The kids passed swim lessons? We're having ice cream for dinner! You tried out for the soccer team? There's a big balloon coming your way. In our house, the smallest accomplishments are worth celebrating.

This happens every time I throw a birthday party. I write clearly on the invitation to please RSVP yes or no, yet parents still fail to respond—and I'm left wondering if I should buy extra loot bags just in case.

I'm smiling in this picture on my first Mother's Day, but it's a lie. I was having serious bonding issues with my baby and didn't feel like I deserved to be celebrated.