Birthday bonanza

In two months, I will have a 1-year-old. Where has the time gone? Toward feedings, diapers, naps, tears, laundry, doctor’s appointments, snuggles, kisses, walks, and parks. Not to mention the growth spurts and the milestones: teething, crawling, and standing. I can only imagine how much more there will be to celebrate by the time the end of September gets here.
Since it’s no secret I love birthdays, it stands to reason that I wouldn’t hesitate to throw a party for Rowan’s first. But I am hesitating. A part of me thinks it’s silly to put that much time and effort (not to mention money) into a soiree for a baby. It’s chaotic enough keeping up with my crawling, soon-to-be walking boy. What would possess me to add to it?
Because a bigger part of me wants to make a big deal out of his birthday. The cliché about first birthday parties rings true for me – it’s more for the parents and family than it is for the guest of honor. Rowan may not remember all of the people who gather to celebrate his birthday, but we will. He might not care that we organized games, picked out decorations, or served cake, but we’ll enjoy it. And we’ll take pictures to preserve those memories being made, which he may or may not appreciate in the distant future, but I’ll sure be glad to have them.
Arthur and I joke each 28^th that we’ve managed to keep Rowan alive another month. While it’s in jest, for me, there’s a grain of truth to it. Watching our little boy grow and thrive thanks to our efforts assures me I’m doing something right. So why not celebrate that accomplishment with a blowout bash for his first year?
Now excuse me while I come up with a guest list and pick out invitations. I think I hear Pinterest calling me …