases move on and don’t share their stories, and the tragedies try to find a community of support- often online. When Grace was diagnosed I spent hours on the internet looking for hope, and all I found were the saddest stories imaginable. Googling your childs health issues is dark and lonely enough, it would be nice if some positivity was in the mix.
When we decided to share what we were going through with Grace my intention was to spread awareness, and also provide a hopeful testimonial amidst all of the heartbreak. And that did happen, I have spent the past few years emailing with moms going through what we went through. It made me feel productive during a time when all I could really do was wait and see.
And I wish we could do that again- I have already had someone reach out based on our Instagram who is a few years ahead of us in the diagnosis and it has meant everything, but I just can’t. For a lot of reasons- this blog isn’t the same environment it was three years ago, and I am not the same parent I was then either.
So what now? I have been working at an unrealistic pace for the past two years, and I have to take better care of myself so I can take better care of my family. I am overextended, and I can do whatever it takes to keep up with my responsibilities day to day, but I am left with no extra bandwidth to cope when things go wrong. I need to simplify, and unfortunately that means taking a break from this blog place that has meant so much to me. I am so grateful for everything this blog and all of you have given me, but I need to focus on my family.
I don’t want to leave anyone hanging or be disrespectful to the tremendous support y’all have so generously given me, so I wanted to sign off properly. When I started this blog I had moved to a new city and was starting to work as the assistant to an interior designer- I didn’t have much direction or ambition, nor did I ever consider that I had the talent to actually do design work on my own. Through all of our transitions the encouragement from all of you inspired me to work harder and dream bigger and I cannot believe all of the goodness that has brought. I am so grateful for all of you, and I will check back in here if/when I have any great work to share, but I have to focus on my private life.
So for now, I gotta go. So much love and thanks.
xoxo
Bailey
***Update***
I have received several emails from moms worried their children/babies might have Harry’s condition based on the things I have posted previously about his development. Harry’s primary issue isn’t sleep– it has to do with his breathing and I have always thought- and now have confirmed- that his sleeping and feeding issues are related to his breathing. When Harry breathes the area around his clavicle at the base of his neck collapses, and his whole body looks like it is retracting/working hard. That isn’t always what his condition looks like, but that is what clued us in to this as a breathing issue.
If you feel like your babies/children might have the same condition or similar symptoms, email me any time and I am more than happy to discuss privately what led us to his diagnosis. On a really general level if you are concerned about your child and our situation is raising red flags, have your pediatrician do a pulse oximetry test– it is completely non invasive and measures their blood oxygen saturation levels. That was the first thing the doctor we went to for our second opinion did that indicated something was off. The second is to have your doctor listen to their lungs, and if either of those two things are abnormal, a chest x-ray would be the next step. Again- email me if you want to discuss further, I would be more than happy to share what got us here privately. From what we have learned so far his condition is often misdiagnosed, and is likely not as rare as has been reported.
Thank you all so much for the kind comments and emails, I am humbled by all of your support.
xoxo
Praying for you, Harry and your entire precious family. You are a wise mom to put your family first. God bless you all!
As a mom, I am so sorry for these rough and unknown waters you are wading through. We will miss you but take the time you need. You will never regret it. You are just good at too many things. I find it hard to manage my time between kids and doing the things I need to do to stay sane for myself. I hope you can find that balance and know that you have a great community that supports you and will pray for your sweet Harry.
Oh, I’ll miss you. Take care of yourself and all of your sweet people. Your family is everything.
Your priorities are right on! May God bless you and your precious family.
Respect.
I have a rare genetic disorder that took me 16 years to grow out of (basically once growth plates close) including ~12 minor bone surgeries and I’ll tell ya, it didn’t kill me, it was just annoying. Just like you, my parents searched for a second and third opinion (first opinion was the break all the bones in my hand ?!?!) and finding the right surgeon who knew what it was is actually how they came to move to Chicago.
And my parents learned to deal with it with grace despite having twins around when I turned 5 and I was only 4 surgeries in. They made it work, it just took a little time.
It all works out in the end. In the meantime, we’ll be gleeful when you come back because it’ll mean you’ve got it down, and Harry is resting easy. He’s a gorgeous baby, and I am so glad you caught the ailment early. It’s not going to keep him from being a bouncing baby full of joy. 🙂
Oh, I will miss visiting Bailey World. Wishing only the best for your sweet family.
Love and prayers to you and yours, Bailey. We’ll miss your style, humor and insight, but totally understand and support your decision, of course. XO
God bless.
So sad, Bailey. For what you’re going through (most importantly) and also for the fact that we won’t get to read your blog for daily inspiration. Great decision though, a healthy mom and family should take precedence over everything else in life. Good luck!
I am so sorry that you have to go through having another sick child. I wouldn’t wish a sick child on anyone, it is far too painful. Will be praying for your family.
I found your blog when it was featured on SMP. Your wedding was so amazing and I just wanted to see your life through your blog. Since they I have been saddened every time someone throws hate out there. And for you it seams like it it’s often and so evil. I don’t understand trolls,they must live a very lonely life if that is what gives them joy.
I wish you, your family, and your business all the best!
Wishing you an your family all the best. Prayers and love for you all during this difficult time (and always!).
xoxo
Love & thanks to you. And respect. You’ll be missed. I’ll be here when and if you come back. Sending good wishes to your family.
I’m so sorry you are having to go through this difficult time. Best wishes to the family but especially to sweet little Harry. I think you are doing the right thing in lessening your load – it all gets to be too much and at the end of the day all that matters is you, Pete, Grace and Harry. (and the dogs!)
Love and prayers to all of you. As always, it is with complete admiration that I read the blog this morning- trust you to do exactly whats right for your family. Thank you so much for the past years of glimpses into your brain and your family- way to go, Bailey.
So sorry to hear that you’re going through another health crisis. But I know you have the strength to lead Harry and your family through this! Will miss your talented voice, but hope that you get the time you need!!
sending much love your way. i have so enjoyed visiting this site – you are one of my favorite bloggers (if not my favorite) and will be greatly missed. that said, i 100% agree with and understand your decision. your family is the most important thing and i wish you all the best.
Sad to see you go but completely understand! Praying for your family, especially your beautiful babies! Best of luck Bailey!
You will be missed terribly, but good for you for putting your sweet family first. Sending good vibes to you all and most especially to sweet Harry. XO
One of the many reasons I enjoy your blog is the way you conduct yourself with such class and always do the right thing. My thoughts are with you and your family. Stay string mama
One of the many reasons I enjoy your blog, is the way you conduct yourself with such class and always do what’s right. Stay strong mama, my thoughts are with you.
I have so enjoyed your blog and have such admiration for your work, sense of humor, and precious family. It’s funny how when one of our babies is not well, things suddenly fall into priority. Things that mattered before just could not seem further from importance. I think God gives us mothers this tunnel-vision for a reason. All my best to you and yours, Bailey. You are well-equipped to lead Harry through this and, one day, it will be nothing but a tiny memory.
xo
I think you already know you’ll never regret this decision! You will be very missed and we’ll just have to keep our eyes peeled for your awesome work in the shelter mags!
Will definitely miss you on the interwebs, but thank god for people like you! I will be sending lots of prayers to you and your adorable family! I’m always happy when I get to see/read about people who know what is most important in life, family!
I’m so sorry for poor Harry! Hang in there Mama. I’m also sorry to see you go from your blog as it’s prob. my top favorite, but I do understand given all that’s happened with it this past year. Clicking the red X will prob. do wonders for you. I do hope you will return one day, as I love your work and have no other idea how I’d lovingly stalk you. Hang tough girl.
Sending you positive energy, well wishes and strength Bailey. You are an exceptional talent and an inspiring young Mama, you do you and we’ll all be cheering from afar and wishing you and your tiny family the very best.
You have my immense respect, Bailey. I pray that your little munchkin gets better soon. In the meantime, I will subscribe to your mailing list should you decide to come back to this space.
xx Katerina
You are one strong mama and you have a lot of support out here. We are praying for you and your baby and you are not alone! Know you will be missed and that you will be welcomed back any time. You are showing grace, love and strength and your children are so blessed to have you as a mother.
Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way!! I have always loved your blog, personality, talent, creativity, realness, etc! Hang in there… the darkness sting will go away because God has amazing plans for you and your beautiful family! xoxo
Sending love and well wishes to you and your precious family! Thank you for sharing your talent and fun – we will miss you!
I will miss seeing your talents in this corner of the internet, but I understand and wish you and your family all the best. xo
I will miss you and your amazing projects, but wish you and your family well. xo
I always respect how real and honest you are. Sending lots of prayers for you and your sweet boy.
Sad because you are my favorite blogger, and I always look forward to your posts. But good for you for stepping back to focus on your family right now! Best wishes to your whole adorable family.
You and your family will be in my prayers. I will gladly trade pretty pictures and beautiful sentences for a healthy and happy family. Thank you for sharing this far!
You are a good mom! Sending good wishes y’alls way.
oh bailey. sending you the biggest hug and “nod smile” of encouragement. whenever i need my dose of you – i will just head to your online shop. one guest room is all biscuit so far and i am about to outfit the rest of the bedrooms. please know that your work brings happiness all around! i spend most of my days in front of a computer at a boring office finance job, and you have always brightened it. love from tennessee.xx
Bailey- I will miss reading your blog. I have enjoyed watching your family grow into the beautiful one it is today. All the best to you, Pete, Grace and Harry. xoxo
Bailey-
Your blog is one of my favorites. I’ve never commented before (which unfortunately seems to be the case with those who have positive things to say, but not so much with the negatives). A couple of the reasons I really like your blog are that you have such grace in how you conduct yourself and raise your family and such talent in your work. I will miss your posts. And I am sad that you cannot share here what is going on with Harry (since 99% of your readers genuinely care about you and your family and want to help in any way they can) but I completely understand your decision to keep some things private. Please know that I am praying for your sweet boy.
Bailey~
I have been following you since your wedding was featured on SMP. Peppermint Bliss is honestly the first blog I check every morning. You have truly inspired how I have designed my home. Thank you so much for the past 3 years! Your children are beautiful and I understand completely the need to take a break from this blog. Thanks!
Don’t you apologize for a minute for going into protective mama mode – it’s your priority and prerogative, and your supporters and readers understand. I will content myself with re-reading archives and hope for all the good things for you and your beautiful family.
I’m a Houstonian who started reading your blog when the upheaval was happening with sweet Grace – your bright spirit and your fierce love for your kids is so evident, and I would expect no less than your total focus on your family! We will miss your fun insights here, but room for peace and coping during hard times is so much more important. I feel like I know your beautiful family through this blog and Instagram and I’ve loved every trip I’ve made to Biscuit! (Hopefully someday I’ll see you there!) Prayers for you guys as you make another transition.
Prayers for you all… You will be missed. All the best to you and your sweet family. You will not regret putting them first.
Oh Bailey! I am so sorry. You have dealt with so much already. But you deal with it with so much grace, class and humor. I am cheering and rooting for your family.
I will also miss your blog so much, but we’ll all be here if you decide to return. You’re the reason for my blue velvet couch.
Prayers for you and your family. You will definitely be missed!
Blessings and prayers sent your way.
-Linda, ny
Sorry to hear you are all going through this. Thank you for letting us know. Much love, support and best wishes to your family. You have taken on so much the last few years and handled it with such grace and kept your sense of humor. Take care of yourself as well and know you will be missed! xo
God bless you and your entire family, Bailey.
Know that many of us will be thinking of you often.
Sending prayers and healing thoughts. Stay strong. I will miss your blog – but maybe you’ll come back. Peace and healing dear Lady.
Sending prayers to you and your family. Haven’t commented before but enjoy reading your blog every week and your lovely decorating and personal stories – you will be missed! You seem to be one tough cookie and I wish you even more strength to get through all of this.
I will miss your blog tremendously- but am so glad that you have a diagnosis for your sweet lil’ guy. I hope that he starts feeling well soon.
I feel SO bummed now! First because your adorable little guy is going through troubles and now because you are leaving! Waaaahhhh!
As a mom, I TOTALLY understand–there are only so many hours in the day and one woman can only do so much. Kids come first. But as a design fiend and fan–I will so very much miss your blog and complete and total inspiration. Positive thoughts and prayers to you and your family and hope to see some that design on here again one day.
I only know you through this blog and your work at various publications, but I just have to give you a virtual hug *and* high five. I admire that you are putting your family first, that you trusted your gut, and I know you and your family will be even better for it. Life just sucks sometimes, but it can force us to take a look at what really matters and reexamine our goals and our priorities. I’ll miss your spunk in words and decorating, but I wish you ALL the very best until we meet again!
Best of luck to you and your wonderful family. My prayers are with you and your children. You continue to be a great source of inspiration both personally and professionally for many. You will reap the benefits of being such an authentic, kind person. Thank you for bringing this blog to life as it has been such a fun thing to follow over the years. Fingers crossed that I get to hire you and your team someday. 🙂
From a totally selfish place, I’m really going to miss you! Your blog is my absolute favorite and I cannot get enough (I’ve read through all the archives too). But, I completely get it and respect you doing the right thing for your family. All the best, and hope you’ll still pop up on my insta feed from time to time!
Wonderful that you trusted your instincts and personal observations. One of the key things in getting children’s health needs addressed…and then keep on pushing.
I started following your blog after reading a post on Style Me Pretty about your wedding whilst planning my own. It’s been really cool to follow your journey from saying “I do” to welcoming your sweet munchkins. I seriously applaud you for lasting this long on your blog- I couldn’t do it, and I only have one child! Best of luck with your sweet family, and I hope you’re back on here on day. Take care!
Family comes first, so do your thing. The rest of us who gush over your work will simply wait and salivate for more of your greatness. As a mom-to-be who has already been sat down to discuss “what it means to deliver at 22 weeks”, I totally get it. The health and well-being of our babies are the most important things we will ever handle as mothers. I wish you and yours lots of love, support, and understanding.
Please know that as much as you will be SERIOUSLY missed in my daily internet routine we all support you and your decision. Your sweet family is the most important thing!! You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers and i feel so strongly that you will come through this quickly with a whole new outlook that will you inspire you in ways you didn’t think possible. I will patiently wait to be tremendously inspired by you again soon!!
My whole heart goes out to you and your family. I will be so devastated not to get to see your process and design features, as well as your amazing writing style and quirk, but there couldn’t be a better reason for making this decision. Thank you for sharing for so long! xo
Take care of yourself. I’ve been a faithful reader for years. Hopefully next time you post, there will be nothing but smiles and good news. God bless!!
you are a lovely person. best wished for you and your family.
Bailey,
“I think that I’ll miss you most of all, scarecrow!”
I want you and your family to know that I will be earnestly praying for you, for your family, for healing for Harry, for big sister grace, for your businesses. I serve a mighty God. He’s got your back (Harry’s too!). I will miss you. I want to thank you for teaching me to be brave not only in decorating, but in life and motherhood. You are a class act, young lady. This “move to focus” is simply proof of that. Best of the best in everything. I’ll miss your wit and wisdom.
Xoxo,
Kkrs
please know that you will be missed! You were always one of my favorites. Maybe we will meet in person someday (Molly and Sally are good friends from KC 🙂 Until then, take care of that sweet, precious boy and know that people are thinking of you and praying for you!
Best of luck, Bailey! Love your blog (and your designs!), but I admire your commitment to your family above all. Be well, and take good care of that adorable little man of yours!
I love your blog, and will miss your updates and inspiration, but I am so proud of you for taking time for you and your family. All the Best! I will be thinking about you and your family! You WILL get through this! xo
You and your lovely blog will be missed! You’re so talented and inspiring. I love your fun fresh style. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself. It’s your family; we have no choice but to understand. I’ll say a prayer for you all. Be blessed
Sending love and support to you and your family. Take good care.
I’ll miss your blog, you are so talented! But life has a way of hitting us upside the head when we least expect it (my husband was just diagnosed with cancer.)But I know from past experiences that we’ll walk through this storm too. And so will you. Your family is adorable, and I commend you for re-setting your priorities. Besides, I have a feeling the design world will continue to hear about Bailey McCarthy!
Sending prayers and warm wishes to your precious family and baby boy!
Noooooooo! You are my favorite blog!!! But I understand completely. It is time to focus on your family and yourself. We will miss you and keep you in mind when making colorful, kooky, classy design decisions. Best wishes to sweet Harry.
I love your style and the blog and while I’m sad to see you go (for now), kudos for stepping back to take care of you and your family. Best of luck and I look forward to seeing more from you down the road.
On a purely selfish level, I am going to miss your blog. It is part of my daily routine. You were one of the first blogs I started reading a few years ago and are always first on my morning reading list. You have encouraged me to embrace color, introduced me to new artists, designers, and bloggers, and inspired me. Thank you!
As a mother, I know you are making the right choice. I have also had medically fragile children. My choice to reorganize my life around them has not always been easy but it has always been right. You are making the right choice, too. Good bless.
I will be praying for your family, Bailey. I truly wish y’all the best. You will definitely be missed!
Best wishes to your lovely family. I will miss your perfect brand of hilarious, fashionable honesty, but am happy that you and those most important to you will have more time together.
i don’t think i’ve ever posted before. but, as i was previewing sam smith’s new album on itunes just now, i thought of you. you have provided solid musical recommendations over the years (lana del rey, sam smith), given me serious fashion envy and inspiration, and lots of design eye candy. i hope that some day you are able to return to the blog-o-sphere. in the mean time, all the best to you and your family. sending happy healthy thoughts to you and yours.
Bailey,
I know that I, along with many others will miss checking out your blog and getting a little dose of your awesome projects and personality! You are definitely an inspiring woman, who clearly works her ass off being a career woman and great mama. As a mom, I know that juggling all of that stuff makes you nothing less than a bad ass. I wish you and your family nothing but the best of luck. And mostly, good luck with your little man and Grace too.
Lyndsey
I thought about it for a while, and I really think this is the first blog I ever followed. At that point, I was unmarried and childless (like you), and now I have a husband and a toddler. I knew that life was getting real when I barely had time to even read your blog any more… let alone be the author of it. I will so miss your blog, but when you’re a mom with two kids, operating a store, and building a design business… sometimes the juice isn’t worth the squeeze. It takes a good mom to know that, and it takes a great mom to walk away from something that is loved by so many people. Good luck and God bless!
Well…I’m thoroughly bummed. Your blog is my lovely “escape” when I’m trying to flee reality! hahaha…pretty spaces are theraputic!! 🙂
But in all seriousness….our daughter lives with physical challenges and so daily life is a bit more demanding than it use to be. I’ve also had to cut things out of my schedule. Not to say that they won’t return someday…i hope.
May God give you and your family peace as you love one another and care for your sweet babies. And I don’t say that flippantly… when you call on the name of Jesus Christ, may he will hear you and mercy and compassion for you. He cares very much for you! 🙂 I just wanted to share that with you before I said goodbye. Strange how this internet stuff works….I don’t “know” you, yet I feel very deeply for you and your family. So anyhow…thankyou for sharing your fun life with us. and thank you for also sharing the “not fun” stuff too. You are the real deal Bailey. I’ll be praying for ya’ll~ Carolyn
Hi Bailey,
I’ve been following you since the Style me Pretty post on your wedding (I was 25 and planning my wedding at the time and none of my friends were in to weddings, or even in serious relationships). Recently I was struggling with the idea of whether or not to start a family, again my friends are not at that stage yet, so your post about juggling family and a business really helped. I’m pregnant now and have gone through your old posts about baby products and included them on my registry. You’ve been a big source of inspiration not just design wise- but in the fact that you’ve been so open about what it feels like to go through different life events, it helps a lot to know that other women are out there doing it. I completely respect your decision but hope some day when the time is right we see you back on here again. Thanks for sharing your story and helping out a bunch of us women going through stuff in our 20s. Xox
Bailey-
Saying a prayer for little baby Harry! My take-aways from your blog: your impeccable style, self-deprecating humor and fierce loyalty to your family.
Take good care of your boy. We’ll be here when you get back!
xoxo
I’m so sorry to hear about your little guy. It’s so heartbreaking to see your kids sick. I hope Harry is on the 2 year end of the scale in which he will outgrow whatever it is he’s been diagnosed with.
On another note, selfishly I hope you find time to blog again when everything calms down. I’ve always loved your posts, your writing style and your mad design skills. They will be sorely missed!
Take good care of your family and especially of yourself!
Jane
Gonna miss you B, but I wish you and your wonderful family all the blessings and joy this world has to offer.
Best of luck to you and take care!!
Best wishes to you and your family and especially your sweet babies. This little corner of the internet has become my favorite, but as a wife and a mother I completely understand your need to step away. You are so uber talented and one of these days when things settle down, I look forward to seeing more of what you do so well.
Heather
I am so sorry to hear about Harry! I am sending positive thoughts and prayers your way! I feel like I have gotten to know you and your family from this blog, and selfishly, I am so sad to see you end it. I have to say that yours is the only blog that I always enjoy reading. Not sure what it is about it, but you always keep it real, interesting and beautiful! So thank you for all the wonderful posts! Wishing your family all the best during this hard time! Xo
God bless you and your beautiful family…stay positive 🙂
I pray that you feel overwhelmed with love and peace. You have brought so much passion and beauty to so many. God is with you. May you feel His presence every step of the way! Grateful you have shared your gift for this long…you will triumph!
So sorry to hear about little Harry… I hope this means you get to focus on what means the most to you. Obviously you have a lot of fans and supporters (like me!) who will miss this blog very much but family always comes first. I hope all goes well and you will share snippets on instagram or here if you ever feel up to it! You are so talented and such a breath of fresh air in the the interior world and I hope Biscuit also continues to thrive!
I will keep your little man and your family in my prayers. We paid a visit to Texas Childrens Hospital last week for sleep/swallowing/breathing issues for our child. We were very pleased with the specialists. You are in great hands. You must take care of yourself mom. We will all be here if and when you are ready to resume with your blog. All the best!!
Best to you and your family.
Bailey,
I have never written on a blog, though I read yours and others frequently- however I feel compelled. Someone once told me (and I have no idea about your feelings on God, or religion– so if not religious subtract “God” and add “life”) Anyways, someone once told me that God doesn’t put things in front of you that you won’t be able to handle. So I guess what I’m saying is that I have faith that all will be well. I am sending your family lots of good thoughts, and I hope, sometime in the future, we meet again.
Much love,
Carrie.
Oh no…what will I do now!! I love your blog but you need to be doing what you need to do, I was always suprised how quickly you got back to blogging after Harry was born you must be exhausted. I have read your blog since your wedding and loved the transformations of your houses. Definatly an inspiration to me to go with my bolder ideas. Now I’m pregnant and been reading over all your baby posts.
Good luck and best wishes with everything, hope Harry is ok, he is a beautiful baby!
So sad to see you go, I’ve always looked forward to your posts. Take care of yourself and your family
xoxo
I have read your blog since SMP featured your wedding weekend. I have found watching you evolve into a wife, mother and business owner to be very refreshing and inspiring. I will miss your self-deprecating humor, witt and style. You are an absolute class act and I wish you and your family health and happiness. Take care!
Am really going to miss your blog. Best of luck with the kiddies. They are beautiful.
“Vámonos, amigos,” he whispered, and threw the busted leather flintcraw over the loose weave of the saddlecock. And they rode on in the friscalating dusklight.
You are a beautiful mom, writer, spirit, soul, and have tremendous talent to boot. Your children are lucky to have picked you as their mom. Will miss reading your blog, but you still inspire me daily. Here’s to painting all the ceilings! xo Jen
Praying for your family, especially your precious little boy.
-Linda, ny
Oh Bailey, I am so sorry you and your family are going through this. I know you will get through it and the silver lining is out there!! We will always be here to support you! I am sending prayers and hugs your way. 🙂 Hang in there!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful interiors and life with us over the last few years. Sometimes we have to slow down for our family and remind ourselves that “not now” doesn’t mean “not ever again.” So take care of your special little guy and we’ll be here when you get back!
Baily, I am sorry that you are going through such a challenging time. There is nothing worse for a mom, than when her children are not well. I have only been following you for a short time, but have been so taken with your talent, work ethic and lovely spirit. Your work stands out as authentic, original and sophisticated in an ever growing crowd of what seems to be a lot of attention seeking with not much substance. I am 17 years ahead of you on this journey of running my own design business and raising a family. I have often wondered how you could possibly keep so many balls in the air. There is nothing wrong with taking a step back and prioritizing around your family. You need to do what your heart and instincts are telling you is right. I do hope that you will find a way to continue with your design work. You are talented and creative people need to create to be complete. I can tell you from experience that my work has saved me over the years has I faced various challenges in my life. I wish you all the best with your sweet children and with your creative life. I look forward to seeing your work in the future…. as I’m sure I will. 🙂
Bailey,
I continue to be inspired by your optimism and strength — though I will miss your posts dearly. I’ll keep following along in whatever way you let us, for family and design news! All best to Harry, he and Grace are lucky to have a mom like you.
x Lily
http://whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com/
Bailey – Although it’s been nearly a month since your sign off, I check in every few days just to see how long/short the break will be. AKA I miss your blog. But your decision is only in keeping with the rest of your decisions here that we have all come to expect and love from you: you know what is important, you know what you want, and you do what you need to do to achieve those things. Thank you for expanding my design preferences to include wild patterns and crazy colors. Thank you for helping me be stylish while pregnant. And thank you for making me feel empowered by example. Your family is beautiful and blessed to have you leading them through storms and sunny days. Here’s hoping for more of the latter in the future. xxx.
Hi Bailey!
I am a daily reader of yours and I miss your web presence immensely. I absolutely understand your focus on family at this time. I only wanted to say that I truly hope that each day brings something good to you and your family. I am having a good night tonight, after signing a lease on a new place in NYC, and… I also wanted you to know, you are the first designer that I’ve been cruising on Pinterest for ideas. Thank you Bailey for countless, beautiful resources. Take care.