Lesson 10: Time Flies + Giveaway!!

*Even if you are sick of my "lesson" posts, be sure you scroll to the bottom for details about a great giveaway from Boy Oh Boy today. *

 Lesson #10: Time really does FLY.

Before you have a baby, people love to tell you how much time will fly once you have kids.  I think I believed those words of "warning," but I didn't understand them until it became my reality...

It sounds cliche, but it truly feels like yesterday that we were decorating a nursery and contemplating a birth plan.  It feels like NO TIME since we were walking into our house with a tiny little human, an armload of paperwork from the hospital, and absolutely NO clue what we were doing.  It feels like there is no possible way that I am the mom of a FIFTEEN MONTH OLD!!! 

Yesterday, as I went through Sam's closet and began packing yet another box of clothes he has outgrown, I was struck by how fast time really goes now that it is measured in firsts - smiles, steps, words, experiences. For most of my life, I've waited and longed for the next stage to begin. I couldn't wait to "grow up" and go to college, get a job, get married, buy a house, have a baby... And now, here I am, carrying boxes of bottles and bouncers to the basement and wishing (if only for a few minutes), that I could slow down time...

If I've learned one thing from this gig so far, it's that nothing lasts forever...  In the throes of sleepless nights and crying or the first weeks when simply going to Target seems like an impossible task, it feels like you will never get through it... And then, just like that, it's over and you are taking your toddler to the park, and teaching him to eat with a fork, and thinking about things like potty training, and ABCs, and even missing (a little) the very long days early on that revolved strictly around diaper changing and breastfeeding and rocking.

New moms, I won't ask you to enjoy those days.  I won't ask you to spend as much time as you possibly can holding that little bundle while he will still sit with you without squirming.  BUT, just know that it is true... Time really does FLY.

...

And now, I'm excited to announce a give away from my one of my favorite Etsy shops Boy Oh Boy Boutique today.  In addition to selling adorable iron-on onesie appliques (I'm pretty much obsessed with the holiday ones), Leanne's shop is now offering custom prints marking the one day time stood still - your little one's birth day.

Today, she is giving one lucky reader a free 8x10 of any design featured in her shop, or specially customized!  Here are the details:

- To enter, just visit Boy Oh Boy and leave a comment back here telling me what design you would choose (or how you would customize one). 

- For an extra entry, 'Like' her shop on Facebook and leave a second comment telling me you did so.

- The contest will end on Sunday, and the winner will be announced Monday 10/22. She (or he)  can choose to receive either a digital or hard copy (or both) of the print they select. *Note, frame not included.

These would make awesome additions to any nursery, gallery wall, or the perfect gift for baby showers, Christmas, etc.  Now, go already... :)

(I know some people have been having trouble commenting on my blog recently.  I am still trying to figure out how to eliminate ugly spammers without losing you all - so thanks for your patience & feel free to offer suggestions if you have any! In the mean time, you may need to register with Disqus - my new commenting forum - through your Facebook, Twitter, or blog account and/or enable pop-ups; if that still doesn't work, feel free to email me your "entry" at e@emyselfandi.com.) 

This post is part of a series for 31 Days of Change hosted by The Nester. To see my other "lessons," click here.