**saturday**
a lazy day.
nothing much happened.
madeline attempted
to confuse me:
(laughing or crying?…a very fine line it seems).
later we enjoyed some
quiet time
in the house,
on the couch.
lunch time came and
we headed to the studio city
to meet aunties anya and ari
(and ari’s cousin)
at a restaurant
across the street from
the restaurant
where robert blake’s wife
had her last meal.
stood in line,
just me and maddy,
as we waited
for the slowpokes.
talked to the people
in line, the question
was finally asked.
the answer shocked
(shocker, i know),
but these people were great,
offering to connect me
with their son who’s
moving to the los angeles
sometime soon.
the stragglers finally arrived
and we had an awesome
brunch (cheesebuger)
and some laughs.
madeline slept.
(and to head off any potential criticism, yes, i strapped her in before i put her in the car).
saw the dude who hosts
the soup.
he’s one of my heroes,
and a guy that
liz
was not so secretly
in love with.
we saw him last year,
on new years eve at the
grocery store near our
home.
a 5-months pregnant
liz
followed him around
the store,
just trying to get a glimpse.
“you should dress more like him”
is what she said
to me when
i busted her
on it.
don’t think she was really
checking out his clothes.
wanted to tell him
that story when
i saw him today,
but figured a random
dude telling him
about his dead wife
having a crush on him
may sound more
than a
little weird.
finished our brunch
and headed home.
madeline spent most of
the rest of the day
doing this:
and this:
while i continued my
quest to recover my data.
got almost everything back,
and found some photos
i hadn’t seen in like, forever.
enough is enough.
put on some cat power
and then it was
time for me
to make like madeline
and pass out on
the couch.
if only i could sleep
half as well
as her.
**sunday**
a day of not much.
we ate.
and slept.
all day.
seriously.
that’s all we did.
morning: woke up on the couch
(still not sleeping in our room).
had brunch with devin
at the awesome place
in the eagle rock,
afternoon: nap for both of us
evening: dinner alone,
just me and madeline
at a mexican restaurant
in the glendale,
people staring at
us the entire time.
whatever.
headed home
and madeline
slept in her new
favorite spot
while i worked
on my computer.
not much accomplished,
which is quite
an accomplishment.
Comments 122
HOLA Matt
Good morning for me, GOOD NIGHT for you!
Maddy & Mommy pics are AWESOME!
Maddy is growing really fast!
Please, think about “some people” (ME!) are starting the working day! and try to REST a little bit!
GOOD “night”!
Besos y abrazos
Sol
P.S. Am I again “first”?
Hurray!!!!!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 3:17 am ¶Your pictures are beautiful as is the story of you and Madeline. I hope you feel the strength of all your readers behind you!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 4:13 am ¶I too like the guy from the soup…cracks me up!
I am glad you got to rest! I love the bear…wish they made it in adult size….Madeline looks so comfortable!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 4:17 am ¶matt, that video is funny. i don’t think madeline knew if she wanted to laugh or cry either.
i’m glad i got to read a new blog before my day really started, thanks!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 4:21 am ¶Matt, Love the pics of Liz. Simply gorgeous!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 4:22 am ¶Madelines new spot is great. I can feel the plush! No wonder that little princess loves it!
Such a dolly!
she just gets more beautiful by the day. those eyes are just stunning! laughing OR crying she’s one lovely little girl!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 4:25 am ¶Matt,
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 4:29 am ¶I had a friend send me the link to your blog and have checked it out for a few days. Your story brought tears to my eyes and a knott in my throat. If no one has told you, I think your an awesome father and it looks like your taking excellant care of your daughter. I know it must be so hard doing it alone esp. when you planned to raise her together. Kudos to you for stepping up and being the main caregiver. I can tell your over the moon for this precious little girl. She is one lucky little thing. I am so sorry for your loss. Huge hugs from a reader in Texas. -Kriss
That’s definitely a laugh, look at those big smiles! Love the pink and brown outfit, and the pics of her sleeping are just precious. Glad you got your data recovered!!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 4:41 am ¶those eyes!! couldn’t stop watching that video…her expressions are just hysterical!
madeline - you’re a lady, therefore it’s perfectly okay to switch between laughing and crying with no rhyme nor reason. just try to give your daddy a heads up…
those pictures of liz are beautiful…maddie’s a lucky girl to look so much like her gorgeous momma.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 5:08 am ¶hmm…i think the internet ate my earlier comment.
liz’s expression in the second picture looks just like maddy in the video! those beautiful eyes!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 5:10 am ¶Lazy days are good. I can so see Madeline standing in the hallway looking into that mirror fixing her own make-up in about 16 years from now. I bet she’ll look *just like Liz* there. So amazing, isn’t it?
I also really like the “bottom” pic of Madeline cause it shows off her cute toes. I don’t have a foot fetish, but there’s something special about baby toes and feet.
I really don’t know what to say about all the stares you get out while you’re alone with Miss M. I guess maybe most people just look out of curiosity..people watching type of thing. Maybe some are just admiring a Dad and his girl together. Then there are others that are just naturally drawn to looking at babies, esp. cute ones like Maddy. Maybe it’s a cultural thing cause I never notice that here in Europe…quite the opposite actually. I see tons of dads out solo with their kids and it seems like the most natural thing in the world…well, it is!
So have you booked your trans-Atlantic flight for you two yet? Seems like you’re on a roll with the frequent flyer miles :O)
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 5:11 am ¶3 things -
1. Where’s that adorable bear blanket thingy from?
2. You’re so lucky to have such a great sleeper! My son is a day younger than Madeline and thinks his carseat is made of razorblades and sleeps only in a moving swing!
3. That same son does the laughing / crying mystery thing too. Sometimes it’s very quickly a switch from one to the other and back. Very cute!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 5:15 am ¶Wow what a bitch at the passport office! If I wasn’t so far away I would picket her window for you! Maybe someone local will step up! Lucky you had her opposite i.e a human being at the store.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 5:17 am ¶Lovely pics of both your girls, and you as well! Great haircut, maybe you should have got it before the passport?
New noter here; not so new reader. Imagine my surprise when I found robot flair on facebook, wanted to send it to you and then discovered you didn’t have a profile. I suppose you’ve got enough to be getting on with, but really…
It was really cool robot flair.
Heart,
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 5:24 am ¶Jaimie in the Twin Cities
i think it might just be the beginning of giggles…the all time best sound EVER!!
i love maddy’s bear rug…it’s too cute for words…especially with her laying on it!!
she’s a beauty, that’s for sure!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 5:24 am ¶You’re catching up! Yay! Oh, and you probably don’t care, but I just wanted to apologize for the unsolicited advice I gave you a few posts ago… not really my place, I think.
ANYWAYS, beautiful girls! Thanks for sharing with us. You’re amazing!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 5:26 am ¶my 4 month old does the same laugh/cry thing. some of his loudest giggles have been when he also seems to be on the verge of tears. still precious, always precious.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 5:31 am ¶Good Morning M&M - Here’s to a sunny day in the LA - Hope you are both doing well - I am just LOVING the smiles you are sharing with us from your little princess…and speaking of your little princess…I need to know what type of formula she’s using now…I know you are using checks…but if someone had a way to get their hands on some stuff for you…what would they want to send your way??
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 5:38 am ¶Hey there Matt! I hope today is finding to be a GREAT day for you and Maddy…
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 5:43 am ¶I have to say- I am shocked by all the people always looking at you and feeling the need to question. I just cant imagine why people feel the need to question why a man would be out spending time alone with his child… like thats an offense. Just doesnt make sense. ANYHOW. She is looking more adorable everyday!
Enjoy her and fuck all those weirdos who question great daddy daughter bonding.
Matt and Madeline,
Good morning! Love the picture on the bear! She is getting so big. The second picture of Liz, were you at Disneyworld? Thanks as always for sharing your life and wonderful pictures!
Take care,
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 5:43 am ¶Debbie
fine line between laughing & crying = welcome to Madeline BEING A GIRL!!!
i love love love joel mchale too - the former Soup host was even better looking…err, I mean a great host.
great pics of Liz today! I’m sure its with mixed emotions to find those pics you hadn’t seen in awhile, but will now treasure always.
i’m so glad to hear you’re getting some much deserved rest. Crack open that fresh bed!!
dude. you eat out. a lot.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 5:46 am ¶I almost got the number one spot. Unbelieveable!!! The pictures the last few days of Madeline are fabulous. Love all of her smiles and expressions. Keep up the good work daddy.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 5:51 am ¶Sounds like a nice calm weekend. I’m sure you needed that and will be needing a hell of a lot more.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 6:00 am ¶Love me some Cat Power! Great group! Funky sound…
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 6:06 am ¶Very cute outfit with the bloomers. One of your purchases?
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 6:09 am ¶Wow, Madeline is a GREAT sleeper. I believe you mentioned once she gets that from her mommy. My friends with babies talk all the time about how how little their kids sleep (they tell me about it with circles under their eyes and hair coming out in clumps) …and Madeline looks like she sleeps like an angel. Matt, maybe you could sleep better if you curled up on that bear on the floor - - - Madeline makes it look very comfortable!
BTW, I know I’m like the 15,000th person to say this, but WOW - Liz was so beautiful. And how awesome that she didn’t let pregnancy (or a husband) stop her from “stalking” her crush. That story made me burst out in laughter.
And how appropriate that you included a video of Madeline wavering between laughing and crying…I think those who read your blog find ourselves laughing through tears (or vice-versa) all the time.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 6:13 am ¶Those big comfy pill animal chairs ARE awesome, it seems all kids love them!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 6:17 am ¶She looks adorable asleep on it.
Matt-
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 6:23 am ¶You are doing such a stellar job! Maddie is growing so fast and looking more and more like her beautiful Mommy. Liz is of course is stunning in her pictures. I wish you all the best on your journey of 2008 Part 2…..keep the posts coming. All the best-
Jen from the MN
@ Sol - Rock on with your bad self!
That teddy rug is to cute. Looks so cozy, I want to curl up on it too!
I think people are only staring now because as Liz had that crush on Joel ( I think that’s his name ) and followed him around the store, everyone out there knows about you and what a great dad you are, that they all have little crushes too.
(Disclaimer, for the haters, I don’t mean romantic crushes, so calm down)
I hope your Wednesday is going well!
Cheers,
Go Pork!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 6:24 am ¶Fuck Jill
Loooooove the pics - of both madeline and liz. the slumbering babe on the bear…..very precious.
Ha!!! Loved the story about Liz and the dude who hosts soup. She cracks me up!
I have learned, recently, that “why not” is a good motto. Mainly, from you, liz, and madeline. For starters…it was showing up at maddie’s first pool party. Why not….is what made me finally go. I think you should have chased down the soup host and told him your story! You would have made his day!
Glad you had a couple of sweet days with your girl…..
Kim
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 6:30 am ¶ahh, joel mchale. i just love him! how can you not? (ok, maybe you don’t since you’re a guy and all!)
maddy in that little brown ensemble is just too precious. might be my fave outfit of hers yet (and i know we’ve only seen a teeny tiny portion of her incredible wardrobe!)
here’s to more lazy days…matt & maddy, best buds!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 6:35 am ¶I vote for laughing!
I tell you what, Madeline is the best dressed baby I’ve ever seen. She is always stylin’ and profilin’. (Where the fuck did that just come from?) Anyway,
love the video and most especially the photos of her feet. Baby toes and the backs of their little necks where the the hair comes done are the best.
Keep on moving day in and day out. You are doing a fantatic job. All dads should take cues from you.
Maybe one day soon you’ll be able to sleep in your bed again. I know that will be a big milestone of a day and it will come.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 6:42 am ¶Saturday’s outfit is, like, the most adorable little outfit ever.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 6:46 am ¶Madeline is beautiful, as always, and the photos look great. Glad you were able to spend some quiet time! Wait until she gets bigger - you’ll be begging for quiet time!
Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re doing things badly. Madeline looks healthy and happy and is actually color-coordinated! You’re doing awesome.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 6:50 am ¶Matt,
I (heart) Maddy’s teddy bear blankie/nap spot. She looks way comfy on it.
The laughing/crying thing IS a fine line. It seems they can go from 0 to 60 in a flash, either way. She’s so beautiful, and getting bigger!
Great new photos of Liz that you discovered…and I meant to comment the other day on your wedding pictures. Just beautiful. Your love and happiness for one another was very real, seeing those.
Anyway, sounds like an OK couple of days. Sometimes the best ones are where not much is accomplished.
P.S. Great haircut!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 6:52 am ¶Ha! I agree with Christa in Valencia! Even my husband has a man crush on you
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 6:57 am ¶Hi! I am another new reader. I was referred by another mom who reads your blog daily. It is hard to read, and brings tears to my eyes each time. My son was born one week after Maddie and I always think what if…………
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 6:58 am ¶My heart aches for your loss, but rejoices in your new life! Your daughter is just gorgeous and you are a great dad.
Oh, and I love Maddie’s outfit. That is Gymboree isn’t it? Keep shopping daddy, you’re doing good!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 7:00 am ¶Hey Matt, read your post yesterday and saw you were listening to the Hold Steady. It was timely as I went to see them at First Ave last night. I was thinking about you and Madeline during the show. They sounded fantastic and I had brought a onesie for the band to sign for your little lady. But alas, no opportunity arose without being a straight up stalker.
Hubby Tom and I are sending good thoughts your way. Take care Matt.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 7:00 am ¶Liz had excellent taste, I also crush on Joel. Madeline is getting big by the way, i think she has your nose.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 7:06 am ¶I love the story of Liz stalking the Talk Soup guy…so funny and totally something I would have done (and said) too. I love hearing your stories about Liz and seeing her pictures…thanks for sharing them
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 7:08 am ¶Madeline, on the bear = perfection. I just want to snuggle her!
And I find it highly amusing that the ad at the bottom of this page right now is for getsomesleep dot com
Have a good day Matt! *hugs* to you and your little beauty
On the crying/laughing situation: I think she was farting. I think she actually wanted to laugh but was a little distracted by the impending fart.
On a totally different note: Those pictures of liz are beautiful. You are so lucky to have shared part of your life with her. I am sure you knew that already though
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 7:16 am ¶Your baby, in that brown and pink little outfit, on that giant bear, sleeping, IS TOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She couldn’t be any more precious!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 7:22 am ¶Matt–
Great pix, Maddy is getting so big and adorable!! Just want you to know that our 2-year-old Sophie (http://www.rzeszut.com/photos/sophie/071308-3/Images/22.jpg) LOVES looking at your blog posts.
When I’m on the laptop, she always asks me, “Are you looking at baby Madeline?”
And often, I am, and we look at pictures of your beautiful daughter together!!!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 7:24 am ¶You know, Matt, had I been at hat Mexican restaurant, I probably would have been staring, too. Madeline is just too cute not to stare!!
While the circumstances are different, my dad raised me as a (mostly) single parent….my older brother and sister, too. My parents separated when I was 2 (divorced when I was 3) and my dad got custody….a very rare thing for the early 80s.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 7:25 am ¶Maddy is so beautiful! Probably a little of the staring is because you’re a guy alone with a really small baby, but my guess is that most of it is just because you have a really small (ADORABLY CUTE) baby!!! I ALWAYS felt like people were staring at me when I went out in public with my daughter when she was little, whether or not my husband was with us. Anyway, hope it helps to know that they’d probably be starting at you no matter who else was with you at the table because they’re really just staring at a cute baby. The questions all the time… well, that’s really just no one’s business, but people are like that I guess.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 7:26 am ¶take care,
Kate
Ah I’m glad you didn’t have to wait in long lines at the passport office. I had to wait 3 hours in DC a few months ago, when I needed to get a passport in two days before my flight due to my grandfather’s passing in Europe. It was stressful, and thought I would be greeted with a cold hearted govt employee, so I had everything ready, the death certificate which was in another language, and I almost started crying by the time I got to the window. Luckily they took my word for it, and didn’t ask to see the death certificate. And I had the passport ready the next day.
Oh Madeline looks adorable in those cute outfits. Dad you have done good, very good.
I hope you two have a wonderful day today!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 7:43 am ¶Madeline is getting SO long!! You can really tell in the pics of her sleeping on her bear.
You’re doing an awesome job dressing her. I looove the pink and brown outfit!
Sending you & Maddy love and hugs!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 7:44 am ¶I also need to know where to find that comfy bear! Madeline looks so adorable snoozing away on it.
Also, can you tell us more Liz stories? I love hearing about her. I hope that doesn’t sound stalker-esk
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 7:47 am ¶@SOL: High-five, you chimichurri mama!
@Christa: Thx for the “hater disclaimer”! LOL!
@Matt: People stare cuz a) you’re a stone-cold fox; b) you’re out with a baby. A+B= FASCINATING! (I think people have been staring your whole life, but you never noticed cuz you were always out with Liz the Human Sparkler.)
p.s. Thanks for mentioning Vitello’s! I’m gonna hafta put that on my Tour of Cool Valley Haunts.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 7:52 am ¶Sometimes a few days of rest is best for everyone!
That bear blanket just makes Madeline even cuter!!!
Glad you got to rest a bit and got back most of your data!!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 7:53 am ¶matt-
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 7:57 am ¶i’m thrilled madeline loves the bear rug.
that’s also my very favorite fancy outfit on her.
i love it.
i also have a man-crush on joel mchale.
but, whatever.
take care,
brad
(and to head off any potential criticism, yes, i strapped her in before i put her in the car). <—- i love it!!!
you know what? after monitering/being on top/shuting down the drama before it starts of 100+ ladies (and men - both mostly the ladies) i have no doubt that you are certainly slightly prepared for the ‘i know it all’ teenage years.
you can thank us later! 
and at ten months, my daughter now does the fake crying - and if you laugh or tickle her while she is doing it, she starts laughing. its hilarious!
praying for you always!
aloha!!!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 8:00 am ¶ooh and @ kate in the northridge - i LOVE ‘human sparkler’ - best description yet!
@matt - i forgot to tell you that Liz as ALWAYS is so beautiful… madeline is one lucky little lady!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 8:04 am ¶So cute! She is such a wonderful sleeper…lucky for you both. Love that bear rug and the precious photos of the ever-growing Miss M. Can’t wait to hear about birthday 17/52.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 8:08 am ¶Liz is stunning!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 8:21 am ¶re: the pic with Liz wearing pearls at the ballgame- awesome!! Maddy seems to grow daily- I want a bear rug like hers, bet I’d sleep that good too!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 8:22 am ¶have to ask, where did you find that pink bear rug?
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 8:22 am ¶@ k in the n - human sparkler = perfect liz description.
sounds like a precious few days. hope your monday and tuesday were enjoyable (ok, just not too sucky) and restful, too.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 8:26 am ¶@ K in the N –> Totally agree with your A+B equation! .)
You (together with Christa in the V-of course!) are my favourite commentor BY FAR!
Have a GREAT day you ALL
Enjoy SUMMER TIME!
Sol (the chimichurri mama…LOL!!!!!)
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 8:31 am ¶OMIGOD I LOVE THE BEAR RUG!!! The baby’s pretty cute too!
*wanders off to google “bear rug” and wonders if it comes in an adult size*
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 8:31 am ¶I don’t get it..
do you live in the dead beat dad capital of the world?
is a father taking care of his *own* child really so freaking rare?
why do people stare at you?
sorta sets a weird precedence for fathers.. when the assumption is to automatically assume they suck.
either way I know from my own partner and the amazing men type parents in my world (yourself included) that to SO many being a father is the shiznat.
You could market a line of t-shirts for father types that simply reads “not a kidnapper”
it would sell..heh
now all those early comments from other men about NOT being a diddler seem to make more sense.. people treat men who like babies like they have bubo’s.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 8:57 am ¶Well, I can relate to Madeline..the decision between laughing and crying can be a tough one…plus, she IS female, so that happens…alot…
I gotta agree with Kate. If I saw such a hot looking guy with a beautiful little baby like Madeline, I’d probably stare, too…(disclaimer…I mean that in the most non-creepy way, before someone gets their panties in a bunch!!)
But, I’d at least try to be subtle about it, for fucks sake…have these people no manners!!
I love love love the fact that liz is wearing pearls to a ball game!! She seems to be (as one of my guy friends just described me the other day) a “girly girl but a guys girl, too”. She sooo has me beat, though. I can see why you love her so much. I’ll bet she was the kind of girl that all guys secretly had a crush on and all girls secretly wanted to be her!!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 8:59 am ¶Well, gotta go…I need to grab me one of those Hamburger Teriyaki Milkshakes…mmmmmm
Good morning, Matt!! I love seeing the photos & videos of Madeline. She is just so precious. I pass by Madeline Dr (in Pasadena) every morning and think of you guys.
I sent you an email a few days ago regarding Dodger tickets for July 31st. I have 4 tix that we can’t use and I thought maybe you’d be interested. I know you are super busy answering emails but I just wanted to let you know that the offer is out there.
I hope you have a good day today.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 8:59 am ¶OF COURSE you should have shared Liz’s love for Joel McHale! As you can tell by your ba-gillion comments, people want to hear your story if you feel like telling it.
I think I’m gonna get you a shirt for the next time you and Maddy are out that says “Don’t Ask”. Because, really, I’m getting annoyed for you!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 9:05 am ¶Yes, just remember that people COULD be staring at you because people always stare at babies. They are usually the custest thing in the room to look at. And yours is exceptionally cute.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 9:12 am ¶Just a note to let you know that another East Sider is following your blog — your daughter is beautiful. I love reading your stories, thanks for sharing.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 9:16 am ¶Where can i get a bear rug?
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 9:20 am ¶I have a little guy who was born a in Feb and he always does the “i’m crying, i’m laughing, i’m crying, i’m laughing” routine. He loves to see the pics of madeline, he always smiles and giggles when he sees her.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 9:38 am ¶The pictures of Madeline sleeping on the bear blanket are way too precious! She is a doll.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 9:42 am ¶Madeline is such a great little sleeper! She could teach Moira a thing or two about that. Or maybe what my little one really needs is the bear rug.
Photos, as always, are beautiful.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 9:46 am ¶I could curl up on the bear rug too for a good nap, looks like a fab place to sleep.
Liz is beautiful, thank you for sharing her with us.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 10:04 am ¶In regards to the gender discussion yesterday…..I happened upon this yesterday
http://littlechandlerfamily.blogspot.com/(Matt’s Links)
How ironic…..almost creepy similar. What are your thoughts on a woman going through the EXACT same thing………and the EXACT same time??? Thoughts??
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 10:11 am ¶Both my son and daughter did this. It was def. flabbergasting with my first to decode this new sound. It usually meant they were tired or frustrated, some times even overstimulated. I love checking in on you and Madeline everyday. I applaud you for being a strong male role model for her. She will always know your love for her. She is blessed to have you as her father.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 10:16 am ¶Asalamalaykom,
Your Liz might have followed the Hollywood star around a store but she wasn’t really THAT crazy for him.
There was another guy that she followed all around the world. Now HIM….that guy? She was really, really crazy for him
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 10:28 am ¶The pics of Sweet Madeline on the Bear are precious!!! She is SOOO pretty!!! You are such a good Daddy and she is lucky to have you.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 10:31 am ¶Good for you for having a couple of easy (easier?), slow days with just you and Maddy. Sometimes those days are harder, because you’re not running and busy and distracted–or at least that was the case for me for the first year or two after Charley died. There’s no break or distraction from the thoughts in your mind, about Liz and grief and the unfairness of it all.
So yes, it was *quite* the accomplishment, Matt. Good for you.
I was thinking of you yesterday and hoping that your Tuesday didn’t suck as badly as others have….Hang in there this weekend, with the 4-months mark. But a very happy 4-month birthday to Maddy! She’s getting so big (relatively speaking) and filling out so much–she’s hitting that roly-poly happy baby stage and isn’t a newborn anymore. Enjoy this time with her–it’s a really fun few months–before she gets mobile and life changes again. =)
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 10:41 am ¶I am another normally silent reader of your site. First of all, you are an awesome Daddy!! Just wanted to share that. As I read your comment under the car seat picture, “don’t worry, I strapped her in…” made me think about the time I actually did forget to strap my child in. Thought that might make you feel good.
I had him in his seat, and then when we left to go, I guess I forgot I hadn’t buckled him in yet, and then strapped the seat in the car. Luckily, we didn’t get into an accident, and also, luckily, I noticed before we got to far. Oops, but he’s 3 now, so I guess he survived the likes of me for a Mommy.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 10:44 am ¶Beautiful pictures of both Liz and Madeline.
The video made me laugh so much. I think maybe she couldn’t decide herself whether she wanted to laugh or cry so she just did both.
Were the burgers Teriyaki? Or was that a separate menu item? lol
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 10:51 am ¶I love her outfit - you are doing such an awesome job! And I am so glad that you have retrieved all of the pictures of Liz. Those are going to mean a lot to Madeline when she gets older.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 11:09 am ¶I also forgot to strap my young’un in once. He was wearing a big puffy coat, and it distracted me for some reason! I about flipped out when I took him out of the car and saw he was not strapped in. Another time, when he was big (like 6), we were driving down the street with him in his booster, and we came to a quick stop. Well, the boy AND the booster went flying! It was not even freakin’ strapped into the car! Holy Christ. I dunno man, I seriously wonder about me and my husband sometimes! {{ shakes head incredulously }}
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 11:11 am ¶I think she’s turning into a normal woman!
That morning fine line between splitting your face open with her toothbrush and laughing her ass off.
Beautiful, as always.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 11:25 am ¶Can I just say that I LOVE the fact that Liz wore pearls to a baseball game?! Awesome!
Question for you? Is Maddy rolling or getting close to rolling yet? I only ask because I used to put Cohen down for a snooze near me on the couch like you do with Maddy until one day I learned he could roll when he rolled right off. I was only a few feet away but not close enough to catch him. Luckily I had laundry all over the floor so he landed in a pile of dirty clothes but I felt like the world’s worst parent! Just thought I’d pass that along so you can avoid feeling like a massive idiot as well
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 11:41 am ¶Hiya Mateo,
Okay, am I the only person who thinks that Maddy looks like Daddy in the profile shot?
She definitely takes after your BB (beloved, beautiful) Liz, but I’m starting to see you in there as well, Matt.
Beautiful pics as always - and the vid - LOL!!!!! Babies are a constant source of amusement, aren’t they?
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 12:23 pm ¶I am always amazed at how many people stare at you - perhaps, a nice looking man with a beautiful child . . . who wouldn’t stare?!?
Yesterday, I went to a program at the library, as we were filing in a woman in front of me asked the gentleman in front of her “So you are spending the day with your girls?” (These people didn’t know each other) He said “I am lucky enough to take care of them everyday”. The woman said “Oh that is so nice of you willing to take care of them like that”. Nothing else was said.
I was a little irked and the words of my conversation that I would have ran through my head, I avoided conversing. Of course, I thought of Matt right away and how he is always having to field these questions. Still kind of strange to me.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 12:25 pm ¶Link for the bear mat.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 12:36 pm ¶http://www.kookoobearkids.com/prodinfo.asp?number=00101410P
great pictures!
two pretty girls
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 12:40 pm ¶Hi Matt and Maddy, Love the pictures ! Your photography is an inpiration to us all. Does Maddy have a BUMBO SEAT ? I’m sure she would love to sit in it and see the world from a different view. Post the answer, I’ll send you one if you don’t have one already. Blessings. Cindy from Santa Clarita, Ca
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 12:41 pm ¶@ not strapping in. My sister DID strap my niece and nephew in when they were about 1 - but forgot to close the door to the minivan. (dont know why there isnt that dinging sound with the side doors).
Just driving along, everyone staring at her as she passed. She didnt figure it out for a full 15 minutes when she noticed it was a bit windy in the car
- I guess the kids liked the view, they werent disturbed at all.
Matt, I am loving the brown outfit as my fav so far too! Hope you are having a great day!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 12:43 pm ¶I’m one of those strangers that stumbled upon your blog and kept reading.
And seeing the pictures of Liz . . . even just as a stranger in a blog . . . it hit me hard.
Yes, you are an awesome father to Madeline. And she is a lucky girl to have you. But the fact that she’ll never know her mother . . . and your photos caught such a spirit in her . . . as you know, it’s a tragedy beyond words.
Just keep this blog.
When she’s old enough to read it, she’ll see the love you have for her mom, for her, the love her mom had for her even though they never met.
It’ll change her life.
And keep posting. Your photos and your flair for writing gives this stranger hope that in the midst of the horrific there is beauty.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 12:50 pm ¶@Lala - Thanks for that link. I’m starting to bookmark all these awesome things that some day I WILL NEED.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 1:09 pm ¶Cutest freaking outfit ever! Well, I’ve liked a lot of the recent girly things but, the pink and brown is adorable.
My 4-month old is doing the laugh/cry thing too. It’s so cute. And she does this really high-pitched chirp that I can’t quite figure out. It sounds like a happy noise but seems to be a warning that tears may soon follow if she’s not picked up.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 1:23 pm ¶Love the bear and that adorable pink and brown outfit. I have not said this for a few post, so I will say it again. You are doing an amazing job.. I am sure it is hard to look at those pictures of Liz, but thank you for sharing, they are so beautiful.
All my thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 1:26 pm ¶She is sooo adorable, I love the little videos, her little baby noises are awesome!
Let us know the next time you head to Aroma… it’s my favorite!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 1:28 pm ¶Hey Matt,
Loving your post today and esp the pictures! Did Liz ever frown?
Love her smile! Maddy looks every day more and more like her momma. 
Beautiful pictures! In the video looks like Maddy didn’t know if she wanted to laugh or cry… adorable… priceless photos and stories you share that some day Maddy will read and know that you and Liz had a special, unique kinda love and she was the product of that love. It’s awesome! Keep doing what you’re doing and enjoy every minute of every day with Maddy. Wishing you many happy days and many smiles and giggles from Maddy to Daddy! xo
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 1:33 pm ¶Love the video, the bear rug with your beautiful daughter sprawled on it, the pictures of Liz… love, love, love them all. Glad you had a chillaxin weekend. LOL
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 1:42 pm ¶Love that picture of Madeline sleeping on the bear. That’s definitely where I would take my naps too.
And the video of the laughing/crying? Too sweet. It’s always a bit humorous watching babies trying to navigate their way through new emotions.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 1:54 pm ¶P.S. I’ve been pushing my child in the stroller/car seat deal and he fell asleep, and his blanket was covering him… drove 4 hours in the car + went to the mall, and I had FORGOTTEN to buckle him back in… AHH! Needless to say, I didn’t win the Mommy of the year award this year!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 3:08 pm ¶I loved when my daughter fell asleep like that, with her arms above her head. I wonder why they like to do that?
Maybe you need a chef? Although, I’d love to eat out every day.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 3:10 pm ¶You eat out a lot, huh?
Lovely pictures.
Just know that you don’t carry this weight alone; all of us who read this, and don’t even know you, are carrying a bit of this grief with us.
I just wanted to tell you that your wife was so beautiful, Matt. Those pics of her make her spirit jump off the page. She looked like such a nice, warm, fun and funny person!
Hugs,
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 3:29 pm ¶Martha in the SF Bay
HOLA Matt,
Talking about ROBOTS….please CHECK THIS OUT!!! (the same song, 2 links (english and spanish version)… My kids LOVE this TV programme… Let me know if Maddy agrees that the song is really COOL!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43zYQ0z5iHQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTJjsNoqgyo
Have a nice evening
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 4:05 pm ¶Besos y abrazos
Sol
This link relates to the topics of “pork” and “staring”.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60585948@N00/2679151199/
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 4:13 pm ¶I love Maddy’s cute little pink and brown outfit!!
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 4:25 pm ¶She’s such a little peanut, she doesn’t even reach the end of her carseat yet and the sleeping pictures are priceless. Such a good baby!
Dig the pink and brown outfit! Very cool.
I wish I had a giant bear like that…only adult size. Looks like a comfy nap spot to me. 
Your pics of her are so awesome…I swear…they’re so good, I almost think I saw her breathing those little sleeping baby breaths. 
She’s awesome, you’re awesome.
I was thinking about you and Maddy and Liz today, and I wondered…is it strange to grieve for someone you never met, and never knew existed until they were dead? I mean, that’s what I feel like I am doing…grieving for Liz. I feel like I’m wierd for that, but I can’t help it. It’s like I carry your story around in my heart everywhere I go… At any rate, congratulations on a non-productive day.
You rock!
P.S. who gives a shit who’s first?
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 4:51 pm ¶Oh Lord, I LOVE Joel Mchale. And Maddie?? Looks just like Liz.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 5:20 pm ¶Oh Lord, I LOVE Joel Mchale. And Maddy?? Looks just like Liz.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 5:21 pm ¶Your daughter is adorable and so happy, she is lucky to have you.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 5:29 pm ¶LOL, April nobody gives a shit who is first. Sol will almost always get it since she is like 9 hours ahead of us. Its a joke.
I grieved for Liz when I first came here and now I celebrate her, she was just so fucking awesome, and I am glad Matt indroduced us in a way. I think she is a huge part of who Matt is and who he gets the strength to do what he does despite her godawful loss to him.
As for staring, I was thinking about it. I ALWAYS check out kids. And I mean ALWAYS. The other day there was apparently a conference in my office and I had this HUGE smile for this lil bit that was there that I assumed it was someone’s kid. Boy was I embarrassed when I realized she was a midget (or little person for those that get offended by the name midget). Threw me for a loop.
In any case, if I was behind Matt in a line I would totally be staring.
Though I dont get the questions about where is the Mom. In this day and age (never mind death), its generally the one who makes more money and has the better bennies that goes back to work.
At least thats the way it is with my friends. All stay home for as long as possible mind you. But the main caretaker is the breadwinner.
Is that unusual in other parts of the country?
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 5:33 pm ¶I agree with Melissa from NJ…I am always staring at “magic beans” everywhere…just yesterday I seen a dad pushing a cart with a car seat attached and just about broke my neck to have a looksie at the treasure inside…heartbroken, at the sight of an empty seat. Maybe it’s a girl thing? Maddy is so freaking cute..I love her brown/pink outfit. And Liz is gorgeous for so many reasons…but mainly because we get to see her through your eyes…and what a lovely sight that is. Thanks for sharing.
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 6:38 pm ¶loving the brown and pink outfit.She matches my bathroom colors! (but a hell of a lot cuter. )
Posted 23 Jul 2008 at 6:41 pm ¶Matt? The stares from peopl