woke up at 7:30am
to aj knocking
on the window of my bedroom.
hearing his voice,
i looked out the window.
he said,
“who’s car is this?”
shit.
i said,
“i have no idea.”
i told him about the
circumstances that led
me to this place
and he just laughed.
i got out of the car,
still wearing my clothes
from the night before.
it was still early
and no one else was awake,
so i surveyed the damage:
then headed back to the
tent for a short nap,
woke up an hour later,
ready to start the day.
helped pack up the tent
and said goodbye to
those who remained.
wait.
where is brother david?
better find him.
i think he needs a ride home.
found him up and walking around,
after a comfortable night’s
sleep on a couch.
we left and
joined a few old friends for
breakfast in the waconia.
recounted tales of the night
and shared some laughs.
had another extremely unhealthy,
yet totally awesome breakfast.
added a popover to the plate.
hadn’t thought about popovers
until one of our breakfast companions
pointed out that they
were on the menu.
liz
used to make popovers.
they’re apparently difficult
to get right.
she was so fucking proud of
the way hers turned out,
claiming they were
the best ever.
she was correct
(sorry ma).
she looked for excuses to make
them, often recruiting
people for dinner parties,
just so she could show off
her popover-making abilities.
and of course she had to practice,
so she’d make popovers the night
before the dinner party,
just so she could
refine her already perfect
technique.
i ate the one i
ordered.
it sucked.
really sucked.
it was so bad that
liz
would have gone back
and made fun of the
person who made it.
finished up
breakfast and said
goodbye to everyone.
headed back to my
mom’s house to get cleaned up.
suddenly remembered that
i agreed to go
to the mia
with lindsey.
picked up madeline,
dressing her up in an
awesome outfit that
liz
would have been
extremely proud of.
into her carseat
she goes, and we drive to the
mpls for a little
culture.
met awesome auntie deb
and lindsey outside the mueseum.
inside we went,
headed straight for
the awesome photography exhibition
of one of lindsey’s former
professors.
we continued to wander
the mueseum,
checking out more
photography and some
modern art.
madeline was the perfect
little art appreciator,
that is,
up until the last few minutes
of the visit,
where i think she got a little
freaked out
out by the murakami piece
after the museum
we went to the park to
hang out and take some photos.
madeline took part in some down-time
on a blanket,
in the grass,
digging her little
toes into the dirt,
went to dinner
at a greek restaurant on
eat street.
waiter made fun of
us, saying that he
and one of the waitresses
had a bet re: whether the fourth
adult member of our party
would also be wearing green
when he arrived.
ha. ha. ha.
very funny.
no,
it wasn’t planned.
dinner was great.
awesome conversation.
headed over to aj’s house
to work on some t-shirt stuff.
later,
took madeline with me
as i went
to visit another friend.
made it back to the mtka
sort of late.
a very nice day
and night.
109 Comments
hi matt.
i am obsessed.
sorry!!
but i can’t help but check your page over and over again…
<3
That picture of Maddy’s dirty toes is awesome. One of my favorites. Glad you had a nice day…
That outfit is adorable! Love the hot dog dog on the front.
i LUVS the Murakami piece..but I am biased really liking the work in general… but for a baby- perhaps it is a bit much
http://www.bbc.co.uk/collective/dnaimages/021114/murakami7.jpg
I know you get *a lot* of raves for your photos Matt- but these ones really strike me- especially the toes in the dirt shots.
What kinda of camera do you use- have you ever written about that?
Anyway- you had a day there I am envious of- I love my small town life- but I miss going to galleries.
Thanks (as always) for sharing~
Any chance you want to share Liz’s popover recipe with us?
Hey matt- you are rockin’ that camo diaper bag! Love those pictures of the dirty piggies.
I love that last photo of you! You just need a knit hat to toss up in the air like Mary Tyler Moore.
(Fuck. I just dated myself again, huh.)
Remember the theme song to that show, tho? “You’re gonna make it after all…”
Madeline is ADORABLE in that outfit! Glad you had a nice day.
Love, love, love those toes!
Like hawkfeather I wonder about your camera. Maybe a little side job for this tired nurse (I have ideas of how to integrate the two, as well.)
I love to cook (and eat) and would be all over that popover recipe. I imagine Liz did it by memory. Always admire women like that.
Thanks again for sharing.
You have some wonderful stories (you always do), but lately you have had some very funny sorts of run in’s with people. So happy to see that you are still enjoying your time in the MN! We love having you here.
The pics of Madeline are precious!!! Her sweet toes…my favorite!!!! You are such a great daddy!!! She will be so grateful to look back at the daily journal and pics of her life!!!!! Hope you have a nice weekend!
Popovers – yum! Too bad I can’t make them edible. My poor husband has been my guinea pig the last few times and somehow graciously tries to eat the rock I put in front of him. Every time I have to tell him I used to be able to make them perfectly (really…I did).
Again – awesome pictures! Love the ones of Maddy in the park…
That outfit is adorable!!!!!
Love the pic of her dirty toe too that is precious!
glad you are having such a great time being out and busy!
It’s true – popovers are hard to get right, as I have failed several times. Best one I’ve ever had was in the WI. Props to Liz for knocking it out.
Geez Baby M is getting bigger and more beautiful (how is that possible) everytime I check your website.
hahaha love the walk of shame pic from the morning.
Wherever did you find that little outfit? SO cute!
Liz was right. Popovers ARE fucking hard to make! I hope you had lots of fun in Waconia. All of your wonderfully fabulous pictures are making this chicago girl very homesick for good old Carver County–and the pictures of sweet madeline’s dirty toes is too precious!
love all the pictures…
madeline is so so so precious…
and i LOVE greek food. i think i could eat it forever….yum.
praying for you! aloha.
The MIA outfit is awesome on Ms Madeline. Glad she survived all the culture. I think I would have gotten a bit fussy near the murakami piece as well.
Oh man. I have such a Mrs. Robinson crush on AJ.
And I totally relate to being freaked out by the murakami piece. The picture freaked me out.
(I am so freaking ready to give you the recipe to yorkshire pudding, which is I assume Liz used)
I looked at the first pic of Madeline and thought how freaking cute her toes are, especially the big toes (why? don’t know.) and THEN you just about threw me into adorable overload with the close-up shots of her toes. Really…I think I felt a pre-seizure aura or something, but luckily it subsided. I also love that you take pride in her girly outfits. Wonderful tribute to Liz, and you are going to be the most balanced father for little Maddy as she grows up.
I have lived in the MN for 21 of my 27 years and I believe it’s safe to say Maddy has seen more of the state, and experienced more of the cultural attractions, than I have. She will be so very grateful when she is old enough to appreciate all the pictures and writing you’ve done.
Love the brown outfit! Totally freaking adorable! Great photos too.
If you didn’t have a picture of the popover, I’d have no freaking clue what the hell you were talking about….I have never heard yorkshire pudding called a popover (must be my northern geographic location). And yes, it is a bitch to get right.
And I must say, you look pretty damned good for someone who slept in a car for the night.
are you freakin’ kidding me? maddy’s outfit has a WIENER on it!?!? now i’m uber miffed that i didn’t get to have a photo session with her. as the mother of two mini long haired wieners (dogs, of course!) i must be told where that gem was found. i may not sleep til i find out…so do tell! LOVE it!!!
nbl~
Another great post.
More great pictures.
And another not too bad day.
That’s pretty fucking awesome.
I, like Becky, have lived here most of my life and I beleive Madeline has seen more than me. And I’m a hellava lot older than Becky.
It certainly looks like the visit to the MN agreed with both you and Madeline. You both look great.
Sending hugs and good wishes your way….
Love the outfit Matt….you did a great job picking it out!
For the best popovers you have to come up to St.Cloud next time you’re in the MN and eat at Antons. Liz would have loved them!
oh, that pic of her toes is just too precious!
You are doing such an awesome job. The world needs more daddy’s like you. Maddy is one lucky little girl. Liz would be so proud of you.
Very cute outfit. Even cuter little toes!
I love the murakami piece, but I can see why a baby might be a little intimidated. I’ve been meaning to go to the MIA for a while now. Reading your post has made me more determined to actually do it!
My daughter has the same outfit. It is very cute and from Gymboree.
I love the pics as well. Toes in the dirt is priceless!
Hi Matt,
Cute toes,
Cute baby,
She will probably keep those beautiful blues.
I am a stranger, lucker, friend. Fuck, I always say something sweet, but life sucks, I happy you have this blog, your music and your camera to pull you through or at least get you mind off some shit, As for your situation, I too will need to discuss this with god, and ask him what the fuck was he thinking.
alright enough, hugs to you and your little one
Yorkshire pudding IS a popover? What? Isn’t it flipping pudding?
The best popovers in MN were at the River Room at Dayton’s in St. Paul.
Just wanted to say those are my favorite pics of Madeline- you amaze me with your photographs, but those taken in the grass are definitely my favorites. Thanks for sharing your beautiful daughter with us- my life is enriched every day just by seeing her precious blue eyes.
-Rebekah P. from the big D in the tx
Madeline’s outfit was perfect!
Holy cow, love the dirty toes. My boy is almost 5 mos and hasn’t had toes in the dirt yet. Putting it on my to do list for tomorrow….
Weiner dog!!! That is awesome!!
I rock the popovers too if I do say so myself. I have an awesome recipe from the England (my hubby came from across the sea).
LOVE the pic of Maddy’s dirty toes. Would love to know what type of camera you use as well.
Take care~
And the popover on your plate looks waaaaaay overcooked. Can’t imagine how it tasted. Blech!
Darling outfit on Madeline-love the sweater. It appears that you had a great time in Minnesota-you certainly did a lot!!! Great photos as usual.
OOOPS….the pink tie is looking a little tired “the morning after”. And the first thing I thought when I saw that popover was….NASTY. That’s one nasty looking popover!
Madeline is styling yet again. Love, love, love that cardigan sweater. I want one in big girls size. Hey, I went web surfing last night looking for patterns to crochet her a dress. I haven’t found anything quite cute enough for her yet, but I’m still looking. Only the best will do.
- Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife
Madeline is the spitting image of Liz in the picture where she’s in her stroller… right under the pic of the Minneapolis Inst. of Arts sign. Same heart warming smile
Adorable outfit.
Glad whoever owned that car didn’t drive off with you in it!
PS. Fuck Jill
That Gymboree outfit is adorable on her
I’m surprised Madeline didn’t crap her pants when she saw the Murakami piece.
We (the viewing audience) may have been hoping to catch a little glimpse inside the men’s room at the MIA. Do art fans pee more properly than sports fans? Enquiring minds want to know…
The earlier at the MIA, the better. As in, when one is months old rather than years. Go daddy, go daddy, go daddy.
This trip appears to be somewhat magical….a few really nice days in a row
you look happy
I mean happy happy
the black rings
are going
maybe mass amounts of alcohol have let you sleep
Madeline so aware and engaged
ok, so the popovers suck… you really wouldn’t have wanted fuckin’ great popovers, would you?
I agree with kate from the northridge…
this is almost mary tyler mooreish
Maddie is totally rocking that pink and brown outfit! I love it! And those big blue eyes! OMG. You better watch out when she gets older.
So glad to hear that wonderful kitchen in your house was actually used for something besides reheating dishes other people bring over with them!
But especially, I hope that someday you’ll attempt to master Liz’s popover recipe yourself (even if it takes a few tries, or even way more than a few tries) just so Maddy can taste a batch made especially for her with the same love that went into the batches you remember. What a great memory to share with her. (Besides, formula and jars will only get you so far — eventually you’re probably going to have to add cooking to your many talents anyway!
To become a work of art is the object of living.
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
I think that makes Liz, Madeline and yourself masterpieces then.
This is for all you folks wondering about Matt’s camera(s): If you go to his Flickr page and click on one of his pictures, it’ll tell you what camera he used to take the picture (lower right side of the screen), and if you click on “more properties” it’ll tell you all sorts of cool things, like what exposure setting was used for that picture. And I don’t know this because I’m a crazy stalker chick, just because I have friends with Flickr pages.
You didn’t mention the Liz + Popover connection on Sunday, but man, I’m relieved to hear her version was far superior to that dry rock o’ dough that accompanied my soggy hash b’s and plastic cheese omelette. Somehow, I still achieved clean plate club status–Blegh. Good times, M & M! Keep telling your story and feeling the endless support that surrounds you.
the picture of you and madeline laying in the grass is fantastic. a beautiful picture.
You have to be one of the busiest people in the world. I guess that is why young people have babies. Sometimes when looking at your pictures of Madeline I sure do miss my daughter being a baby…of course that was 28 years ago! I could just see my poor ass dragging if I had to chase a baby now. I’m still the crazy lady in Texas and I’m still pulling for you.
FYI…PULLING FOR YOU = praying for you.
I was going to say your popover looked nasty and did not warrant the need of taking a bite!! Even though I can not make them for the life of me, I know what they are supposed to look like and when I initially saw the picture I though to myself “What is that”?? I am glad Liz mastered them and gloated about it. I am the one whining in the kitchen everytime I make them wondering what the hell i did wrong?!?!?! Madeline is just too cute. You do such and awesome job with dressing her. Even though my husband has had 2 little girls in his life for quite a while, he has never once dressed them as well as you do yours!! Keep up the AWESOME work!!
PS ~ is she a red head?????
Matt, that picture of you and Madeline in the grass is my all-time favorite. The tenderness as you look at her and your gentle touch says everything about the father you are being to her. As I watch her thrive, I know how very fortunate she is to have you as her father, and mother, too. I have a friend who also worried that he wouldn’t be able to braid his daughters’ hair, after their mother left them at ages 2 and 6. Well, he never did learn to braid it, but they were spoiled with love and attention. Now in their 30s, his daughters love to look through their photo albums and laugh at all the special times they had. His daughters are now making sure to pass family traditions on to their own families. Popovers aren’t one of them, but they continue to make homemade waffles on Sunday mornings.
I have to agree with Northridge Kate, that the last photo is sort of Mary Tyler Moore-ish- too funny! Great diaper bag, btw.
And I really like that close up picture of Madeline in her cute brown outfit. She looks like the spitting image of Liz there I think, alhtough I guess Liz had a wee bit more hair. Maddy will catch up though :O)
If you had gone into the gift shop of the MIA, you would have actually seen quite a few robots for sale! I hesitated over getting you one or two there–that is actually where I bought the robot playing cards I got for you. And the Children’s Theater (next door) is where I got Madeline the soundtrack for “A Year With Frog and Toad.” The show was created there at the Children’s Theater, so I thought it would be nice for her to have something specific to the MN. My girls absolutely adore the music, and I hope Madeline will love it, too.
Great pictures, as always. Glad you had a great day.
Hi, I’ve been reading (lurking) your blog for the past month and have loved watching your little girl grow. I’m so excited she’s smiling! I just wanted to leave a comment about how well you’re looking, you’re looking really healthy. It’s lovely to see. All the best in your travels, my thoughts are always with you.
Madeline’s outfit is so cute!
Boy, the food at that place in Waconia is really pretty good but their popovers really DO suck.
LOVED the pictures of Madeline at MIA and I can honestly say taht I would’ve been freaked out by that Murakami piece too. Probably would’ve crapped my pants.
Glad that you enjoyed your trip to the MN. Come back to Waconia again and we’ll take you to the world’s best burger joint.
that outfit is to to TO cute. Baby toe pics are divine.
sounds like you’ve perfected the art of sleeping in cars
love the pics of Madeline!
I have never tried to make a popover before, but my mom says that it is as difficult as a souffle, and well. .. . i totally blew that. But if Liz could make them well, that is a talent. I too think you should master her recipe when Madeline gets a little bit older
Maddy is as adorable as ever; precious little outfit!
You guys are a great pair
your picture are awesome. the one with you and Madeline in the grass is beautiful. so glad you had a good day. Madeline’s outfit is very cute!
hugs from NJ
erica and Landon
What a fun day! I’m impressed that you had so much energy after sleeping in the backseat of an unknown person’s car!
It sounds like you’re packing in a lot while you’re back in the MN…take care of yourself and thank you again for sharing your daily story with us all!
Could she be any cuter? Seriously adorable. And beautiful pictures, as usual. I want to grab a blanket and hang out in the grass at the park!
Wow. . . That brown outfit on Madeline was adorable. I can see why Liz would be proud.
I am amazed at how many cool and fun things you are constantly doing. I have lived in Minneapolis for 10 years, and I still haven’t been to MIA. Sad.
Totally agree on all the comments re Madeline and all of her gorgeosity!! The outfit is cherry on the cake!
Gotta comment on the fish on the wall. I have one of those – if you push the red button the head and tail swings, the mouth opens and it sings “Take Me To the River” – I’m not kidding. Freakin’ funny stuff.
I still don’t get what the fuck a popover is. Am I missing something great? Looks like a muffin to me. Matt, you really need to work for the MN dept of travel/tourism. I now must add it to my list of states I actually care about visiting.
Great choice on the outfit. Anything with dogs works for me.
I’m loving Miss M’s dress. So adorable… and
your baby bag- not so adorable but very cool. Need to get one for my husband!
My favorite Madeline outfit yet. She wore it well.
The photo of her dirty toe is just priceless.
The Murakami piece scares me, too.
I’m going to have nightmares about the murakami piece. You can’t blame Madeline for not enjoying that.
oh my gosh, i have never seen a more stylin’ outfit! good choice matt! liz was smiling that day for sure! and of course i agree, the little piggies pics are the best. maybe you could quit your job & be a freelance photog instead. then you could take maddy to work with you every day!
What great pictures. Sound like a good time. I love the camo diaper bag! It’s perfect.
love the pics, as always. the pic of madeline sleeping in the grass is just adorable. it’s really nice to hear you having these good days.
i love madeline’s brown outfit! and how adorable are those photos of her toes in the dirt?!?! makes me want to have another baby right now. she is just precious. you’re doing a great job!
Great pics of Madeline and I love the outfit!! Super cute:) and I’m not even gonna lie the murakami piece as original as it is, would have freaked me out too!! lol. Have a great day !
Did you know that Christo’s was voted Best Greek in the Mpls/St. Paul mag???? It’s awesome. You’re hitting up all my favorite spots in the Mpls!
Love the pics of the piggies. So great.
I am always amazed at how much energy you have and how you get around! There’s no way I could be up for a day at a museum the night after sleeping in a car…and likely hungover, no less.
How did you like Christos…? I love that place. But that park across from the MIA is a tad scary…once I took my then-1-year-old son there and found quite a collection of syringes laying around on the ground. Should I be prematurely concerned that he found them fascinating…?
Liz is right about the popovers…if she was a master at them, I’m even more impressed with her than I already have been.
Glad you had so many good days here in the MN. You look a lot less shitty than you used to.
Shoot…I wish I had Maddie’s sweater…..way too cute….you’re doing a great job Dad….
My favorite pixs of sweet Madeline yet. She is so blessed to have you for her Daddy.
(shaking my head) That was one sad looking popover.
PS Would you get up to Tuesday/Wednesday already…?! I have been so nervous about your return to the CA and the possible emotional fallout thereof…I want to know you are okay!!
Please Matt, do it for my mental health…’cuz God knows this blog is all about ME.
I LOVE her outfit! And HATE the popover!
Loved Maddy’s outfit for the day and loved her dirty toes picture!!! Looks like it was a great day.
Love the picture of the dirty toes! Looks like an almost perfect summer day! MN misses you already.
I have become so addicted to your blog you have no idea…someone i work with turned me onto it the second week you were writing…i remember reading them and just crying…now each morning when i arrive at work it is the first thing i do before i even check my email…i have fallen in love with Maddy…you are an amazing father and you have no idea the amazing impact you have/will make on Maddy and thousands of other peoples lives!!!! Thanks for sharing your life with us!!!!
I love the outfit!
LOVE the picture of M’s dirty toes. Adorable! Some of the best times are spent just lying in the grass with my kids. Have a wonderful day with your little M!
Something tells me no one’s popovers will ever be as good. And you can tell everyone forever that Liz made the best fucking popovers ever.
From the aftermath it looks like the wedding was a rockin party.
The museum looks like fun, but hanging in the park looks better, love the dirty piggy pictures, those are fantastic!
Oh lord her muddy toes….
magic.
I love that she dug her toes into the dirt. Babies are fantastic. Wish we all made more time to enjoy things as grownups like babies do.
P.S. Sending you and Miss Madeline something today….look for it!
WOW….. that popover was pathetic looking! I hope U didnt eat that! Did U?
I’m offically addicted to your blog! someone turned me onto it right before the passing of your pretty awesome wife…You are an amazing father even though all of this is still new to you, Keep up the great work of fatherhood! Thanks for sharing the daily life. LOVE the WEE LIL O’toes! Fuckin Adorable!
Hey weird, my little one (8 weeks) was wearing that outfit yesterday! I did a double take!
I now have to go look up what the heck a popover is…
Pass by Just to say…. HAVE A NICE and PEACEFUL weekend!!!!
From the very bottom of the continent
XOXO
Sol
Love the outfit.
Chrystos is awesome, I love going with a group to get just appetizer, you can’t go wrong there.
Best popovers, Macy’s in St Paul, the River Room. don’t bother with anyone else’s. You look more rested, that’s nice to see.
It is AWESOME that you took her to a museum! Do it now because once she starts walking it’s all over! I have stopped going out in public with my kids. I have about 2 more years before we can do that stuff again!
I love the outfit and I love the toes. ; )
Fun, fun, fun! I’m so happy for you and Maddy that you’re getting out and enjoying yourselves. Maddy’s lil dirty toes are hilarious. Love that pic the most! Take care of yourself and have a good wkend! xo
I found your site through the article in the Star Tribune a few months back and I have been hooked ever since.
Madeline is absoluety adorable and you are doing such an awesome job.
Have a great weekend!
So has this extended visit to mlps made you think about moving back closer to your family? Just curious.
I dunno about Matt, but *I’M* ready to move back there to be closer to his family! BWAHAHAHAHAHAH! Srsly! Can they adopt me?
I love all of the pictures. Madeline is really changing and growing so much!
I was laughing when I realized your “bedroom window” was really a car window belonging to a person you didn’t even know. Funny shit! I love your sense of humor
LOVE the new pics! And like someone else said – glad nobody drove off with you in their car. Now THAT would have sucked.
You’re looking healthier Matt, and I’m so glad to see it. Thinking of you with kindness and knowing Liz is looking down and smiling knowing what an amazing daddy you are. Maddy is one lucky dirty-toed-adorable-outfit-wearing-nationwide-travelin’ baby! 
All the best.. from the armpit of America. 
That picture of Maddie’s little toes made me mist up a little bit. Shows just how precious life is. Only 13 weeks until my little Peach makes his/her appearance into the world.
Matt, that outfit is too cute. I have a friend who is a Gymboree addict. They sure do make the sweetest kids clothing.
In the UK we call popovers Yorkshire Puddings, but we have them with Sunday roasts, not breakfast. If you ever master Liz’s recipe, try putting cooked sausages in an oven dish, pour the batter over them and bake til they pop up – Toad in the Hole as we call it!
LOL at the matching green gang!
Hi Matt,
That outfit on maddie is pretty awesome! She is such a beautiful baby, and looks extremely content.You are doing such an amazing job with her. I imagine Liz is extremely proud of you both!I am constantly amazed at your generosity in sharing your blog with all of us. Like probably everybody else, I am absolutely hooked on it.I look forward to the updates on Madeline and to see all of the wonderful pics, and to hear how you are. I have been enjoying the pics of your trip to the MN. I have lived in mn all my life and love it here. I hope you and Madeline had an awesome trip!
Great pictures, as always. I agree that Madeline has grown so much and seems to be developing quite a personality. I have been following the blog since the end of April, but have only been reading the comments for a couple of weeks. I haven’t figured out who Jill is yet, but there is obviously a story there! You guys/broads are a hoot… the comment section is like following a soap opera, I love it!
MPLS looks like a great city on the edge of wilderness. I may have to add it to my list of places to see.