10 Things Every Mom Can Celebrate on Her Child's First Birthday

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For my daughter's first birthday, I didn't so much let my hair down as get cake in it.

Photo Credit: Candy Kirby

Although we all make an especially big fuss over our child's first birthday, it's important to realize the occasion is as much about us moms—if not more so—as it is about the baby. Let's face it: the baby isn't going to remember the day, so why not invite some of your best friends over to toast the milestones you've reached, while your baby smears frosting all over her (expensive!) new dress? (Or, as this picture of my daughter Skye's 1st birthday proves, all over me.)

Here are some accomplishments to help kick things off:

10 Things Every Mom Can Celebrate on Her Child's First Birthday:

10. You made it. You never thought you would, but here you are, in one piece (mostly).

9. You can—and should—retire those maternity pants.

8. You can wear your hair down because you have had time to wash your hair in the past week.

7. You are no longer waking up every two hours at night. (We hope).

6. You can simultaneously carry a baby, talk on the phone, make lunch, and pick up the remote control from the floor with your toes. (That's what we call "Mad Mommy Skillz.")

5. You have less laundry because the baby is no longer spitting up all over her clothes. And your clothes. And your husband's clothes. And the bedding. And…

4. You can happily pose for a picture with your baby without worrying that you look like a zombie.

3. You can now dispense world-weary wisdom, like those annoying moms did to you when your baby was younger.

2. You can hold a conversation about babies without lactating through your blouse.

1. You can be proud that your child not only survived your first year of parenthood, but she has thrived. Cheers to that!