i already told you
about our shopping trip.
but the rest
of the day
was equally awesome.
most importantly…
we went to the doctor today.
madeline
once again exceeded
expectations.
she’s up to
5 lbs 10.5 oz.
and
18 3/4 inches.
(that’s almost a pound larger and an inch longer than 2 weeks ago.).
dr. also told me
that i’m
“doing a great job”
and that i
“should be proud”
(don’t believe it? anya was there…she’ll confirm).
once again,
madeline is not broken.
in fact,
she’s thriving.
madeline was exhausted
after all the activity.
anya fed her
then left to prepare for
our trip to the mpls.
bob and jonathan stopped by
to say hello.
diane arrived with burger in-hand…
i ate while she held madeline.
bob saw the robot
in action and was in awe.
(you should know that the majority has swung my way on the “liz vs. matt & robot” issue now that people have witnessed his powers).
had a nice visit with
a new friend.
we talked music
and kids
(we share the same philosophy…share great music with your kids and they’ll become great kids/teens/adults).
i got lots of great
advice and confirmed
that i’ll be able to
effectively raise madeline
(even if i don’t play her any wiggles dvds).
High five for you and M!
I am reading this while my 2 year old son sits next to me on the couch. He just pointed at your picture and said, “nice daddy”.
I just wanted you to know your story has touched a lot of people, and you’re going to be an awesome dad.
P.S.
They Might be Giants for kids music! No wiggles here!
Matt, you are doing an amazing job! Thinking of you today…
Awesome news that Madeleine is thriving in your care……like any of us had any doubts about your ability ; )!!! Just remember, if you never introduce Madeline to any kooky kids music she will think your music is wonderful and when she is an adult that music will bring back so many memories for her. My Dad listened to “Johnny Cash” when I was growing up………and while I can’t say I own any Johnny Cash music, whenever I hear it on the radio I am flooded with great childhood memories of singing along in the truck with my Dad……good times!!! Matt, thank you again for sharing your story with the world. My girls ask about you and Maddie every day. You are officially famous!
Somewhere, Liz is watching people side with you on the robot issue, and kicking herself for not seeing its potential before!
Congrats on the baby’s hearty growth, and on the successful shopping excursion! I found when my youngster was little, that by the time I figured everything out, he’d be past whatever stage it was I’d figured out, and on to the next one. LOL! I did better once I let go of the idea of ever mastering anything!
Thanks for adding the music thing BTW — that is super cool and I can’t wait to peruse what you’re listening to.
Take care, hang in there, and know we’re all out here pullin’ for ya, Matt — friends, family, and strangers alike!
Hi Matt,
I just wanted you to know that I have been reading your website everday! I never had any doubts that you couldn’t take care of Maddie. you see, I remember before YOU were born how well your Mom took care of you! I am sure it is in your genes and that you are and will be a terrific father!!
Our enitre family is sending all our thoughts and prayers to you…
No Wiggles here either Matt! My son (1yr old) actually loves watching any music video channels and truly seems to be in awe by the tunes and instruments being played. I can only hope that all the music we play in our home inspires him in his own way to be his own person and grow up to love and appreciate music as well. So good to hear that beautiful baby girl of yours is thriving and yes - surviving too! Ha! It’s taken me a year to learn my son is not going to break if I don’t always follow the “rules”. Just continue to follow your heart and the advice of all your amazing family and friends and I’m sure she will only follow in both of her wonderful parent’s footsteps.
Matt, Kudos to you. Was there ever a doubt about your parenting abilities? You may have, but we all knew it was in you!
Wiggles? They are annoying. Don’t subject Madeline to that. She is way more sophisticated than that. Although, the princess songs might be a requirement. Who doesn’t want to chime in when Ariel or Cinderella are singing?
Maybe if you let Madeline listen to the robot, she’ll be bi-lingual and then she can interpret for you later on. Just a thought!
Take care, we are praying and thinking of you every day. I hope your travels are safe. Don’t forget lots of diapers in your diaper bag and at least one extra change of clothes, a washcloth and wipes! Nothing worse than being on a plane with a baby and not having enough supplies.
The Kumpulas
I’ve gotta chime in on the kids’ music comments here, Matt… Ever heard of the 1970s kids’ album (and illustrated songbook) “Free to Be You and Me”? It’s a non-Wiggles alternative that you–being a compassionate, playful, sociologist daddy–just might like. It’s Marlo Thomas’s (Phil Donahue’s wife’s) cult classic creation that was waaaay ahead of its time in many ways. It breaks gender stereotypes with songs like “William Has a Doll” and the one about Atalanta, a princess who, after being courted by several young eligible bachelors, decides that being single will suit her just fine. Then there’s the still therapeutic (even at age 30) “It’s Alright to Cry.” Anyway, my sister and I practically wore out our parents’ shag carpet dancing to this record, so I thought you and Maddy might appreciate adding it to your collection. I know she’ll need to put on a few lbs. before she busts out the dance moves, but look out, her time will come!
Hi Matt,
I’m Jasmine Payne’s younger sister, I knew Liz when she was at Scripps with Jazz. I’ve been reading your blog everyday, and all my sympathies are with you. I think Madeline is gorgeous too, and you are doing such a wonderful job. I’m starting a baby blanket/quilt for Madeline and I promise it will not be all pink.
My thoughts are with you!
Alexis
Your baby girl is amazingly beautiful. Daddy’s little girl. Sounds like you’re doing a great job! Hope everything goes well for you!
Dear Matt, There is a website called gratefulness.org. One of its features is a section where you can light candles. They explain it this way, “In many different traditions lighting candles is a sacred act. It expresses more than words can express. It has to do with gratefulness. From time immemorial people have lit candles in sacred places. Why should cyberspace not be a sacred space?” I have opened a page for you and named the group “Liz L,” both Logelin and Madeline having too many characters. I used to work with Grandpa Tom G. I think of and pray for all of you so often . . . Here is the link to Liz’s page.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=Liz%20L
I am totally with you on the Wiggles. My two year old son loves “Jack’s Big Music Show” though, and I even like watching that one. It’s on Noggin, if you want to check it out.
No Wiggles here, either. Good music helps. My ex and I raise our daughter on healthy doses of the Beatles, the Kinks, Spoon, and Pavement…among others. So far, it seems to be working, as she is a fabulous little (almost) 6 year old.
You really are doing an amazing job.
Another vote for exposing your kid to great music! Our toddler seems to like Spoon, Hot Chip and Paul Simon at the moment, which is fine with me. (OK, OK, she does also really like “Party in My Tummy” by Yo Gabba Gabba, but I have to confess I kind of like it too)
Yeah - no wiggles for sure! Skip the tele-people too!! They’re crazy-dumb! With a dad like you, she won’t need that junk anyway! You are doing a great job! Keep it up! Love your spirit!!
I hate the Wiggles. Maddy, I’m sure, has much better taste than that!
I had to comment on this so as I don’t miss doing so, I am mother of two girls and home daycare provider , never played that crappy kids music to my kids , seem to be turning out fine to me , they are almost 10 and 7 now, wow, sometimes that startles me , my kids and I share a love for the same music , much easier that way.
I am so sorry you lost Liz.
I will be thinking of you .
Wiggles, no, Jack Johnson, yes. : )