doubled my sleep from
the night before,
but it’s not enough
to fully catch me up.
(i’m about 7 months behind).
woke up and hung out
with my baby,
having not held her
for almost two days.
probably shouldn’t be near her.
still feeling like garbage.
finally got moving
and called rachel e. to
see if she could
meet up for lunch.
rachel.
rachel is amazing.
she’s the one behind the
blog that was
set up to help us out.
she’s organized and done tons of
stuff already,
but knowing that i was
planning to take madeline
to her first twins game
tonight,
she wanted to meet and drop off
a few things.
we decided to meet in
the mtka at 12:00 for lunch,
and she said that another
stranger friend would like
to join us.
among other things,
trinity helped create the header
for the blog.
i got madeline all dolled up
and met up with
our stranger friend rachel.
we chatted like old friends,
takling about everything and nothing.
she handed me the stuff
from the twins,
and a 25-foot pile
of father’s day cards
from lots of strangers friends
we had a little lunch,
then trinity arrived
carrying her daughter
and a couple of gifts
for madeline.
it was a great way
to spend a lunch time.
before leaving,
rachel told me that we
had to be in our seats
during the 5th inning.
i said okay.
after lunch i headed
to aj’s house
so we could hang out before
heading to the dome.
we continued
to work on the t-shirt thing
(something coming very soon)
and worked on an update
for this blog.
(it was long over due…i was so sick of the default wordpress page).
at the proper
time we headed toward
the downtown,
found us some cheap-ass parking
and went to find
jason and nate.
we waited outside the
dome for a few minutes,
taking photos,
getting strange looks
from passersby…
two dudes,
then three,
then four
and a baby.
you should have seen the looks.
we went inside,
(we left our guns in the car)
and found our awesome seats
(thanks to grandma broccoli’s company for giving us the tickets)
we ate.
then we mixed up a bottle
and so did madeline.
and watched as the twins
put a hurtin’ on the nationals.
she even cheered a bit
(or stretched).
5th inning came
and we learned why
rachel wanted us in our
seats.
so awesome…
one inning later,
madeline crapped.
a lot.
so i took her on
a little trip to the men’s room
at the dome.
i was a little frightened
for this trip.
humans shouldn’t walk into
most men’s rooms in major
sports venues.
and they definitely
should not ruin their children
by exposing them to such horrors.
(they’d be better off sitting in a dirty diaper).
i figured there wouldn’t
be a changing table
but there was.
and i even felt comfortable
putting the changing
pad down on this one.
jason joined me
to photograph the event.
we are so lucky we
didn’t get our asses kicked.
a drunk guy
approached me and
tell me that my baby was
beautiful, guessing her
age to be 2 weeks,
i had to tell him she was over 12.
he didn’t even mention
that he wasn’t a pedophile.
we headed back to the seats
and found aj on his
blackberry.
he said that an old friend
was at the game and wanted
to come visit madeline with
one of her coworkers.
as it turns out,
she was bored out there in left field,
checked the blog,
and saw that aj mentioned
we would be completing the site
update after we returned from the
game. she saw this
and decided to send him a message.
so a few minutes later,
she and her coworker
arrived to see and hold
madeline.
later, uncle david
(and a few friends)
appeared from the upper deck
to hold his niece
and to see the conclusion
of the game.
twins won 11-2.
we were all happy,
having been with madeline
for her very first baseball game.
liz
would have loved
every bit of it,
except of course the fact
that we were
in the dome.
after the game,
we headed to aj’s
to hang out and
finish the site changes
headed home a little later
than i hoped.
a great day and night.
one that could
only have been better
if had been as a part of
that perfect fucking
nuclear family
we always dreamt of.
125 Comments
GOD, I can see why Liz hated the Dome. For some reason it made me physically nauseous. You need open air and sky for a baseball game, it should be the law.
Otherwise, I have tears in my eyes, both happy and sad. As always when I read your blogs. Maddy is such a doll, and your friends are so great.
You are so blessed. Death is a part of life, and it happens to all of us. But love is something that not everyone gets. And everything and everyone around you says you have been immensely blessed with it. It totally sucks that death came to Liz so soon, but she was obviously just as blessed. That is totally something to be thankful for. Your beautiful daughter is proof.
Alright, I am going to stop fucking waxing poetic, because I AM from fucking NJ, and I am crying again. And its not the fucking fumes either.
Your trip into the mens bathroom at the dome reminded me of a guest post on Dooce the other week:
http://dooce.com/2008/06/13/rite-passage
It made me giggle…hopefully it will make you smile.
glad you had a great day and that you walked away safely after taking pics in the mens room. that is a great pic though. madelilne looked like she enjoyed her first twins game and looked beautiful in the mn gear.
hope you enjoy the rest of your visit. i agree with some of the others, mn looks good on you, even it does come in the shade of red.
An update!! Yeah!! Looks like you had fun at the game. My husband cracked up at the guys in the background! He says you are lucking you didn’t get your butts kicked. Cute Madeline would stop that from happening though. Can’t wait to hear more!
Yes, you are very lucky none of the guys kicked your ass. I can’t imagine what was going through their heads (no pun intended) as you were taking their pictures while they did their business. Glad you enjoyed your game and your team won!
Sounds like a great day! And… I just have one question. I noticed that when you were changing Madeline, in the background of the pictures there were a number of men in the middle of urinating. Did nobody seem the least bit upset that you were photographing them?? I have to admit that I laughed my fucking ass off.
you amaze me.
keep truckin’ on!!
Well at least there’s some comfort in numbers. (One look around this great nation of ours makes it clear you’re not the only one getting by without that perfect nuclear family.)
Glad you’re having a nice visit (weather sure can’t be beat!) and hope you get caught up on your rest soon.
I came across your blog one day whenever I heard about your story on thenestbaby.com
I can only imagine what type of person Liz was. She seems to have been such a great person. I think about you and Madeline often.
Thank you for sharing your life with us strangers.
P.S. in that picture of Madeline getting changed we can see two guys pissing. =)
Three things.
1. The perfect nuclear family does not exist.
2. That child is gorgous.
3. You’re doing great.
ok, 4 things.
4. We’re all still pulling for you.
Matt, seriously, you are just amazing. The ‘say anything’ picture w/ maddy & the men’s room picture are priceless. The whole pedophile reference makes me giggle. Thanks for being you…and sharing it with us creeps.
I have such great memories with my dad (who passed away 6 years ago) going to baseball games..Twins especially.. but we liked to go visiting other parks too i worked for NWA for 18 years so we traveled to about 15 parks for cheap!! what great memories to share with maddy! and a cute little baseball outfit too !! take care ok??
Julie
well, since I am the first to comment today, I just want to say that I am soooo happy that you are a little late posting to your blog. although I enjoy reading it, I am very happy to see it late and know that you are living life and not worrying about getting it posted in a timely fashion.
that said, good to see your twins game outfit matches better than your golf outfit. although, anything goes with golf…
Looks like an awesome game and lots of awesome stranger friends. Glad Maddy enjoyed her first game.
Hope you have an awesome Monday..and happy “early” 13/52 birthday maddy!
Glad to hear you had a fun time at the game. My 2 year old and 5 month old will be enjoying their first Twins game in a couple of weeks. I hope they are as well behaved as Madeline was! I too, look forward to enjoying the new stadium without a dome. It will be especially nice when the weather is as great as it has been lately.
I LOVE all of your pictures from the game. Very, very cool. And ya know, Liz was there with you. Not in the way she should be or that you want her to be, but she was there. She wouldn’t have missed Maddy’s first Twins game for anything – dome or no dome
Can’t wait to meet you next week Rachel!
And Rachel is fucking awesome…albeit a little creepy
Hope you enjoyed all your f-day cards. Screw K-fed….you’re totally father of the year in my book! (just don’t tell my husband…)
Not sure when you head back to LA, but I hope that you guys have a safe trip home. It was fun having you in MN for a while and hope you’re back soon!
*hugs* to you both!
Ha-I’ll bet those guys peeing in the background of the changing table picture will never know that they were immortalized forever in mid-stream!!
Hey Matt – glad you enjoyed the game. I’m sorry that Liz couldn’t be there to enjoy it with you, but is it nice to see that you were surrounded by good friends and family.
I hope that you are getting some rest and starting to feel better. The weather has been great and it seems to me that it started being that way right after you arrived – so thanks for that!
As always thinking about you and Madeline daily and hope that you are doing okay.
@K in the N – “Screaming Fetus” my gosh you crack me up.
@Rachel – you truly are awesome (for a creep)
For fuck’s sake- who is this weeks fuck winner?
I love Maddy cheering/stretching.
The MN looks good on you.
The nuclear family thing is a big lie that no one wants to admit doesn’t exist. The truth is- you and Maddy are happier and enjoying the little things in life MORE than those so called Nuclear Families.
Looks like you guys had an awesome time. You’re doing great Matt!
so I’m not the first to comment… I was when I started writing it. oh well.
one other thing I forgot to mention. those bathroom pictures are creepy! I’m surprised you got away with them. Good thing baby girl won’t remember!
Priceless post, I laughed my tail off.
Hey Matt. Cousin Jackie here. I just wanted to let you know that there is family all around you. (Not to mention tons of friends/strangers!) It takes a village to raise a child. Your village just happens to extend across the nation-and world probably!
The nuclear family idea is a tough one, especially considering what you and Liz had together. I know it sucks. There’s nothing more that I can say about that than it sucks for now.
I’m checking in with you daily, and appreciate you allowing us all to view your personal journey. Thank you Matt, and thanks to all of your helpers with the website/blogs!
So, if he didn’t say anything about being a pedophile – doesn’t that mean he could be a pedophile? Oh, never mind.
I’m so thankful for your picture of the infamous trough (as it’s known in our household). Steve always comes out of there saying, “Man, that’s the worst.” I always wondered what it looked like, of course as he read over my shoulder tonight, he commented that at least there weren’t men peeing side-by-side and lined up five deep. Now I know what it looks like and can imagine the horror.
Wishing Liz could have shared the game with you in person.
Wow, I really saw Liz in the pictures of Madeline for this post. Such beautiful ladies. I wonder if it’s simultaneously comforting and heartwrenching to see that physical connection? Hopefully comforting wins out. You’re looking much healthier and happier…seems like this trip has really done good things for you. The picture of Maddy in the men’s room is so great. Should turn that photo into a Christmas card or something…”Baby’s first midwest piss”.
Hi Matt,
I only recently stumbled upon your blog and sat completely engrossed for a few hours and read the whole thing. You are a pretty amazing father…Madeline is blessed to have you as her father as I know you probably feel the same way to have her as a daughter. You and your family are in my thoughts, and I wish you all only the best.
Best,
Lisa
Matt you’re doing a great job! I want to thank you for opening my eyes. Because of you, I don’t want to be that overprotective new mum. I can see that new dads can step up to the plate and do it well. Love to you & your gorgeous family.
Thought this quote appropriate for today’s blog:
What seems large from a distance , close up ain’t never that big. Bob Dylan
Time soon for a weight/length update on Madeline!!
matt, I just want to say how inspiring you are and thank you for sharing your story and madeline with us. and you have some pretty f’ing awesome stranger friends.
I love your sense of humor. That pix of Madeline in the men’s bathroom is hilarious. Did those guys have a freakin’ clue?
Yippee for Maddy’s first baseball game and a Twins’ victory! That message on the board is awesome. There are so many people out there that love you guys!
Loved this whole post but especially cute little madeline’s big stretch (7th inning? 5th inning?) She is so dang cute!
Matt, I’ve been meaning to write (and send Miss Madeline a little care package) and will do so in the near future! In the meantime, will you be in town on July 5? I have four Twins vs. Cleveland tickets (Row 6 just above the Twins dugout). They’re from my brother-in-law in Cedar Rapids…and, well, with the flood they can’t make it up here. My husband works that night and I just don’t have the energy to take our three girls by myself! (They’re six, almost four and the youngest was born two days before your precious Madeline.) Just let me know either way. Thanks.
Ok, I so totally went back to see the guys pissing which I didnt notice before, I was focused on Maddy.
You guys are total pervs. Well… Maybe its me, since I went back and looked..
But STILL!
when i held madeline at the pool party, she was so tiny. If i hadn’t known better i also would have thought she was only a couple weeks old.
She’s adorable and you’re very lucky to have such a healthy baby and a great family to support you along the way! stay strong!
So that picture in the men’s room… the one of all the guys at the trough… reminded me of a story I have to tell you.
A friend of mine came over one night with her boyfriend. They were new to ca from the ga and he had recently been to a concert… drinking… a lot. He went to go to the bathroom and noticed some urinals on the wall but decided to use the trough instead. As he was doing his business, he realized that it was a really poor design. This trough was in a circle and thus he would be face-to-face with another dude peeing. After a good laugh, we informed him that he had in fact peed in the hand-washing sink. Bonehead.
P.S. Are you going to make Matt & Madeline onesies also? Caleb wants one!
I wonder what would have happened if you would have tried to take pictures in the womens’ room!!
I just have to tell you that you rock!!! I read your blog everyday…but rarely comment. You’re doing an awesome job….and its been cool the last few days to see pics of “the MN”…..as I now live in “the LAS VEGAS.” I miss that place more than I thought……
Keep your head up-
I fucking loved the WELCOME MATT & MADELINE sign!! How COOL was THAT?
You have the best strangers in your life, Matt. Lucky guy.
Sweet little Madeline has done more in her short 12 weeks than a lot of people do in their whole lives. You are doing a fantastic job. She is one lucky little girl. Thank you for sharing her with us!
I’ve been reading for a few weeks now but have never posted because I’m just never quite sure what to say. In this case, though, some of your photos were just too priceless not to comment on. The pics of Madeline watching and cheering at the game made me giggle out loud. So sweet. And, the picture of Madeline on the change table with all of those dudes “assuming the position” at the urinals? Yeah, I’m surprised you didn’t get your asses kicked too…
Anyway, although I’m sure you’re tired as hell of hearing it, may I please express my sincerest condolences. Your words and pictures have really moved me and it’s no wonder you have made your way into the hearts of so many – I wish you every happiness.
Ah, hell. Can’t even write my own “name” properly. I was really rockin’ the spaces. Oh, well…
Bah! My “name” is too long! Too bad, I was rockin’ the spaces. Now it just looks awkward. Well, maybe it’s a better fit that way…
What a special day for a beautiful baby girl!
You are doing a great job Matt… just keep at it… one day at a time.
http://andria-and-co.com
having a baby with you means you can get away with snapping photos of mostly drunken strange men peeing?
Wow- they are like a golden ticket to the world of ew.
I’m really loving the photos from your visit back here. There’s something very different about them. I’m sure having the family and friends support there is nice and it shows. Much needed visit I think. The photo of the bathroom .. OMG is so funny and a bit creepy.
Thinking of you both daily.
Hi Matt!
Madeline looks adorable at her first baseball game. Even though Twins played Nationals, my hometeam, boo.
Thanks for the picture of a men’s bathroom. Creepy!
gorgeous, that is.
Usually, I can spell.
sounds like a good day! madeline is definitely a beauty, stopping guys in their tracks already!
hope the rest of the trip goes well and you get some rest!
You and Maddie ARE the nuclear family. Honestly, the jealousy is arising inside of me.
GREAT shot of Madeline giving a mini Mexican wave.
Asalamalaykom,
I too missed the men at the trough…in that I didn’t see them NOT that I cared to. LOL! Hey, Islam doesn’t allow for group urinating and for that alone I’m proud to be Muslim.
As for the comparison in your head: stop. Read Dr. Wayne Dyer who instructs that comparisons are some of the most unhealthy behavior.
There is no magical family that is always toasting their bread to a golden brown while melodiously coaching their sparkling offspring to perfectly recite the times tables. You know?
All of our families are screwed-up a bit . Sure, some of us are more screwed-up than others, BUT I’ll bet you something: I’ll bet you that an awful lot of readers think your family (even with all the sadness) is more authentically embracing life than their own.
Nuclear families are overrated, dear. You are just enough for Maddy. Not what you wanted or hoped for, but it will be enough for her.
I saw this and thought you might like it.
http://tinyurl.com/6fr38h
Looks like great fun was had by all
Loved the mens room insight 
I too am surprised the throng at the urinal stream didn’t come and kick your ass…hope you didn’t use the flash!
Seems as though Madeline enjoyed her first game. I hope you bought her a souvenier
Matt,
Friday was the 18 month since my husband committed suicide (genetic disease & wanted to have a choice of how his life ended) My first husband died of cancer in 1991. I was a widow at 33 and then at 48. It does fucking suck. I have found that it really doesn’t get easier or better, i just get better at faking that I am okay. I’ve learned not to hold my tears or hold back the “this fucking sucks’ rants.
But as time goes by, I do get where I can have fun again, even if I feel guilty afterwards for having fun.. It just fucking sucks
Hey Matt and Maddy, I’m so glad you are both having such a wonderful trip to the mn … you both sound like you are keeping busy.
Matt – awesome pics! I really love the one of Maddy “cheering” for the twins, and the bathroom one. I noticed some of the guys were looking over at you. lol. My husband cringed when he had to bring one of our daughters into the mens washroom for a diaper change. Anyways, hope the rest of your trip is fun. Get some sleep! And happy 12th week old Maddy!
So that is what a Men’s bathroom looks like. Scary.
Miss M you are adorable. Come to our side of town so we can play with you!
Matt you are doing a great job – actually you are a pretty kick ass dad for taking your kid to a baseball game!
The Twins-o-gram was awesome, and it put a smile on my face – I bet it did yours, too.
And…
You’ve gotta watch out for those guys who don’t proclaim their non-pedophilia… lol
Who needs nuclear families when you have four dudes who’ll take a baby to a ball game? I’m serious, that’s it’s own brand of awesomeness.
I’m glad no one got their asses kicked in the bathroom. I was afraid to look too closely, but it seemed like maybe we could see dudes peeing in the background . . . I’m still freaked out that you don’t have stalls. I know why, I get it but it’s weird. It’s like having a bunch of toilets in a row with no walls. I’m totally baffled by this.
anyhoo, I’m glad Madeline enjoyed her first twins game!
Thanks for covering up the 1 in the “World Champions 1987 and 1991″ That one still hurts.
Go Twins!! I’m sure they played extra hard since you guys were there!
Matt – can you stay in MN? The Twins are on a winning streak since you’ve been here… so I think you need to stick around. (We’re only 1.5 games behind Chicago now!) Glad you had a good time at the game! The infamous trough… I’ve heard about it from my husband, but the sight of it is something else. Wow.
Well… since I’m guessing you can’t just stay, I hope you enjoy the rest of your time here with your friends and family!
geat update..what a fun day, especially because the twins won!
can’t wait till the next post
I see a future cheerleader on your hands. She’s got the moves down! The little cutie pie is a natural. Thanks for the photo in the men’s room. I’ve always wondered what it looks like.
I am laughing my ass off at the guys in the restroom who are actually using the restroom!!! You are so lucky they didn’t kick your asses. I think Madeline might have saved you there!
She’s adorable and getting so big!
Can’t wait for the unveiling of the fucking t-shirts!!
Looks like you had a great time at the baseball game. So sorry Liz couldn’t be there sitting in the stands with you. That really fucking sucks!!! I have to agree with the others and say that the perfect nuclear family doesn’t exist in most cases. Madeline is so damn lucky to have such a fucking awesome daddy.
Thank-you Rachel for all of your creepy awesomeness. You rock!!
I know you are heading back to CA soon. Looks like you enjoyed your time back in the MN with all of your friends and family. Thanks for bringing the great weather with you. You have to leave it here.
We will miss you.
i love the kid in the background with his pants at his ankles. Madeline is just getting more gorgeous everyday. it looked like she was calling a call safe to me in that one picture. i think i would have felt way too closed in inside the dome. i can’t even imagine, with all the beer drinking and hot dog eating, there is no where for the burps/gas to go! you really do need fresh air. but hey at least you can’t get rained out!
matt, i’m glad you had a good day. maybe you couldn’t see her, but Liz was there with you, although i doubt she followed you into the men’s room.
hugs from NJ
erica and Landon
What a fun night at the Twins game! Love the one of Maddie cheering (maybe stretching)! And the one in the men’s room….fucking hilarious!
@Rachel…nice work with the Twins o Gram, etc!
i love seeing all your local pictures! Its so fun!! I dont think you should go back to LA… just stay here!
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Matt thank you so much for opening my eyes to what the infamous trough is! My husband has told me all about the creepiness and stage fright that occurs at times…but now I can see it. That trough is creepy, I couldn’t piss in it even if I had a…well nevermind.
It was a pleasure hanging out with you…said it a million times and I’ll say it again, you are doing an AMAZING job!
Happy 13/52 birthday to Madeline! She is beautiful and the spitting image of Liz.
Loved your post — glad you had fun at the game. Kudos to Rachel E. for getting your names up in lights. Very cool!
On another note, my browser seems to freeze every time I open your blog using Firefox, but is fine if I open using Safari (I’m a mac user) — Any guesses as to why??
Enjoy the rest of your time here, and good luck on the ride home. I’m sure Maddy will be an angel.
That ‘guns’ sign is not nearly as disturbing as pulling up to the Ronald McDonald House for the first time in Minneapolis and finding out that the “Ronald McDonald House bans guns on these premisis”. (Well dangit, that .45 is my two year old’s favorite toy… now what!?!) The sad thng is, you know there had to be a lawsuit sometime when a criminal got away with something because he “didn’t know guns weren’t allowed in there.”
Have a great day!
Great pictures! Madeline is just too cute for words! I feel the same about college football in the dome as Liz with the baseball. Big 10 needs to be outside. I always thought the Gophs were a bit soft for playing inside…so I liked when they’d travel down to Iowa City for the last game of the season…so my Hawks could beat them outside in the snow. For some reason I never had a problem with the Vikings at the dome?! Weird?! Anyway, great post and it just seems like the 2 of you are surrounded by love…hope you are feeling it!!!
Okay. This post Put. Me. Away. Jumbotron and a real live photo of the mens room. I have always wondered what it looks like in there. Been to the DOME many, many times, and never seen it. Duh. Now? Dream fulfilled.
Matt,
I agree with so many of the other posters….you are doing a great job with Madeline! Sounds like you are having a great time in the Minnesota…I don’t realize how much I miss it! This trip has been really good for you both…you look good (even with the lack of sleep). If you ever get to northern part of the west coast (the Oregon) I would love to meet you and Madeline.
Cassandra
WOW! I love the jumbotron message! All these stranger friends aren’t that creepy — are we?
Sounds and looks like Maddie’s first twins game was a blast! Glad to hear it!
Nuclear family….I know you and Liz dreamt of that. And it’s just shitty – the events that have brought you to this point. But Matt, please know that that little girl has got one damn awesome dad and family surrounding the both of you. Much more than most “nuclear” families can say for themselves. We can tell how much you love her and her mom – which will, in the end, be what matters the most.
Your stories about Liz’s charisma and bright smile have touched so many of us. We are all changed — for the better. Through your writing and pictures – have encouraged all of us to stop and just take life in. We look at those around us in a different light. I, for one, am living my life with my eyes and heart wide open these days. Thanks for sharing with all of us.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Wow, Matt, a great blog today. I love that the TWINS were and are in a winning mode both when you and Madeline and friends were at the game Friday night.
Next time you go to a Twins game you can buy a round trip on the light-rail and skip the parking fee, but do the hastle parking near a light-rail stop. Second thought, when bringing Madeline you may not want to visit the light-rail – that might be better when w/o Madeline.
The wedding event Saturday was a great event. Seeing Madeline there and later was an added bonus. You did well as a groomsman for your cousin-brother, Josh and bride Jane. We look forward to your post about this later on.
God go with you as you and Madeline travel back to the CA, I know your fans in CA will be glad to have you & Madeline there again. It’s been great to have you two here in the homeland, but we know we must surrender you to the west coast again. God bless you and Maddy always as we all treasure our memories of Liz.
Much love to you both from your MN families!!
It’s happened…I’ve seen my first view of a Dome men’s room. I pray fervently that it was also my last. For God’s sake, man, give a girl some warning before you spring that pic up there first thing on a Monday morning.
LOVE the pic of Madeline cheering (c’mon, you KNOW that’s what it was; fuck the “stretching”).
I know you’ve heard this before (and told yourself many times), but that perfect family you dream of is so rarely a reality. Maddie will have a whole different kind of family, one that makes her totally unique and totally herself. This experience will make her who she is…and once you know who that is in all its glory, you won’t be able to imagine her being anybody else. Not even someone who grew up with the perfect nuclear family.
I know it probably sounds like I’m just spoutin’ words here, but this really is my philosophy, and it has gotten me through my share of grief. And BTW…I don’t know if I’m helping…but I hope you’ll at least tell if I’m harming, so I can shut the fuck up!
I never realized how disgusting a male bathroom is! Are those guys peeing in a pig trough or what? Weird. The stories Madeline will have to tell. Thats when those “family bathrooms” come in handy. You can avoid those male bathrooms.
Wow.
I’ve never seen baseball played in a dome.
I’ve never been to the Git R Done part of our country.
And I’ve never been inside a men’s bathroom at a professional sports stadium.
Thank you Matt & Madeline – I giggled, I teared up, and I wish you both well.
Matt..
Madeline is going to someday see just how loved and lucky she is. You are so good at what you are doing…….lots of 1st time parents are hermits and don’t wanna venture out…You getting out and doing like you are doing is wonderful! Madeline will be full of memories as she gets older. Keep it up.
Another post that makes me laugh and cry at the same time. Hang in there, my friend.
Cheers again to Rachel for the excellent Twin’s O Gram.
LAWSY MERCY!!! Loved the mens room photo – omg I laughed for like 10 minutes (kids think I’m nuts looking at bathroom photos and giggling). Note to self: read blog when kids are in bed. I’m glad you had fun and how awesome about the Twins O Gram, too. You are an inspiration, a true inspiration. Sending love from the fucking armpit of america….
Holy cow, a boy’s bathroom. There for all to see. With a trough. What things my son has to look forward to.
By the way, I think you guys make a perfect family. You love each other…and are making it. Liz would be so proud of ya.
Happy 13/52 Birthday Madeline. Great pics! Matt, you are doing a great job!
WOW! What a fan-fucking-tastic recap of Madeline’s first baseball game, with the men’s room being the pies de resistánce (or however you spell it). People always say I’m crackin’ THEM up, but Yosra had ME on the floor this time with her “Islam doesn’t allow for group urinating” comment. Hys-fucking-terical, Yosra.
I can’t remember when you’re comin’ back, Matty, but I’m sending good travel mojo starting NOW. Upon your return, we will rap with you about a possible L.A. gathering of internet stalkers & creeps.
I can’t believe I forgot to wish Madeline a happy birthday. Here goes, Happy 13th week Birthday Sweet Madeline!!
Thank you for the update! I was having a crappy day- but your story brought a smile to my face!! I’m sure that a few people were impressed with your forward-thinking relationship – 4 guys and a baby! It reminded me of that Friends episode where Joey & Chandler watch baby Ben to pick pick up ladies- but people thought that they were a couple!
Sorry for rambling! It looks like a really fun first baseball game for Miss Madeline and a great time for you too!
As always, thank you for sharing your story
The photos taken at men’s bathroom at the dome: Priceless!
I am turning 41 years old, and that is the first time I’ve ever seen inside a mens room anywhere…much less the dome. Ewwwwwww No wonder you didn’t want to take her in there!
By the way, I’m still available to give you a sidecar ride! Great fun!
(advance apologies for the yelling) *A TROUGH IN THE MEN’S BATHROOM*?!?
I feel like I just grew up today. My (extended) childhood is over. Thanks for the education, Matt!
(as she gets older – and I extend my skills beyond scarves – maybe I can knit Maddy a pair of blinders to protect her from future situations such as these)
Happy 13/52, sweet Madeline!
Happy 13th Birthday Madeline! Wow, you’re getting old
xoxo
@ kate in the northridge:
You did spell it wrong — the phrase you are looking for re the men’s room photo is clearly piss de resistánce!
PS: Happy 13th Monday! Can’t believe Maddy’s already a teenager…
Happy 13/52 week birthday Madeline! I hope that you both have a safe trip back to the LA. Thank you for the wonderful pics of the MN. It will always be home to me.
Cassandra
Somehow…that perfect fucking nuclear family is being formed in the universe…and because there is really no such thing as “perfect”, we create what is perfect for ourselves in the circumstances we are dealt. There is something special about this little one and the journey you two are on together. Never in my life have I ever seen so many people moved in such a way to reach out to two human beings. Your family, in a bizarre and twisted fucking way is so blessed. And there is an angel up above ensuring that it continues. Blessings to you, Madeline, and her angel Mama.
Sounds like fun! Priceless experience and pictures. Liz would be so proud of you! Keep doing what you’re doing!!
Matt, you’re looking so much healthier in these photos. I think the MN does agree with you!
Thanks for sharing your days with us. I laugh, I cry and mostly I just pray for the best for you and the Madster. She’s quite the girl to have four men waiting on her at a Twins game.
My husband’s cousin told him recently (we’re expecting a girl in October) that the best thing you can do with a daughter is to love and cherish her so she has high expectations of men when she’s older. I pity the boy who shows up at your door in about 16 years or so!
BTW, like someone mentioned earlier, your webpage froze when I tried to open it in Firefox but was fine in Safari…I also have a mac. It hadn’t done that before today.
Matt,
First off, I just have to say you fucking ROCK! I’ve been reading your blog for a little while now and can’t wait to see pics of that sweet little baby!!! I’m glad you’re having a great time in the MN. And how absolutely bizarre that “trough” is! Only a man could have thought that concept up!
Hugs to you, you’re doing a great job! I love looking at that pic of you and Liz on the front page of your blog. What a great smile she had.
Love the Twins post and all the pics – including the mens room one.
Too funny! (we left our guns in the car) <– LOL
By the way, it cracks me up that all those people are probably wondering who your “stranger friends” are, what your ‘normal’ friends think of that, and if you have a category called ‘strangest’ friends also.
ditto to everything kim said in #76.
know that the priceless pics from the through are more educational than you likely ever intended…
and continue to know there are lots and lots of us that send prayers/meditations/energy to you on a daily basis.
happy 13/52 to maddy!
Hey Matt and Maddy, it was fun meeting you and Rachel for lunch. Thanks for letting me hold the little peanut. She really is a great baby! She didn’t make a peep! Rachel, thanks for all that you’ve done! Seriously, you’re awesome!
The Twins game looked like it was so much fun! (even in the men’s bathroom)
Have a safe trip back to L.A.! Hopefully you’ll have a good flight home too! Take care of that little cutie
I have so many random thoughts about this post, not the least of which are:
1) The one of Madeline “cheering” is fucking awesome! She is such a sweet, byooootiful baby. What a little doll!
2) I can clearly see the pee streams of a couple of the guys behind Madeline in the diaper change picture. Excellent!
3) Where *I* live, seeing a couple of guys with a baby is commonplace. No one cares or even double takes. If I had been at that Twins game, I would have been all “Yay! Two guys with a baby! Just like at home in the San Francisco! Yay!”
4) I love the passion you feel for your Twins, and I love how important it was to you to document Madeline’s first game at the MPLS Dome. Wonderful!
5) I wonder if the Minnesota Gun Club bans baseballs on their premises?
Looks like the game was fabulous!
and ditto reply 102, I’m thinking you should have multiple categories of strange friends, stranger friends and strangest friends.. lol
I have not doubt Liz saw the game with you, its obvious her spirit is all around you.
I love all the men peeing in the background of that one shot, very classy Matt! haha
Pictures are great, Madeline is getting biggger and bigger and cuter and cuter!
Matt – Again, AWESOME pictures. I totally cracked up at the look on Madeline’s face when you were changing her in the men’s room. It’s like she’s intentionally ignoring all the peeing guys behind her and giving the camera that “would you just get. it. over. with” look. That little girl is going to be such a character. Thanks for the update!
Wow, Sioux City Rich – very nice post. Got me all teary eyed. Matt you really do have stellar family and friends who love you.
Happy 13/52 to Miss Madeline. You are growing so quickly.
Safe travels to you as you head back to the Los Angeles. We will miss you here in the MN.
I am so glad you’re behind on posts! I was gone all last week and only missed a few days- YAY! Can’t wait to see wedding pics! I bet Madeline was just gorgeous!
I forgot to say HAPPY 13/52 Miss M!
and @em…”piss de resistance”…you’re too funny! I laughed my ass off while rolling on the floor!
Dear Matt and Madeline,
I had to finally write. I was at the game last Wed and when the “Welcome Matt and Madeline” sign went up I couldn’t believe it. I had taken a young boy to the game who had lost his father 4 years ago and had binoculars. ( He is a Twins fanatic). I quickly asked to borrow them so that I could scan the crowd. I had wanted to find you both and talk to you in person. I soon gave up. Now when I looked at your pictures of the game I was shocked. I was sitting in section 118 almost in the same row as you were but to your left. I am extremely disappointed that I was so close yet so far away.
I am Matt B’s mom from Hopkins HS. I called him in the NYC after the article in the Star Tribune because I had recognized your last name and I wanted to know if he knew you. I think he was better friends with NIck and Adam. My son Paul plays ball with Adam on the “Rocks”.
You and Liz (have) had the most incredible love story ever. The pictures that you insert of Liz are beautiful. Madeline is a gorgeous baby. Fatherhood is an art and I think you are becoming a master. You have also been blessed with a wonderful network of family and friends who are taking care of you and Madeline. Take care.
I stumbled across your blog. You are a strong man and a great Dad, with a sense of humor to boot. I love the pic of Madeline “cheering”. And the urinal shot too! LOL
Hi matt,
I laughed about the pedephile bit becuase of this:
I was at a restaurant with my 2.5 year old son the other day when a guy kept looking at him and asking him questions and totally ignoring his own company to talk to my son. I thought to myself “f’ing pedophile!” Opps, perhaps that is why people usually clarify their absence from this catagory!
Have a great day!
that has got to be the cutest picture yet of miss madeline cheering. shes soo serious!
ya’ll look like naturals – four men and a baby.
and wth?? i agree, a dirty diaper is much better then subjecting our little ones to that horror! the faces on all the guys are priceless!! i had a creepy pedophile moment the other day too (i think there is some comfort in reassuring us that your aren’t a pedophile?? ok, maybe not.)
you give miss madeline more love then majority of the ‘perfect’ nuclear families anywhere. trust me, i have worked for a lot of families (as a nanny) – and they may seem like they all have their ducks in a row, but the kids are missing the most important thing; love. madeline has no shortage of that. you are doing so good with her. she will never question how loved she is…it would be impossible.
so sorry for the novel! praying for you friend…
aloha.
Great pics! Hey, she is the only baby that can say she has guys pissing in the background. Now if that ain’t a freakin kindergarten show and tell pic , I sure don’t know what is! She will put them all to shame!
Oh my God this post had me laughing out loud Matt! You are so lucky you didn’t get your asses kicked! The shot of Madeline in her car seat shows how much she is growing, wow, she’s looking fantastic. Awesome to see pics of stranger (can’t fucking figure out that strikethrough) friend Rachel, she’s so good at getting organised!
how can this site only have 2 votes on the blogger’s choice awards? i was shocked. come on team logelin, vote.
http://www.bloggerschoiceawards.com/blogs/show/50874
I’m new, I’m new, I don’t know what to do! Well, not that new, but I am new to your blog… I am comfortable with admitting that I am addicted.. my husband makes fun on a regular basis! Just wanted you to know that I am proud of you, and also that I about wet my pants when I saw the picture of all of the “gentlemen” peeing while changing Maddie’s daiper! You rock! Keep up the good work!
Thanks for bringing your humor to the MN and the weather with you!! Enjoy it, Matt.
Hey M&Ms
Yeah I think it is safe to say that none of us were expecting to see pee streams LOL (and just FYI for when she starts kicking) you’ll want to put her head towards the wall on the diaper deck Im sure you know that but a friend of mine did that and her son flipped off of the diaper deck and broke his little nose, and had 2 blacks eyes @ 6 months.
Leah
Dearest Matt, WTF!!!!!???? Men pee in troughs at ballparks??? Who knew!!!!!!!! Thanks for todays little educational tidbit. Seriously, I hadn’t a clue.
XOXO to you and the widdy one, she just gets beautiful-er and beautiful-er.
OMG! So that’s the guys bathroom huh? You guys were brave taking pictures in there!! Not even urinals? just a gutter to pee in?? LMAO! Madeline is sooo cute….especially in her twins outfit! Hugs!
God bless you, Matt.
A good friend of mine passed away when her son was 4 months old. A website in her memory is here: http://soniabelcher.wordpress.com/
Her husband is aways in my thoughts, and now you are too.
Also, I just found a great blog this week, about a single guy (straight) who decided to adopt a son when he was 40 and the boy was 11. You might appreciate some of his posts at donva.blogspot.com
I know you didn’t choose this road, but you are doing an amazing job.
So glad to see you’re starting her off with the right sport.