woke up in
the guest bedroom
of aj’s house.
got ready to go
to breakfast,
but first we played on the
internet, finally finding
the mpr interview
(audio, transcript and a bunch of photos of madeline found on the link above)
that we took
part in at the electric fetus.
we headed to a cuban restaurant
in aj’s neighborhood
to have a little food
before the wedding.
we ran into one
of aj’s relatives
at the restaurant
and he invited us
to join him for a delicious
breakfast.
we did.
it was wonderful.
at the end of breakfast
i got up to wash
the bacon grease off
of my hands.
waiting in line for the
restroom to open,
some really sweaty, disoriented
dude crashes into me,
tries to open the locked
bathroom door
by running into it,
falls, hitting his
head on the floor.
fuck.
that was weird.
i yelled to someone
to call 911.
the dude was conscious and speaking,
but wasn’t making a lot
of sense.
then some guy appears and
says to me,
“get him some orange juice!”
(i would’ve loved to, but i was kind of busy with the dude on the floor).
then the guy says,
“he’s my friend. this happens all the time. no need for the ambulance.”
i said,
“well, he hit his head pretty hard and he’s not getting up. might be a good idea if someone takes a look at him”
he said,
“okay. i’m gonna go back and finish my breakfast.”
wow.
what a dick.
i hung out for a few minutes
then i heard the ambulance
so i went to
tell the guys what
happened as the waitresses
attended to the dude.
we hung out for
a few more minutes then
left so aj and i
could get ready for the wedding.
we cleaned up our acts,
i picked up, dressed up
madeline and headed to victoria.
we arrived early enough
to take some photos.
madeline met her cousin ava
for the first time
(ava’s a few months older)
and got passed around
to various family members and friends.
ceremony about to start,
so madeline hung out
with awesome auntie deb
everything went well
(better than the rehearsal…no one missed their mark during the real thing).
and the happy couple
was married.
time to party.
headed west to waconia
to enjoy the reception.
i made it a point to
carry madeline around,
showing her off to friends
and family like
the proud father i am.
i let a few family members
and friends hold her,
but mostly i hugged
her tight, knowing that she
was going to be leaving
the reception soon.
first, we got some photos…
and then i turned maddy
over to grandpa tom g. and grandma candee.
i took a few photos
until the clouds
rolled in
and the rain started.
(it only lasted a few minutes).
later, old friend shane
grabbed my camera and took some
awesome shots:
the night came
to a close.
five tents set up in
the grass.
didn’t know which one was
mine, so i slept in the
backseat of someone’s car.
what an awesome time.
one of the best wedding receptions
ever.
lots of good food, booze, entertainment & friends.
they even had a fireworks display.
liz
would have loved it,
though she wouldn’t have slept
in the car with me.
120 Comments
Sounds like it was an overall great time for all and sounds like you were a trooper through it all — stong and keeping your thoughts focused on maddy&holding her tight probably helped
The car though???!!! How UNcomfy 
Oh wow. I’m the first commenter. Maybe you just haven’t approved any yet.
Is your mom Grandma Candee or Grandma Brocolli? Trying to find resemblence….
LOVE the shot of everyone dancing. Looks like they’re dancing to that song “Domo Irigato Misto Roboto. Domo. Domo.”
You clean up nice!
Been reading for a while now and wanted to let you know, I think you’re doing an awesome job. My mom passed when I was a kid and my dad didn’t care or try one iota as much as you do. It’ll make all the difference in the world for Madeline. One heartfelt piece of advice – please never, NEVER tell her you think the wrong parent died, even in your deepest moments of wishing Liz was there to guide her through some girly thing and you momentarily believe that sentiment to be true.
It’s Wednesday evening and you’ve left the MN, I’m sure. I hope that your flight home was uneventful as far as the dirty diapers go. Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip.
Great pictures, as usual. I’m digging Maddy’s shoe collection. Just like her mom.
Yes, you look VERY nice!!!!! Glad ya’ll had a nice time. Praying for you….
Damn, I hope I never fall and hit my head in front of some asshole like that! You are the man. Being an EMT may not be a new calling but that was another example of your compassionate side (cynic, beware.)
Great pics, as usual. That girl of yours is more precious in every photo, and those blue eyes stand out even when not close up. Amazing!! (Just like her momma.)
I love the picture of you and Madeline. Beautiful!!
Aw Maddie looks beautiful! Those big blue eyes! And don’t you clean up nice! Sleeping in a car?? Well I think if I had to pick tent or car I would’ve picked car too.
No witty remarks about cocaine formula or creepy Kate. Just wanted to say I love the last picture of you and Maddy, just before the cloud pictures. She is simply stunning.
I’ve always thought my dad was the most amazing in the whole world, but it seems to me you’re an excellent candidate for the #2 slot.
<3
Matt,
Your writing, pictures, and story are inspiring. I’ve been reading for a few weeks and truly am touched by your family. Madeline is perfect. Love from Montana- Cynthia
Maddy has the most beautiful eyes! They’re the first thing I see when she is in any picture. She is so blessed to have you for her father.
I have been reading your blog for a while but have never posted. You are an amazing person!!I so admire your strength and your love for your little girl. Your raw honesty is refreshing and I believe that is why I am so drawn to your blog. I lost my brother a few years ago and kept all of my grief inside. It has taken me years to be able to say his name without crying. This is so good for you and for Madaline that you are expressing how you feel. You are an excellent dad!! Your daughter is gorgeous and thank you for sharing your story with us- all!!
Hi Matt,
I’ve been keeping track of your story since I saw your story in the Star Tribune. In May an old friend and college roomate of mine passed away. Her husband (they were married the day of her passing) has been keeping up her Caringbridge website since. I thought I would share it with you because they say when you are grieving it sometimes brings comfort in knowing someone who knows what you are going through. Although your stories and writing styles are very different – you both have lost your true loves, and both have touched the hearts of many. I’ve hesitated in writing this post because I didn’t want to be a “debbie downer,” but if you think you would like to check it out here ya go. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kellyandrews
I look forward lurking daily!
BriAnn in the MN
As always, Madeline is so fashion-forward, Matt! Those shoes….that dress! What an amazing Dad you are!
Love from Illinois
I’ve been following you via feed to my LJ and I just have to say that I admire you for being able to share your, Liz, and Madeline’s story with everyone. Thank you for letting us be a part of it, even if it is only reading about your days and seeing your wonderful pictures.
She is a beautiful baby, and lucky to have a father like you and many stranger friends who care.
That being said, “this happens all the time. no need for the ambulance.”? Sounds like that guy has a medical condition he isn’t taking care of (possibly diabetes?) and his friends aren’t looking out for his best interests. Lucky for him you were there to make the intelligent choice.
Those pictures are once again awesome. I am in awe of how good they are!
You guys look like you had a wonderful time, You really look great in a suit! And Miss Maddy looks wonderful in her new dress! Ava is pretty damn beautyFULL too. Sleeping in a car huh? My back would be screaming!
If you are as good with computers as you are with a camera you have to get in touch and tell me how to hook up my monitor to my laptop with wireless service, because looking at this monitor is driving me fucking nuts. And my laptop is making me blind with the small font.
OH, sorry forgot to say. Dude slamming head is probably a diabetic. You would know this if you were not anti chick flick and saw Steel Magnolias lol.
the pictures of you and Madeline.. you are obviously such a proud Daddy…as well you should be. looks like it was a great wedding!
hugs from NJ,
erica and Landon
I sure would love to know how you manage to look so rested considering you have been sleeping in some weird places (tents, backseats etc) since you were here. Ah, must be the MN air!
Matt-Wow, wherever you go, there’s never a dull moment…guys getting punched in the head at bars, dudes running into bathroom doors, etc. Sounds fun(ny)! See, even though you live in the land of the self absorbed, you have still keep your midwestern niceness. Thats a good thing~
The wedding looks awesome. You midwesterners throw a great party. And it looks like you had a pretty good time, which is what we were all hoping for.
Madeline is just too gorgeous for words. Seriously. She looks like an angel, and those blue eyes are amazing. Oh, and you look pretty nice, too.
Glad that you had a good trip, and I’m hoping the return home is ok, and that maybe you could get more than 3 hrs of sleep for a night or two
dig the pink tie! i think about you and madeline all the time. your story inspires me, and i’m so glad to be able to check in on you two and to watch her grow!
Thanks for the link to the MPR story. I’ve been wondering about that. How sweet to see a photo of Madeline on their site. Lovely to see the family photos from the wedding, too. I didn’t meet you while you were here, but it was still really special simply to know you were in Minnesota, and cool to hear the stories/see the pics from your MN time.
Matt, very weird. You must have had breakfast at Victor’s. I live near there and happened to be driving by Saturday morning, wondering what in the hell was going on inside that warranted an ambulance. I know the food isn’t that bad! Crazy! Did asshole friend ever come back? I am a first time commentor here, although I’ve been reading for months. Your pictures are fabulous. I don’t know exactly what you do for Yahoo!, but photography could be your calling. You truly are doing a fabulous job, not that there was ever any doubt! Thanks for sharing! By the way, we seem to have similar music tastes (although I’m way older). Are you a Joy Division fan at all? Watched Control last week. Tonight was a recent Joy Division documentary. It was great! You might enjoy it. Thanks again for the sharing! Hope things are great back in the CA!
She is such an adorable baby. You are a great dad! I check your blog regularly to see how you are holding up. My heart breaks for you — I can not imagine. You are all in my thoguhts. HUGS
You look snazzy! Maddy is beautiful all dolled up. as usual great pictures to feast upon, and it looks like it was a good time.
maddy is lucky to have you.
Did you ever figure out whose car you slept in? My wedding was totally lame compared to this. We needed alcohol, apparently. Damn baptists in the family . . . lol
Madeline looks awesome at her first wedding! Already giving the Bride a run for her money . . .
Wish I would have known you were in Waconia, I live in Waconia! Sounds like you had an awesome time! Maddie is so darn cute I can hardly stand it! Take Care!
What the fuck!? How in the Hell does a guy slam into a door, pass out, not get up and have his friend continue to eat breakfast? I’d love to know the rest of the story on that dude!
Matt, i just wanted to say that you and madeline looked stunning at the wedding……stunning! You are an amazing man and father!
How much did you charge them for the pics with Madeline? You could have made a fortune!
Hope you had a good time and got some sleep.
Wow. The picture of you and Madeline that is towards the end of the post almost had my jaw on the floor. You know the picture of you and Madeline where you are holding her just in front of you but she is a tiny newborn. She is growing up so fast.
Once again, thank you for sharing your beautiful little girl with all of us internet strangers.
Your strength and passion in life helps me put little mishaps in life into perspective.
looks like there was a good time had by all. madeline’s dress was beautiful, as was she. the last pic of the two of you is very sweet.
i am utterly addicted to you. its amazing.
hi matt and maddy. (i’ve been wanting to comment for a couple of weeks now, but i’m never certain what to write… my thoughts are always something like, “how shitty that liz got taken away from you two. this sucks!!” but as i read your posts, it doesn’t suck at all. you amaze me daily as you parent and love and live your life the way you clearly know liz would have you. i look forward to reading more every single day… every achey, proud, devastating, beautiful moment of this journey that you’re on. it seems you’ve a cheering section that spans the globe!!)
I’m thinking it’s Victor’s 1959 cafe. Lovely mango pancakes and the coffee is great!
It’s nice to see the smile go all the way to your eyes in the last picture of you and Madeline. Lovely outfits too.
I got caught in that rainstorm, and it was a beautiful sunset.
take care
Congrats…the picture of you & Maddy looks like a HAPPY family. Seriously, for the first time in awhile you look relaxed and content, and even if it was for a brief moment, I’m so happy for you…the picture also makes it obvious that your little girl is the light of your life. It’s awesome that a picture can convey all of this feeling.
~Elizabeth in St. Paul
Matt- I, too, have been following your story. It is heart wrenching and beautiful. Each time I check in on you and your baby, I am so struck by your strength, openness, and honesty. I love your writing and photography; I laugh and I cry as I scroll through the images and words. You are really doing the most amazing job – you inspire me as you do so many people. thank you, thank you for sharing yourself, liz, and madeline with all of us.
you can definitely rock a pink tie! you should be proud, not many guys can! haha
maddy looks adorable in her outfit. she is very lucky to have a dad like you.
Madeline looked gorgeous for the big day. I’m glad you had a great time. Isn’t it great when grandparents are there to give you some grown-up time?
I adore photos of you and Madeline together. You two looked great all spiffed up for the wedding! Thank you for sharing yourself – and your amazing photography – with all of us.
hi Matt,
I’ve been reading your blog daily(/as often as you post/I get a chance to be online) since right before you got the SS check. I didn’t have any brilliant ideas for that, then I didn’t want to say anything when I thought you had the wrong idea about your sock (why was the sock bad? I figured you’d be pretty anti-embolism yourself these days, it was totally on your side!), and while I love the robot, the multitude of pix and admire the relationship you had with your wife, I can’t bear to be trite and say the same things as everyone else.
I am posting today though because, omg, Matt, you look so healthy! You’ve actually been eating at all these restaurants you’ve been going to! Your cheeks are no longer concave! You’ve lost the gaunt, heroin chic look! YAY! Your doctor will be so happy!
Your daughter is an utter doll, but you hear that all that time. However. I’m one of Those HipstersPeople Who Don’t Like Babies so it actually means something coming from me.
(I think most hipsters just dislike potentially jarringly-loud wee people invading their mainly quiet grown-up spaces like coffeehouses, too many bad parents have ruined it for the good ones.) *shrugs* I prefer communication and babies suck at that. Give me a toddler over a baby any day. 
And this comment is entirely too long for what I intended to say, but I’ve been holding back for weeks!
have a good one,
Melissa, sister to a Matt, aunt to a Madeleine.
Daddy and Madeline looked like a beautiful couple! She looked precious in her dress. It’s great seeing you surrounded by so many friends and family.
The two of you look so good together. I love the picture of you two. It looks like the MN has been good to you and Maddy. You and Maddy both have a sparkle in your eye. MN will do that to a person. You are so fortunate to have such a wonderful support system of friends and family.
Can’t forget about all the support from your blog broads either.
Wow Melissa in the VA, I am also a sister to a Matt. And now a friend of a Matt since last week! (well more than one considering)
I am also a godmother to a Madeleine (and many others, I am the godmother that gets around apparently since I cant have kids, give me a name lol)
Wait, that came out wrong. I didnt mean to say I was more than a friend to Matt. But that I have WAY ALOT of friends named Matt. Including my own brother.
Jesus I am embarrassed. Shoot me now.
Huh. I wonder if that dude in the bathroom was diabetic. Or maybe he was doped up on formula cocaine. Anyhoo. Loved all the pictures…the one of you and Madeline kicked ass. I’m also a big fan of the umbrella reflected in the sugar shaker cap.
Madeleine’s shoes ROCK! The last picture before the storm clouds, the one where you’re holding her in front of you is so beautiful. I agree that you must have been chowing down in Minnesota. Some of the previous pictures had me awfully worried because you looked so drawn and thin. Gosh, all these women worrying about you and Madeleine. We shouldn’t worry so much…. you’ve got things under control.
- Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife
Ditto to what almost everyone else has said…the picture of you and Madeline is adorable. Thought…take a picture in that pose once a month and compare just how big she is getting…or share with us stranger friends so we can see just how big she is getting : )
Coming from a guy to whom marriage was very good (about a wedding he had probably planned on attending with his wife, no less), this post is beyond touching.
It’s a rare person who can take so much pleasure in the joy of others under circumstances that had to be very painful on many levels. Can’t imagine your thoughts didn’t drift back to your own wedding throughout the day, especially during the vows. Once again, I’m amazed by your strength and generosity.
@melissa from nj:
hmmm…glad you wrote that clarification, but i’m not sure that coming from the “godmother who gets around” you didn’t make it sound even worse…
Hey Matt!
Seems as though this trip has been really good for you. I like seeing you smile and love seeing the sweet faces Madeline is making now. Take care!
Matt, I don’t have kids myself, but I helped out at a birthday party for a girl turning four last weekend. There were six four-year-olds and they were SO FUN. They had me laughing every other minute and they were so creative and interesting and sweet. Anyway, I couldn’t help but think of you during the party and how many great times you’re going to have with Madeline and how much she is going to make you laugh your ass off when she begins to talk. The thing that made me most think of you, though, is that they gave the birthday girl a disposable camera she could use to take pictures of all her guests, and she was SO intent on capturing all the highlights of the party. I thought, “wow, in just a few years, Madeline may be following her dad around taking pictures”. And what fun that they may be of similar subjects, but they’ll all be from a different viewpoint than yours. (Being that she’ll be shorter. And being also that she’ll also be her own person and have her own opinions about what makes a good picture.)
I’m so glad you have funny, engaging, picture-taking four-years-olds to look forward to!
The picture of you and Maddy brought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat (perhaps I’m overly hormonal tonight) but you both look wonderful. It’s good to see you doing well, Matt.
UGH! I have 8 Godchildren! Is that not a Godmother who gets around?
Am I supposed to be MORE embarrassed now?
GAH@! Totally embarrassed.
Ah..so you can leave the city lights behind but they follow you to the country. I hope the guy was okay.
You must see incredible beauty in everything that you see around you. Not only are the pictures you take amazing but the composition or the little nuances that I notice are incredible. A salt/sugar shaker with the umbrella reflected???!!! Amazing.
Not only do you see beauty…but you created it with Liz. Madeline is a testament to that beauty and love.
On that note: the borrowed quote of today-
We read about decline and experience beauty. We read about grief and experienc comfort. Language is always busy easing the pain of the hurt it describes. Koos Van Zomeren (1946-?)
I am sure you have heard this a lot already, I haven’t had a chance to read all the comments. But you have so much joy ahead of you with your daughter, just wait ,she will be so much more fun than she already is that you think how can I love her even more. But you will!!! It’s always so much work but so worth it!! Coming from a mother of three ( 2 boys and a girl) I found your blog bc Jennifer Wilson is going to be taking pics of my children.
Awesome pics as always, but I love, love LOVE the ones of you and Madeline! I hope you frame some of those, you both look so sweet together!!
Sounds like you had an amazing time!
Love all the pics!
You can so tell Madeline is growing like a flower!
As always, the photos are great. You and Madeline looked fabulous for the wedding. And once again, as always, your humor cracks me up. I really love following your days. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us.
Wow, I loved the photos…esp. the sunset one. Glad you had fun. Hey I don’t know how I have lived this long and not heard of the guy I’m about to tell you about but I have. Have you ever listened to Leonard Cohen? It is all I can listen to now. Anyway, thought I better share the wealth. He is just awesome! BTW that little Miss Maddie is some cutie in her fancy weddidng duds!
Matt,
I have been following since the very beginning. I haven’t posted because I never could formulate the words I wanted to say. I don’t think I ever will…
I was on bedrest the same time as your wife. I started at home and wound up on bedrest (7wks home 3 hospital) in the hospital. My husband also dutifully visited me daily…the only difference as that he had two tots in tow. I was on a ton of medication to keep that baby inside (and once was never given/treated anything to prevent an embolism). Ryan was born at 32 weeks a mere 4 weeks before Miss Madeline and about 5 weeks before I would learn about your family. I often wonder why, with such parallels, am I completely healthy and Liz is no longer a physical part of our world. I know that there probably is some “grander” plan and this blog that you keep up is most likely a part of it, but that doesn’t make it any easier for me to accept…and I am a virtual (literally) stranger.
I do want you to know that your story has changed how I live each day. I now know that I did miss a more tragic fate and am blessed more than I even realized. I promise not to be sappy in all of my comments…as I am quite sarcastic by nature, but I just wanted to let you know that Liz (via your blog) changed me more than you know.
Thank you for that.
Tina in Las Vegas
awesome wedding! and the pics of you and madeline- model perfect!
Outstanding pics! Maddy’s blue eyes literally shoot out from the pictures and capture you. And you look pretty good yourself ;oP
I know you’re probably not a “suit” type of person, but you really do look nice all dressed up with your Princess.
And kudos to you for helping out the Dude near the bathroom. I bet he was a diabetic and you very well may have helped save his life since his friends were being so non-chalant about it.
PS- Go Germany!! Yee haw! :O) Did you see your twin play last night (Metzfelder)? He did a great job!
My word, she is an absolute DOLL.
Gorgeous again.
Love the pic of you and Maddy (after the grandparents)! You do look like a very proud father! And great job with her dress and shoes! VERY cute!
Asalamalaykom,
That photo of you and Madeline is a beautiful portrait. It really is not a dad holding the baby he has to lug around. It is of a gentleman who has brought the prettiest lady he could find.
I can’t BELIEVE you were here in Waconia and I didn’t get to see/meet the two of you. I read your blog everyday and am in total awe of you and what a great dad you’re becoming. Hope that you enjoyed your short visit here. You should’ve come into town and watched the Lake Waconia Band Festival. Madeline would’ve LOVED it.
Take care and keep smiling.
Susan in Waconia
i was reading this last night and thinking about how wonderful the family pic of you and maddy
looked…and now this morning everyone else has commented on it too – haha. it reminded me of the pics that were taken in your yard by the prof photographer (name is escaping me now and i even went back and tried to find it).
you will have many more photos like that and each time both of you will look a little different, of course missing liz each time, but i can see the healing you have been going through, and will continue to go through.
Aww! I love weddings!
It looks like it was absolutely beautiful… I love the party in the barn deal. It reminds me of the movie ‘Son in Law’ with Pauley Shore. Not sure why. Anywho, Madeline is beautiful, as always. I love that you can now just see her smile through her eyes. She’s such an angel. I’m sure that Liz would have been so, so, so proud of her. You’re starting to get a little of your color back. 
You look very nice all dressed up!
Not that I would have intruded on the wedding reception, but I live in Waconia! I can’t believe you and little Miss Maddy were so close by. I’m glad you had a good time. From your pictures and writing it seems the time in MN did you some good.
You both looked great for the wedding! I’m glad you talked about the guy crashing into the door, it pieced together with the wedding makes for a perfect story o’ the day!
Oh, I LOOOOVE the last pic of you & Madeline. Adorable. Madeline looked too cute for words.
Your friend took some pretty interesting shots, there…. I hope you didn’t walk into those laser beams or get caught up in the interpretive dancing. lol
LOVE the last pic of you and Maddy… what a wonderful shot! Matt, you are looking really well. (I’m not saying that to be fresh
… I sincerely mean it…) It is good to see you looking so rested and healthy. So glad to hear that you had a great time at the wedding. Thanks for sharing the pics! Keep up the good work, Daddy!
Oops, that would be ‘Beth in CT’… no idea where CY is.
I meant to comment on the ties. Is that the same pink tie? It looks a tad different than the one I thought you’d retired. Anyhoo, you all look smashing in your wedding wear. Thanks for sharing.
such a pretty dress for her!! Lovely lovely. Time with family and friends is the best!
Hi Matt and Madeline!!!
Madeline looked so cute in her dress for the wedding!! Sounds like another awesome night!! Have a great day!!
What a beautiful wedding and Maddie looked gorgeous in her dress! As usual, excellent pics!!
Sounds like an awesome time!
And holy weird with the bathroom dude! wtf?
Fantastic pics!
Madeline is so adorable. She looks so much like you and her mommy! That picture of you and her is fabulous! Have a great day!
Much love coming to you from Texas!
Have lurked for quite some time now, but felt compelled to echo a few of the comments about how healthy you are looking and how beautiful Madeline is.
Pulling for you every day and thanks for sharing.
@ Matt:
You’ve got some competition in the photography department…old friend Shane came up with some winners of his own. Love the one of you with the light streaks across your face.
What is it with you and finding interesting spots to be in all the time….? If it’s not seeing somebody throw up outside of Nye’s, it’s watching somebody get punched in the head or, apparently, seeing a diabetic’s best friend be a complete asshole. You do have a way of being in the right place at the right time…
Matt,
You and Maddy look terrific (and your mom looks beautiful too). You are starting to really look well and content with things (couldn’t think of the right word, so I settled on “things”).
-A.
Hi Matt,
I have been following your story since it was in the Star Tribune and I, like so many others, feel compelled to write and tell you what a wonderful job you are doing with Maddy. Echoing what so many others have said, the MN looks to have done wonders for you.
I am from the suburbs of Minneapolis and I have loved seeing all the photography of MN (especially Lake Milacs and Garrison – made me want to take a road trip!).
It does seem like you have a great life and lots of support in CA but I can only imagine how wonderful it was to have both sets of grandparents eagerly waiting to help you (well, I can imagine – I have an almost two year old and another on the way and I honestly do not know what I would have done without my parents around to help – they love my son as much as my hubby and I do).
If you ever decide to move back to the MN to be closer to family, you would be welcomed with open arms. “No matter where you roam, MN is always home sweet home!” – Sorry, just had to get that in there
Take care!
Your stranger friend,
Sue
Hi M&M,
Just found your website the other day. 3rd day I am reading it between actually working at my job. Love the entires. The baby formula story made me laugh out loud. On a sad note, the reason why I stumbled on your website is I was doing reseach on widower dads… my friend just passed away on 6/22 and left behind her hubby and 2 daughters, ages 2 and 5 weeks in MN. I’m glad you let your stranger friends support you. You know what they say… It takes a village to raise a child.
All my best,
DSH
oh she is just precious in her fancy party dress. what a sweet sweet girl. I love the last picture of the two of you together. It melts my heart.
I’m glad you’ve had a nice visit back home. You look really good and I’m happy to see that.
Take care
Maddy looked lovely in her dress! It’s good to see you smiling and having fun, Liz would approve!
I really hope they have many blessed years together enjoying their commitment and connection- Inshallah.
It looked like a lovely service and you and Madeline were peachy keen- I did like her special dress!
I am sure a wedding carried lots of emotional weight for you Matt- more than for the others I am sure.. and I think it is wonderful you dedicated your time to supporting someone you care about on their special day.
that is a real friend.
…and friend to head smashing strangers a like it seems. good on ya.
Be well.
Matt, what gas that sound like! Maddy looked just beautiful in her dress! You look so handsome yourself!
Great photos! Your party was just down the street from me out here in Watertown MN country!
Glad you had a great time!
Pam
I’m seriously bummed there are no photos of the “some really sweaty, disoriented
dude.”
Beautiful wedding, gorgeous pics!
P.S. Fuck Jill
P. S. S. – @ Kate in Northridge, if you’re considered creepy as this Becky P person felt the need to comment on, then I strive to be creepy as well.
Disclaimer: Is Becky P a cool one? I’m so trying to get caught up on the 350 comment post. If so, then many apologies. I still want to be creepy though.
How great you both look. And you look relaxed and rested. For that, I’m happy. And I think that was Liz shining down from above in that one picture.
Madeline is absolutely gorgeous, just like her mom. Those blue eyes!
Weddings are definitely good times. You can tell what a proud father you are and that Madeline loves you very much. She is absolutely beautiful and has the most gorgeous eyes.
@Christa: Yes, Becky P is cool. At this juncture, most people using the term “creepy” are doing so in a tongue-in-cheek way, as a kind of “tip of the hat” to the crazy 350-comment blog-freakout day.
I find you to be very creepy, and I applaud you for it. There are creepy t-shirts available should you wish to purchase one.
http://t-shirts.cafepress.com/item/hello-my-name-is-creep-white-tshirt/109590509
inappropriately,
K in the N
Man, you guys party like rawk stars!
You guys looked great for the wedding; Madeline in her sweet dress was looking exceptionally cute.
Good for you for taking care of that guy. As a nurse, I’m always wondering when that’s going to happen to me…as in being out in public when someone falls out like that. That reminds me…I seriously need to get one of those mouth guards for giving CPR, that could get yucky really quickly.
I agree with Lori~you look rested and happy. Oh, and I cannot wait ’til you post Maddy in the grass pictures…so sweet. Yes, I admit it. I look at your flickr pictures to see what’s coming up.
Your entire family takes some beautiful pictures, but the one of you and Madeline in the end is truly remarkable. Someone else said it already, but it conveys so much feeling…
You do look well – seems like this trip was a good one.
Great pictures! The two of you look absolutely lovely! Thank you for sharing with stranger friends.
@ Kate, thanks so much oh creepy one.
Go on vacation = miss a lot.
::running to check out shirt site – woo hoo::
I love the pic of you and Maddy. She’s a doll! Love her blue eyes! You are amazing! I’m so happy for you that you’ve had a great visit w/ family and friends! xoox
I am another (can’t even say lurker) Stalker, but I am a female so I can’t be a pedophile:) I hope you had a safe trip back and ILOVED looking at all the beautiful pics of Madeline. She is so blessed to have a daddy like you. I often wonder if everything happens for a reason and I wonder that now. Is this what the plan was all along. It really makes me question life. Anyway…..sorry a little too psychological!! It looks like MN really agreed with you. Any thoughts of moving there?
Can’t wait to see your next entry! (Your stalker stranger friend)!!!
Oh my goodness…could her eyes be any more blue! She looks as sweet as can be…and you looked pretty good too
Awwwww Madeline looks precious in her little dress! I like the article- especially the caption about Madeline needing loud music to sleep.
What kind of Nikon are you shooting with? Thank god for cameras, eh?
Maddie looked precious and very much amused in her little dress:) Glad you all had such a great time!! Great pictures!
You and Madeline both look great. The dress is perfect.
De-lurking here.
Ethereal baby
Awesome Dad
captivating photography
…thank-you for sharing.
Mom to a door crashing diabetic child
(Thats my fuck fuck fuck in this world)
Acting loopy – part of the low sugar
Best anecdote – A little OJ.
Keep on Keepin’ on
@Yosra:
“It really is not a dad holding the baby he has to lug around. It is of a gentleman who has brought the prettiest lady he could find.”
What a poetic way to put such a sweet thought. Leaves a lingering smile.
Grandma hooked Madeline up in the fancy digs department.
Your pictures are amazing. Thanks for sharing.
http://www.paperbackswap.com
has a section for swapping cd’s too if there are some hard to find ones you have been looking for.
Just thought I’d share.
You clean up nice, Matt! So happy to see you enjoying yourself and smiling!
wow I found out through a.j’s relative’s blog that george carlin died a few days ago.
he was 71?
wow I wanna go google this.
Matt –
Looks like it was a blast! Glad you are having a good time back in the MN. Doesn’t it make you want to move back? (except for the winters!)
Madeline looks like a little angel all dressed up with her fancy little socks/shoes!
Matt – Maddie looks so relaxed in your arms, not anyone elses but yours, that comes from love, trust, and bonding – what an amazing father you are!
I live in Watertown, which is very close to Victoria, and Waconia – I would of stopped in if I’d known you were there
Hope you are resting, enjoying your AC, and loving every minute spent with your daughter
love to you both!
Madeline has the prettiest blue eyes! Keep up the great work, Matt.. You are doing a fabulous job! I am glad you had a good time… you truly deserve it!
You had me laughing out loud with the branding irons you gave your groomsmen. Absolutely hilarious. Madeline is perfect. And you clean up pretty well yourself! Keep up the great job you are doing….
I love Maddy’s dress for the wedding! She looked beautiful!
Glad the wedding went smoothly, and you had a good time. I wouldn’t sleep in the car either.
I am so glad you got to enjoy yourself. That photo of the sky after the rain is gorgeous. I feel like there’s a story to it…the sun, the rain and sun again. It just takes time.
Been away for awhile. I KNOW! pesky work and shit. Anyway I wanted to let you know you clean up right nice! (And we know Maddy does already!)
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