Is it a big deal to go out of town on DS's birthday?

[elektra]

Honest opinion:
I was asked to do a work trip next week, just a one day thing to our SB office, but it falls on DS's first birthday. When I first said I could do it, it didn't seem like that big of a deal.
But now I feel like I should be home for that. I don't have anything planned but maybe we can do a little cake or something.
We do have a small party planned for next Saturday to celebrate with family and a few friends possibly.

I could back out. I am also scheduled to go up to the office the following week too.

What do you think?

[JoyNChrist]

It wouldn't bother me and your DS certainly won't notice. Missing the party would be a big deal, but the actual day of his birthday...it wouldn't matter to me.

[bubbaray]

*I* probably wouldn't do it because my job requires me to be 100% focused and I think I would be distracted on that day, especially if it were out of town.

I would only do it if there was no choice or I was needed to pinch hit for a co-worker who was sick or something....

I think it really depends, though. My DH would probably do it and not even worry about it.

[elektra]

I think it was my DH who was like, "you are going to be gone on his birthday?!?!"
I just really have trouble gauging what is acceptable in regards to birthday ettiquete. I only realize now as an adult that my parents just never made a big deal out of birthdays but most people do.
I never really had parties or anything.

[arivecchi]

It wouldn't bother me and your DS certainly won't notice. Missing the party would be a big deal, but the actual day of his birthday...it wouldn't matter to me.

[crl]

Wouldn't bother me.

Catherine

[♥ms.pacman♥]

It wouldn't bother me and your DS certainly won't notice. Missing the party would be a big deal, but the actual day of his birthday...it wouldn't matter to me.

at that age (1 year) i don't think it's a big deal to not be there on the actual day. i think it would be different it was like a 5-year old, but at 1 year of age i'm pretty sure they're not going to notice

[SnuggleBuggles]

Imo, I think that in the future you might look back and wonder why you made the choice not to spend that special day together. I know he won't know but you will. But, I don't know if I personally would feel that bad. I just know a friend recently had to make this exact choice and opted to stay home with her ds b/c he only gets one 1st b-day. I thought it was a fair point.

Beth

[elektra]

Thanks everyone. You have helped me get the perspective that I really lack on this topic.
I do think it would be a bigger deal when he is older but at 1, I don't think being gone on the actual day will matter much, especially since we are having the party for him too.

[sunshine873]

Yeah, next year and beyond, I think it will be more important. But this year...he certainly won't care. Plus, you'll be there when you're having the party. No worries.