Duck Party

Bliss had her 1st birthday party a bit early.

My parents surprised us with a cruise earlier this year, and we were automatically stoked!
Destination:  Western Caribbean during the week of Thanksgiving.
Awesomely epic, except for we'd be missing Bliss's first birthday.

Initially I thought, "no way!"
I tiptoed around the idea of bringing her along, but decided that would be silly.
I finally justified to myself that it was okay to leave for her 1st birthday.  She will never remember.

I have since come to terms with the whole things, but it still breaks my heart.
Not even missing her birthday, but missing HER.
I knew this day would eventually come.

Bags are (mostly) packed, and I have to say my goodbyes tomorrow night.

She wouldn't touch her cake, so we'd smash her hands into it for her.

She didn't like that.

She didn't enjoy being dirty and sticky,

and may or may not have shed a few tears during the whole experience.

I have lots of pictures {and hopefully video} to share when we return.

Happy Birthday to our little miracle.
{on Tuesday}

We will be missing you.