slept for 2.5 hours.
madeline?
11.5.
(wow).
took my time
getting us ready thinking
her appointment was at 10:30.
9:30, the reminder pops
up on my bb and it
says 10:00.
oh shit.
time to run.
unlike many docs,
madeline’s awesome doc h.
is always on time.
no way i would think
of showing up late.
took a 1 min. shower
and ran out the
door with my 4-month old
(wow again).
made it to the doc
4 mins late,
felt terrible.
the office manager reassured me,
“no problem!”
damn i love this place.
barely sat down and they
called me in.
first, the nurse
came in and
took madeline’s measurements.
um…
big changes.
she weighed in at
an even 11 pounds.
and a height
of an even 23 inches!
(yes, they said height instead of length! that means she’s getting big!).
here’s her growth chart since birth…
(click it to make it bigger!).
ok.
so who won the contest?
well, there were 539 on-time comments
and 27 more that came
in after hours.
we had a tie.
danielle in (the) plymouth (comment #65)
nailed both the height and weight.
and so did
leah (comment #152)
ladies, i’ll be in touch
with you soon re: your prizes.
**back to the dr. visit**
nurse leaves,
madeline lounges,
awesome doctor h. arrives.
after having been warned
that madeline may not
show up on
“the charts”
for up to two years,
my awesome daughter
has already done so.
7th percentile for weight.
10th percentile for height.
so, so rad.
have to stop here to
thank you,
the folks who sent
formula, formula checks,
formula coupons.
if not for you,
she may have shrunk.
**ok, back to the dr. visit again**
so…awesome dr. h. checks
her out…everything looking
great, though she pointed
out that madeline
favors the left side
of her head so she’s
getting a little
flat on that side.
(very, very minor and very, very common she reassured me).
i’ve been doing
everything, changing her positioning,
moving her so she
has to turn to her
right just to face the stimulation.
even so, she still faces left.
got a few new tips
and tricks so things
should be awesome.
awesome dr. h. did a bunch
of checks,
and asked me lots
of questions.
everything sounded positive…
here’s the scary part
of each and
every visit…
the summary from the dr.
as i held a smiling, laughing madeline,
awesome dr. h. told me
that madeline is
“doing great! thriving in every way. just look at those smiles!”
fuck yeah!
still haven’t ruined her!
thanked the doc. for
being awesome
and said goodbye.
now, it’s time for
the shots.
a nurse pops in
and gives madeline
4 shots.
she hates it way
more than she did
last time.
she cried loud and hard,
but only for a few minutes.
then she passed out.
now it’s time
to go to disneyland.
met up with my
friend and her kids
in the pasadena
and we drove down to the
orange county.
a beautiful day
to celebrate a 4-month
birthday, even if
the person
we’re celebrating is totally
passed out.
(sounds like college all over again).
got inside and headed
straight for some food.
giant corn dogs for everyone
(except madeline)
then it was to a few
rides that should
get the kids
to throw up.
i hung out in the shade
with my baby
while my friend
and her kids enjoyed
the place.
auntie angel fan and marissa
called, asking if they
could take madeline out
of my hands for an
hour, claiming that they
give me some time
to have fun.
said,
“sure”
but my real idea of fun
is to hang out with
my favorite daughter.
i only gave her up
’cause i knew they
wanted to spend some time
with her.
(marissa had never met madeline).
rode on the teacups,
somehow everyone kept
down the corndogs.
then we hit the dumbo ride,
still no vomiting.
(so radical).
then it was time to
take back custody of
my daughter.
spent the rest of the
afternoon hanging out
with her, while
smiling as my friend and
her kids had an awesome time.
madeline eventually
woke up posed for
a lot of photos
with daddy.
(nice to have someone we know take some shots for us).
she also put on
a nice little solo show…
did just about everything we
could possibly do in
a full day,
including got all the
first-timers
some buttons indicating so…
rode some rides into the evening
and even watched the
fireworks.
that’s when the
tears hit me.
liz
loved watching fireworks
and i don’t give a shit
watching them
unless i’ve started the wick
burning myself.
the few times we made
it down here she insisted
on staying for the fireworks
and i dragged my feet each
and every time, but
we always stayed,
’cause i knew she loved them.
boy did i complain.
now, watching the sky
fill with color and smoke,
listening to that sappy fucking
disney music, i lost it
right there in front of a
bunch of familes.
not embarrassed at all as
they stared.
screw ‘em.
i’m having a moment.
grabbed my sleeping baby
from her stroller
and hugged her
a little tighter than usual.
stayed at the park
until almost 11:00pm.
everyone exhausted
and feeling like this lady,
(and this one, too):
we headed home.
but not before
changing madeline’s diaper
(for the first time ever we had to wait in line behind another father who was changing his baby’s diaper! go other dad!).
saw one of
liz’s
favorite things on
the way out.
smiled.
a great day.
looking forward to
birthday month 5.
wonder what we’ll do
to celebrate?
166 Comments
Those pictures of her smiling are amazing! Way to grow Madeline!
Is now the time that I should be calling FIRST! LOL
Awesome post. Sorry about the fireworks, but you need those moments too. Glad that Maddy’s appt went so well, I couldn’t bring myself to watch the video though!
Congrats to the girls that won! Sorry lurkers!!!
PS Fuck Jill
Go Pork
*smiles* she’s thriving and doing so well in your care, Matt. you should feel so proud.
and I LOVE the smiling pics. she’s just too precious for words. I’m glad the dr visit went well.
as for the trip to d-land, i’m glad it was a good one for you… even with the crying at the fireworks. reading that choked me up a little.
so loving the shots (no pun intended) of her laying on the table at the clinic with her hands behind her head. what a doll. how awesome that she is on the charts already!! must be all that polish food and maybe the pork?
glad you had a great time at disney!
((((hugs))))
haha…i love the pic of the lady sleeping at disney!
Happy 4th month Madeline! She’s really growing well. Congrats on that, dad! I’m sorry that seeing the fireworks was hard for you. I hope that madeline will love fireworks as much as her momma did, and watching them with her will create lots of happy memories for you.
Amazing day it seems like!
I am DYING to know what kind of camera you use…
http://meredithkwilliams.wordpress.com
11lbs- awesome!! And on the charts too- even awesomer!! She really is thriving, Matt, you are doing great! Loved the pics, although I’m not sure Miss M was actually awake for those first few with daddy!
I just ADORE those pictures of Madeline lounging on the doctor’s table! Those are so precious! (Yes, another word moms use, sorry.)
I am so glad you guys (well, you and the sleeping child) had such a great day for her birthday. Disneyland is the best place to do it!
And because of your story, just think of how many people will be thinking of Liz the next time they see fireworks.
Happy 4th month, Madeline! She is growing well … you’re doing a terrific job! I love the pictures of her smiling. She has the best smile!
My son has only gotten two rounds of shots, but I almost cried both times. I hate to hear that cry of pain! Congrats on a good Dr.’s visit and happy 4 months to you both.
Happy 4 months!!! Wow, she is getting big!! What a fabulous way to spend the day! Love the upclose pics of her beautiful eyes and gorgeous smile. You are one awesome daddy. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us.
p.s. you know the weight was probably a little heavy due to the paper covering her little bits.
not fighting words ladies, sarcasm all the way!
Oh wow, I was way off!! Good for her, what a big girl she is! Yay Madeline!
Again, laughter and tears, and then laughter again. Your strength amazes me.
Sounds like you already have a plan to celebrate 5 months…:)
Sounds like it was a great day! Way to celebrate her 4 month mark!!!
Way to go on Madeline “officially” thriving, although all of us already knew that
Oh, Matt….
The video of Madeline crying just broke my heart…seriously, I felt tears welling up in my eyes. How can we all love this baby so much, a little girl that most of us will never even meet? But the fireworks sent me over the edge…I’m so so sorry, and I know that I have said it a million times, and so has everyone else, but I really truly mean it from the bottom of my heart.
The really important part, the part that makes you a terrific father/husband/friend? -That you DID stay when Liz wanted to. Despite the fact that you may have complained, you DID it. And that is just awesome…
And speaking of doing awesome…the doctor doesnt need to tell you so, just look at her!! As I posted yesterday (and got lost somewhere in cyberspace), she has seen more love in her short life so far than most of us will ever see. Just look at those pics!
So, I’m bummed that I didnt win, but, hey..thats ok. Those pics of her ARE a gift!!
Sounds like a wonderful day! Go other dad indeed!
I cannot believe how much the Sweet Potato looks like Liz. The middle one with the big smile took my breath away.
Enjoy the praise, Daddy. You should be so proud of yourself.
Congratulations, Matt! That is so great that she is growing so well. My daughter was 4 lbs 9 oz at birth and she’s still not on the charts yet weight-wise at 10 months. Apparently Maddy would win any formula-chugging contests around (see, that’s a good thing right now, but hopefully she loses that skill before imbibing adult beverages in college). Looks like you had a great day. Your love for Madeline just jumped off the screen in this post. Ok, that sounds really cheesy, but true. Again, congrats. You should be so proud of how Madeline is thriving.
Dang I should have rounded up! I said 10.9 & 22.5! So close!!
Those pics of Maddy’s solo show are awesome!
happy (4 months) to madeline! it’s my first time posting a comment but just wanted to let you know how much i enjoy reading your blog.
looking at madeline’s sleepy face made me so sleepy myself!!!
congrats on the great job you’re doing of making her grow…you must be sprinkling miracle-gro on her head while she sleeps or something!
her smiles are incredible…what a beautiful little lady.
Had to go back and look at the pictures of Madeline smiling after the end of the post. Tears are not my favorite thing. Your daughter’s smile literally turned my frown upside down. She is such a doll!
And way to go on the growing Madeline! You’re awesome!
Amy in Pa
I love all the pictures! The ones of madelines sparkling blue eyes and smiling can’t help but make your smile as well! Happy 4 months! You’re a great dad. Your Liz would be so proud of you!
Hang in there!
Dude, you rock!!! You had a better day than me by far!! Keep dressing Miss M in blue. Her eyes are amazing! Heres hoping Friday is just as great!
Oh, that video of little Miss Madeline crying over her shots just about broke my heart. Good to see it was quickly forgotten, though!
Happy 4-month birthday, little one!
Hi Matt,
Long time reader, first time commenter.
I find your blog to be both incredibly poignant and incredibly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your everyday life. I look forward to seeing your posts show up in my RSS feeds.
I got a bit teary reading about Liz and fireworks. I think that it really is a sign of love that we do things that we don’t enjoy to make our partners happy. I would imagine that, if I were to lose my long-term love, the things that I would miss the most would be the things that drive me the craziest these days.
Hugs to you and Madeline. She gets more and more beautiful every day.
p.p.s. thinking of you extra today and sending all good vibes your way!!
(((((extra big hugs))))
AWWW. Looks like it was a great day for Maddy and Daddy – despite the shots. I remember the 4 months shots being much worse that the 2 month – my daughters not mine, I can barely remember last week. Madeline is such a sweet soul. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
What a sweet way to celebrate that beautiful and big baby – looks like doc (and the world) thinks you’re doing all the right things!
marian
Maddy is getting so big!!! Thriving, growing, and smiling too! I love it! It sounds like you had a great time at Disney. Enjoy the weekend.
Sending love from VT, Hannah
You are an amazing Daddy Matt!
The crying video of Madeline was so sweet. Especially with your comment, “shots are over Madeline, now we are going to Disneyland” Srsly, you are the most awesomest daddy ever. (Good thing you never leave the house or take Madeline anywhere)
Love the blue color on Madeline, really makes her big blue eyes stand out.
Hope you two have a great weekend. Miserably hot n humid in the MN today.
Wow…she is growing fast! Good work Daddy! My little guy (Ryder) favored his left side too…but like the Dr. said it all worked out! What a wonderful day…Maddy is so precious!! I loved that you told us about the fire works…and that you gave Madeline an extra big hug! You are an incredible human being. Keep up the good work…and you are far from ruining your beautiful daughter!!
Ok, Madeline smiling and the pics of the sleeping lady and Madeline sleeping totally made my day! Loved this post. Laughing, crying…all perfect for a birthday day
this was a GREAT post!!!
I loved maddy posing at the dr.’s, her absolutely adorable cry with your commentating in the background, the pic with the pink mouse ears on, her gorgeous blue eyes next to her blue shirt (and those SMILES!), and the matching sleep poses with her and the stranger lady.
I even loved the firework story. I’m sorry it happened, but it’s good to remember too.
I’m glad you had a good day.
Sounds like a rad day:) Madeline lounging at the doctor’s office made me laugh:) She is getting so big!! You are seriously doing a freakin incredible job Matt. Have a great weekend with your beautiful girl!
Congrats Maddy for getting on the charts. I And congrats to the two posters who won. I love the pictures of her chillaxin (as my older daughter would say.) on the Doctors table.
Great job Madeline! And super job to Matt!! That little girl is getting so big! The pictures of Maddy really are great – not much can beat that smile! But, I have to say that you look (if I can borrow a phrase from you, Matt) AWESOME! The smile on your face in the photos is so genuine. That really brought a smile to mine.
Matt-
You are just beaming in those pictures–what a proud Daddy! Madeline is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and is definitely thriving. Love the chubby thigh pictures with the bandaids–permanent reminder of her 4 mth check up and 500+ strangers all feeling like “guests” to her Disney birthday celebration. Thanks so much for including us all in your life–Liz must be smiling–how could she not be? You are amazing!
Sounds like you had a wonderful day! Glad to hear you are having fun…
One of my boys was stuck looking left too (torticollis). We ended up doing lots of neck stretches & constantly trying to get him to look to the right. The torticollis resolved & he’s looking good now. Keep doing what you are doing with Madeline & hers should come out ok too!.
she’s getting so much character in her face!
the smiles, the yawns, all full of personality.
and way to grow!
good grief that girl is cute!
shots stink. period. I always hate those visits! I’m so glad she’s on the growth charts now!!! I knew she was getting long based on the pictures of her in her carseat and how close her little feet are getting to the edge now.
I’m glad you had fun at Disneyland. I love all the pictures full of smiles (including yours!!!). There is one picture that is on Flickr (I don’t see it here) but in it I see a genuine smile on your face and that is so nice to see
Matt,
Awesome pics! Love the one with you (with your pink minnie ears)
LOL 
Maddy is gorgeous. wow 11lbs. Love all of her pics. Her smiles just makes me smile back at my screen! Sad faces on the pic with her lil band-aids on her legs 
Sorry about the fireworks! 
I too love fireworks 
Hope Maddy will love them as much as Liz. Here’s to more happy days… smiles…and giggles from Maddy to Daddy! Have a great wkend! take care!
Madeline is growing like a weed! So awesome!
I always felt like shit at the shot times. Good thing they don’t remember it!
You’re doing a fantastic job. Your a great mommy and daddy. Your day sounded so awesome.
Other than the shots, what a great day!
I LOVE how Maddy puts her arms behind her head! How dang cute is that! Sounds/Looks like you had a great time! Go other daddy changing stinky diaper! (Everyone is amazed my hubby will change those too!) You rock! P.S. baby shots suck… how tortureous is that! My little man doesn’t ever cry (8 months) but he makes the saddest faces ever!
Oh, that cry! I so hate giving those shots! Did they give you some sweet stuff to dip the pacifier in? Doesn’t always work but I definitely always try.
Awesome day for some special people – thx. for sharing.
Enjoy your sunny SoCal weekend with your girl!
Madeline has a contagious smile–everytime I see it, I start smiling too.
The picture of the woman sleeping had me laughing out loud. Too funny.
Hey Matt-
Thinking of you a whole bunch today. I can’t believe how much Madeline has grown! You are doing awesome! Your pediatrician sounds great. Do you think, you could email the name? My sister is looking for one in Pasadena or Glendale. Disneyland sounds awesome! What a great way to spend a birthday!
Beautiful in blue………..definitely her color!
HOLA MATT
Totally speechless and that’s unusual for me
LOVELY Maddy, AWESOME Dad, Friends, Sunny day, Disneyland…. AMAZING B-DAY!!!
Wish you a GOOD day today and the BEST weekend!!
Always in my thoughts
Besos y abrazos
Sol
p.s. Congrats to the winners!
Wow Matt she sure is getting big!! Very healthy little lady!
I love the tea-cup ride…well from what I can remember when I was there at 4years of age.
I loved this post too. All the smiles from Maddy AND Daddy! Absofuckinlutely fabulous!
And haha “way to grow” Maddy! I wish I had thought of that.
Gorgeous photos. And you talking her down from the cry was just so sweet. I hate when babies cry.
your blog is caught up.. NUTTY
ya know that video is heartbreaking.. her hurty cries- but that she will forget it was the slight panic in her father’s voice that *got me*..
Sounds like a wonderful birthday for a wonderful family!
Glad to hear the appointment went great! I adore the blue onesie and blue eyes smiling pictures. Beautiful girl you have on your hands, look out when the boys come running! My daughter was 3 months when she was diagnosed with a very slight case of Torticollis or Wryneck, Dr thinking that it happened at birth becuase she came out so fast, very common. We did physical therapy a couple times, and lots of home therapy. Not a big deal at all, just like playing with her, just making sure that she uses the other side of her neck too. Try standing in front of a mirror and making her look at herself while you move back and forth. Another big thing is that they don’t like tummy time at all, I think you can relate??? But it is the best therapy for using the muscle to get them to strengthen and very important for her. Hope those tricks help, if I can remember some other good ones I will let you know.
Go Madeline! Way to hit those charts!
What a great day at Disneyland. (great pics too) I’m happy you had a good time. I’m sorry for the fireworks sadness, but good for you for having your moment and letting the strangers stew. I laughed out loud at “sappy fucking disney music”
She is so completely gorgeous. Check out the Sears Vaccine Book to get more info on all those shots and decide which ones you want sweet girl to have rather than getting every single one (and so many at one time). Happy reading and learning and keep up the great work!
We had to bribe my son to get through his 24 month shots, because he totally knew they were coming. The bribe was to go see the Dayton’s, er Macy’s 8th floor display, which was the Nutcracker that year. He had already seen it once, so he knew how great it was, and he just kept repeating “I go see nutcracker now” through the whole doctor’s appointment. Poor little guy!
I’m sure Maddie’s flat head and preference for the left are nothing to be overly concerned about, but I’ll just share with you my son’s similar issues. He had a pretty flat head by his two month checkup so we asked about it. Right away our pediatrician felt his neck muscles and told us he had torticollis. Basically, he had a tight muscle on one side. He ended up having physical therapy until he was one and the flat head got bad enough that he needed a helmet to help round it out a bit. So maybe just keep an eye on things, but quite likely she’ll be just fine with no intervention.
I’m glad she’s growing so well. Your initial hopes that she have Liz’s looks and your height seem to be coming true!
Well… I was close. Glad you had a great day at Disneyland. Sorry about the fireworks thing… at least you know it’s okay to cry. Maddy is getting so big. You are such an awsome daddy! Keep it up!
oh chills!
bless you matt. i mean that. you ROCK as a father. you set the bar so high and i couldn’t be more proud of you. that video of maddie crying and your urgent, yet reassuring voice, that it’d be ok brought tears to my eyes. how very real you are.
seeing my name hit your blog, even if it wasn’t really me, rocked my casbah. i’d have traded places with the other marissa to spend a moment or 2 cuddling up on madeline in a heartbeat.
madeline’s smiles are becoming better and better, if thats even possible and i would never have stared at you had you ‘had a moment’ while sitting near me. i’d have reached out and touched ya, but that’s just me.
I didnt comment yesterday, sweet mother you had a LOT of comments though LOL – but yay Maddie on growing like a weed and YAY YOU for keeping her alive (i never doubted your ability) – and FUCK THE OTHERS who even remotely elude to otherwise. FUCK FUCK FUCK ‘EM!!!!
…and for the love of all things holy, who the hell is Jill and why are we insisting on fucking her?!
i need an answer, its killing me. LOL
congrats to the ladies that won!!!!
madeline looooooks soooo beautiful in blue! i especially love the picture of her yawning with her eyes closed.
she is seriously such a pretty baby.. and believe me, i work at babies r us, and i’ve seen some ugly babies in my time.
WOW>>>look at those blue eyes. They just pop when she wears blue.
Way to go dad. way to be on the charts. You are doing an awesome job. You knew that.
Thinking of you both today on the 25th.
I hope your day goes well.
Congratulations Maddy on 4 months, and congrats Matt on getting proof that you are doing an absolutely wonderful job!!!
Loved the pics of Maddy smiling, wow she looks like Liz – you can very clearly see her mother in her
Hope you two have a wonderful, restful, happy weekend!
love and hugs from the MN
Oh I’m so sorry the fireworks gave you a “sniper attack.” Sometimes that shit just comes out of nowhere and hits you smack between the eyes.
11 pounds. She’s gonna need some big girl clothes soon.
You better get planning on her 5 month birthday, it will be here before you know it.
Congratulations on your healthy growth, Miss Maddy! I smiled at each and every picture, even the video. Matt, I love the way you talk to her. So sweet! Thanks for the smiles.
Love the pics, especially the ones of you and maddy posing at Disneyland. Can’t help but notice the bandaids on her legs in those pics, just looking at them makes me feel her pain! I hate shots too (and my kids really hate them)!
Sounds like overall you guys had a fun day, wow, I wish I could have spent my 4 month b-day at Disneyland! Can’t wait to see where the rest of your travels take you!
As always, she looks just precious…love the smiles! You can tell she really loves posing for the camera. I agree, the blue outfits really make her eyes even more beautiful.
You are an AMAZING dad, there is nothing like the bond between a father and daughter. You ROCK!
Holy cow! I think Madeline’s been sneaking pork products! I can’t believe her weight jumped that much! My preemie just turned two and she’s still in the 3rd percentile for weight (only 21 lbs). Good job! Those pictures really capture Disney in a different way than I’m used to seeing it. Really cool!
I’m unpacking now…guess I didn’t win the grand prize. Darn. Isn’t it amazing to everyone that we have you and Maddy to bring a bunch of stranger friends together? We are all different, from different parts of the country/world and we have something in common. I think that is so awesome. You are an amazing Daddy. Don’t worry about her “uneven” noggin, it will all be covered with gorgeous blonde hair. Have an awesome weekend.
OMG… she is growing like a weed. She is more on the charts than my full term 6 mo. old!!!! These are by far my most favorite pictures ever of Madeline!! The smiles…..
and you have to love the yawns!!!! So stinkin’ cute!!
Allthough I have to tell you, Chelsea my 3 year old cried when we watched Madeline’s video!! yesterday Sam smiled at the sound of your voice and today,my daughter cried for yours.
My children and I are getting very attached to you guys. It is a daily, family affair to check your posts!! Last PM emma was supposed to be reading before bed and when I came in she was drawing (or so I thought) she was writting you a letter. There was no way I could get mad at that!! But seriously, your family has left a lasting impression on my family!! I think it is great!!
Hope this 25th fills your heart with beautiful memories and fond stories!! Thinking of you!!
Way to grow Madeline!!!! The pictures of Madeline are beautiful!! Glad to hear you had a good day!
Take care,
Debbie
I mailed out the coupons on Tuesday!
Yay Maddy!!! You just keep getting bigger and stronger each day. It’s just amazing how they start off so small and grow and grow and grow. I’m always excited to see how much bigger my little one gets each time we head to the pediatrician’s office. That makes amends for dealing with his getting his shots.
My son favors his right side, so I picked up the Boppy Noggin Nest for him to use whenever he’s lying/sitting down. Don’t quite know if it’s working just yet, but it couldn’t hurt!
Enjoy this time with her. She’s growing so fast!
Coming out of lurkdom to say that Maddie’s eyes are absolutely beautiful! And, congratulations on a good Dr. appt. You’re doing an amazing job!
Hey Matt – I thought of you today as I was traveling back from the Brainerd. So many cool clouds in the sky. You would have loved to take photos of these. And since I am now back in the Minneapolis I finally got to catch up on all the videos of Madeline. Seriously – can she be any cuter? I struggle with what I love more: staring at her or listening to you try to coax her into smiling. Both are equally priceless.
Looks like a grand b-day celebration at Disnleyland. And “Go Madeline” on the growing. She is doing so well and so are you.
Sending you **hugs** from the humid mn today…
Matt – WOW, Madeline is getting big. I loved the pics of her sleeping w/her arms behind her head. She really is relaxing, huh. And her little bandaids on her legs from the shots
Hope she is feeling better – you 2 look great together.
WOW!! She is beautiful. I can’t believe how much she looks like LIz! she has Liz’s eyes and mouth! Mommy would have been so proud of her little princess. You are doing an AWESOME job! ( not that you don’t already know that) I look forward to your post every morning.
xxx
My husband thinks i’m a little loony but oh well!
I have a 1 and 3 year old (boys) they DO grow fast! Keep hugging her tighter, she’ll be one before you know it.
Kari from Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Go Maddy! Way to thrive! Go Matt! Way to be Fantastic!
as for ruining your baby. NOT POSSIBLE. spoiled…maybe. cherished. absolutely.
as for the tears…it just means your memories are still there with you, the glad and the sad. tears are never bad..
a baby like Maddy is just pure love. tears and all
Great growing, Madeline!! From the dad of a 32-week preemie, who’s been hovering around the bottom of the charts for 2.5 years, I know how important those numbers are!!!!!
Also, a bit of helpful advice, as Maddy’s reaction to getting shots is likely to get worse. Give her an age/weight-appropriate dose of Tylenol just before you leave the house. Seems to dull the pain a bit, and has the additional benefit of making her drowsy so she can sleep it off. Our pediatrician gave us that advice on our first visit and it definitely seems to help.
Love the Disneyland pix, and the “1st visit” pin was great. We got one for our pixie at WDW when we took her at 14 months.
aw man, I was way off! haha! Glad you had a great time!
P.S. A coworker came up behind me and saw me looking at the pics on you blog, and asked who’s the guy with the baby? And I said, “just a stranger, er.. friends blog…”
See how that phrase spreads. lol!
Looking at the pictures of Maddie made me cry, but in a good way
I don’t know you and I didn’t know your wife, I only know what you both look like from the pictures you post, and damn, Maddie looks like her mama! They have the same smile!
No way is there any baby cuter than Madeline. I especially love the pics of her lounging with her arms behind her head…she just needs sunglasses and an umbrella, some sand….so adorable!
I love that when Madeline is crying you reassure her by promising that Disney World is next. Maddy’s got a great daddy!
Thank you for sharing all the great pics of Madeline enjoying her first trip to Disneyland. That was a lot of fun to see.
@Marisa… “Jill” left a post to Matt weeks back about how he shouldn’t cuss on this board blah blah stuff (Hello??? It’s his fucking blog). There may have been more to it then that, hard to remember. Matt tried emailing her back, but the email she left was bogus. There are some posts about it but I can’t remember the dates. Someone else may.
Anyways ‘Jill’ has sorta turned into Jill is the cause for all bad in the world. So Fuck Jill.
Hi Matt,
Brilliant post, fireworks fuck me over to, same sad story actually. Nowt to be embarrassed about my new cyber chum, good on you.
Enjoying reading your blog, been directed here recently by another on-line friend of mine who thought I’d enjoy reading about the goings on of a fellow young widowed Daddy. She’s tragically correct.
Keep up the top, top work.
That should be too, btw.
She keeps getting more and more cute Matt! You’re such a great father! So did you ever make it through that huge stack of gifts that was waiting for you when you got back from MN? I love seeing what people sent you and was hoping you’d post pics!
I was only .5 inches off, rats! Maybe next time! She recovered beautifully after the shots – looks like you both had a great time with your new friends!
@Christa – I am chuckling again (really, it is a small, out loud laugh). This is just too funny! In the evening, I dream of my fears that there may one day be a “fuck Andrea” . . . . Oh the fears we harnass!
Thanks Christa!!!
“Jill” now ranks up there with the “Lee” who commented yesterday or the day before causing Matt to go into cynic mode.
Matt can fucking spew all the fucking cuss words he fucking wants to on his fucking personal blog and for anyone who gives a fuckity fuck regarding it can get a fucking life and fuck the fuck off.
And yes, I do kiss my mother with this mouth.
FUCK JILL!
FUCK LEE!
GO PORK! (eww)
GO MATT!
Oh those poor poor legs, darn shots! And btw love the pink hat on you, ha!
You GO, SingleParentDad! We’re all pullin’ for ya here in the States!
I have to say I normally hate fireworks too, but we went to Disney World in April, and I was fascinated. Even with the silly Disney music and everything. I think they put something in the water.
So glad to see you two having fun. Happy birthday, Baby Maddy!
Love the video Matt. She is getting so big and the smile is adorable! Keep up the super awesome work!
Em
FANTASTIC news about Maddy’s growth! I love seeing a preemie succeed!
@Marissa: Praise you and your filthy mouth!
Matt!! I’m so excited because I think for the first time since I’ve been reading this blog, I saw a SMILE on your face!!!! And let me tell you, seeing that gave me a serious case of the warm-fuzzies. I’m SO happy to see you smiling, and I’m even happier to see that Madeline is thriving (of course, we knew she was, but still, it’s nice to know that it’s “official”).
xoxoxo
I have been reading your site for some time now. you bring me hope and tears and smiles…I applaud you and your daughter.
someone here in ohio is praying and thinking of you and your family.
@ Andrea – No way love. The fucking your going to get is a fucking high five!
@Marissa – I think you are now my new girl crush over Juanita. It’s hard to tell, maybe a 3 way would be nice
@SingleParentDad – Glad you found us! Your boy is a doll.
matt, thinking of you today, the 25th, and glad to read that the 24th was a good day. i am always amazed at how much you manage to pack into one day! i can’t help but smile as i look at all the pictures of beautiful maddy.
and yay for hearing from IRL people (as opposed to us stranger-friends) that you are doing a fantastic job with madeline!
for what it’s worth, the stories you tell about you and liz (like the fireworks one) have changed the way i value time with my husband. if he is doing something annoying or wants to do something i don’t like; i take a step out of the situation and think, “god forbid something happens, just treasure this time and stop sweating the small stuff”.
Her smiles are adorable. She is just beautiful. You are doing an amazing, amazing job.
Yay for not ruining that precious girl! Good for you!
You’re just doing such a rad job. I’m proud of you. 
Fireworks and dill pickles….Liz was an awesome chick.
Here’s to you, Papa Bear. The whole doctor’s visit says everything about you. You are one fucking amazing dad.
I’m just a stranger who reads your blog on a regular basis. Just wanted to say that I think you are awesome. Not everyone would step up and be the Dad that you are after what you have been through. More fathers should be like you! Keep up the good work and take care of that BEAUTIFUL (and I mean that) little girl.
Go Madeline! She’s growing so much! My goodness, her eyes are gorgeous. Congratulations on your growing girl, Matt.
well, you could absolutely positively knock me over with a feather. i don’t win things. that’s just the way it is. or was. mu-hahahah!
looks like you and madeline had another day for the books. what a lucky dad, and what a lucky little girl.
god bless you two!
fuck yeah.
Matt you’re photos are the best things I’ve seen all day. Maddy is going to have the BEST pictures of her life as she grows up. Great job on all the growing too..
Don’t worry about those disney fireworks, I’ve cried at seeing them a few times too. It must be something about the music and everything…I go to DisneyWorld about once a year and I still can’t stand to watch the fireworks, the tears just start coming. Just wanted to let you know that you’re not alone with that!
Baby is beautiful as always!
Matt you’re photos are the best things I’ve seen all day. Maddy is going to have the BEST pictures of her life as she grows up. Great job on all the growing too..
Don’t worry about those disney fireworks, I’ve cried at seeing them a few times too. It must be something about the music and everything…I go to DisneyWorld about once a year and I still can’t stand to watch the fireworks, the tears just start coming. Just wanted to let you know that you’re not alone with that!
Baby is beautiful as always!
Great post Matt! Happy 4 month Birthday Madeline!
My 4.5 month old doesn’t favor a side, she’s always turning her head every which way to look at everything. So she has no problems with head flatness, but she does have a bit of a bald stripe where balding men usually have hair.
I absolutely love the pics of Maddy lounging in the doc office. Adorable!
I said an extra prayer for you thins morning. I hope this 25th is going better than the last one did.
Hugs from the ATL for both of you.
Matt,
What a beautiful day for you guys! Hooray for the awesome growth spurt!!! Thought I’d pass along a tip from our chiropractor (been going to him since the beginning with baby #1 and now baby #4 is soon to arrive) when you mentioned the favoring the left side thing. If it is something out of whack with Madeline, a great do-it-yourself and completely safe thing is to hold her upside down supporting her at the hips (not right after she’s eaten, though!), and you’ll be able to see whether her head is tilted to one side. If it is, she’ll probably wiggle around a bit, but then the body will soon naturally straighten itself out and she’ll be still. Doesn’t bother most babies under 6 months to hang upside down like that because it still feels like being in utero. Good luck with everything!
she looks just like her mommy in those smiley pics…made me both happy and sad!
Asalamalaykom,
You have a lot to be thankful for. You really do AND I think you know it. You, Mr. Matt, are one grateful guy for what you have. How do I know? Because you are finding the joy and spreading it. Alhumdulillah!
Maybe the tears at the fireworks are for remembering a time when you weren’t as grateful. You had so much and didn’t know it like you do now. That’s true for all of us.
Reminds me of the end of, “Our Town,” by Thornton Wilder. Emily, the young girl in the beginning of the play, has grown and died (in childbirth actually) and has come back to see the world one more time. It’s the simple things that she is most touched by.
“Goodbye world, goodbye Grover’s Corners, Mama and Papa. Goodbye to ticking clocks and my butternut tree and mama’s sunflowers, food and coffee, new ironed dresses and hot baths and sleeping and waking up. Oh earth, you’re too wonderful for anybody to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it – every, every minute?
The answer from the Stage Manager:
“No. Saints and poets, maybe–they do some.”
Well, you’re no saint, but you might just be becoming a poet.
Congratuations on all the new growth.
Those are the most beautiful pictures of Madeline. Her smile just takes my breath away and makes me a little teary at the same time.
She’s getting SOO cute and big!!
Just wanted to let you know if that head thing does get worse. Definitly tell us. I’ll have tons of info to give. My 12 month old Daughter had Plagiocephaly…the term for plattened areas in the head. And we had her in a DOC band (or helmet) for 3 months and her head is perfect now!!
Anyhow glad you have fun at Disney. We’re headed their ourselves soon (Florida though)!!
I dont want to GIVE advice without being asked, but totally google plagiocephaly.
I dont think Maddy is in danger of it per say, because you know ALL about tummy time.
My kiddoes had to wear HELMETS for a year because of their flat heads. Twins are harder to hold all the time. (so this really isnt for Matt, but it must be said as this is a parenting blog per say)
Tummy time tummy time tummy time. YES, SIDS is much worse of course, but there is NO argument that plagiocephaly has gone up in numbers EQUALLY as SIDS has fallen.
Yes, sleeping on the back is an absolute, but just check it out y’all. (the helmets were actually adorable, but I am biased because I painted them and whatnot, but people stared more at them than they did a single dad I imagine)
Also, not saying Maddy has it or Matt should be doing ANYTHING different. Its weird though, not too many know about this.
Those are awesome pics, she is doing so good. You should be so proud you are doing a great job.
What a very special day
The photos are beautiful 
Way to go maddy and daddy! Awesome dr check up!
One thing you could do for maddy and favoring 1 side is to put he in an exercauser…we love our baby einstein one. It will also help her with core/trunk strength.
Keep being an awesome dad!
YAY for Madeline growing up like a rock star!!!
And I totally laughed out loud at the 2 “sleeping ladies” pictures. Classic… that’s what Disneyland does to people – makes you so pooped!
Glad it was an awesome 4 month birthday!!!
Eleven pounds, what a bruiser! I guess she’s going to be tall like her daddy.
Sounds like Disneyland was a hit, the pics of Madeline laughing and smiling are super. Perhaps you can always “see” Liz at fireworks displays. I’m sure she was peeking down to check on you two last night.
Onward to other positive, fun, exciting days for Matt and Maddie! Blessings to you both.
“Anyways ‘Jill’ has sorta turned into Jill is the cause for all bad in the world. So Fuck Jill.”
Though I understand the sentiment, this is kind of a bummer for the rest of us readers named Jill.
Love the new pics and post! Not that I knew or even met Liz, but those smiley pics are totally her smile! So sweet!!
Damn, I thought only my babies could be that adorable =) Those smile pictures are pure joy. I have had one crappy day. How could you not feel good seeing those smiles though? Thanks for brightening up my evening. Your baby so rocks. =)
My littlest will turn two tomorrow and she finally broke the 18 lb. mark. I say you are doing one kick ass job. Way to go dad.
Is that a tiny tooth I see beginning to poke up in the middle of her bottom gum? How exciting – thank you for sharing the experience of watching your baby grow. I think you should publish ALL this in a gorgeous table top book.
Matt – you look REALLY happy in the photos. You have a beautiful smile. I’m happy to see you happy.
I LOVE those great 1st doctor’s checkups too! My son is 3. WAY TO GO DAD! She wouldn’t be thriving without you.
Matt, found your blog through Chrissy Coppa on Glamour, and have been reading it ever since then.
You are an amazing parent, and Madeline is an awesome young lady, very chic. I am sure you hear that often, but I am just reiterating it. I love your pictures, both of Madeline and your artistic ones. They always strike a chord with me.
My son was born 21 days before your little girl, on March 03, and he was 11 lbs 4 oz and 23 inches long at birth. It made me smile, thinking thats how “big” Madeline is now, considering, to me that was when Jameson was just a little thing.
I am so sorry for your loss, as it is one that nobody should have to endure at such a young age.
random reader here, but I had to say WOW!
and she seems to bring joy to your life.
she is incredibly gorgeous in those photos, your combined genes are fantastic (although she does seem to favor her mother a bit
keep it up, you’re doing great (unless you say those naughty words around her
wishing you well.
Wow…11 pounds?! (A la Xbox4NappyRash) Way to Grow Madeline!
Sounds and looks like Miss M had a pretty fabulous 4 month birthday… awesome.
Oh, and that sappy fucking disney music? I kinda love it (shh, don’t tell). Disney, fireworks, dill pickles…Liz and me, I think we’d have been good friends.
Thinking of all of you extra lots today
*hugs* to you and Madeline
I was SO close. Hehehe.
look at those beautiful eyes!!! ok i have to say i was pretty darn close with my guesses! congrats to Maddy for get on the charts and congrats to Daddy for doing such a great job with her.
Fireworks get me too, they remind me of my Grandma. in Brazil, every new year’s eve they have fireworks on Copacabana beach. the last new year’s eve she got to see was when the whole family was together, just 9 months before she passed away. i miss her terribly. she was and still is the smartest, most amazing woman i have ever met. it’s sad that she never got to meet my son, and that i won’t be able to share any more memories with her. but i feel truely blessed to have known her, to have learned so much from her, and to be able to share all i have learned from her with my son. i’m rambling now..
i’m glad you had a good day. Disney looked like fun. Your beauty is getting more gorgeous everyday.
hugs from NJ,
erica and Landon
Spectacular pics of Madeline siling, she is so, so, so beautiful.
Madeline is Beautiful.
Yeah, kind of jolting to see “fuck Jill” all over the comments. How about “Fuck that other Jill?” Just hoping…
$2.50 for a Jilling (aka f___ing) pickle? Love your blog.
she is a doll! i LOVE LOVE LOVE the lounging pictures!!
LOVE IT!!
I SEE BOTH OF YOU THRIVING!! its so beautiful!
aloha!
Well hello there fellow Princess, now don’t YOU look like royalty! I hereby officially appoint you to the exclusive ‘We are Beautiful Princesses Club’. A very difficult soriety to enter, I’ll have you know. What a gorgeous face you have, and those expressions are mesmerizing! And your Papa certainly looks distinguished with the dummy in his mouth! (maybe you call it a pacifier). Looking forward to reading more, Princess Madeline!
Lots of love
Princess Abigail
What a great day that must have been. Maddy’s smile is awesome.
Gahh, I have never said fuck Jill, because I know how common a name it is. There was a time where I was the ONLY Melissa WAY back when I found this blog.
There is a name that starts with Y and ends with A that I would gladly cheer on the f word for because of the condescensions.
But I really feel sorry for the people named Jill now.
That said, anyone in N Jersey want to go for bbq tomorrow? The best pulled pork sammich with GRITS (smothered with cheese) is in Madison.
Go pork!
Matt, those photos are just adorable. Congrats to Madeline, for doing so well at the Dr’s visit.
I myself will be going to Disneyland for the very first time in Oct. My partner and I are heading to America, and I made him promise to take me (he has been twice!). It looks amazing, I can’t wait!!
In the wise words of my beloved,
“feelings…. they’re JUST feelings”
just teasing. i wouldn’t want my own awesome name desecrated, so i apologize to all of the non-wanker Jills of the world.
i hereby declare my new phrase, “FUCK THAT ONE JILL, GO PORK” and hope it no longer offends.
I stand by all my “fuck offs” to anyone who thinks Matt isn’t handling his life, his daughter, his grief, his MOUTH to the absolute best of his ability. To say he needs counseling or to tone down his mouth is shit. Who’s to say he isn’t working through this on his own better than someone who goes to therapy 3 times a week? Some therapists seem to be needing their own therapy more than the general population who seek them out. He seems pretty damn stable to me, level headed and devoted to Madeline. He hasn’t had her shrink yet, not once!
One thing we all agree on, FROM EVERY CORNER OF THE GLOBE, WE LOVE YOU MATT & MADELINE!
Bravo, Matt – we got yer back here!
Madeline,
You are such a lucky little girl to have spent the day in Disneyland!
Love,
A Stranger friend in Canada
Reading your thoughts, looking at your fantastic photos- what a great way to start the morning.
Madeline is so darn gorgeous- it’s truly incredible how fast she’s growing! Congratulations!
I’ll be in Eagle Rock next week- I can’t help but hope that I run into the both of you. If so, I’ll be the freak smiling extra huge and being unsure as to whether or not I can give you both hugs.
I meant to say that I’ll be in (the) eagle rock next week.
You are one lucky guy to have Madeline. I bet you thank your lucky star every day!
Someone is watching over you…and you know who!
Take Care!
A Canadian fan who read your blog from the beginning…..and cried! This could be made into a movie…but I know you do not realize that yet!
Your girl is just beautiful, wtg Dad! I always made my hubby change the diapers at Disneyland or any other big crowded place because the line was always short on the Men’s side. Heck I tried any excuse I could think of to pawn off the diaper changing!
@ Melissa Ummmmmmmmm I wish I could join you for that pulled pork sammich. Love me some pig. Have one for me and wash it down with a nice cold brewski!
@ The Jill’s. Point taken and “I” shall follow 2nd Jill’s advice. So………
PS. Fuck that other Jill!
Wonderful pics! Great job daddy. You are doing so awesome, she is just beautiful just like you and her momma. I too cried at the fireworks comment. It is okay though, good memories.
Take care
This post felt really good to read. You sounded so upbeat, and even okay when you talked about the fireworks. I’m so glad you are not ashamed to cry whenever it hits you. Not that you should be, but you know, some people, especially the men I know, may feel like that can’t or shouldn’t.
She’s getting so big, and she looks so happy and healthy. I never knew Liz, but she sure does look a lot like her mom, especially when she was crying.
I continue you keep up to date on you guys. I still wish I never would have heard of you. But I’m so glad I did. You change my perspective on my life daily.
Hi Matt-
A friend of mine sent me this blog a few weeks ago and I have since completely gravitated to you and your story. Madeline is beautiful! My heart just aches for you, but you are by far the most amazing father I have ever had the pleasure of, um, reading about. I feel priviledged to be able to share in your journey in such a small way.
Keep up the good work! If Madeline grows up to be anything like her parents (and I know she will, how could she not?), I know she’ll totally rock this world.
Love,
Amanda
PS: The onesie outside of the pants–that’s awesome.
@Melissa from NJ, Marissa, christa n valencia-
On behalf of “all the non-wanker Jills of the world,” thanks for your understanding.
I saw fireworks last night as part of a community celebration.
and my heart was with a woman i will never meet- but have come to care deeply about.
when you asid you wondered about what you will do next b-day..
I looked up kid friendly activities in your area.. well i dunno what your area is really.
but still..
http://www.coolbabyplace.com/
http://www.peekabooplayland.com/
and wow… http://www.kidspacemuseum.org/site/PageServer?pagename=index
and I will leave my hippy comments out of it and share the link..
http://www.healthebay.org/smpa/
I think I might need to come with my kids.. I am envious of kid friendly activities in your area.
my kids would love the tar pits even..
not sure how close (far) you are from these places.. but wow.. options rock.
i *meant* to ask for feedback on these places from anyone who may have been.. sorry.
fuckin’-a, hawkfeather!
are you a mind-reader on top of all of your other talents?
seriously.
i already made plans to go to the kidspace museum today!
heading there at 1:00pm (saturday, july 26) if anyone wants to meet up!
oh. and, um. liz and i lived directly across from the tar pits for 5 years before buying our house last may.
so, so awesome.
When I scrolled down and caught that series of pictures of Madeline smiling, I was overwhelmed with emotion. What a smile. It’s those smiles that keep a parent going. Really, Matt. Your daughter is so in love with you, and that’s a beautiful sight to see.
Oh, so wish I were in California to go to the museum with you today. Actually, more so I wish I had been there yesterday for the beach. Though I would have made fun of you for wearing jeans on the beach. Loved the picture of you wearing jeans and the girl running behind you in her bikini. Loved more the pictures of you loaded down with all your stuff….when Madeline gets a bit older, you’ll also have shovels and buckets and a whole lot more crap. (Oh yeah, I guess it’s obvious that I looked ahead at your pictures.)
And Matt, I’d glad you called out Hawkfeather’s talents. Because if we’re talking girl crushes, I think I have one on her.
Have fun today!
Now see, isn’t it nice to see everyone getting along. LOL
@Hawkfeather – you are truly awesome!! I may have a crush as well. Damn my crush list is getting longer. That is just so “creepy” of me.(disclaimer: creepy is meant in a friendly way and should not be considered fightin words)
Matt – have fun at the museum today with your precious daughter. I sent a little something off to you today – part of it will help with your “new music tuesday” addiction.
Sending you **hugs** from the MN…
What a wonderful day!
Congrats to Maddy on ‘making the charts’
and yeah, my daughter hated those 4 shots so much she started out with the “silent scream” – I’ll never forget that.
Hugs to you both.
I loved the photos – but I really LOVED the one of you & Madeline with the mouse ears! So cute! I’m glad that you had such a great day- and that Miss M is rocking the growth charts. I’m also happy you had a moment at the fireworks…
Happy Birthday Madeline!!!!
Yup, ditto to the kick in the nuts (if I had ‘em) with fireworks. The last holiday Charley and I had together was the 4th of July…8 days before he died. He couldn’t care less about fireworks–a lot like you–and I was inconsistently indifferent to them (always liked ‘em but didn’t always care if I saw/stayed for them). We didn’t go to a big fireworks show that last 4th of July, instead watching my family set off our own at my sister’s house.
But I went to a fireworks show almost exactly 1 year and 2 weeks after he died, at the annual city festival where we lived, and I totally lost my shit during the show. It wasn’t conscious, willed, or anything, but damn, I just started crying and crying as they went off. About had a panic attack and had to screw my eyes shut to block them out during the big finale. Part of the problem was that I was there by myself–Anna was at Charley’s parents’ house for the week in southern Oregon, same as she is right now this week, and all I could see was how alone I was at that festival, watching all the families get to enjoy the show together…except me. No husband, no family, not even my daughter there. It was awful and totally unconscious–I wasn’t even thinking about Charley as the fireworks show started, but I started crying almost automatically.
Another widowed friend of mine had the same experience as yours (and mine) when she was at Disney World with her daughters, over the 2-year anniversary of her husband’s death. She just started crying during the fireworks.
Yup, just another shitty new “normal” area of widowhood, my friend.
Glad to hear you survived the 4-month mark okay….Doing special things on those hard days has always helped me bear them a bit easier….
Damn! Eleven pounds? Holy crap, Madeline! Go, baby, GO! Daddy’s doing a GREAT job.
Her smiles made me smile… she is just SOOOOOOOOO gorgeous.
Sending big hugs to Candace from Michigan. My heart goes out to you.
You and Madeline are both looking great! She gets more beautiful everyday! I love her smiles – thanks for sharing them with all of us
Thanks again for keeping up with the posts.
Hello Matt & Madeline;I love everything you are doing on your blog.Where did you learn how to do what you do with it?It is soo much fun getting on the computer & looking to see what is happening with the two of you.I’am soo fucking Thankful Dave & I got to spend some time with you & that Sweet little babe you have.You are a Fantastic dad & a Great person.Matt anytime you & Madeline want to come stay with us you are always Welcome in our home.You know we would take Great Care of her if you wanted to go to the strip & meet up with friends.Love your cute house & yard.I’am also soo fucking glad I got to see the robot,that is soo cool!Hope you have a Great trip to Banff & New York.Hope we can get together when things get settled down with all the travels.XOXOXOXOX (your aunt)Patricia
I absolutely LOVE the pics of her yawning and then passed the hell out at the end. she is gorgeous.
Hi Matt! I’ve been MIA for almost 2 weeks because my Mom needed me. I’ve had to create a website for her and one person said they come to the site several times a day for updates. It got me thinking about you and your site and how people love their updates.
I just went back to get updated on your posts and saw Madeline wore the “adored” shirt I had made for her. That was pretty damn cool to see. 
She looks great and as usual you’re doing a great job.
Hooray for a great day on the 25th, 7/25/81 is my birthday! My daughter, Vida, was born on 4/5/08 not to far off from Maddy. Would love to meet some time!