Nicole Richie Throws First Party for Her Son

Once upon a time, Nicole Richie lived a life of partying. Though those days have long since passed, she still knows how to have a good time, especially when it comes to her son’s first birthday.

Richie, her husband Joel Madden, and her daughter Harlow threw a party last Saturday for Richie’s son Sparrow’s first birthday, reports People. Sparrow turns 1 on September 9.

About 50 guests, including actress Ellen Pompeo of Grey’s Anatomy and her daughter Stella Luna, 11 months, and Sparrow's uncle Benji Madden, gathered in the backyard of the family's Hollywood Hills home for birthday cake. The backyard was decorated with red, green, orange, and purple "Happy Birthday" balloons for the occasion.

"Nicole was keeping the party simple to not overwhelm Sparrow," said a source. "Everyone seemed to have a great time."

All in all, Richie appears to be loving parenthood. "I don't think you can plan anything about having a child," Richie said back in October 2008. "It's something completely new, so you just have to go with whatever works for you. There's a million different ways to be a mom."

Her way is certainly working!