diff --git a/pvcd.py b/pvcd.py
index b9c8f126..dc430a17 100755
--- a/pvcd.py
+++ b/pvcd.py
@@ -79,6 +79,7 @@ def updatenodes(new_node_list):
             t_node[node] = NodeInstance.NodeInstance(node, node_list, zk);
             if t_node[node].name == myhostname:
                 t_node[node].start()
+                time.sleep(1)
 
         node_state = t_node[node].getstate()
         if node_state == 'start':