another night
of significant sleep for
my favorite daughter.
10+ hours =
8+ more than me.
the secret is, i don’t need
it as much as she does.
she’s growing,
and now that i know
she’s 11 pounds
i swear i can feel that growth.
suddenly i think
i can feel it
in my arms,
in my shoulders,
in my back.
everything seems to hurt.
i’m not built for weight lifting,
even if that weight is
an 11-pound infant.
but maybe, just maybe
the pain
is from sleeping
on the couch for the
past few weeks?
i have no idea.
funny though,
just last week someone did
asked me if i was
working out.
(apparently my arms are looking “stronger”).
had to laugh.
yes i have been working out,
just with a fork instead
of weights.
but carrying madeline around
in a carseat has has to be
doing a lot to build
me some new muscles.
it’s past noon now and
my friend and her kids
arrived for a late lunch
before we headed
out to a place
i’d never been before,
kidspace museum in pasadena.
it’s a pretty rad indoor
and outdoor
place where kids can
play like maniacs while learning
a little something
along the way.
my friend’s kids had a blast
and so did madeline.
she hung out with me
and we got our
hands dirty.
she actually stayed awake
almost the entire time,
hanging out with me
as we
tried to avoid
being eaten by giant bugs,
and climbed to the
top of the raindrop climber,
hitting my head twice
(ouch).
madeline was still ready to play,
but i was exhausted,
so i took a
little rest on a little chair
which gave me an
awful leg cramp
(ouch)
madeline laughed
at me as i struggled
to get out of
the miniature chair.
not funny.
had to walk it off.
later she decided
that she
was exhausted and
passed out in the baby carrier.
i wanted to do
the same thing, but couldn’t
’cause a kid ran over my
foot with a trike.
(ouch).
though the place was
pretty awesome,
i’ve determined that
it’s way too
dangerous for an adult.
headed toward the exit
thinking that
most of the children
in the place were pretty
well-behaved.
i found out why
on the way out…
(i think all parents need one of these).
said goodbye to our
friends and made it back
to the house rather quickly.
found cara waiting on my porch.
i was 1 minute late,
somehow she is always on time.
jerk.
didn’t even go in
the house,
just jumped in the car
and headed to the
french restaurant in
the eagle rock.
had a nice conversation about
liz
and talked about ways
to honor her memory
(cara had some great ideas that i’ll share someday).
needed some dessert,
so we headed to the glendale
and stood in
a long line.
later we did a little
shopping, madeline
buying a gift for
one her newest friends,
a friend she’s going
to meet on monday.
she also convinced
me to buy a few things
for me.
headed home and
said goodbye to cara.
madeline asleep,
i decided to listen to a
would have hated,
staying up way too late.
i didn’t hate this day.
178 Comments
First?! Could I possibly be first…?! Too good to be true.
Sounds like a great day! Maddy’s shoes and socks are awesome – a glamour do for such a little fashion plate!
Glad you had a little fun!
Her pink striped socks and shoes are super cute!!
must feel nice to have a day that you didn’t hate. the little cutie pie is soooooo big!! before you know it she’ll be walking, talking, driving a car, etc. still rooting for you guys over here in ontario. go matt & maddy!!
I’m back from a week of dial-up only (oh, the humanity) so can finally comment as I’ve so desired to do. I know how grateful you are that I’m back! Right…like you even notice us old-timers, with your new legions of ever-growing fans. Ingrate.
LOVE the Vans! And equally love the idea of you “working out.” I know you in only the briefest of ways (although I at least met you in person at your party in the Mtka), but even I can guess that you might possibly be one of the least likely-to-work-out people that I’ve ever met. And I mean that in a good way.
You for sure are looking healthier these days, no doubt about it. Madeline is relieved…we’ve all been secretly e-mailing her to kick your ass and get you taking care of yourself better, but she was reluctant to bite the hand that feeds her. Now she can relax.
As always, you do a GREAT job getting out and about. I don’t know what “M” was fucking talking about; I’m thinking that he/she might have to become our new whipping boy/girl…give our girl That Other Jill some time off.
Holy shit! I DID get first!!! Take that, Sol!!!! Your reign as firsties queen is over!
PS Liz would have been right to hate that music.
Okay, I think I’m finally done.
First off, Madeline’s Kidspace outfit = AWESOME!
You have such an amazing network of friends. Even though I don’t “know” you, I am so thankful for them!
could those shoes and socks be any cuter? I think not.
Sounds exhausting and fun at the same time.
Those shoes and socks are cool
Those socks and shoes are fucking rocking!
Cheers!
PS Fuck that other Jill
Pork rules
I absolutely loved little Maddy’s socks and shoes, way to go Matt! Quite the little stylish girl she has become.
Triple LOVE the Vans. And, the Twins hat–way to represent! ha!
I don’t think Madeline could get any cuter. That outfit w/ the little vans…ROCK! I’m glad you didn’t hate the day!
Not hating is a good thing. And I see the smiles returning to your face, too, which is very awesome indeed!
Nice kicks, Madeline!
She looks just like her mama in the picture of her smiling in the carrier. So beautiful.
Omg those shoes and socks! Super cute!
Wonderful post. Glad you had a day you didn’t hate! Although any day you spend with that sweetie daughter of yours should make you smile through the darkest times. She is adorable, and you, my friend (I don’t know you except through your post, but you feel like a friend) are an awesome papa. Watch out for trikes, they can be soooo deadly! Bless you Matt, you too, Maddie.
I am with everyone else – absolutely LOVED her outfit! The pink with the awesome, awesome socks and shoes!! She is too cute! And your face in the “miniature chair” pic is priceless!! Glad you had a good day. And looks like this museum will be lots of fun for Miss M when she is older too! In the pic of her you took close up (below the chair pic), she looks just like her momma – beautiful!
sign me up for a control valve. wonder if they still work when your kid is taller than you (having a tough time coming to grips with that, but this isn’t about me now, is it). back to you –
glad you had a great time and very brave going there on a saturday. hope you didn’t lose any toes in the trike incident. i hope your sunday was just as fun.
Hey – Happy 18/52 Miss Madeline. Way to rock those shoes!
(((hugs)))
@katy – you go girl!
I remember when the Teen/Child would fall asleep in the Baby Bjorn, and I just wanted to have someone put both of us in their giant adult Bjorn, so that we could both sleep.
HOLA Matt
Maddy’s shoes are really COOL! You definitively have “girly” TASTE!
You also look very HEALTHY these days… re. pic of raindrop climber…WIDE SMILE looks VERY GOOD one YOU!
p.s….@ Katy–> Congrats my dear creepy friend!
I was ALL MORNING refreshing my pc for an updated!….Fucking boss meeting conference!
Hole. E. Shit! Is she wearing teeny tiny little Vans on her feet?!
*screams from the cuteness*
Awesome, and that museum looks pretty rad indeed!
Since my Ava is about a month ahead of Mads (age-wise, but FAR behind in her fashionista ways) I will give you a heads up on a “phenom” I hope you never learn 1st hand. Right about this time, these beauties go from Sleeping Through The Night (in nest lingo, it’s “STTN” and everyone covets those who do it) to experiencing the “4 month wakeful period” where they tend to wake up, all night long, wanting nothing and everything. Joyous.
Hope you never know it 1st hand, but if you don’t want company those wee hours you SHOULD BE SLEEPING, best practice good night-time habits now, and cross her chubby lil’ fingers you never need them.
Don’t say I didn’t warn ya.
Signed,
Haven’t slept in a month.
matt, it was a long time before I could read your posts and not sob, even when you were sharing the most beautiful stories about your precious girl. now, listening to you and hearing of all the love sent your way, seeing your ability to connect with new people and beginning to feel a bit of happiness in a passing moment is a wonderful thing. I’ve feel like I’ve grown a little stronger too just sharing your journey. thank you.
it is nice to read these posts and see a slow but steady trend of days that don’t completely suck.
and, lol about 11 lbs. seeming heavy. Just wait until the day you’re lugging around a 30+ pound little kid who is too tired to walk because you foolishly listened to her when she vehemently insisted she wanted to walk instead of riding in the stroller. Your lower back will throb for days!
like everyone else.. the socks & shoes are way tooo cute!
it definitely looks like a really cool place to bring tots. love the, what looks to be, a stained glass ceiling.
i’m glad you didn’t hate saturday..
Love the shoes on Maddy!!!!
Spectacular shoe/sock combo. Outfit is a winner… if only we could all look so funky! She’s a star!!
baby bjorn = back pain, according to the moms and dads I know. I tried a bunch of carriers and slings until I found the Ergo, and I really like it. I bet there is a shop near you that has a demo that you can try with Maddy (or with a doll, my local shop has a baby filled with heavy sand).
I am not an Ergo salesperson – just an first-time mom with a tired back
Hi matt- I’ve been following your website for a few months now. I find it funny that you live in California because I’m from CA living in Minnesota (yikes- I know!). Came out here for college in 2000 and 8 yrs later I’m still here.
I’m glad you and Madeline had a great day in Pasadena. The kid has the most kick @$$ shoes and socks I’ve ever seen! Lots of happy thoughts coming your way from Minnesota.
Kristen – in the Eagan Minnesota
So glad you guys had a good day!
Madeline is rocking the pink and white striped socks with Vans. Your child is better dressed than I’ll ever be.
Ok, so about hauling the carseat around…my 5 month old (who was 14lbs at 4 months) is now getting taken out of the carseat and carried whenever possible. I looked a little silly hefting around the almost 9lb carseat with my mammoth child inside, especially now that he holds up his upper body so well. I leave the seat in the car 90% of the time now (unless when he’s sleeping, we all know better than to disturb sleep).
Anyway, I hope my advice doesn’t come off as know-it-all psycho mom (I HATE when I run across those…), just trying to impart some of my lessons learned.
Keep up the good work, Matt. You’re looking healthy and happy. Very little sleep agrees with you!
That was a lot of “ouch” for one trip! Better take it easy and rest up.
Ditto to everyone else about Madeline’s awesomely rockin’ socks and Vans. Way cute.
Matt,
Carrying a baby and the car seat will build up your muscles!
I LOVE the striped knee high socks with the checkered “skater”shoes! Too cute!
Sandy in the OH
OMG…LOVE LOVE LOVE the vans! That place looks awesome. I’m glad you didn’t hate the day.
So glad that you had a good day….what a fun place for kids to enjoy! I am glad that see that Madeline is not lacking in educational outings (erosion).
Those baby carriers are awesome for working your arms….my son is 20 pounds…I should look like your governor anytime now!
Amy from Louisville, KY.
@Matt: I want Maddy’s adorable SHOES!!! I don’t think I even bothered putting shoes on my child until he could walk! I was (and AM) a LAZY PARENT.
@Christa: AAAAACK! You’re BLOGGING! I just now noticed! Rock on, you wacky pig sucker!
started to read your blog by way of storked and i read all your old posts… and have been keeping up since… wanted to say you’re doing a fantastic job and i love the way you keep it real can’t imagine your pain. Your daughter’s a cutie and her outfit today made me decide to comment SO CUTE!…
signed stranger from Jamaica W.I.
Matt,
Loving her vans w/ her knee socks! Way cool! Sounds like you had fun! Staying busy for sure. Gotta say, Maddy is the perfect companion. She’s always on the go and seems to be so peaceful at it. That’s great! Keep smiling… and doing what you do best… being Maddy’s Daddy… Here’s to a great week! and more smiles and giggles from Maddy! xo
Like always Maddy looks gorgeous!
Sorry for the typos….we are somewhat educated here in the KY. I am just not a good representation!
I love the little feet on the bottom of her shoes…so cute! I must say that since you’ve decided to make part II of ’08 better than part I, I can definitely feel a more positive tone in your writing. Way to hang in there and enjoy your little Madeline to the max
Thanks for sharing your ups and downs with all of us.
BTW, carrying babies (even small ones), definitely improves the muscle tone!
Just got back to Va from Atlantic City where I ate triple pork product breakfasts every morning and thought of you and Liz.
Catching up on all of your posts. Glad the dr appt went well and that you have had some nice days out and about!
LOVE the Vans! Precious as always!!!
Matt-
Love Maddy’s shoe’s with the little foot on the sole, and the socks are very COOL! Way to go dad
Glad you had a nice day, here’s hoping for many, many more for you both!
love and hugs from the very, very humid MN!!!
Matt,
I love reading your journey and am cheering for you and little Madeline, who is absolutely adorable!
“I didn’t hate this day” says so much. Keep on doing what you’re doing.
Oh, and ditto the other comments on the vans. love ‘em.
Matt-Sounds like a pretty good day…glad it wasn’t on the “hated” list….Lets hope you have more and more ok days!
I mean, I also work out with a fork, but it doesnt go to my ARMS…
Ok, how, for fucks sake, do you manage to say so thin (in a good way) when you eat out in restaurants all of the time?? (Ok, before someone comments, even in older photos of the two of you, you are thin)…makes me want to run over your foot, too
Madeline looks gorgeous as always. I realized something weird today…one of my very good friends sent me some pics of her baby that is roughly the same age as Madeline. I’m looking at them like, “Uh, yeah, cute baby..ok…” Yet when I look at pics of Madeline, it brings a huge smile to my face and I think she is just about the cutest thing I have ever seen. Does that make me creepy? I mean, chances are I’ll NEVER even meet Madeline or you….its crazy!
Anyway, I’d have to agree with Liz on the tunes. There is some jazz I really like, but some of it just grates on my nerves. Its kind of like modern art for me. Who decides that it is “good”? And when something is so free form, how is one song/painting/scuplture better than another? I don’t know…maybe I’m just “unenlightened”. Probably…
Hoping the rest of the weekend was not hated as well….
I love the time that you spend with Madeline! You take such great advantage of all of the great things in your area.
I am amazed at how many first time parents are afraid or just won’t take their kids out. With my first, the night we got home from the hospital, we took our dogs (3 big ones) on a walk. A couple passed by us and commented on the beautiful baby and how little, I said “2 1/2 days old”. They were shocked that we could be out (think great delivery, very easy, no stiches or any other fun stuff). Anyway, great job as always to you Matt.
No idea where, but I read once that it’s much harder on your body to life a baby 10-15 lbs than a toddler 2 or 3 or 4 times heavier.
The baby doesn’t prepare itself for the lift.
See, sometimes I have useful information!
I’m loving the vans, and the pictures of her gnawing on the carrier. Too cute.
OMG the socks and shoes! I’m now on a mission to find something like that for my 4.5 month old. So cute!
That museum looks awesome. You’ll have to keep it in mind for when Madeline is older and hyper
Glad you didn’t hate the day.
I’m SO glad you did not hate this day! =)
Madeline’s vans rock. AND i love the pic of madeline laughing at you trying to get out of the little chair – so cute.
I want those shoes and socks. So awesome. Looks like you have had a pretty good couple of days. Maddy is looking more beautiful than ever!
Asalamalaykom,
I remember reading that a dad’s lanky, angular arms are not designed to hold a baby for a long time or it hurts his muscles. Good thing you’re using that sling!
I’m so glad that you’re having a good time.
However…could you get a little more sleep? I mean, Madeline is doing her part. She’s a sleeping pro! You are getting the best little sleeper in town! Mashahallah. But you…you are really sucking at the sleeping.
I do understand this. To sleep means to surrender. If you give yourself over to the unknown, it feels scary again. I’m not getting enough sleep these days myself (acknowledging the hypocrit within).
What if you slept with Madeline in the bed? Just get some bedrails, make sure that there aren’t any fluffy comforters or pillow near her, and that you aren’t on any meds or alcohol that could inhibit your waking. I bet lying next to her would feel better. And the bed? It’s got to feel better than the couch. Inshahallah.
May your nights begin to feel comfortable again both for your body and your mind.
Okay, so now Madeline not only has me beat on visits to major league ballparks and cultural institutions, but she also has cooler footware. I’m starting to get a complex.
my partner got some poppa muscles from hoisting our wee one.. We never really used a stroller- i think twice- so she was our little *weight*..
She does rock that growth chart like her bad self.
I want to go to that museum..I think my kids would really like it, even though it seems adults might need helmets in there- i think i would like it too.
hope you both are having a fun day today!
Carrying a baby is the BEST arm workout
!
Sounds like an awesome day! Good for you! So good to hear.
Inshallah is my daughter’s middle name!
damn it – not an original thing to say again. could ditto most people’s comments, but will choose katy’s as she really did echo my thoughts. over and over again. haha. happy monday maddy. hope you’re going to grab a restful nap or night in your bed soon, matt.
Madeline is looking cuter every day. 11lbs, wow! So cliche, but they grow so fast. My daughter will be 1 year old in a couple of weeks and I still can’t believe it. You are doing a great job Matt!
glad this wasn’t a hated day….
My teen (girl) was totally in love with Madeline’s shoes. You’re certainly getting the hang of dressing a girl, Matt. Keep up the good work – she looks so healthy and beautiful.
Madeline, digging the groovy shoes and socks. Your dad is dressing you like a rock star!!! I want some.
There is no way to describe the macrame style knots one gets from toting a seemingly small package strapped to their chest day in and day out.
Nothing original to say here either except for the fact that I LOVE LOVE LOVE the socks n shoes!
Normally I say baby feet all the way – but what’s cuter than baby feet…perhaps a pair of striped pink socks…how could you cover them up? Except of course, when you find the smallest cutest pair of Vans I ever did see! HOW STINKING ADORABLE…and now…I have baby fever.
@Kelly-Wow! You arent kiding! Go back and look for the picure of Liz where she has on a white t-shirt and its the smae profile of her looking like she is ready to crack up….Same look!!!
I am so glad that you were able to realize through the sadness just how lucky you are to have such a wonderful, healthy, adorable daughter!
I 65th the comment about Madeline’s shoes/socks they have me with such a huge smile on my face. She looks amazing
hmmm. yeah, i got nothing original either! those shoes are amazing. i’m kind of a shoe freak & right now i’m uberjealous! i need some of those!
can i just say i loved this post? i just sat here & smiled the whole time i was reading. it’s so nice to see the not hated days are growing in number! you 2 are amazing!
hugs from milaca!
oh, and again, the twins hat—awesome choice! could you keep wearing it this week since they’re playing the white sox?
i forgot—-
way to go creepy katy on firsties!!
Ok, I promise this is my last one…but I thought I’d share this story. The day I got married, I didnt put my dress on until we got to the church. Well it wasn’t a big church, and so that the groom didn’t see me (You know, the whole “bad luck” thing. Turns out the bad luck was marrying him in the first place…but I digress..), we had to stay on separate sides of the church. Well, I put on my big poofy dress with all sorts of layers of netting on and realize I have to pee. The only bathrooms on “my” side of the church were for the preschool. Who knew they made tiny little toilets that sit about a foot off of the ground. I had to have about 5 people hold my dress over my head while I sat almost floor level trying not to miss this preschool potty. Not my most elegant look of the day. Later in the day, one of my guy friends commented, “How did you get lipstick on the hem of your dress??” I was like, “Dude, you don’t even want to know..”
Anyway, the teeny chairs just made me think of that and thought you might think it was funny…or gross…
How stinkin cute are Madeline’s socks and shoes!
I have a 4 month old too and she’s not nearly as fashionable. Drats.
Glad you didn’t hate this day.
I am always so touched when I read your posts. Today was no exception. Like everyone else, I am so happy to read that you and your beautiful baby girl had a great time @Kidspace. The pictures more than reflect that:)
p.s.
Agreed! Her shoes are just waaay too adorable!
Mega kudos for the Vans! A true So Cali chickie!
)
WOW!!! Has anyone else noticied in one of the last pictures just how much she is starting to look like her mother!!! Totally beautiful….
The socks and shoes are so stinky cute. I don’t know why you doubt yourself even for a moment. Madeline is well dressed and well loved.
Nice paci!
Aren’t baby carriers the best? I sure miss carrying our kids around in those. *sigh* Madeline is growing up *so* fast and getting so big! Wow! I just can’t get over it!
Good stuff Matt,
Getting Madeline into a routine that includes a ten hour sleep is massive, well done you both. I can remember the nightly 2-3am ‘disagreement’ I would have with my son, from about eight months to two years.
And they say women have to bear the stretch-marks as a result of children. Forget that, I have some on my right bicep from all the baby/toddler carrying I’ve done.
Good luck with your posture
great Vans!
great Daddy!
GREAT DAY!!! YAY!!
Your leg that was bothering you is not the same leg that was giving you grief a few weeks/months back is it? Don’t make this mama start worrying about you! :::smooches:::
and dude, sleep as little or as much as you damn well feel like.
I’m glad you didn’t hate the day. The down times are harder. Her socks are terrific. When you get her hair growing she can be Pippi Longstockings for Halloween. BTW, any ideas for Halloween. I sew a mean kids costume!
- Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife
I immediately wanted to comment on the adorable striped sockes and Vans, and now I see I wasn’t the only one! Maddy is quite the little fashionista. Glad it was a day with lots of awesomeness.
So glad you had a great day with Maddie. Where do you get the energy to be out all afternoon and then go out again! God Bless You!
Love Maddie’s shoes and socks!
She’s a dream
Loved Maddie’s shoes. Did not love that music. Liz had good taste.
Sleeping is overrated.
That did sound like a fabulous day!
Make sure you carry her on both sides in that carrier….not only did my left knee suffer for a couple months, but I pinched a nerve in my elbow as well. Just a heads up to some “pains” a new parent might experience, especially now that she is getting heavier. It’s amazing what carrying around a baby will do to your body (haha…in more ways than 1).
Glad she’s enjoying your excursions, what a lucky little lady!
@Maureen in the PA: I am screamin’ over THAT visual, Girlfriend! A bride on a preschool potty. TOO fucking funny!
Wow I can’t believe she is getting so big. Well I can, but she is just so precious! Carrying a car seat around will give you a work out in muscles you didn’t even know you had. lol. You guys have been keeping busy this summer. Keep having fun, and I hope things are getting a bit easier.
PS – thank you for emailing me back with the website info. I will be putting it in a care basket for her. Thank you!
Matt,
Those little VAN shoes are wayyyyyyyyyyyyy to cute. I love the pic where you are getting eaten by a bug. LOL
Horray for a good day!
Kim
Hey Matt, any chance you can stop referring to every location as “the” – “The Glendale” etc. Its annoying now.
Oh Louise. . . Watch out girl, I have a feeling you’re ’bout to get schooled. . .
THE I failed to THE mention, THE Happy Birthday to THE Maddy.
um…
i just sent louise a very, very polite e-mail apologizing for annoying her and asked her to stop reading my blog.
i doubt she will.
and i will say “the (insert city)” “fuck” “shit” and many other things people don’t like.
i ask again that people be adults here and leave if you are offended or annoyed by something.
there are plenty of other widow/widower bloggers out there who will not annoy or offend you.
seriously.
i just wanted to pop back in and say i wasn’t trying to sound preachy with the sleep comment – know plenty of people who thrive without it. i am just not one of them. i love me some sleep.
so my point is: do what you damn well please, matt. you’re going to rock it no matter what it is.
anyway – didn’t want to upset the herd of creepsters. (and i include myself in that.)
what a surprise…
another negative commenter with a fake e-mail address:
“This is an automatically generated Delivery Status Notification.
Delivery to the following recipients failed.
louisek@yahoo.com”
thanks for being awesome…
m.
I think people are just setting us up now to go Apeshit on them. They like watching us flap and squawk like a bunch of chickens. Let’s ignore them.
@Leigh in THE Sav: You are a rockin’ creep and I think we all could see that you were just tellin’ Matt that he should sleep wherever he wants for as long (or short) as he wants.
Asshats suck.
go Matt go!!! Fuck anybody who is offended! Leave the site if ya don’t like it!!
Ohhh, Madeline looks so cute with her little vans on. Nice job dressing her daddy – you rock in the fashion dept as always.
It looks like you all had a good time at the museum, so many good photos as usual.
Sorry about the negative commentors. I still don’t get why people think they can come to your blog and tell you what to say or how to write. I just don’t get it. Just keep on keeping on. You rock!!
Hope you’re having a good day in THE ca….
maddy’s got vans? that is AWESOME.
@ K in the N – agreed on the ignoring. On the Storked blog a woman wrote in advertising her hotness and asking Matt if he was ready to date again. That could have started insanity, but another commenter wrote in and said “don’t feed the trolls”. I liked that. I guess “trolls” are like two year olds who know how to push all their parents’ buttons.
Her shoes are so cute!
I’m sitting in a journalism conference and her smile definitly made me smile and enjoy this conference a little more.
Thanks for the smiles Maddy and Matt.
Maybe you should start requiring stool samples with comment submissions.
Oh, wait — that won’t work, since those bitchy comments are coming from assholes anyway…
So how about click-to-confirms? Cuz who the fuck has time to deal with shit like that? I’m guessing not you. People are just nuts. (And, sadly, usually not in the good ways.)
Anyway, hope you’re having a good Monday, Matt…and Happy Weekbirthday, Maddy!
I seriously love that you put THE in front of every location. It’s your signature. Keep it up, Matt! You rock as a father…and as a human. Suck it, haters.
Gah, nothing original today as per… I am lovin the socks and Vans too. Maddy looks awesome. And I think you have started a fad. I am totally saying The before (insert city)….
Oh and MY city is officially more expensive than YOUR city today. (if you live in the North Jersey your city is the NYC by default lol). The Los Angeles is number 2!
Wow. Too lazy to go back and get the name of the person (my bad), but have to agree you’d have to have a lot of balls to tell someone what they can and cannot write in their blog………..fuck shit snot piss is all I have to say!
Sounds like one of your better days, Mateo – glad to read about it. Pics as always are teh awesome as is your GG!
Pay no attention to the poster who said you need to get an Angels hat – there’s only one team in the LA – and it ain’t the Angels!!!!!!!!
Keep up the good days!
Just someone who found your blog this past weekend, read it for 4 hours straight, and cried for you. Wanted you to know I’m thinking of you two often (my youngest is Maddy as well) and look forward to watching your healing progress.
And, I have gotta get me some Vans….
Alright Louise. Don’t make me get medieval on your ass. Leave Matt alone, or you’ll have hundreds of pissed off chicks who arent’ afraid to swear knocking on your computer screen.
Matt, I’m going to email you, since I’m too cranky this second to post nicely.
@ Tracey in the NorCal – I assume you mean the Brooklyn Dodgers right? HAHAHAHA
I’m kinda nervous saying that I’m glad I didn’t win Madeline’s height/weight contest if that Jazz CD was the prize! (Joke). I love the socks/Vans and the Twins Cap! Glad you had a good day–what did you end up doing to the kid on the trike?
It’s so nice to see you smile, Matt! Hopefully, it will get easier for you and with a daughter like Maddy, I’m sure it will. She’s beautiful!
The Vans ROCK!! I think I kept my Vans from Jr. High. I’m going to have to see if they still fit.
@ Melissa from NJ…Where you at? I think I found the bbq place in Madison (I went to college in Madison, btw), and am keeping it on the list of places to go to. What other places are you in the know of?
oh my. Louise/Jill/Lee whoever you are back the fuck off. This is Matt’s blog and his life he can do/say/write whatever the fuck he likes. That’s the whole point. Duh.
anywho.. looks like a great day and the lovely Maddy is rocking her vans. I love her socks too!!
hugs from NJ,
erica and Landon
I am still speechless over what Anna in the MPLS said about some *nut* hitting on Matt via the Storked! blog. Altho I dunno why — really, it’s surprising, knowing the interwebs, that there is not more of this kind of shit. People give me the heebie-jeebies.
Of course, gorgeous & intelligent left-wingers like Matt can drive a girl to do/say crazy things. Not to mention fellas like Johnny Utah, AJ, Hot Brother Nick, Underage Logelin Brother, Both Grandpas, The Male Broback, Ben… Who am I leaving out???
Hello??? Anyone??? Hello?
God love the those days you don’t hate…I am glad you enjoyed your day! I love Maddy’s shoes! She is as precious as ever…
Wow Matt…people really do have your back!!!
I started reading the comments from the end and humourosly saw that someone was in a lot of trouble (see Louise). It’s pretty cool that so many people have connected with your story so passionately.
As stated a few times earlier…the vans and striped socks are a trip
@ Melissa from NJ: Well, the Brooklyn Dodgers were Brooklyn and the Dodgers in the LA came to CA the year before I was born (do the math, people!) – but gotta love that the Bums started out in your neck of the woods. We appreciate having their storied tradition here now.
@ Whitney – you HAD to have found it if you found good bbq ANYWHERE in the Morris County. Pops. (by the train station)
Whatchya lookin for? I pretty much know all things restaurants in the general area. Much to my ass’s chagrin.
Apparently Louise doesn’t realize how over-protective the MN is when it comes to you and Maddy. An angry mob of creeps awaits anyone who tries to mess with you guys. And frankly, I wouldn’t mess with the entire CA either solely because of the presence of Christa. Not to mention Kate in the Northridge.
PS. Disclaimer – The use of the word “creep” in the above comment is not meant to illicit fighting among creeps, as “creep” in the connotation is a terms of endearment, like honey or schnookums.
The socks and shoes rock. Glad you had a nice day.
Matt, the Vans rock. Just wait until she gets into the Big Skool sizes. It’s difficult not to buy every pair.
Congratulations on a not sucky day this weekend and Happy (weekly) Birthday Madeline! Try not to throw out your Dad’s back.
@ Kate in the Northridge. Um, can’t believe you forgot The Bastard.
But any list that includes Ben is probably complete.
Totally kick ass shoes. I was a vans wearing girl when they were still sold in the little shacks and didn’t cost more than 19.99 (grew up in SoCal).
And wow does that picture of little miss M look like Liz.
Thoes socks and shoes on Madeline are the absolute cutest things I have ever seen!! You have to tell me where you got those shoes!!
the absolute BEST thing I heard today… “i didn’t hate this day.” That is AWESOME!!!!
PPS. Perhaps I should try proof reading what I post so that I don’t sound like an illiterate fool. I blame that one Jill. And Louise.
Okay… so normally I refrain from putting this word in writing (you know… in case my mom reads it…
But you fucking rock Matt… and all of you ladies (and gentlemen) who have his back: you are awesome! I fucking love it!
Oh yeah… and I like the shoes too…
CUTE socks and shoes!! Love em!
Unfortunately it’s prob. a combo of sleeping on the couch and wearing Miss Madeline in the Baby Bjorn that are killing your back!! Those things are horrible for it! The sling is great because it shifts her weight to be carried by your shoulder (as long as you put it on the corner of your shoulder). You can actually position her cross legged/indian style and face her outwards in it (her back to your chest) and I bet she’ll LOVE it! You’re a great daddy Matt!!!
We creeps enjoy our term of endearment.
Oh yeah, hey Matt, I was asked to join the creepdom.
I was honored. Long live THE creeps!!!
Love those cute little vans! What an awesome daddy to put her in such lovely bright colors. She looks like she is really getting in tune with what is going on around her, lovely baby.
518 comments on weight! How do you do it? I’d go bonkers.
I’m glad you have been having some fun, you look more relaxed and more like you.
Matt,
As a grandmother of 8 under six, and a new baby of 4 months, I have savored your writing and photos. I feel your grief, love, trepedition all in one moment. Any woman would be proud to call you son in law. Your respect and devotion to your daughter and wife can only be called exceptional. I continue to keep you both in my prayers and know Liz is smiling upon your bond.
Now to you “Creeps”= you go girls!! I only wish in my day of raising children there would have been a place to express myself and support others. Though we had the neighborhood, which I hope you also have, what you all are giving to matt and each other is wonderful! You all make me feel young, and anxious to embrace the creep in us all. That said, love the socks!
Maddy is rocking those shoes!! Very rad.
@Anna: My apologies to The Bastard! There’s another one… The Male ______________ ; I adore him and dunno why his name escapes me. I must be trying to protect my fragile psyche.
Okay where did you get those shoes and do they have them for boys? My little man def. needs a pair!!
You are simply amazing! Wow! I’ve been a faithful reader, & i have to just let you in on that… =)
Matt, glad you didn’t hate this day. you know when I see you and Madeline doing those fun things at the museum, I look forward to about 1+ year from now, when you are RUNNING your ass off keeping up with that little girl! I look forward to CLEAR pictures of a running toddler my friend. Start practicing on others children now, I swear, it is tough!
@ Lori in the TX – YOU made me cry tonight. Usually its Matt. You fucking creep!!! (that feels weird saying that to a grandmother)
Hi Matt! I’m so glad that you had a good day. I think I am not the only one who has said, and hasn’t written yet, that we all would like to see you smile a bit more and are happy that you are starting to enjoy being alive again. I know it’s just a start, but it is SO good.
Matt – you know us creeps always have your back! If you need us to bring it, we will.
@K8 – that would be Broback.
nothin’ but love!
Damn, I go away for the day and that’s when all the good comments come out! Go K in the N, Christa, Em and Maureen — I love you guys!! And for all you faithful I haven’t mentioned by name, you guys rock. Your support of Matt and Madeline is amazing and truly touching.
@ Matt — I hope you won’t ever drop the “the” — it’s one of your signature phrases and your blog wouldn’t be the same without it.
@ Madeline — Happy 18/52 Birthday!!
Hugs from the humid MN
“Hi-five” and thank you to Lori in the TX!
Representing Creeps Everywhere,
K in the N
@ K in the N –
The male Beecher and The male Broback (or is it Brobeck)
and let’s not forget “THE robot”
screw THE lousie – (oops did i misspell that?)
well you are a stinkin lousy human being. so move on and get a life.
Matt – your awesomeness makes me want to virtually assault anyone who can shut up and act older then 5. argh!
you freaking rock – and my daughter has some vans too – but they are too small now!
madeline is miss fashionista – and all the rest of the babes are playing catch up! 
be blessed.
aloha.
If my husband knew I crushed on you soooo much (he would be pissed)…………………you are a KICK ASS DAD. I only wished J would care as much as you. The love that you express for Liz is something I could only hope for. You are the perfect daddy and husband.
I recently read that picking up a 14 pound baby 4 times every hour they are awake is like lifting 900 pounds a day. I guess you’ve only got 700 or 800 pounds a day but man, no wonder we’re all so sore all the time.
Matt,
So happy to hear you had another good day! Madeline looks too cute as always!
Take care,
Debbie
Get SOME sleep!(I should be talking)
@Lori in the TX – If I had kids, I’d want you to be their honorary grandma. You’d be one “creepy” grandma!
Oh yeah, I describe having a baby as gradually stepped-up weight training. The car seat rapidly got too heavy for me. The other day, though, I was holding a friend’s baby, and I marveled at how light 14 pounds feels now! (My daughter is 24 pounds, and does not like to sit quietly in a stroller… sigh)
@Davezwife: we also had the sleep-going-to-sh*t experience at about 5 months. It turned out it was teething – the pain was waking her up. We got very, very fond of Tylenol…
Oh, and as for Louise, you are now THE LOUISE! Ha ha ha.
I’m glad you had a day that you didn’t hate. I hope you start having them more often.
Matt,
You continue to make me laugh!! I just love you to pieces!! And to clarify, that is in a plutonic, friendship sort of way. As I am reading through the comments, I see yours that you wrote to “the Louise”. Too funny!! Perhaps Christa from the V will add that to her list. I am always amazed by what people tell you NOT to do. This site is like “your house”, would I tell you not to do this in your house? Never.
Also, I do have to say that I am VERY envious (is that how you spell that? Envy-ous . . hmm) of how little sleep you get by on. I have always wished that I could be one of them. Oh the stuff I could get done!!
I hope that you have a nice Tuesday!
@Kate in the Northridge…The Male Broback???? Something like that….but I’m calling dibs on the underage Logelin…Holy Hotness!
And sweet Matt, the shoes dude, your still wearing the shoes. We had a bet.
My new nephew was born last night. He is a big guy weighing in at 8lbs13ozs. I get to meet him this coming weekend and I can’t wait to hold him. I’m glad you and Madeline had a good day.
I had to come back to say this………FUCK YOU LOUISE………AND THE horse you rode in on…….Matt, the crazy lady in THE Texas is still pulling for you and the wonderful Miss M!!!
Um, the Cuss O’Meter is my favorite thing ever.
Besides Maddy’s shoes.
J’adore ces photos – le Papa a l’air de beaucoup apprecier les couleurs fortes et les images inattendues… c’est sympa. Madeline est toujours aussi rigolotte – et il faut dire qu’en effet, le sommeil semble etre un grand besoin en elle? Ou alors, peut etre qu’elle n’a pas envie d’ecouter les blagues de son Papa? Va savoir! En tout cas, vous etes une petite famille magnifique. Bravo ! Et a bientot!
Abigail
2ans
France
YAY for Saturday! Here’s to more days ahead that aren’t hate-worthy.
Your Maddy is just about the cutest baby ever (even without the adorable vans).
I just love that “Reflection” photo!
You are a great photographer…even though you take pictures of light fixtures…lol!
Love also those short videos of Madeline!
Take Care!
This is my first time posting. I love reading your blog. You are an amazing writer and photographer. I have loved watching Madeline grow during the last few months. She always looks so cute. The videos always make me laugh. The shoes and socks are so cute!
Hi Miss M,
Love the socks and shoes, where can my daughter get a pair? You have one hip Daddy dressing you!
thanks k in the n. good to be understood. now – carry on and fuck the louise!
Matt–Sounds like you had a fantastic day! I can’t believe how big Maddy looks in her baby carrier. The shoes and socks ROCK!!! Fantastic job at picking those out! Have a great day…
All my best,
Hannah in Vermont
Louise…Louise…her email didn’t work. What a winner.
Matt, you are flipping amazing. Say whatever you want, WHENEVER AND HOWEVER you want.
Thank you *Ladies*-*Creeps*. If I do say so myself I am a pretty awesome Grandmother, mainly because I have awesome grandchildren. It is my greatest consolation for not drowning my darling children when they were teeenagers! Matt and Madeline have a great day!
Male Beecher. That was it.
My heartfelt apologies to the Male Beecher for fergettin’ him.
Agreed with all about the “trolls”, the TRUE creepiness (not the charming creepiness so many of US engage in) of asking Matt if he’s ready to date again, and the general ill-advisedness of telling anyone what to do on his/her blog.
What is WITH people…?
Also, LOVING that apparently the French word for “blog” is “blague.” How awesome is that?!?!
@ Leigh in the Sav–glad you bogarted my comments! Nice to “meet” a kindred spirit.
I, too, love the shoes and socks..they rock!
and as far as the way you write? this is your place to write, isn’t it? I say continue how you f*c#ing want to write….if someone doesn’t like it, then don’t come back.
again, you are an awesome dad and man.
In my part of the world, we are ‘terribly proper’ and anal about being polite and finding euphemisms for swearing. I have one thing to say to The Louise.
“Bugger off”
“Climb back into that slimey hole under that filthy rock you clambered out of, or go play with the traffick”
Matt and Maddie, The Bernard Bunch has taken a real shine to you! Matt, you look like a (much thinner version) of the French film maker Luc Besson. And Maddie, you simply look like a Princess … Sleeping Beauty in fact!!!
Au Revoir!
Alison
(Abigail’s Mama)
France
Ok, you know me…can’t keep my big mouth shut..But to whoever this Louise person really is and to any of the other negative assholes out there who feel the need to criticize something they were never invited to in the first place (ok, so technically, neither was I,but I’m NOT criticizing..so maybe Matt will let me stay) Anyway, I really hate to wish bad things on people, but in this case, I must. I only hope that someday when you are going through some terrible, heart wrenching, life changing shit, someone does the same to you so that you can understand just how shitty it really is. Seriously…Keep your negative opinions to yourself.
HOW do you get out of the house so much and to so many restaurants with a baby??? I have a hard enough time packing a diaper bag for a dr appt and you seem to go-go-go. I love it!!! I only wish my husband knew how to pack a diaper bag as well as you!!!
Love all 3 of your paragraphs to the storked blog.
Pretty much up to my regular day-late-and-dollar- short on commenting when there is already a new post up, but I had to add that I think Louise is really Jill and just wanted us to quit saying Fuck Jill. So to that I say, Fuck THE Jill and Fuck THE Louise.
Madeline’s vans and socks rock all of THE L.A.
Amazing how small infant+ small carrier= massive weight isn’t it? Mine is the same size and I can’t belive how heavy she gets after about 5 seconds! Madiline looks great, keep up the good work!
Madeline. I can’t type in the dark.
We LOVE the Kidspace Museum! Perfect for kids of all ages.
Yesssssss!!! Last again!!
Oh I love Madeline’s shoes and socks she looks adorable!! I am still trying to catch up I have not made it to August 2008 yet. I truly enjoy your blog Matt!