woke up early
and met aj and sonja
for breakfast at the
cuban restaurant near their
house. got a little
too much sleep, i think
and ended up arriving
a later than i’d planned.
delicious breakfast and
(as always with these two)
an awesome conversation.
talked extensively
about what i should do
now that my pc has
crashed.
they say mac.
i say, um…maybe.
finished up, said goodbye
and headed to the mtka
to pick up the fam
for our trip to
the cemetery.
drove to a lovely spot
overlooking the river
and did what some
people do when a person dies.
a final goodbye.
afterward we headed back
to my mom’s house
and hung out with the immediate family,
laughing and playing,
the cousins hanging out together
(they’re going to be best buds).
the question was asked,
“what should we do now?”
“let’s go shoot some guns.”
sweet.
haven’t done this in a
million years.
left madeline with
grandma broccoli
and we made our way
to the lawless west of the waconia.
bought some clay pigeons
(these are not real birds, folks),
headed out to the farm
and blasted through
a whole bunch of rounds.
lots of fun, just hanging
with the guys.
finished up, went back
to the house,
and spent some time
with the fam.
invited the g. grandparents over
and we talked about
passed around
my baby.
lots of family time this weekend,
time for some friend time.
left madeline with
the s. grandparents
and went with josh
to find nate in the st. paul.
went to an irish pub downtown
and enjoyed some food
and drinks on the patio.
lindsey l. arrived and
hung out with us.
the rain started and we
retreated down the stairs
to the safety of the bar.
finished up the drinks
in the bar
and the conversation
on the sidewalk
and headed home.
driving home it hit me…
(apologies to mr. fante) but
2008 was a bad year
decided right then
and there
that i’m calling it quits.
that’s it.
yeah, it’s still 2008,
but i’m calling
what’s left
2008 part 2.
part 1 sucked,
except for the birth
of madeline and a few
other things, but
mostly it sucked.
2008 part 2 is where
things start to look up.
staring at a face like this everyday,
how could it not?
138 Comments
Awe finally a full smile pic!! She is absolutely precious!!
I also agree with the Mac idea!! They are the best!
Mac all the way- you’ll love the ease and the endless possibilities of playing with your mad photo skills. I promise you’ll never look back at those filthy PC’s.
Here’s to 2008: Part 2!
Also 2 of my favs to listen too…Jonny Lang and Collective Soul if you’re interested.
It’s been a long day… but that last photo just made everything okay.
Can’t even imagine the power of that smile in person.
Thanks for sharing it.
first? is that possible?
glad you are looking towards a bright future with miss m.
I hope Part 2 is far better for you, Matt!
Brystal
Awesome ending to the post!
She sure gets more beautiful as she grows!
Hey Matt, I seriously love the shot of you and the house…it has an artistic give to it that makes me relook at things. As far as the Madeline shot…glad to see another one of her precious smiles!!
maddie looks so much like liz its amazing. good luck on 2008 part 2. its going to be amazing. how can it not?
wow, what a positive way to end the post. i am glad to hear you say that. (well, glad for YOU). hope you can settle into a more routine life soon; or at least one with less sadness and more happiness mixed with contentedness (is that even a word?).
Matt that last paragraph is great and the picture is PERFECT. She made me laugh out load at my desk. From here on out, it’s 2008 part 2!!
I like the idea of your having a 2008 part 2. No one deserves a better 1/2 year than you and Madeline.
Cheers to that!
You, Mr. L, are top banana. Here’s to a wayyyyy better 2008, Part Deux.
oh yeah – and AJ’s right. Mac, mate. Mac! We have both at home and the Mac, she is a thing of great beauty (and not bad functionality, either).
I love that pic of her smiling. I hope part 2 of 2008 is better for you.
I’ve read your blog for a month now and I just want to say thanks for sharing. You are a true inspiration to many. No doubt you ponder all kinds of things never spoken or written, but it is obvious you are moving to a better place. How wonderful for you and your sweet baby girl.
I also think the Mac idea is just what you need, and an iphone to go with it… you’ll be all synced up… especially as you begin part 2.
Awwww Matt! That last pic of Madeline is priceless! She makes me smile!
I am glad you are enjoying your time in the Mn with your family. So sorry about your grandpa.
hey matt….been following you and miss maddie for a while now, and have been saving up a comment for something really good. today’s final picture of that baby’s smile did it for me. amazing what a baby smile can do for your heart, huh? you, your family and friends have all been an inspiration to me- a full life and support system to strive for…i hope your time in minnesota is spent enjoying the many that love you guys so much!
katie
p.s. totally go for the Mac…you’ll never go back. rhyme unintended.
Wow, I never realy thought so before (sorry) but Madeline really does look like Liz in that last picture.
I am continuously amazed at how positive you manage to stay. I think you are an amazing person, Matt.
I am positive that 2008:2 will bring happiness, positive memories of Liz, friendship, love and more blogging!
Happy New Year!
http://www.fiveblondes.com
Hey–Was the the Local?? Or which Irish Bar? Ever been to the Dubliner in St Paul on Univ/Cretin?? Best bar ever!
Again, thanks for your pics and CHEERS TO A PART 2 Awesome year.
When can I get a t shirt?
So the other day, I went to the chiropractor, and he peeked his head in the door to say he’d be just a minute and saw my little boy and broke into this- (baby talk)- ohhh what a handsome little boy, ahdoopdoopdoop, you are such a handsome little boy… it went on for at least 40 seconds, which IS a long time, I so wish I’d had my video camera, isn’t it great what a baby will do to a person! You are amazing keep up the good work!
Here’s to Part 2!
Hey if there’s ever a time you feel like shooting shit, the husband has a ton of guns. Feel free to come up to Oak Tree. Our treat.
Cheers to you.
PS Fuck Jill.
You’ve opened yourself up for some crazy fanboys (girls?) now that you’ve questioned the power of the Mac (hallowed be thy name).
Is that a smile?? Cuteness.
you don’t know me but i love your blog. Thanks for sharing with the internet.
i just got a MacBook ( i call him Miggity Mac) and i can’t say enough good things about it. they have one on one training now (like a personal trainer for your Mac) and iphoto is too cool.
your Madeline is yummy, i want to eat her.
ever thought about putting ads on your blog for her college fund?
That pic of you in the window is TRIPPY. Was that planned or were you trying to take a picture of something else? Maddie’s smile is ADORABLE! And she’s so intent on whoever she’s looking at. You boys and your toys, I hope someone doesn’t loose an eye with all that gun shooting!
How ironic that you saw a sign marked Jeff Gordon Avenue just days after dissing him so brutally on your blog. Did you urinate on it just to make your point…? Did you shove your “24″ wrist in its face and yell, “Screw you! This is a completely DIFFERENT 24! Take that, Jeff Gordon!”…? If you didn’t, you should have.
Love that you are moving on to 2008 Part Two. It’s an excellent idea and I’m proud of you.
That face at the end…what an incredible sight. Things are looking up, indeed.
Maddy is definitely something to smile about! Many mad, fat, long hugs from MI.
Here’s to 2008 Part II.
Come on, I think you’re a really smart guy – get a Mac, no question!
Matt I seriously veto the Mac idea! They are honestly horrible. I bought one (because it was cute) and was in and out of the stupid Mac store trying to get it to work. The customer service guys are no help at all. Seriously. I’d say get a Dell. Thats what I have now, and it works fast and easy, even with my million photos on it. Plus, Adobe photoshop rocks my socks.
But more importantly, you should definitely get an external hard drive to back-up all your photos. Thats probably most important, no matter which you choose to get. That way, you don’t have to spend tons of money ($500-800) on file recovery if your computer crashes.
and dude. who’s Jill and why are we fucking her?!
LOL
hmm..i’m not a mac girl, but you don’t me so what does it matter what i think.
yes, part 1 not so great. part 2 will be MUCH better. was that a bathroom pic you snuck in? no Madeline in tow for that one. love that you ended with a beautiful Madeline smile.
hugs from NJ,
erica and Landon
Here’s to 2008 part 2!! It seems to be going around. I have a friend who was widowed at 31 last year and she is finally starting to feel human again. This summer is the summer she’s finally starting to live again – getting out and feeling the sun on her face. It’s beautiful. The hardest part is being able to accept (and not feel guilty about it) that life can still be beautiful, even though sometimes it can be downright cruel. I hope you and your gorgeous baby girl have a wonderful second half of the year.
As they say in America’s Top Model, Madeline’s look is so totally do editorial (that’s a good thing). She’s really beautiful. Happy New Half Year!
Hey Matt – what a great last picture!! Madeline is so cute and so many expressions now. It is really great to see.
Here’s to 2008-2!!
Once you go Mac you’ll never go back.
Next time try shooting a black sock hanging on a tree or clothesline. If I remember that correctly, the bb’s will then stick to the sock and you can reuse them!
Hola,
I received a mac in October 07 and I am NEVER going back to a PC. You won’t regret it. Especially since you are a photographer like I am. Good luck with your computer search.
Amanda from MA
Ps. don’t get a dell, they are so crappy.
Hmm, my post the other day got eaten up commenting on your airplane vomit story.
Matt, I have my microsoft certification–although I deny it sometimes—and I like my macpro laptop ALOT. You can do all sorts of groovy things with it and it would work well with your photography and video/movie making of little M growing up. The only thing I don’t do on a mac is edit my photographs.
Love her smile!
I love how you love your daughter. It’s inspirational, it truly is.
I’m so disappointed…I always hope that I will run into you when you’re in town and this time you were only minutes from me (were you at the Liffey or Patrick McGovern’s on W 7th?). Darn, missed out again!
Hey at my Company its FY09 – so think of it that way. Your 2008 is a fiscal year, and you have given as much as you could to FY08. So there!
Ok, that was totally geeky accounting sounding. Happy 0802!
xoxo
Oh my word, that picture of Madeline brought tears to my eyes, she is so beautiful! Here’s to 2008 part 2. Hugs to you both!
awwwww…love the smile! Thanks for that!
Such a sweet smile!! She is absolutely adorable!!
Here! Here! I so agree! Let’s call it part deux and hope that things will pick up….
Hey! This reminds me of when Queen Elizabeth talked about her “annus horribilis” (at least I think she meant it with two “n”s)…
But of course, that’s probably like Magna Carta-era history for a young’un like yourself, so never mind.
Anyway, I think it’s a great idea to continue to fuck with the fabric of time. If Maddy can have 52 birthdays, you can most certainly have a second 2008. And may it be so great that that one smile up there actually ends up being the low point!
Fuckity, fuck……..Liz would be so proud of you!
The first half of 2008 brought enough heartache to last your family two lifetimes; I like the idea of closing the door on that half of the year.
So, in that spirit: happy new year to you and your family and friends. I can’t imagine how much you’ve all suffered over the last few months, but the way you’ve rallied around one another (and especially Matt) is exemplary.
Madeline was always a beautiful baby, but it’s so clear that she’s developing a personality and becoming more animated. You mentioned that you haven’t been shooting in ages. Might I suggest that you begin to amass guns in earnest so that you’ll be all ready to scare the boys away when the time comes.
xxxxx
Bless your optimism.
Bless your sweet Madeline.
Bless you.
And bless Part 2!!!
(P.S. The Jeff Gordon picture totally cracked me up.)
That smile is so sweet! You’re right. She’s giving you lots to look forward to. I love the ceiling in that bar.
I was hoping for a bathroom picture . . . sheesh I’ve become a freak about men’s rooms thanks to you.
Well I think that is a great proposition… Happy 2008 pt 2 to you!
Happy New Year!! I think that 2008:2 is a FANTASTIC idea. Your recent optimism has me in absolute awe. I think it is fan-fucking-tastic! Me, I often respond to the bad times by crawling into a fetal postion and lying on the closet floor (slight exaggeration…maybe…), so anyone who can continue to greet the day with a smile has me fascinated. Especially under the circumstances. Of course, if I was able to see theat last pic in real life every day, how could I not feel like there is hope in the world! She just blows me away, and I’ve never even seem her…
I also LOVE the fact that you can shoot guns, yet say “Fuck Jeff Gordon”. In this neck of the woods, those two cannot be mutually exclusive. Love guns=love Nascar. (except me-I hate Nascar…)
(I think its hilarious that you explained the clay pigeons!)
Im not weighing in on th Mac vs. PC debate. We will all love you either way, despite what some may say
As an aside, there was a Cuss-O-Meter showing up on your site earlier today and it listed your site as “LOW” in cuss content…. Are they fucking serious???? Are we slacking in our fuck content. Something must be done about this…..
p.s. Love the photo outside of the inside (Sorry you had to explain it to me….here in PA, we can be s-l-o-w sometimes!!) Am I the only moron who didn’t get that it was a mirror???
It’s okay. i think even Madeline would agree with the suckiness of 2008 pt. 1.
You need to Twitter.
You know what they say “Once you go Mac, you never go back!” ‘nuf said.
You should have a Happy New Year party and call it 2008 Part Deaux (a la Hot Shots, circa 1991, 1993)
she is simply amazing – so so stunningly beautiful. She looks so much like BOTH you and Liz.
take care
jean
Totally agree with the “Once you go Mac”, the 2008 part 2 and the fact that you have the most beautiful baby in the whole world.
coming out of lurkdom to comment on that last picture.
oh. my. gosh! i’m quite in love with her already (i’ve known her… through your blog… a good 18, maybe 19 days) … so i can only imagine what another many days will do to me.
thanks for your posts. thinking of you… and madeline.
Matt-
The pic of smiling Maddy just made what has been a pretty crappy day – way, way better!
2008 part 2 WILL be better, no question
about it
Cheers to a better 2008, part 2. Trust me it will get so much better. Madeline’s little baby smiles will turn into giggles and then the big belly laugh. Oh how I love those!!
We drove by the infamous big fish in Garrison on Friday. Thought of you hanging from its mouth. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to stop. We were trying to beat the storm to our cabin, didn’t work and ended up drenched.
P.S. fuck Jill
her smile melts my heart (just like i know it does yours!).
that smile and that little girl are going to make 2008 Part Deux AWESOME I have no doubt.
Looks like you were at the Liffy…
I *heart* Apple, so I vote for a Mac.
SO love this post. Happy that you enjoyed your family/friend time. Madeline is such a bright ray of sunshine. I love this blog. Triple love it.
Matt -
That adorable little face with that beautiful smile has to bring a song to your heart everytime you see it. I’m sure you are still dealing with some really tough days, but hopefully the joy Madeline brings will help you endure.
May 08-Part 2 be MUCH better indeed.
MAC all the way! You will love it with all the pics you take. Super easy uploads and downloads. I’ll never, ever go back to PC again.
And wow, does Madeline ever look like Liz in that last pic. Just beautiful.
I think that’s an incredible idea!
Go MAC all the way!
And I LOVE the full smile photo…made me laugh out loud at how freaking adorable it was!!
I love the idea of 2008, part 2. Just one question, for the purposes of clarification. Do we still hate Tuesdays and the 25th or are we giving them a second chance?
Thinking of you as you have said goodbye to your grandpa…and looking up for a better 2008 part 2 for you and Miss Maddy! Love that last picture -just precious! There is nothing like a smiling baby!!!
First off — get the Mac. I was an avid PC user for years. When my Dell up and bit the dust last November, I opted for a Mac after tiring of all the issues I had with PCs. I opened the box and fell in love with this little white piece of amazingness. It’s far superior when it comes to music and photos… and extremely user friendly.
I, too, am curious what Irish pub it was… I’m a recent transplant to St Paul (from WI) and went to Patrick McGovern’s on 7th last weekend… the patio picture leads me to believe it might be the same place (the inside ones do no good as we didn’t venture in at all).
I firmly believe that you can start the new year whenever you want. If that’s what it takes, then do it.
The pics of Madeline constantly make me rethink my decision not to have children. She’s so adorable!
Sarah in the St Paul
I know we just just a mini mac for my daughter and it rox.. i am a biased mac lover though- I swear it is a cult man.
although with a cult like running you know there is lots of support out there and you can get info online from other mac cult followers in a heart beat.
the mini mac is cheap and awesome..
and the imac is stunning.
we have a powerbook and it is great too..
go mac.
moving away form windows.. I think few look back.
that last shot of your girl..
what a perfect vision of bliss she is.
Yay for part 2…
I think your supporters are probably all on board with helping you make part 2 better than part .
Maybe we should plan an online party.. each in our collective corners of the world.. having a toast to Liz.. to Madeline and all her beauty and to 2008 PART TWO.
Love the smiling pic!
Here’s to Part Two!!
i’ve been reading your blog for quite some time now… sigh, yes, a lurker.
graphic designer here. i just had to speak up on this… YES GET A MAC! ;o)
take care and be good to yourself.
-Trina
She’s so beautiful. My baby is a week younger and those smiles never get old. I could look at her forever and I’m sure you feel the same about M. I really appreciate your optimism.
Mac! Mac! Mac!
It seems the vote is unanimous.
GET the MAC.
You won’t regret it.
May your Part 2 be filled with all sorts of smiles and joy like that final picture of your beautiful little girl! Adorable beyond all words.
Get a Mac.
Best investment ever.
When you drop a wad in the store and they hand you computer…and receipt.
They say “welcome to the family”
They are not joking.
Get a Mac. You do enough image and word processing, the computer will shave seconds which lead into minutes building into hours that you can do other things, like play with your daughter, stare at the wall, take pictures.
Or get a PC and spend those seconds, hours, days, lifetime waiting for your PC to start up.
Srsly.
That reflective self portrait is straight up bad ass.
go with the mac!!! i am a mac user, and once you go mac, you’ll never go back!
hha. they are really good with photography and such.
so, i am taking a couple summer courses in art, and this is this lady in one of them, and she wears her husbands wedding band on her ring finger along with her band and her engagement ring. i haven’t asker her about it, but i just thought of you when i saw it.
Meaning the one with the house. the other one is cool, but the house window.
yeah, badass.
It is wonderful to hear your positive affirmation for the rest of the year…who could not looking at that sweet face of your precious Madeline? Bless you Matt and Maddie. May you see the beauty of every day through Maddie’s eyes.
Here’s wishing you a “Happy New Year!!” and I hope that you only have smiles and if there are tears, they are tears of joy! You deserve it- and what a beautiful face to greet you each day!
ugh, she’s so freaking adorable, matt! the healing power of our little ones’ faces is incredible. i’m so glad that madeline is good for what’s ailing you…
mac user here. Is Madeline the cutest thing ever or what (well, the 2nd cutest thing, right up there with my Sydney)? I hope you are able to enjoy some of your time back in the MN, despite the circumstances. Good work on picking out her outfit.
Here’s to 2008 Part 2!!!!
AND
Get a MAC!!!! I’m kind-of shocked you’re not already a mac user… but, also get the extended warranty, because like any product that you use extensively everyday, sometimes they need a little tune-up and the warranty is totally worth it.
Delurking to wish you an amazingly Happy New Year 2008, part two.
I was sent a link to your blog about a month ago and have been spell bound ever since. I’ve been sitting here for minutes now trying to find the words to say thank you for sharing your story, your life and your beautiful girls. That will have to do though.
I was a PC user until I met my husband (he’s in the graphics industry). I still have to use a PC at work but MUCH prefer our Mac at home. You will find more power in it than I ever will as I’m not a terribly good photographer!
Much love to you and Madeline from Down Under.
Your views of life (and as we are finding, death) are so amazing and inspirational. . . Thank you again for allowing me, and a couple of others, a glance into your life, the life of your lovely baby, the life and death of Liz. I cannot wait to see what amazing – and only wonderful things – 2008 part 2 will bring to you. I could only hope that if there are others out there that are struggling with events as awful as you have gone through or maybe something that just “kind of” sucks, they find your site. I think that you have so much to share with people, not just what you do every day, but things that are true and deep. – Ok, well, day 2 of not really making sense. When I compose in my brain, my posts are really good! You will just have to trust me.
Here’s Part 2!!! Happy 2008.2!
Heres to 2008 part two! Hope the second half is filled with awesome… as to PC vs. Mac. I was all PC and then my laptop died and somehow I ended up with a sweet little macbook. I love it and I will never go back… although I still have to use a PC at work.
So I am coming forth from the shadows for the first time. I have been following your story for a little over a month now. Generally I don’t feel the need to comment becuase I don’t think that I can say anything more than what everyone else says, but I was thinking today… how does it feel to have so many ‘friends’ that you couldn’t possibly have the time to respod to them all? You truly are an amazing person with a beautiul little girl. I see a lot of babies in my line of work and Madeline is… hard to find the right word to describe her… exquisite. She is absolutely beautiful! Thinking of you and sending hugs from the NE!!!
I mostly lurk but I can’t get over how B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L little Madeline is. She is so precious.
“Happy PT 2 year”
Wow! She is beautiful!! That mouth looks just like all the pictures you show of Liz! WOW!
Wow, that last shot took my breath away and put a huge smile on my face at the same time! Maddy is just so adorable — and getting so big! How could you not look forward to waking up to her smile.
Here’s to 2008 – Part Deux!
PS. I’m voting for a Mac. I was a PC user until I bought a Mac laptop six months ago. LOVE, Love, love it!
Madeline just gets more gorgeous every day. That smile! Wow! I am a pc person but my husband (a mac guy) bought me a new Macbook. I love it. It came with a free itouch….how cool is that!
Love and best wishes from your No. 1 Illinois fan, Matt.
And how could it not? What a delightful face she has! Hang in there Matt.
*love* this post… that last photo just melted my heart.
Cheers to a much happier 2008, part 2!
The best photo of Madeline ever. Love the smile. Go Mac. I was the least likely person to get a Mac. Can’t beat it for photos and speed. Reluctant to leave Windows? Easy to partition the hard drive and have them download your essentials on the Windows platform. I move between them daily. Apple also downloaded all my photos to Iphoto. love it.
Go with the Mac. I fell in love with mac when my school (I was a teacher BC, that’s before child) switched. You won’t be sorry.
Here’s to a kick ass 2008 Part 2!
I have a completely unrelated question. I have my Canon Rebel that I absolutely love, but it is so inconvenient to haul around to all the places and events that I want to take pictures at. I’ve been in the market for a smaller camera, but don’t know which route I want to go. I’ve noticed that you also have a smaller camera (that takes amazing photographs) that you use, also, so I thought I might ask you (or anyone else on here, for that matter (I know I’ve seen a few of you mention that you’re photographers)) for suggestions? Sorry for hijacking…
I’ve been reading since almost the beginning (end), but haven’t posted yet. This is my favorite post yet. You’ve had a great attitude and throughout the whole process, but I see more hope in this post than I’ve seen yet. I trust that things will be brighter in 2008, part 2. You are doing wonderfully w/ Madeline!!
Cheers to new beginnings! And may the New Year bring lots of blessings and be better than the last.
Absolutely adorable. Even my daughter agrees. She is sitting next to me and, when we got to the last picture, said, “A baby! Pretty.”
Happy New Year!
and
Mac. Don’t even think twice.
Hi,
I’m de-lurking here.
Your baby is sooooooooo fucking adorable I can’t stand it and NOT comment anymore….:)
That last picture did it or me.
She is too cute for words.
I hope your holding up as well as can be expected.
My father’s death anniversary is coming up here on the 7th of August, and even tho its been 5 years its still hard to deal with.
I had to go threw the same bullshit you had to with all the closing of bank accounts and all the other business you have to take care of when a person dies.
BTW…..I had always wanted to go to Cliftons Cafateria out in LA……..have you been there??
I love to take pictures as well and thought that would be an awesome place to take some.
Your photos ROCK…..you have a VERY good eye.
anyway, I’m off to bed now.
Take Care!!
Absolutely. Follow Madeline’s lead and learn to laugh again. My 2007 was divided into Part 1 and Part 2, with Part 2 being the sucky part when my daughter died. 2008 is a brand new start. Let 2008b be your brand new start. Great things await, I just know it.
Proverbs 3:5-6
goodness, she’s just growing up so fast! she’s gettin’ so big! i’m glad that you had some family time, even if it wasn’t under better circumstances.
Matt and Madeline,
I agree with all the fellow Mac enthusiasts out there… you should definitely convert to the wonderful world of Apple. And your photos continue to inspire…especially that last one of Miss Madeline! 
Have a great weekend and enjoy the rest of your time in MN. Good luck on the flight home to LA. Hopefully the barf bag will not come out to play on the return home.
Wishing you all the very best in 2008:part2.
Take care!!! – jen in bangalore
That last photo really made me smile, a real smile that started somewhere deep down and ended up on my face. The same smile I get when I look at photo’s of my baby. She is a delight.
I wanted a iMac. I think they are very sexy. I got an ASUS laptop. Not quite as sexy. A bit middle of the road in looks but far better looking that than the ACER – that laptop would never get a date, even in the Ozarks… (no offense to people from the Ozarks – I spent some time there one summer and it was lovely. A little strange that people could not understand me and they asked me to talk when ever I went into shops or fastfood restaurants as they had never heard anyone like me before. I am from the terribly exotic and distant land of Australia but could have been from Mars. I digress, sorry, iMac or Macbooks are lovely – the MacAir is a little light (yes, that is a pun) on the important bits like lots a memory etc. Have fun deciding. I enjoyed barganing for a good deal and think I did OK.
I love it. 2008.5.
I also vote for the Mac. It’s a whole new world. Us Macphiles are obnoxious pricks for a reason.
The last picture of Madeline may be a bit blury, but her beauty is crystal clear for all to see. What an absolute doll she is!
And to steal a phrase from The Lion King…Hakuna Matata!! for 2008 part 2 :O)
Love, love, love your “Cuss-o-Meter”!!! Nice touch, I think. Maddie is getting so big, still a beauty. Here’s to a most awesome Part 2, you deserve it. Put that damn suit away. Have some fun and laughter with that little girl of yours.
First, I’ll say that you can’t go wrong with a Mac. We made the switch about 7 years ago and have never looked back.
Second, I think that starting 2008: Part 2 is a fabulous idea. I think part 2 has wonderful things in store. I can remember feeling like I needed to do much the same last year after losing my mom and then my mother in law (with whom I was extremely close) within 6 weeks of each other. It was just a horrible time. May Part 2 bring much happiness and joy for you.
How could it now, with that beautiful little girl smiling up at you? 
Look at at that smile!!! You are right. Your part 2 is going to be very very good. Things will be looking up for you!
I agree on going with Mac, I changed from PC to Mac last year and the difference is huge! (though I have to say, I was a Mac addict before that)
Here’s to a great second part of 2008
Take care
Hey, the Liffey! Good choice. It’s my standard “First date” joint.
Sorry you had to come back to Minnesota under such poopy circumstances, but glad you got to see family again.
Your daughter is a hoot! It’s fun to watch her grow and change (and smile!).
Don’t get a Mac without trying someone’s out first–their keyboards blow dead goats.
Nice. ; ) Maddy is so beautiful!
@erika: Clifton’s is AMAZING, the food is bizarre and yet good, and the notion of Matt going there on a photo expedition is pure genius!
Happy New Year to you and your smiling critter.
Macs are totally fabulous.
Snuggles to Maddy.
Yeah for 2008, part 2!!!
I like the idea of 2008 Part II. I hope it’s much better for you. Great picture.
PS I’ve been giving this some serious thought, and I believe that you should begin referring to this half of the year as “2008 Part 2: The Rematch.”
You’re welcome.
I forgot to say this earlier……
When we moved into this townhome (it is 3 levels), I wanted something more portable, so I told my husband I wanted a lap top. We went to look at them and he would NOT stay away from the Macs. I didn’t want a Mac. I had used one at a friends and did not like it. However, I told my husband that he was the one that knew more about computers so if he thought a Mac was the best thing, I’d get that. Of course, he did have to decide that a 17″ MacBook Pro would be the best thing! But you know what….I LOVE it!! It took me a little while to get used to it, but now that I am, I hate when I have to use my window based PC…..it seems sooooooo slow!! I say, if you can get a Mac—go for it!! Of course, since this post is from last Friday, perhaps you’ve already purchased a new computer.
Here’s to a happier 2008.2! My little girl turns 9 months today and the smiles and giggles can melt away all the troubles of the world. I pray that the Madeline smiles and giggles in the coming days and months bring you comfort, peace and the happiness that you so deserve.
Great picture of madeline and you’re right with her by your side and all the new adventures with her (crawling, walking, talking…etc.) you’re bound to have a great part 2:)
Mac.
Two things:
1) The visceral happiness that my MacBook Pro brings me is indescribable. Do it. Just DO EEET! You will love it.
and
2) I think you should have a New Year’s Eve party before you leave the MN. Get your family together, count down to Midnight and officially start 2008 Part Deux. I think your whole family could use a fresh start to the new year.
Love the picture of Madeline- that cousin is cute too!
Happy 2008.5!!! Keep your chin up you are doing an amazing job~
Cheers to a new beginning! 2008~Take 2 will definitely be better than the first half. Just look at the last picture of Madeline that you posted. It’s hard to believe but she’s only going to get cuter and more precious with each day.
HOLA Matt,
Wishing you the BEST 2008-2 (parte dos) !!!! You fucking deserve it!!!
Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present. (Obviously; i have not written them but when I read them I thought they have LOT OF SENSE!)
Have wonderful weekend with Maddy and friends!
xoxoxo Besos y abrazos
An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way.
Charles Bukowski
i’m on this bukowski kick right now and thought of you when i saw this quote. i feel like i need to explain my thinking, but i’m using all the self control i have to just leave it at that.
cheers to 2008 part 2. may it bring you much happiness.
cara
ps. i like the cuss-o-meter. nice.
The picture of Madeline smiling is just beautiful.
Oh, duh…saw the typo in my last line of my comment above. Meant to say how could it NOT. As in, how could it not be a wonderful part 2 with that beautiful baby smiling up at you.
I really should never try and type when I have not had ample coffee intake.
Happy new year to you then! Best wishes to you for Part 2, you’re off to a good start with a smile as beautiful as that greeting you every day!
That is the most adorable picture of her! 2008 part 2 has to be better….
She looks like she’s laughing heartily.
You make a great team.
Just wanted to say MAC!!! You will never regret it, promise!
Fucking Fantastic: 2008 Part Deux and a Cuss-O-Meter.
Wishing you lots of smiles for the coming weekend!
Here’s to Part 2 of 2008!!! Madeline’s smile is precious!
Once again – kickass photos! Keep it up – you are an inspiration
Meredith
http://meredithkwilliams.wordpress.com
Yay! You got a smiling one! Awesome!
If that picture can make me smile half way around the globe… I’m sure she’s working miracles on you!
Esh
Yes, get a Mac! I highly recommend it. I used a PC up until 2005 and then ours crashed. My husband convinced me to get a Mac because that’s what they use at his school and I was leery about it, but I love it! I would never go back to PC’s again if I didn’t have to.
Our Mac has NEVER crashed in the 3+ years that we’ve had it.
Wow, all these people saying “MAC!” Really does make us sound like a cult. Fuck.
But I am voting Mac too. I grew up with Macs, tried to venture away (killed 2 laptops> a gateway and a dell) and am now with my MacBook Pro and LOVE IT!!!!!!!
mac.