I went to a first birthday party for a friend’s child once. I spent the whole time thinking that it was a little odd to have a birthday party for a 1-year-old who clearly couldn’t appreciate it and would never remember it.

Now that Emma is one and I have invited everyone I know to my completely filthy house planned a party for her, I totally understand.

A party for a 1-year-old is not for the 1-year-old. It’s for the parents. It’s a time for them to celebrate the fact that they have survived the first year without divorcing, committing hari-kiri or getting started on a serious meth habit. It is a time for parents to shout from the rooftops “Look! We did it! And our kid is pretty cute too!”

The first year was hard. From labor and delivery to the sleepless nights to the transition from a twosome to a threesome to the constant doubts about whether we are doing it right, it has been hard. And now, as we move towards her first birthday and find ourselves with a toddler who laughs and talks (sort of) and interacts, it seems like the fog of the past year is lifting, and a celebration seems in order. Besides, this is the last time we will be able to serve beer at her birthday party without involving the authorities in some way.

So, if you have a near-1-year-old and aren’t sure whether to have a party or not, I say go for it. It’s a chance to celebrate your child’s new status as a “year-old” instead of a “something-months-old” in addition to celebrating your accomplishments as a parent and your transition to a family. Party on.