The realization hit like an epidural. I felt a joyous ache, both comforted and terrified in the knowing our relationship had and would continue to forever change. As I held you once more, I was reminded of the poem, "On Children", by ultimate truth-teller Kahlil Gibran.

Birthday parties are something all kids look forward to. But as a parent, let's face it -- they basically suck. If your kids aren't old enough to have any opinion regarding their birthday parties just yet, consider yourself lucky. Here are five reasons to have a blow-out party for your child's first birthday.

When you two find each other in a room, you often laugh hello and scramble to climb on your brother's back. I'm in awe of your camaraderie.

In my former days, I was a Hollywood publicist. Glitz and glamor were part of the job and planning A-list events was my forte. In the days before social media, I had fashion stylists and couture event planners in my Rolodex. So, how would that transfer into my current role as doting mom

In the simpler days of yore, baby birthday gifts were merely kind gestures from friends and family. But as this viral invitation to a 1-year-old's fir...

What with our verbal skills and, you know, fully formed skulls, we adults have many things babies do not. But one thing we lack is a socially acceptab...

This milestone is bittersweet. I am not ready for you to leave babyhood. But I am so excited to see where the next day takes us.

12. Time is the most precious commodity in the world. This last year has gone by faster than any before. And that scares me. I want it all to slow down so I can savor every crazy, wonderful minute.

today is my daughter's first birthday. And today, while she can't tell me if she feels any different, I sure feel different. I feel emotional. I feel nostalgic. But most of all, I feel proud.

I had a few minutes alone with my baby this morning, feeding him a bottle. As we sat there, quiet and cuddly, I found myself telling him the story of the day he was born.

To think we once considered videos of kids singing "Happy Birthday" and trying to blow out candles the height of cuteness! (OK, we still do. But bear ...

I just now understand that in anticipating my son's "firsts," I've forgotten to appreciate what he's left behind.

Charlie turns 1 year-old today. I can't help but feel a little jealous of his lifestyle.