Kate and I are in Philadelphia right now. We're visiting Kate's sister and brother in law, who just had a baby a couple months ago. It's amazing how similar having a baby is to starting a website:

• It will change your entire life. Every decision you make is with the baby in mind.
• It's a huge commitment. You can't quit. 
• Teaching your child is like programming new features on the site. You want it to improve and get smarter. 
• Day to day operations like diaper changes are like dev ops. There's always maintenance and cleanup to be done. You're trying to keep one step ahead of the needs of the baby so everything runs smoothly.
• You need the support of all your friends and family to be successful.
• And there are the sleepness nights. Whether it's a baby crying or a phone paging you, there's no one but you to wake up and take care of your baby. Sometimes there's late night maintenance to be done. Maybe an unexpected attack (sickness, or spam). Or you just have to stay up until the baby goes back to sleep.

It's hard to let your baby grow up without you.

Since starting Posterous, I've only had one true vacation (my wedding and honeymoon). I've only left the country one time, and even then it was to a resort with wifi. I've never been out of cell phone reception (other than brief periods, like hikes).

At some point you have to let your baby grow up and move on without you. I'm lucky to have a team that I trust to take care of my baby. While I'm in Philly and NY this weekend, I know the site will stay up and move forward without me.

Thanks, team!