The First Year As a First-Time Parent: Living on Coffee, Cold Medicine & a Prayer Motherhood Parenting

A picture worth a thousand words. At our daughter's first birthday you can see the wear and tear of the last year on me. I love this picture because to me it's motherhood summed up. I'm trying to listen to an adult conversation, feed the baby, look at how much time we have left before the hurricane rolls in, wondering if she needs a new diaper – and all with a terrible head cold.

As a mom you are the keeper of all things: family schedules, doctor appointments, birthdays, baby clothes and sizes, sleep schedules, and on and on. Your brain is tired just from the constant needs of it all, and I think you can see that on my face.

For first-time parents, throwing big first birthday parties is more for themselves than their oblivious 1-year-old. You want to see and to reassure your friends and family you have emerged from the newborn phase alive. We need to start making "We did it!" plaques and "Here's to your 400th poopie diaper!" banners to celebrate along with the much-needed conversation and cocktails.

The party should conclude with all the food being thrown on the floor just to prepare you for the toddler phase. Being a parent is hard, so throw the damn party. Cheers!