happy 12/52.
to madeline.
she woke up to a gift from
grandma candee,
a gift that
will let all the other babies
know where she stands politically
(well, she’s doesn’t really stand, but…)
i learned something
this morning.
one of the best ways
to remove boogers
from the nose of a
baby of madeline’s age
(when there’s no nasal aspirator around)
is to put her on
her stomach for a little
tummy-time and let her
turn her head from side-to-side,
smearing boogers all over
grandma and grandpa’s couch.
(seriously).
after soiling the couch,
we headed to the house of
another set of granparents,
to ruin some
of their furniture.
grandma broccoli decided
that madeline’s 12/52 week
birthday gift should be an
outfit for josh’s wedding.
we headed through the mtka
toward wayzata,
seeing this awesome
sign along the way:
we went to some
fancy store and madeline
got a beautiful outfit
(photos will appear after the wedding…).
after the shopping trip
i said goodbye to madeline,
leaving her in the
hands of a very
excited grandma broccoli
so i could meet a friend
for dinner
in the mpls.
went to a place i hadn’t
been to in many years.
it had changed
(and not for the better).
had a great dinner with
a friend who has all too
much in common with me.
we later went to
my favorite polish
restaurant in the mpls
for a drink
and to listen to some old
people sing karaoke.
got out of there
later than i had expected,
dropped my friend off
and headed to the apple valley
to pick up some of
my bros.
so we could head to
the mille lacs for
a little fishing.
it’s been many years since
i’ve been there,
last time was with
liz.
it’s a shorter
drive than i remembered,
and a lot has changed
along the route.
but the cabin,
the cabin remains the same.
we didn’t get there
until 3:30am.
the other folks
in the house were already asleep
so we found a place to
crash, looking forward
to a little time in a boat
the next morning.
97 Comments
Great to have you back Matt! Things are sounding good for you!
-A.
happy birthday madeline!
sounds like you are having a great trip matt!
Hi Matt-
Hope your enjoying the sunshine today – Maddy is beautiful in the opening picture, I cant wait to see her “fancy” new outfit!
I was thinking about you two this morning as I drove thru Minnetonka on my way to work – hope you are relaxing and resting as much as possible.
Love the new look of the site. Good job.
Madeline is precious – adorable – sweet as always.
I hope you had better luck on Mille Lacs than my coworker. He said the fish were pretty sleepy on Tuesday.
I’m off the computer for the next 4 days. Enjoy the rest of your visit to this great state, and I wish you happy travels back to LA. I’m sure Madeline will again be perfect for the flight. She truly is an amazing baby (good job, Dad!).
Hello Matt and Madeline,
I just want to thank you both for sharing your story with the world. You have truly re-opened my eyes to how beautiful life is and how important it is to not take anything for granted.
I look forward each day to reading your blog. I hope you know how many lives you have touched in a tremendously great way!
May all of your days be filled with sunshine and happiness!
Happy birthday Madeline!
@ matt – I’m intrigued. Where does Maddy stand politically? I’m loving all the baby clothes lately that are political. They’re so funny and cute!
The new layout is starting to grow on me, I must admit. I think I might like it!
Hi Matt –
Yup, I totally agree on the tummy time to get the snot out! I’m a new mom of a 5 month old boy who was born prematurely as well. Luckily, like Madeline, he is doing great and is up to 17 pounds already. Isn’t it amazing at how fast it goes?!?
I keep up with your blog pretty regularly and often fill my husband in on what’s going on with you. You are doing an outstanding job for all that you’ve been through. Liz is very lucky to have had a husband like you! Not all men would be able to pull it together like you have. I was so upset when I read the comment about the nurse suggesting adoption while Madeline was in the hospital. Unreal.
Anyway, thank you for sharing your story with us and keep up the great work.
-Laura
She has the sweetest little eyelids, and I refuse to believe she produces boogers.
Happy 12 week madeline!
Happy 12 week Birthday Madeline!!
Ahhh…. Nye’s. One of my favorites. Don’t get to go there nearly enough. Glad to see you are having a good trip in the MN. The weather has been picture perfect. Can’t wait to see the pics of Maddy’s new outfit. Take care!
P.s. it does seem strange how distances seem to grow shorter/longer. It feels like it takes me two seconds to drive from home to work, and hours to drive back!
happy birthday miss madeline – can’t wait to see you in your new outfit and the awesome onesie!
this was my ‘google – quote of the day’…seemed fitting:
Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward.
– Kurt Vonnegut
happy 12 week birthday pretty girl!!
Can’t wait to see your fancy party dress
Happy Birthday Madeline!
Matt: Iooking forward to hearing more about the fishing trip. yeah!
Long time lurker, first time poster…
OMG! I just had to tell you that I laughed so hard, a tear or two formed in my eyes when I read about your new found way to get rid of boogers.
Thank you for bringing a little joy to my day!
Nice to have you back Matt!
- A.
Matt, good to see the Minnesota sun has pinked up your cheeks a little bit.
Love your blog – my best to you and Madeline.
Jenna
Sounds like you are finally learning how to breathe again. Good for you!
Happy 12 weeks Miss Maddy!
http://andria-and-co.com
So glad to hear things are going well – happy 12 week bday miss m – you are too adorable!
Can’t wait to hear how the baseball game was – what a great game you went to last night! I am going on Friday – pretty excited – Dan gladden bobblehead night! Does it get better than that! – okay it probably does but still – he’s awesome!
Take care, I am glad you were away for a few days and hopefully got some rest – but glad you are back!
Hugs –
Jen and Zoe in Robbinsdale, MN
Like Anna in the WA, I too am curious where Miss Madeline stands politically. The first gift I ever gave my newborn nephew was a propaganda onsie that said “I’m already smarter than the President.”
the sun up there is doing you good! Miss M has so much love around her! Happy 12 week B-day!
MAtt- Glad your enjoying my home town beer (Grainbelt)
My thoughts and prayers are with you today and always. Your blog has touched so many peoples lives…Madeline is beautiful! Enjoy the sunshine!
it has been way too long since i’ve sat in one of those booths at Nye’s. Oooooh – the days.
LOVE the street sign — made me smile.
Happy 12 weeks Madeline!
I like your booger removal method much better than this one:
http://www.nosefrida.com
(buttfrida, for constipation, not yet available in the US…)
Happy Birthday Madeline! She really should be the new face of Gerber baby food.
Matt, you look great! Love the smile on your face. Enjoy the MN and hopefully the flooding won’t come your way. My family in Winona says the Mighty Miss is really swollen. Stay safe and hope your day is wonderful.
Happy Birthday Madeline!
Love the pictures, she looks precious as always.
Wishing you good weather the rest of the time. It’s all stormy lately here in Northern Virginia.
Seeing the photos with Leinenkugels and Grain Belt really bring back fond memories of college in MN!
A few observations:
1. Madeline is getting cuter by the day…how is that even possible when she has been absolutely beautiful since day one!?!?
2. The picture of mpls is awesome! You have great gifts in photography and writing!
3. As someone else above noticed, the MN sun has given you great color!
Like the other’s, I can’t wait to see Miss Madeline in her fancy-shmancy dress!
Happy 12 weeks Madeline. Babies just grow up SO fast! I can’t believe my “baby” is going to be 3 next month. Matt, enjoy this precious time while it lasts! It looks like ya’ll are having a good vacation and enjoying your time with your family. As always best wishes =)
Happy Birthday to a beautiful girl!
I am so glad you are relaxing! Hope you enjoy the rest of your vacay!
Happy 12 week birthday little one! It looks like you two are having a great time on vacation. I can’t wait to see her new outfit.
Matt, the pool party looked like a lot of fun, and every picture you post of Maddy shows what a wonderful job you are doing with her. Glad you have been getting perfect weather for all your outdoor activities, it was only a few weeks ago when I was threatening to turn the furnace back on! I don’t know how long you are planning on staying, but I hope the rest of your visit home is a good as the rest of it has been. BTW, LOVED the after pictures from the party! I haven’t been to a good party like that in years! Ahhhh… to be young again.
Happy 12/52 to sweet baby Madeline!
Happy 12 weeks Madeline!! Can’t wait to see her new dress!
MMMMM….Premo! Best beer!
Happy 12/52 Ms Madeline! You look adorable and I’m looking forward to seeing you in your special dress for Josh’s wedding!
Matt- it sounds like you’re getting some well deserved R&R and catching up with friends & family
Take care – and it made my day to get to read a new post!!!
Matt,
Just wondering how you planned all those awesome trips you and Liz took??? Did you go for pleasure, work or a little of both? Of course, Greece for your honeymoon (how romantic!), but India, Singapore, Nepal, Peru. WOW!! FABULOUS!! And your pictures of them all are just spectacular!!
I like to travel as well and am scheduled to take part in the Rotary – Shoes for Orphaned Souls to Peru in 2009. I can’t wait! I found this great quote a couple of years back while coming home from Jamaica with some friends…”The world is like a book, and those that do not travel read only a page.” Amazing!
Sounds like family and friends are keeping you busy! That’s great! Can’t wait too see Princess Maddy in her special outfit! Take care of yourself and Maddy!
Matt, I must say that the Minnesota must be helping you a little. You look good in that above picture. I was looking ahead at some of your pictures….I really think you should do a book. I would buy 1 or 2 or 3….Love..love…love your photos.
Matt, you and Madeline look and sound really happy there in the MN. What a nice well-deserved time to chill in the comfort of family, friends and familiarity and let everybody dote on you both.
Happy belated birthday, Ms.Madeline!
Question: Is Polish food a MN thing, or do you just like it a lot? The reason I ask is because I spent several months in Poland when I was in college, and grew to love the “cooked in bacon grease” pierogis filled with all manner of goodness (my fav being potatoes). However, I have to say that nalesniki with blueberries and cream is my absolute favorite Polish indulgence. Mmmmhhh…
Hey Matt and little Madeline
Sounds like you are having an awesome time of it lately, I’m jealous of the sunmmer over there! All we have is fucking winter!
Just letting you know that you have fans right the way down to New Zealand.
Keep on keeping on, you are doing an awesome time with that little one.
If you are ever holidaying down here, you’d get a great welcome!
-Kate, and two potential little friends of the Madster
Matt,
I saw your pictures from NYC and I was in NY Aug 07 for 2 wks. Fun!!!
I know I’ve said this, but she is so gorgeous. My son turns 1 tomorrow. Can hardly believe it.
Glad you took some time for yourself. Love the new layout.
I just got caught up. Lots of peaceful loving vibes to you and the little robot. Me thinks the two of you make a good tem.
The new look for your blog is great. And your photos continue to be incredible. It sounds like you had a great Father’s Day with your little angel. Take care.
Looks like you’ve had a few very nice days! The pics of Madeline are beautiful!!!!!
I miss MN. The pictures you have taken while on the road are incredible. I’m a fellow Hopkins Alum who left after HS (to Chicago, then Rhode Island, then San Diego, now Virginia). There is nothing like the scenery in MN. God it’s beautiful.
Love hearing about your good days here in the mn.
Maddy gets more beautiful by the day. Happy 12/52 Miss M!
*hugs* to you both
Matt-Wait till she figures out her finger fits in her nose…You’ll be secretly hoping she does wipe it on someone’s couch. I just crack up everytime I see a little kid diggin’ for gold and the parents look so embarassed.
Em-Nosefrida…What. the. fuck?? Is she SUCKING on the other end of that? What’s keeping the boogers in the little thing at the bottom? Yikes!
Madeline is so precious-I just want to poke those cheeks!!!
Happy 12/52 to sweet baby Madeline!
I love the new pics of Madeline!
I swear she gets bigger ever day you post her pics :]
I love the one of her smiling at her great grandma that one is worth framing ;]
Heck they all need to be framed!
Looks like you guys are having a great weekend!
Matt –
i’ve been reading your blog since Madeline was just a few weeks old, so i thought it was time i actually left a comment.
i don’t have any idea how you have time to read all of these, but at this point i figure one more can’t hurt.
i just wanted to tell you that the street sign almost made me pee.
and speaking of your photography – i think you could make a living off of it! you really have a great eye!
This last post really had me awe of how big Maddy is getting. amazing.
Anyway, thanks for being such an inspiration to the rest of us and you keep on doing what you do because you seem to be doing a perfect job – just look to Madeline for proof!
Have a great time on the rest of your trip and a safe flight back to la.
best wishes from Northern VA!
Katrina
EM: WHAT?? EW!!!
Happy birthday Madeline. Caleb sends his love.
the MN looks good for you and maddie
Come on everyone. . . It’s so obvious where Madeline stands politically, and beautiful Madeline. . . I’m right there with you!
Happy 12 week birthday beautiful girl.
i tried to resist as long as possible so that i wouldn’t come here and there not be a blog…::sigh:: i was going through some serious withdrawls….(but i am SOOOO glad that you were ‘too busy’ to post) – that is just fine!
anyways, love that precious picture of miss madeline. and it is great to hear that she is already starting to ruin furniture. my daughter has that gift as well!
much aloha friend!
Come on everyone. . . of course we know where Madeline stands politically. I’m right there with you beautiful girl!
Happy 12 week birthday!
Madeline is one precious little gal.
Not wanting to gross you our here, it was suggested to us when our babes noses were blocked to put our mouths over their nose and suck.
Yeah, baby advice most people don’t want to hear.
Enjoy your time fishing.
thinking of you guys today as usual – I was at the local coffee shop today with my 2 girls ( 6 and 5 ) and the owner was giving away free samples of a new cookie the are about to start selling
” original madelines” made me smile and think of you guys…….
when they get them in I’ll send some to you : )
Happy 12/52 Miss Madeline. You grow more beautiful by the day. Matt – hope your stay in the MN has been going well, from the pics it sure looks like you have been busy. I absolutley love your photographs – they especially pop off the pages of this new layout.
Yup, Leah, looks like an Obama baby to me. I mean, c’mon — her DNA hails from a state that elected Jesse Ventura, and which will likely elect a former SNL cast member to the senate. Go, Franken! Way to think outside the box, Minnesotans!
glad you’re having a good time visiting. nice shade of red you’ve got going there. madeline is getting prettier everyday. while i’ve missed reading your posts the past couple days, like the others, i’m glad you’ve been too busy to write. keep on keepin’ on. have a stellar day.
Hi Matt,
It is so good to see you looking more rested! It looks like your MN visit has been great for you.
I met you briefly at the pool party, but it was towards the end and you looked so exhausted I didn’t think you needed one more conversation with a stranger friend. I did have a chance to hold Madeline for a few minutes though. What a treat! She is so sweet! And beautiful. She fell asleep in my arms, with conversations going on all around her. She seems like a calm girl. Was she exhasted the next day? I remember that my son (now 15) almost seemed to have a delayed reaction to that kind of stimulation. He was fine the day of, but fussy the day after. (Or maybe he was just complaining because the party was over. He can’t stand to leave a party today!) Anyway, she is perfect, and terribly fortunate to have such a wise and devoted father. I realize it sounds judgemental (and it is) calling you “wise” but I’ve been blown away by the parenting choices you’ve made as a first time parent. This will sound very corny (and it is), but I’ll share it anyway because I will just keep thinking about it until I do and I have other things to do. To Kill a Mocking Bird is one of my all-time favorite books. I re-read it every ten years or so. I love the character of Atticus Finch for many reasons, but since my son was born, more than anything else, I love the way he parents his children. Like Madeline, Jem and Scout have suffered a tremendous loss in the death of their mother, but also like Madeline, they have hit the father jackpot. I don’t mean to minimize the loss of Liz in any way, her death was truly tragic, but I do hope you believe that Madeline will be fine, and continue to thrive because she has you to love and care for her.
I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of your time in MN, get some rest and regain some weight! I’ll be looking for the photo of Madeline in her new outfit!
Susan
I’m new to your blog but spent the past 6 hours catching up. You’re amazing. I’m nearly speechless and out of tears, something I’m sure you can relate to.
Happy 12/52 Madeline!
Widdle Shamrock – UGH!!
Thank goodness Matt has enough sense to wipe the boogs on the grandparents couch.
Suck it out? Good LORD I am glad Matt didnt say that lol.
Did I say thank Goodness? I meant HOLY FUCK, I am so fucking glad that Matt wipes Maddie’s fucking boogs on the fucking couch.
Dude- so apparently none of my posts are showing up? If they are- fuck- I am a toolbag and can’t find them.
Either way- looks like a good time and I am excited to hear all about the fishing.
I’m on my fourth child, and my 5 month old has just recently taught me the booger trick. I seriously thought, wow that works! Just yesterday!
lol
I love that picture of you Matt!! It’s joyful. It’s good to see joy in your face. I think I already said this in the last comment but Madeline is giving you one incredible smile. That is one blessed girl to have such an awesome Daddy who is so in love with her!
Thinking of both of you every single day!
YAY! So glad to see you back and Happy Birthday to Madeline. She’s getting prettier and prettier everyday. That first photo makes me want to snuggle her.
Sounds like you’re having a wonderful visit with family and friends. Take care.
XOXO
Minnesota seems to be agreeing with both of you!!! Happy 12/52 Madeline – can’t wait to see her in the new outfit!
Long time lurker, first time poster. Madeline is beautiful. You are doing a great job. Your blog is so honest, real, and inspiring. I can’t help but check everyday. There are many people rooting for you guys, keep up the good work!!
With love, Shannon
in Boston
Please tell me you went to Nye’s! If you did, color me jealous…that was one of my favorite stops in the Mpls. Polka and old people, my favorite combo
my sister lives in AV and both her and i check your blog (maddy’s blog) religiously every day. we both emailed each other to say “omg matt is in AV”. we want to meet you and maddy – you rule – you are a kick azz dad making liz proud every step of the way. my heart breaks each time i open this blog but i also feel comforted knowing that you are doing so well. there is nothing like a bond between father and daughter!!!!! how long are you here?!?!?
Hi Matt,
I’ve been reading, but not posting! What a sweet peanut you have there! I’m jealous that you’re getting to enjoy beautiful MN…I don’t seem to get back often enough. Every once in awhile I would go to a church on Fridays in mpls where Polish women would be there making pierogi. Prune (yes prune) and potato were my favs- I never quite made it around to trying the ones with sauerkraut…maybe I was missing out?! Happy belated Father’s Day!! It looks like you and Miss Madeline make a great team!
Take good care~ Sarah
Matt- maybe it is just that shot of you- but I am thinking you look like you put some weight back on.
if so- good on ya man- literally.
Hope you are well in your world.
Hey there! Happy 3 months to Maddy! I agree with the others, life in Minnesota is agreeing with you.
By the way, since you like Polish food so much, you do realize that I am only about 1-2 hours away from The Poland. Nothing like authentic Polish and German food to fatten you up- serioulsy! But mmmm good!
And I had to look at your Bushaway Rd. picture 3 times before it dawned on me why you took it. Duh! I obviously need more coffee in my system.
Dude,
Here is a link for all the “F” bombers….
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1335182/using_proper_english_fuck/
Sounds like you’re having a lot of fun, which you need and deserve! Now just get some sleep!
Hi Matt. I like the new look, the pictures look a little bigger? I love the sign, and it’s great to see you’re posting nice long posts again! Hope you have a fabulous time in the MN, it looks lovely and green.
Happy 12/52 to Madeline! She gets more beautiful with each passing week.
Loved the sign. Sounds like some kind of hair-removal product they’d advertise late at night.
And there’s nothin’ better than old people singing karaoke.
Hope you had a great fishing trip!
alright, everyone – (since we are pretty sure where maddy stands politically)
check out: http://sendbarackyourbaby.com/
i thought of you and madeline immediately when i saw this. (i don’t have a baby, and i didn’t see anything about them accepting dogs!)
hope the end of this week has been as pleasant as the start.
My cousin and his wife live on Bushaway Rd &101 in Wayzata.
It’s so fun to hear your MN references. Can’t wait to hear about the fishing trip!
Damn I love this city! What a great shot of downtown Minneapolis. And of course, what visit to the MN would be complete without popping in at Nye’s? Hope you’re enjoying your visit back to the MN while we’re having such fucking beautiful weather!!! There is nothing better than summer in MN.
Happy Birthday to Madeline!
It sounds like you guys got the one of those few, great midwestern summer days. Totally deserved and warranted for such an occasion! Love the robot cake!
Meant to say on the post-fishing mediations – great work!! You really need to have a go at the UN. Seriously though – your perspective and clarity of thought (and humour!) is amazing. Beyond fantastic parenting – more for us all to learn.
Good to see you back…I was going into withdrawal from the lack of posts!
The gold booths are unmistakable…so glad you got to Nye’s while in town. Where else can you go for 80-year-old karaoke…?
Excited to see visual proof that I was at Sunday’s party. I feel my 15 minutes of fame coming…aaaaaaand…going. Whew! Glad THAT’S overwith.
Hi Matt and Maddie
I have been reading your blog for the past 2 days, from Madeline’s birth until now. Your story is inspiring and I think you are doing an amazing job with your adorable little girl.
Madeline and I share a birthday! March 24th. And my son Ewan was born just 17 days before her. I know I will never forget you two — next year, on my 34th birthday, I’ll be toasting Madeline a happy 1st (or rather, a happy 52/52).
Give her a kiss from Ewan and I, and keep taking it one day at a time.
Happy 12 weeks Madeline Elizabeth!
Yay!!! Happy 12/52 Maddy!
It’s like she’s applauding in that first pic.
Glad you’re having a good time here! And I’m super glad the weather is cooperating so far! Last week would’ve been a washout!
Hi Matt!
I’m going to NYC for the first time in August and my flight has a stop in MN, and I totally thought of you haha!!
You have random strangers thinking of you throughout their days…how weird is that huh?
Re: Street sign. Where I live, the one main road through town is called Beaver Avenue. There is a cross street named Butz Rd. My cousin, when she was going to school, lived at the “corner of Beaver and Butz”….
Happy birthday Maddy! Looks like another GREAT birthday for Maddy! Looks like you had a great day!
Hey Matt. I just found out that my parents were close with your parents, and they shared your story with me. I was very sad, until I read your site. You are a wonderful parent, and a great writer. I admire your courage, and I know you and little Madeline will be just fine.
PS, my future mother-in-law lives on Bushaway Rd in Wayzata…..I have thought that was funny for a long time, but nobody got it.
your writing and your pictures tell such a profoundly beautiful, bittersweet story… *warm smile*
heh!
my dad dressed me as a kid. he always made sure i had nice outfits, the easter dress, etc. then when I got older, he took me shopping & waited patiently as I went through all of he clothes. let me tell you… now that dad is gone, I think of those things fondly. every moment counts. even the trivial & seemingly mundane.