As parents reach the monumental occasion of their baby’s first birthday, many might think it’s a simple affair—just a cupcake for the little one, a quick shot of something strong for themselves, and then call it a night. But let me tell you, this is not just about the baby. As my friend Lisa, a mother of three, would say, “Oh, absolutely not!” Yes, you can tuck the little one in for a nap or even let them snooze while digging into their smash cake, but the real celebration is for you, Mom.
You, who navigated the wild journey of motherhood over the past year. You birthed a human being—likely feeling like you pushed out a small car. You endured endless nights of feeding every hour and survived the trials of colic, all while managing to keep your sanity intact (or at least pretending to). You mastered the art of diaper changes, preventing messes that could rival a crime scene. You’ve dealt with spit-up stains and baby food disasters. You, who managed not to lose your mind or harm the tiny human.
Bravo! Enjoy a mini quiche or two.
I assure you this is serious business. The first year can feel like a grueling season of a reality show combined with the chaos of a classic novel. If you made it through without running for the hills or contemplating a one-way ticket to a tropical island, that alone deserves a celebration worthy of royalty. Think of it as a party that would make even the most extravagant events thrown by celebrities seem small in comparison.
When my son celebrated his first birthday, I was so elated that I hadn’t accidentally left him in a grocery store aisle, I went all in. I invited every parent I met through playgroups, hired caterers, rented bounce houses, and yes, even secured a margarita machine (for adult fun, of course). My vision for the day included hiring a skywriter to announce “WE SURVIVED! HE’S ALIVE!” Unfortunately, my husband thought that was a bit excessive. So, I settled for a playlist that featured hits like “We Made It” to set the festive mood. I partied like there was no tomorrow!
While there will be countless birthdays ahead filled with themes, entertainers, and more, this one is uniquely for you, dear Mom. You’ve earned every moment of joy and every bite of cake. So, let’s toast to all the hard work you’ve done, and remember—your little one has a lifetime of birthdays ahead of them, but this first one? It’s all about you.
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In summary, while your baby’s first birthday is a significant milestone for them, this celebration is a well-deserved acknowledgment of your journey as a mother. Embrace it fully—you’ve earned it.