A Somewhat Merry Unbirthday to You

Not my child's cake.
Not my child's cake.

Today just happens to be Sasha’s  first birthday. (Well, except for the day she was actually birthed, but does that count?) What kind of special surprise are we planning for her?

Are we going to treat her like a princess? Are we going to have lots of fun activities? Are we going to celebrate this big event with a Fisher-Price® Little People® party? Or will I write her a letter she won’t be able to read for years (and probably won’t want to anyway)?

Actually, we’re not doing anything. In fact, I’m going out to a couple of parties of my own tonight, and Sasha will probably be asleep by the time Jean gets home from work. It’s another regular old day here at Castle Gross.

This Saturday, though, my parents are coming down. There may be cake and gifts, although we’re not inviting any other babies over. I will take pictures. Some of us may even produce those precious memories that everyone says first-birthday parties are all about. But whatever: I’m a rational realist—none of this matters. Not till next year, right?

Published by Matt

Matt Gross writes about travel and food for the New York Times, Saveur, Gourmet, and Afar, where he is a Contributing Writer. When he’s not on the road, he’s with his wife, Jean, and daughter, Sasha, in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.

Join the Conversation

1 Comment

  1. actually, they really get it about year 4, unless they are a younger sibling and then at year 2 they get it. (or my kids are victims of hereditary arrested development?) that first birthday is definitely about the parents and those around the kid. really, it is the phew, we made it through THAT ritual.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *