chrissy’s disturbing encounter with an asshole plus some more photos of another madeline + jd date in the nyc.
madeline is passed out right now, i’m in the process of getting some photos and words on the internet.
madeline did something amazing during the trip…
you will know about it.
soon.
***UPDATE***
just got a video from my friend lauren f. in the nyc…
holy shit…just look at what she put together.
Matt & Madeline in NYC from Lauren Farmer on Vimeo.
(so awesome).
(and i don’t want any comments about the cab-ride portion of the video. seriously).
347 Comments
First. sweet comment (im such a blog hound)!
amazing eh?
guess #1: she rolled over on her own
guess #2: she landed an modeling contract?
yippppeee!!!! You’re home safe and sound.
Read the Storked! post, that guy was an a-hole! Glad you had an awesome trip!!
HOLA MATT
I have read the article….so sad that people like this guy STILL exists!
Thank you SO much for being such a gentleman with FATIMA! She really enjoyed meeting you and Maddy!
Besos y abrazos
Sol
Well next time you kids are in NYC I think there are a bunch of people who would take you out for a drink
. Can’t wait to hear about Madeline’s first trip to the city!
I LOVE Maddy’s pink stripe socks! Absolutely adorable. I think she look a lot like your wife.
Awesome that you guys got to visit the NYC. JD and Maddy make a cute couple
What a strange encounter Chrissy had. What a total a-hole (not to mention idiot).
On an unrelated note, Madeline’s pink and white striped socks were so cute in the pictures that I was forced to come out of semi-lurkdom and post my admiration. Glad you had a good trip, can’t wait to hear about what Madeline did.
Glad you’re back safe and sound. It looks like you guys had a great time. I love those socks. Maddy rocks them. My guess is that she rolled over on her own as well. I hope to see a video of that posted!
What a great video! Your friend Lauren is Awesome.
My favorite clip is Madeline at the end, passed out, with her (is it candy?) necklace hanging.
Excellent song, too! Have you seen Into The Wild? Or read the book?
Can’t wait to hear more!
That’s crazy…I was in NY w/ my husband this weekend and swore I saw you, but thought no, he lives in LA. Then home to read your blog and there you were! Glad you had a great time as we did as well. NY is a magical place!
I’ve been a lurker, but just had to comment. The video was absolutely AMAZING!! She did a phenomenal job showing your trip!
It was wonderful seeing you smile and laugh. Madeline just loves your smile…you can tell.
Wait, Madeline has a pacifier on a candy necklace string? That’s awesome. Did you get that from a rave store?
that video was so sweet. it made me cry.
hey matt…just wanted to come over here and say how great it was to meet you and madeline this weekend! I had an awesome time at brunch and at the park with you two, and madeline is a total doll. glad to hear you made it back to california safe. come back soon!
-Chrissy’s friend Lauren.
fucking awesome video. nyc is another garden of awesome. just fucking beautiful.
(((hugs)))
oh wow I loooved the video!! I don’t get what we’re not supposed to be talking about when you were in the ‘you-know-what’. lol
AWESOME video! Totally loved it.
And the Storked! article. Whuu? How she was able to keep her grace in the face of such an ass is beyond me. I would have been tempted to just kick him in the jewels and vamoose. It amazes me that people seem to think that the presence of a baby gives them an instant license for verbal diahrrea.
The video made me cry. I loved watching you laugh and smile, and especially stare at Madeline. You two are quite a pair!
Cute!
What a great gift Lauren has made for you!! The video is too cool. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
Hope you had a great trip.
Thinking of you and Madeline in the sunny mn today…
Pure sweetness.
That video. Stellar.
You and your lady make quite the pair.
So beautiful. Lauren, you did an amazing job, it was stunning. Okay, wiping the tears from my eyes now. Made my day!
Your friend in the Apple Valley
Wow….what an awesome video. Brought tears to my eyes. The love you have for your beautiful daughter just oozes from you. You both look wonderful.
And wow…what the heck is up with the dude in the Storked! article? I’ve heard some strange stuff in my day but that one even tops the guy who questioned my fidelity to my husband while I was on an escalator given my blue eyed, strawberry blonde baby (since we are both dark haired with brown or hazel eyes ourselves). People just need to learn to shut up sometimes. LOL.
Hope you guys are having an awesome time.
Amy
I’ve been following your blog for a while now and just wanted to say you are doing a great job! Look at that happy baby!
Great video. M is so adorable. And I confess that we’ve done the same thing in a cab. We go to Shriner’s in Salt Lake for surgery for my son’s bilateral radial club hands, and once the bus from Shriner’s wasn’t there, so we had to take a cab from the airport to the hospital.
We were in a desperate shame spiral and had to get to the clinic on time.
Anyway, glad you liked NYC – you both seemed really happy there, which is excellent to see.
The video is fantastic. Madeline is just so beautiful. Looks like she (and you) had a great time in the NYC.
Just a quick note to all: the necklace is NOT candy. It is a pacifier holder…a gift from her Grandma Broccoli…It is adorable!
I didn’t read about your friends’ asshole encounter- yet.. sometimes I reach my asshole quota for the day early.
I want to fly off to new york- and get lost in the lights and flow of the big city.
Madeline sure is a jet setter- She will see it all before she can walk!!!
The video is great.. it is nice to see Madeline “in action”.. moving and feeling and expressing her little self.
I am curious to see if this.
“(and i don’t want any comments about the cab-ride portion of the video. seriously).”
will work.
you get complaints about your over use of the word “the”.. people love to find fault.
why bother trying to be a good person when you can just try to make everyone else look slightly worse?
right?
looks like a great trip Matt!
welcome home.
That video is amazing, it looks like you and Madeline had a great time!
Chrissi’s encounter: What an ass.
Lauren’s video: Awesome.
Great to see you smiling so much! Looks like you had a great time. And hey…way to shut ‘em up before they can even get started. You’re a smart boy. : )
Long time lurker here … just have to say, it’s very nice to see your smile ~
Matt,
You are Madeline’s world and you are an amazing tour guide, you are everything she needs…I dont know you personally but I am very proud of you! I have a 5 month old daughter and showing her the world is like seeing it for the first time myself, do you feel the same? Life served you a shit sandwich on the 25th, but somehow you manage to get up each day and show that beautiful girl all the world has to offer! You are an amazing father!!!
Oh my gosh, what a precious video! You two are just so special together…WOW! Now I am wiping the tears from my eyes! What a lucky little lady, you guys are going to make it around the world in no time. Cherish these special moments together and the moments to come! They grow up so fast!
Hope your Tuesday is going well. Can’t wait for the post to hear about the rest of your trip to NYC!
Devyn
MN Twins are rockin!
Lauren Farmer: YOU ARE AWESOME. That is a beautiful, beautiful video.
i saw lauren’s pictures of madeline on tumblr this weekend and was so confused…the internet is such a small world! haha
that video is beautiful…what a great picture of such love between daddy & daughter. maddie just looks like the chillest, most fun baby ever created! she’s 24 years younger than me and already 100x cooler!
Oh my. I’m not one to cry, but that video was just so touching. I DID shed a tear! Madeline is beyond beautiful. And I love all the smiling from you too!
very cool. love the dancing.
it’s so nice to see you smiling.
so crazy. i’ve been following your blog for a couple months now (ever since Chrissy mentioned you on Storked!), so everytime i see a robot i think of you and lil madeline. i was definitely visiting nyc the same weekend as you when i saw a robot bobblehead at some shop. would’ve been cool if we had crossed paths. hope your trip was awesome. (i love ny!).
I love that you smile when Madeline is crying. It is very obvious that you love her so much and are thankful for every moment with her.
WOW!! What a great video to show Madeline as she gets older! Welcome to the Garden of Awesomeness, Matt!
oh my goodness that video was beautiful!
I love the scene with the street performance. Madeline has mad dance skillz.
Awesome video! It was so great to see you laughing and smiling and enjoying yourself :O)
I loved the pink socks on Miss M too…cute!
Next stop after Banff?
Awesome Matt. Just awesome!
No comments from me about the cab
I loved seeing you laugh and smile, and Madeline is beautiful as always!
I have lurked long enough without commenting… The video is absolutely amazing! Seeing your smile brought tears to my eyes. And Madeline is such a sweet little lady. Reading your adventures reminds me that life even during the hardest of times is so precious.
That video is awesome. Madeline is such a cutie.
What a sweet video!
Matt, I think this is my first comment, but I’ve been reading for months. You and Liz are in my thoughts often, and your words and photos warm my heart. Madeline is so lucky to have you for a dad.
Thank you for sharing so much with your readers … this will be so awesome for you to be able to look back on one day.
That video is the best thing I’ve seen all day. Logelins rule.
Mateo, that video is THE AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! Major props to Lauren – she captured you two amazingly!!!! And there goes my fucking mascara………
Must say that she was nicer than I would’ve been! Now unto the beautiful Madeline how cute is she in the video? Looks like you also had a blast! Missed you glad you’re back
looking forward to reading more…
What a beautiful gift from Lauren – a keepsake for sure!
Man, I LOVE the video! Truly awesome. Aside from the creep it really looks like you had great time.
Sitting here crying! the video was awesome! Glad you are home safe.
Take care,
Debbie
That is so sweet!
Glad to read the necklace wasn’t candy. I kept thinking candy+drool+formula, a sticky mess! Glad you all are home safe and sound.
The video is beautiful. It warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
That video is as cool as greg norton’s mustache, but I wished you’d have stayed in NYC. By the way, I ate three of your Koi.
Seeing that video made my day! Little Ms. M is beautiful as ever and her being passed out at the end of the video is just priceless. I have to agree with everyone else, it was very nice to see a smile on your face! Glad you are safely back in CA.
I love Madeline… I just love her. She’s a rocking chick with a fabulous social life, and a slew of world wide admirers. Not to mention that her little moments of purely awesome babyness (like the precious yawn with the eye rubs) are just that – purely awesome.
Thanks so much for sharing Madeline w.us.
That is quite possibly the coolest video ever, what a great thing to have to Maddy when she gets older. I have to also add that her pink stripe socks are rad and so is the outfit she is wearing in Times Square, not that you need to hear this because you know it but you are doing an amazing job and the bond between you two is so evident. Thank you for sharing and letting us into your world.
Loved the video! Great job, Lauren
) The paci on the candy necklace is brilliant! Maddie rocks those pink striped socks like nobody’s business ;o) I <3 NYC. Glad you guys had a good time.
Chris should’ve kicked that idiot in the nuts. Seriously. He deserved it. Asshole.
Good to have you guys back and I can’t wait to see what the little lady did!
What an awesome video!! I have goosebumps! You honestly make parenting look so easy, Matt! Kudos to you and keep up the awesome job!!
what a beautiful way for you to look back at your trip. as usual, you both look great!!! keep on smiling! : )
Lovely. I love how much you kiss her.
The video is super sweet. But I have to know where Madelines socks are coming from? They are to cute!!
Obviously, the Video MAKES ME CRY! and A lot!
It is really touchy…the music is AWESOME!
BEAUTIFUL Maddy, MULTITASKING father.
besos y abrazos
sol
My heart aches at how precious she is. You are so blessed Matt! Looks like your trip was a fun one!
What a sweet video. That’s a great way to document Madeline’s first trip to New York. Your friend is very thoughtful.
That video was so awesome – I have a lump in my throat. I love when you put her pacifier back in and wipe down her nose. AHHH. She is going to have sooo many things to look back at when she is older. I need to start using my video camera that I had to have. doh. She is a lucky, lucky little girl. Thank you for letting us take this “walk” with you.
that video is great! You have perfected the role of adoring father… Beautiful!
Judging from all the comments about crying during the vid, I think I’ll save it for when I’m home, and NOT at work.
Just had to comment about the fucktard that Chrissy met up with. Let’s hope the guy’s as sterile as a petri dish, shall we? The world doesn’t need any more like him…just more like you!
The video brought tears to my eyes. You are an amazing father!
P.S. The song is RISE, sung by Eddie Vedder on the “Into the Wild” soundtrack. Enjoy!!
Love the video!
Seriously, where could one find the cute necklace?
Asalamalaykom,
The video–wow.
The music and lyrics really got to me today with, “I’m going to rise up and find my direction magnetically.”
Then the images matched with the music had me tearing up. It’s the moment where Miss Madeline is trying to find comfort in her stroller and dad’s hand comes in to help her find her pacifier. And I saw there was something on that arm–what was that? I had forgotten about the tattoo. Then, the moment swelled in my heart. This wasn’t just any dad with any baby. This was Matt and Liz’s baby who was born on the 24th. The other arm I didn’t see, but I knew it was there and I knew what it said.
The whole idea of you continuing is very meaningful to me. You have no other choice. You are rising up and finding your direction.
The rest of us have no excuse.
May God be with the two of you, protecting you and guiding you every step of the way.
That video just made my day. So wonderful to see both of you live and not in a Kodak moment. Just made me want to squeeze her all the more. Thank you for sharing that with us.
Sweet video.
It is aways nice to see little M but was awesome to see you smiling.
Your daughter is beautiful. I love the video. She is so lucky to have such an amazing dad. Your strength is such an inspiration. You and Madeline are my prayers always. Our daughters are just 8 days apart in age so I feel like I know a little bit about your day to day adventures with a 4 month old……… and you are handling it all much better than me!
What an amazing video! It brought tears to my eyes just seeing you and Maddy together. You are a wonderful, wonderful father – you can just see the love in your eyes. And Maddy is an amazing little girl – what a miracle she is! Thank you again for sharing her with us!
Beautiful!
Tears came to my eyes as I watched that video… that is such an amazing gift she gave you. Someday Madiline will love watching that! Looks like you guys had a great time.
Awesome video, your friend is very talented. I love your daughter. She might be the most precious baby girl on the planet!
Heidi from The Denver
That video was beautiful. She is a beautiful baby and it is obvious from the way you look at her that you adore her.
Love Madeline getting down with the dudes in TImes Square. And the look on her face as she is looking up at all the buildings is so awesome!
Asalamalaykom,
Sorry to post twice. Wanted to thank jlkennedy for the info on the song. Here are the lyrics for Rise:
Such is the way of the world
You can never know
Just where to put all your faith
And how will it grow
Gonna rise up
Burning back holes in dark memories
Gonna rise up
Turning mistakes into gold
Such is the passage of time
Too fast to fold
And suddenly swallowed by signs
Low and behold
Gonna rise up
Find my direction magnetically
Gonna rise up
Throw down my ace in the hole
That is one cool video ! You & Miss M are blessed with your amazing friends ! That paci holder thing – super cute….makes me want to go out & get a candy necklace though.
The cab part of the video- I closed my eyes. ;o)
Beautiful. This is a SERIOUS question……what do you do with kiddos in a cab or bus? I have always wondered that. Sorry, if that’s a dumb ass question?? (BTW I would have done the same as you) I’m a midwesterner with no cab/bus experience. That is one lucky little girl. She has had more adventures than I have had in a lifetime!! Our adventures are limited to Target. LOL. So lame. Looking forward to the next installment of Adventures of Matt and Maddy.
N
What a wonderful trip. What a WONDERFUL video to cherish.
What a blessing it is to see you smiling – that smile has warmed many, many hearts today.
Nancy in the IL, re: cab rides –
you do what matt did, ya wing it. it is what is is and you get where you need to.
I agree, for us strangers it’s nice to see you in action. makes us feel even more like we know ou and Madeline. So sweet.
You are truly an amazing man!!!
That video was fantastic.
For about the bazillionth time…what a beautiful little girl you have!!!!!!
3rd comment in one day, who do I think I am, some sort of creep or sumpin’?
what brand is maddie’s pacifier? my everly (2 & still a paci whore) wants to know. thanks!
Love It!! so glad to see you smiling and so in love with madeline
Laura in the ATL
oh she’s so precious!
I love seeing you smile!!
beautiful beautiful! Your such a natural Matt and you are truly blessed with such an adorable little girl
awesome video… awesome Maddy…. you look healthier, too, which is good. you’re a tough fighter. madeline is blessed to grow up with such an awesome dad. And I gotta agree, those socks ROCK the house. Love ‘em. Sending hugs from the armpit of America (really, it is… honest).
Melissa in Cincinnati
Looks like you both had a wonderful visit. What a beautiful video!
gosh- she just about kills me. this was priceless
what I loved the best about the video was seeing you laugh and smile.
She’s soooo adorable!! So beautiful. It never surprises me that there are over 100 comments here already and we’re all Madeline fans.
Sniffle, sniffle. I need to buy a video cam. Now.
So we’re not allowed to say the cab part of the video was really cute too
?
A couple of years ago, my parents took my sister, her husband and their then-two-year-old daughter to London for a week (we didn’t get to go because I’d just given birth
) Apparently, one of my niece’s favorite things to do was go for a ride in one of those big black taxis and sit on the rear-facing folding seat. There was just no way they were going to haul a carseat around London — and other families didn’t seem to be doing it either — so they decided to take their chances. And it was fine. Watchagonnadoo, as they say somewhere.
Awesome video. You guys look like you had an amazing time.
Looks like you and Maddy had lots of fun! Way to go! My guess is that Maddy rolls over now OR you and Maddy will have a feature story in Glamour magazine?!
Maddy is adorable! Can’t wait to hear and see NYC through your writing and pics! Take care!
Dude, you sure know how to make 100 women cry at once. LOL
@JaxMom – your son is absofuckinlutely adorable!!
Not too much I can add that others haven’t already said. That video was pure awesomeness! Sure, you’re just doing your “job” as a dad but boy, do you exude the love you have for Madeline…it is so apparent in the video.
What a wonderful video. Looks like a great time! You are such a wonderful daddy!
What a great video, Matt. You both look like you had a fun time. Did you get to take Madeline to Yankee stadium?!?!
so so nice to see you smile…
What a video! I’ve never been to NYC, but it looks like you had a great tour. I haven’t read all the comments, so will probably be saying the same stuff…you both look soooo happy. It is good to see you smile with your whole face-eyes and all. Maddie does that all the time! Hooray for 2008 pt. 2. Blessings from Texas.
Oh my gosh Matt – that video is AMAZING!!! It is so great to see Madeline….more importantly….so great to see you smiling and laughing. I was balling watching this! Thinking of you as always. Sarah
awww, so sweet! I love the way she rubs her nose!! And it really is quite amazing how babies sleep in such a boneless and relaxing way!!
I saw some posts asking about the cute pacifier clip…. Here is the link – You can find them at Pacifier in the Mpls. http://store.pacifieronline.com/binklink.html
Aaaah! What a little punkin! I loved the video. It really brought her to life more so than the pics (if that is really possible).
I’m glad you had a great time. You are creating such wonderful memories for Miss Maddie. Someday, at her wedding maybe, there will be this rockin montage of all her adventures. (Are you hearing Team America World Police’s song about the montage, too? )
Ok, so just checked out Chrissy’s storked! entry…I can’t help but use the following profanity…WHAT THE FUCK!?!?! I’ll never understand why some people feel it is ok to prod in other’s business let alone make such an obscene generalization. Shame! Chrissy said it right, what a tool!
And now I’m crying at my desk!! Happy tears, happy tears. She’s adorable, and you have a fantastic smile sir. Good to see it, take care !!
Shut up!
I just went and saw the pictures in Chrissy’s blog of THE pink socks. Those are awesome!! Madeline is so stylin’
every time I log on my heart breaks, for Liz, for you, for Madeline, but then I read what you and her do together, I see the pictures of you with her and eventhough Liz cannot be there with you, I know she is happy with how well you are taking care of Madeline.
The video is so, so awesome. Ditto on what’s been said about 116 times .. great to see your happy face, amazing to see the love “oozing” out of you BOTH (quote from previous commenter .. perfectly put), and jealous of your trip(s)! Snuggles to Maddie, major kudos to you.
Matt,
I haven’t read all the other comments, but my guess is I’m not alone in admitting that the video made me cry. Madeline’s beauty is touching enough, however, I was captivated just watching you. (And not because I’m a stalker that wants to offer you any favors… happily married, I am.)
I just wanted to let you know that seeing your face lit up with a smile was about the most wonderful thing ever. Not because your a dad loving his baby, but because you’re a husband who is grieving the loss of his wife and I see hope and healing in your smile.
Matt, you’re a god damned hero. You’re doing an awesome job with Maddy. I know your heart aches for Liz – but she’s smiling on you two from heaven now and will forever live in your heart. Keep up the good work. ~Em
what can i say?
@lauren – great video – beautiful song choice.
@matt – thanks for continuing to share…
Awesome video. I’m glad you guys had a great time. I’m with the countless others who cried at seeing the video.
WOW matt!!! this was amazing to watch!!! thanks for sharing with us
Madeline looks gret – so do you, Matt. You’re a great team. Cried my eyes out – in a good way…..
To see you laughing and smiling with Maddy is quite beautiful. Although I must say, the MN is rooting for you to move back here, not New York!
(Does that sentence require a disclaimer so a billion people don’t comment about how you can move wherever you want and it’s no one else’s business?).
And to Grandma Broccoli, if you read this, thank you for joining us again Sunday night!
WOW.. What a powerful video. I LOVE it. You both have such a special bond that will last forever. She is a blessed little girl. The video made my eyes sweat.
I am so glad you and Maddy went to NYC and enjoyed your visit.
Keep up the great job, you can see it clearly through Maddy that you are an Awesome Dad.
Okay, I admit it…the cynic in me just scanned all the comments to find the one I was sure would be there, about the cab ride. So very happy to NOT find it!
Sigh…do I have to start liking people now…?
So, so terrific. What a treasure!
I hope all is well in the garden of awesome.
What an awesome trip and video!!
Grandma B. happened to mention Madeline’s amazing feat on Sunday night. Don’t worry my lips are sealed.
I wish I’d known you were in NY, I would’ve stalked you two beautiful people (you and Madeline… totally kidding though!).
You are doing an AMAZING job! I can’t get enough of you and Madeline.
And about the cab ride, that’s how we roll in NYC!
The video is so beautiful and your daughter is really gorgeous! I lived in NYC in 1999 and sometimes even I miss the mysterious steam coming out of the ground.
Hope you had a great time there!
Ditto like Yosra, Heather Alicyn et. al. Amazing video and the song was perfect.
I see a lot of parents every day, I ride the bus here in the mpls a lot. I want to shake them sometimes and ask they why they are letting their child’s life slip through their fingers like water? WTF?!
It’s a joy to see your face as you interact with your lovely daughter! I’m a little surprised to see that you are a little video camera shy! And of course, the blue and orange outfit is still lovely. Have a great day!
Oh, I read storked, having been the recipient of random acts of mean and cruel behavior, I can empathize. There is nothing anyone can do except wait for karma. I’ll send some good karma to you and Chrissy. I’ll so some random acts of kindness.
I have lurked on your site for sometime. Wonderful video of you and your beautiful daughter. I agree, it is nice to see you smile!
I’ve been lurking for months now, and it made me feel good to see you smile and look happy. Madeline is thriving and I’m sure Liz is proud of you both
Lovely video, it can’t be said enough, you and Maddy interacting on the video, heart melting.
What an awesome gift! I have to say that I’ve fallen even harder for Madeline after watching that…
What a wonderful keepsake for you and Madeline! My heart melted.
adorable video, i love the interaction between you two.
So precious! I had to have the volume turned down, and I had to stifle a giggle when you had Madeline dancing on the streets of NYC.
Smiled and was teary thru the whole thing. What a great video.
I love the video, and so does my 14 month old son. He grinned and giggled at her.
that video so kicks ass. you guys are beautiful as always! glad you are back home safe and sound!
You are an amazing dad, Matt. I can tell
Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the link to the candy necklace pacifier holder! That thing is too cute and would make a great gift!
I’m interested in knowing the brand of Maddie’s actual paci.
That video is beautifully done. How amazing for you to have something like that to show Maddy as she gets older…her first trip to NYC. So cool.
She is such a beautiful little girl…and her pacifier necklace is too cute!
beautiful video. great song. all this traveling– your girl has done more than me in my almost 27 years. i think that’s pretty awesome.
The video is wonderful – so cool to see the walky/talky versions of the MegaMs. Echoing a poster further up – yay for 2008 Part Two! Good on ya, Matt. And certainly no cab comments from me – we took our eldest to London (England, not any of the other pretend ones) when he was 3 months old and there was a WHOLE lot of cab-age just like you and Madeline. I figured it was actually way more responsible than taking him on the manky old Tube…
You are a very precious Daddy! The shot of you looking down at Madeline while she sleeps at the end of the video says it all.
The video was awesome – brought tears to my eyes thinking how much it fucking sucks that Liz can’t see what an awesome dad you are, the bond you and Madeline have (clearly best buds already) and how much you love her. But at the same time, I think she knows and is so proud of you both. Thanks as always for sharing your life with us.
Okay, and so this comment isn’t a total bummer, I love that orange and blue outfit of Madeline’s. She’s totally the best dressed kid.
Loved the video. I really need to tape my kids more often. Watching you with Madeline in that video is heartwarming you can see the wonderful bond you two have. She is going to love to watch that as she gets older.
Love the video. She is just an angel. It is great to see you two together. She’ll love that video when she is older.
Not sure how we even found your site, but we’re faithful at reading your updates now.. Personally I like the cuss-o-meter, makes me laugh. I need one of those to carry around just to forewarn people! It’s amazing the kindness of strangers and the love of family and friends when you need them the most.. Madeline is such a blessing;) adorable..
Awesome Video! Love Madeline’s socks! Wow, some A holes have nerve. That storked bit is Just sick. What a PERFECTLY ROUND ASSHOLE to be exact. Glad you had great time.
Thank goodness for office doors that close. That video put tears in my eyes, my heart in my throat and a sense of urgency to get home as fast as I can to hug my babies.
Glad to hear of your safe travels and looking forward to hearing more about the trip!
- the other Robin from Cribsheet
Great video!
Your smile is great Matt!! I am wondering if Madeline’s amazing new trick is saying “da-da”??
The past few days I have been watching the audience on the Today show more closely wondering if I might get a glimpse of you jet-setters . . .
I must to say, you have a beautiful daughter, a beautiful wife, and a beautiful heart! You may not have a “happily ever after” without Liz, but I can assure you that you and Madeline will find happiness and peace in each other.
The video is amazing, all of your video’s are amazing…. as is your daughter. You are damn lucky to have such a sweet little angel to help you through this shitty part of life.
I usually lurk, but I had to post today.
Here’s to a better part 2.
I loved that video and the music in the background. I most especially loved Madeline’s dancing with the street performers and her eyes widening (I would assume you were in a car passing lights?) Looks like you had an amazing trip:)
What an awesome video!! I can’t wait to hear more about your trip to the NYC.
Matt,
)Your smile and the look in your eyes is of genuine happiness.
The video brought me to tears because I have not seen you so happy in a really long time. (Even last summer you weren’t smiling this much when the girls infiltrated your house
It was a gift to see Madeline again and spend some QT. Miss Mad is addictively cute. I felt sad saying goodbye…. She attracts so much attention, its insane!
Lots of Love, Auntie Maleeda
havent posted for a while, but just watched your video….made me cry, so, so wonderful….i love to see you two together, that made my day
Wow, what a great video!!! Thanks for sharing!
I don’t know why, but that video brought tears to my eyes. Not sad tears. Happy ones. I loved watched you with her. I could see how full of love you are for her. And that’s just amazing to see. I wish more dads were like that when it comes to their kids. You’re doing a great job, Matt. Keep it up. As for the cab, well, she was hungry, needed to eat. No one should give you any shit for it. *hugs*
I am in such awe of you…what an amazing daddy you are. I see so much of your wife in your daughter, she is very lucky…your wife was beautiful. My fav. part is when you are standing on the street in NYC and you look down at your daughter for a few moments…moments like that are what this life is all about.
Keep on doing what your doing…you are fab!
Great video! Looks like you had an amazing time there. I was going to guess she either rolled over or babbled something that sounded like “dada.”
I will confess to being a fan of Maddie’s socks and intend to plagiarize for Abigail. I don’t have sound on my computer so can only imagine that the offensive part of the ‘cab’ (taxi) part of the video related to what was said, cos the video was quite viable! Can you tell us why you don’t want comment son that bit? Lovely to see maddie in action, she IS a Princess.
wow… you and your daughter really do have a special thing together. You guys are so lucky.
The video definitly left my heart smiling.
My favorite part of the whole video is when you stuck the pacifier in her mouth and stroked her head. That was so sweet.
ps You totally pulled a Britney in the cab…perhaps their is an exception to the whole carseat thing in cabs and buses and trains and stuff.
Love the video!!
It was so nice to see you smile with Madeline in your arms… Take Care.
Love, love, love the video! Also very jealous of Madeline’s candy necklace. It really dressed up her outfit
Hope you had a fabulous time in the NYC!!
Madeline has the celebrity thing going on — whatever clothes and accessories she’s seen wearing, they become wanted items! Like the bear rug, socks, candy necklace…thanks to her personal POPerazzi, hehe!
Gosh, I cried my eyes out at work watching that video. It was great to see not only Madeline in action but you too. There is something to be said about the bond between a father and daughter…as it was very touching to see that in this video. I see it everyday with my husband and my two girls. You and Madeline are Very lucky to have eachother and to have a beautiful angel with you, watching over you always…
Christine
My guess is she held her head up or rolled over…but hey, that’s me!! Do you know what song the video is set to? I guess I can google it up, nevermind
Sorry to post twice but as a neurotic mother of 2 in the NYC, I had found out a while back that cabs are exempt from carseat and seat belt laws.
I was more amazed that you were able to feed her and ride in a NYC cab at the same time! Well done!
Holy fucking shit. What an awesome video. I’m wiping the tears from my eyes too.
Glad you guys had such a good time in NYC!
FYI: I’m a total dumbass. I watched the video twice before I figured out what you where referencing with the cab comment. Ha!
Madeline is so beautiful, and it is so good to see you laugh. Can’t wait to hear about the trip…
Madeline’s pacifier is a GUMDROP – for the interested poster.
Aww, so beautiful! I heart that video. Big time.
Wow, that video was great. It’s awesome to see you moving and loving Madeline.
Looks like you had a great trip! I was showing the amazing video to my 6 yr old daughter…she said, “mom, did you see how much the baby smiled when her daddy kissed her!” Glad you both made it home safe and sound! (I missed the big guess M’s stats because we were moving- but it looks like she is just perfect)
It’s actually legal to have a baby in a cab w/out a car seat in NY. Not sure what makes cabs safer than regular cars, especially having ridden with many of those crazy cab drivers…but that’s the law here in NYC!
And she’s adorable…:)
Seeing you smile like that brought tears to my eyes! So great to see. You and Madeline are quite a pair.
Loved the video! So good to see you laughing and smiling!
Sweetest video ever.
You are doing an awesome job dressing her too! She’s so cute, smiling at her daddy.
Love the video- I have been reading about you 2 from the beginning- Glad to see you guys are doing well and managing day to day- Lauren did a great job of the video- Love the choice of the song- Can’t go wrong with Eddie Vedder- The movie that song is in, is great!
I have smiled all day just thinking about the video.
I think I will start each day with it.
Oh my god, she’s so beautiful. You can see in the vido how happy you two make each other.
what a beautiful video. looks like you guys had a great time in nyc
I have now seen what true love looks like. There is nothing more beautiful than a dad and his baby.
Oh your wife. She surely is smiling on you both….can’t you feel it?
*yes I am crying right now. Barely can type. Not sure why….sad. happy…just LIFE. Ya know?
omg, you should have a disclosure on these videos:
Do not open at work. You will cry and embarrass yourself in front of co-workers.
I am glad you 2 had a great time. My husband and are taking our toddler next weekend– the video made me SUPER excited!!
Hi Matt, I wanted to ask if the 24 on your wrist is a tattoo? If so, what does it mean? I recently started reading your blog so missed it if you have explained it before. However I am not sure how you can even answer my question either where I will be able to read it. LOL
Madeline is gorgeous in the video. I adore her eyes.
I love love love love the video…it’s so cool to see you guys in live action. I love the part where you are in the resturant and Madeline is almost asleep then you give her the paci an touch her face….so precious!! Makes me feel all warm and happy in side …lol little creep there sorry lol Glad to see that the NYC was so good for you guys and you made a safe trip home. 2008 part 2 be prepaired to get you ass kicked!!!
i can’t get the video to play
@ Steph – There is a 24 tattoo on one wrist and a 25 on the other. They are in Liz’s handwriting. 24 represents the birth of Maddy, 25 the death of Liz.
Oh what an amazing video! I loved Madeline’s smiles, she is one happy happy baby! And I love her socks, they rock!
I cannot believe you are wearing Madeline in a Bjorn in a cab.
She would look so much more hip in a BabyHawk.
Cool video. Glad you guys had fun in NYC. I love reading about your adventures.
i want to see it but somehow it says its unavaible ..darn wanted to see maddy roll over
wow love the video. glad you guys had a fantastic time. the story about the asshole guy is beyond me. i’m not even going to comment on it. as for the cab. no one better say anything, because taxi cabs are exempt from car seat laws in NYC. ( not sure if anyone did because i haven’t read any comments yet)
hugs from NJ,
erica and Landon
That video is amazing! I’m glad you had fun in NYC, I can’t wait to hear all about it! If I had known, I wish I could have met up with you!!
Matt, the video is seriously amazing! It brought me to tears – happy tears. Can’t wait to hear what your exciting news is about Madeline.
THANKS for the paci info! Found ‘em! Ordered ‘em! My Evie thanks you!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160268433036
(ok, i really think i’ve logged too many comments on this blog entry today… fuckin’ A for real)
My daughter (who is almost 3) and I check your blog every night before she goes to bed to see what you and baby Maddie (as she calls her) have been up to.
We loved the video, it looks like you both had a great time in NYC.
It’s great to see you and Madeline smiling and laughing. My heart melted when Madeline was about to fall asleep and you touched her nose.
Thanks for sharing!
What a wonderful friend of yours to create that video for you! It was beautiful!!
You and Madeline look wonderful. I’m glad to see you both smiling.
Next time, you are in the NYC, my husband and I would love to take you and Madeline to dinner. My daughter (19 months) is Madeline’s biggest fan. She points to the computer and says “baby, baby!”.
Can’t wait to read the big news! Hope all is well and calm in the CA!
Madeline is beautiful and it is so wonderful to see you two together in motion. You two are awesome! Glad you had a great trip!!
Beautiful.
awesome video! around 1:33 i can definitely see how much you love your daughter.. they way you’re looking at her is soo sweet.
You are one awesome dad! On thing that always amazes me is how relaxed miss Maddi looks when she is sleeping-clearly a happy, content, safe and secure baby.
Madeline is lucky to have you as a father. It was nice to see you smile. I don’t know you (well I do through this blog) but it touched me to see you smiling. Stay blessed! (All three of you are in my prayers) Stop by DC too!
Of course she would choose one of the best songs from one of the best vocalists on one of the best soundtracks ever. That song always makes me teary and then the video too?! GAH! Holy cry a lot!
ut you know what I loved best about that video. How dang happy you looked.
Good job Lauren.
I also think either m. rolled over in nyc.
Great video! I love the song too. What a wonderful way to remember her first trip to NYC.
That was a great video. You can really see how much you love Madeline just by the way you look at her.
It is pretty evident that Madeline adores her daddy, and Matt, your face just lights up around her (how could it not???). I just loved when she was rubbing her eyes about a minute in – so tired but not wanting to miss any action.
She is adorable!! I think it is great that you have gotten to visit NYC and your new friend. You are an amazing man!!
What an utterly gorgeous father/daughter combo. Rarely, if ever, do I see a video that gives me goosebumps. This one did. I am hopelessly out of date when it comes to music. If someone has already mentioned the name of the song in the video I apologize, but if anyone reads this and knows the title, please post.
f’ing awesome. lauren rocks. love the song choice. first post to make me cry in a while…
absolutely fucking perfect.
You guys make NYC look amazing! so… what is the verdict? Did she get her license? Or did she just roll over?
I cannot see the video!! It says it is no longer available!
Please put it back up so I can see it.
Thanks,
Amy from Louisville, KY.
The video is great Matt!! It is wonderful to see how you light up around that little girl.
So great to see you smiling!
Whatever Britney Spears. j/k Looks like a fabulous trip and I can’t wait to see/hear what Madeline did!!
The video is so amazing…I felt like I was there with you guys. What a wonderful way to capture the moment. Madeline will love it. Looks like you both had a fabulous time. Can’t wait to read more. Hope this Tuesday didn’t suck too bad. And Happy Belated B-Day to Miss M.
AWESOME!!!
My 2yr old said awww and all the other wonderful jibberish until her 8mth old sister started pulling her hair but even she had to stop and watch Miss Maddy
I love that Lauren’s next two videos are a concert and one where she and her friends are at a shooting range!! Sweetness.
Baby girl is rawking out. What a beautiful subject for an excellent video.
You know, I’m not much of a crying type of a person. I’ve been reading this blog all along and it hasn’t made me cry yet. Don’t get me wrong, the emotion is there, but the tears just usually aren’t. But, that video did me in. I think what finally hit me is that here is this sweet little girl. She has SO many people that love her, I mean really LOVE her and want such great things for her. People that have never, and will never meet her, have the fortune to actually know her, but love her nonetheless. And though it’s such a horrid circumstance that brought all of these strangers.friends into her life, you are capturing the thoughts, care, prayers and love from all of us. Someday, I really do hope, she will realize how many Aunts and Uncles and guardian angles and friends she has who do, truly love her.
love the little forehead/nose stroke you gave Maddy… my son use to love it when i did that… strangely enough, my cats do too…
You look really happy – that’s great to see! Madeline is just getting prettier and prettier by the day. Regardless of your situation, you are a great father and she must love you so much!
I agree that the video is awesome but I think you’re even more. You’re such a great dad. Is amazing the beautiful bond the 2 of you have. Love to see you smile and to enjoy life.
When I have hard day you are one of the people that inspire me to be a better mom
Matt,
) Biggest hugs.
The video was awesome, i love it and keep watching it. My husband and i love Pearl Jam so that was such a perfect song for what looks like a great trip. you are such a wonderful father, i hope you never forget it. Maddy is so lucky to have you in her life. Keep doing what your doing.
Matt, it is really great to see that smile on your face.
You are so incredibly strong and such an amazing daddy. Madeline is very blessed to have you as her daddy.
(The video left me in tears)
Long time reader, first time poster. Just wanted to say I loved the video. Madeline is so beautiful! Glad to see you both having such a good time!
Are you kidding!? My favorite part about NYC was just throwing the kids in the cab and going! Great video–she is so cute!
Thanks for sharing the video Matt. Through this tough time, your happiness shines through when you look at Madeline and share moments with her. Keep up the good work.
The video is perfect. So absolutely perfect. You two are amazing together. Looks like you had an awesome time in NYC. Can’t wait to read about it!
Super video (yay! Lauren!)
Loved seeing Madeline (and you) animated and happy…she must’ve really enjoyed her time in NYC.
And you know how people drive here in India with their kids… I’m sure you’ve seen tons of kids in the front seat (driver’s or passenger’s side) with no seatbelt, sticking their heads outside the car as they roll down the streets; or better yet the kids standing up on the motorcycle in between his parents as they weave through traffic. I always find it amazing that they manage to stay on and hardly anyone gets hurt!
Oh well, glad you and Miss Madeline are back safe and sound in LA
-jen in bangalore
That is awesome! So great to see you smile! And she is so unbelievably cute! Gorgeous!!
So great to see you smiling and having a great time! That’s awesome you got to sneak away to NYC, and so cool that Madeline had her first date! And the perfect outfit of course! Lauren did a great job on the video, thanks for sharing with us!
Loved the video. I envy you that you got to go to NYC. I would love to go one day!
The video is precious. I’m not sure how I found your blog…but my prayers are with you and Madeline. I have my own new daughter born 3.21.08. named Maggie and I’m loving every minute with her and her brothers and sister.
i love me some madelyn. ’specially in action…
GREAT video!!!
what a great video. nice to see all your smiles. you can just see how much you two love eachother.
That video was awesome! I love your photography, but the video was a fun change. Thanks for sharing so much of your life with all of us. You inspire up to all be stronger, more kind, and compassionate people– simply by living for Madeline. I’ve been meaning to send you a proper thank you for the impact you’ve had on my life. And though I’m certain Miss Manners wouldn’t consider this a “proper thank you”, I hope it will do. I also hope that wasn’t an unnecesarry quotation mark. Don’t want to end up on this guys blog. http://quotation-marks.blogspot.com/
WOW. that was just amazing. made me cry- just b/c the love between the both of you is soo powerful. what an awesome video and visit to the big city. Madeline is going to love being able to look back and see her daddy rocking her out to a rapper in NYC!! the memories this kiddo is going to have. . . I can tell the both of you are going to be best friends. She has one REALLY cool daddy. =)
What a beautiful video! Love that ending shot with the two of you. Perfect.
I found you over at Momma’s Losing It.
Absolutely Precious.
Very cool video – although Madeline does not seem to have her sea legs just yet. She may be interested in music career with the rap video and sleeping through the street band. Such a sweetie!
A trip to the NYC would not be complete without a couple of asshole encounters (seriously who doesn’t want to get out of the way of a stroller???) Read Chrissy’s post and she behaved much more maturely than I would have.
Very sweet pictures of your meet up with Chrissy and JD, glad you four got a couple of get togethers.
Well, good night and have a pleasent day tomorrow back in the Los Angeles (that always make me smile when you write citites like that
So wonderful to see you for “real” in the video. Maddy is magical and she clearly has eyes only for you. Your friend did a wonderful job and the music is perfect. Welcome back home.
Matt,
I’ve been reading your blog religiously since April but have never posted a comment. I had to come out of lurkdom to tell you that it was wonderful to see you smile and laugh. Your little Madeline looks more like her beautiful mommy everyday. Madeline is blessed to have such an awesome dad! Keep up the good work.
love love the video :]
Looks like yall had a great time!!!
cant wait to see your pics :]
Matt,
So glad you and the baby girl are home safe.
Saw the video and it kicked major ass!!!
Read the storked article…..what a jackass huh??
I can’t say this enough…..your daughter gets more precious every day!!
That was just beautiful.
Beautiful video, & great track choice too.
So, what she do in NYC?
Ummmm, She is gonna be the new ADA in Law & Order?
Cuz she could…
She has the biggest, most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen. She’s so gorgeous, lucky to have a father like you..
This is only my second comment here, but I’ve been reading faithfully, still.
The video had me in tears. You are the perfect father to Madeline,
I know it isn’t easy and it hurts like hell,
but you are doing a wonderful job. It was lovely to see a smile on your face.
Laura
I have watched this video now four times. You guys look awesome and it’s great to see you smile and see Maddie so content. It’s so obvious how much you love her : )
The look on your face is so clear- your daughter has you wrapped around her little finger! The love that just shines is amazing. I love watching the video because it shows how well you’re doing as a father. I can’t wait to see my husband hold our little girl and get that look on his face (only 13 more weeks!) Keep up the good job Matt- so many of us are watching your precious little girl grow- and man is she! I can’t believe how much she’s grown and how fast her looks are changing! You are a great dad- and I’m positive that Liz is beside you in spirit, watching your little girl grow!
What an amazing gift… Maddy and the video.
And it made me miss my mom like hell.
What are you doing with her not in a car seat in the cab???? Just kidding. Welcome to life in the big city. Gotta do it sometimes! Absolutely adorable.
Did she roll?
Tapping my fingers over here and twittling my thumbs whistling to myself “where in the world is Matt”? These things happen when I’m bored at work. I also checked out just about all the other blogs from commentors and there’s some great stuff out there! I especially get a kick out of reading Sarah from Ireland’s blog and Xbox4NappyRash’s blog….he’s an excellent writer and so damn funny!
Hope you & Madeline are enjoying your day in sunny Ca. !
What a fantastic video! Looks like you guys enjoyed NYC a lot. Come back soon!
This video is absolutely amazing. Definitely made my day and it’s only 10am. Thank you for that. The moment when we were watching the freestyling and all of a sudden Madeline popped into the frame, bopping along-GENIUS. It made me start to cry immediately, and also smile. What a rarity. Thank you. Thank you.
I finally got it to work! Way to go Lauren….that was an awesome video!
Matt-you and Madeline make a great team!
Amy from Louisville, KY.
Hooray for M&M in NYC! I’m a little disappointed, though, that you didn’t rock the BabyHawk. My 16 month old is absolutely loving his B-Hawk (thanks to you, I’m actually using it now.).
How exciting to be in NYC with your daughter, checking out all the city has to offer. What a great place to be!
I went to school there a while ago and I miss it terribly.
Know that we’re all living vicariously through your adventures with the Divine Miss M. And enjoying every yawn, smile, and giggle.
that video is the coolest thing!!! Maddi will forever cherish the video of her and her papa on their first trip to NYC!
Beautiful video- thanks for sharing it. Madeline is just the most adorable baby….
Hi Matt, I’ve been reading your blog for a while but I have never commented. I got all misty-eyed during the video of you and Madeline in NYC and had to comment. You are such an awesome dad and you are doing a great job. I know that Liz is smiling down on you right now because of the love and happiness that you are giving Madeline every day. I can’t imagine what you are going through…you are in my thoughts all the time. And I’ll just state the obvious too–Madeline is such a beautiful baby!
I’m a new reader of your story and just want to say that Madeline is a very lucky girl to have such a strong daddy. Wishing you both the best and thank you for letting so many of us share your story. And that video is just precious. Madeline will be so grateful to have these rememberances, of times both good and bad, when she’s older.
You inspire me. Liz was beautiful. Maddi is amazing. Lauren F did an awesome job on that video. I will keep coming back for updates. I admire your strength and your love. It is very clear you have tons of both!
I love the video! Both of you look like you were having a great time. I agree with the other comments, she is going to love having all of the pictures, stories, and videos when she is older. I am glad you had a good trip & thanks, as always, for sharing, Kalena
Amazing! You two rock. Have you ever thought about giving daddy lessons?
Matt- That video is amazing…you look so happy…glad you had a great trip! Madeline is getting so big…and beautiful as usual.
So cute! It’s making me feel guilty that I don’t take many videos of my 10 month old girl. It’s just not my thing. Will I regret it?
I think I speak for many when I say the suspense is killing me! We need some details on the NYC trip! Did Miss M roll over for the first time?
That video is amazing. I think I’ve watched it about 5 times. So beautiful.
I’ve been reading this blog since April and have never posted because really what can I say that has not already been said? I had to post today because that video was amazing. I can feel the love that you have for Madeline in every post but to see the two of you interact moved me to tears. She is a very lucky little girl to have you for a dad.
I just want to leave you with these words that touched me when I lost a treasured family member. “May the healing touch of time ease the sorrow that you bear, take it from your heart and leave warm memories there– and may those cherished memories give you courage, strength and peace, as you realize a love so great can never, never cease.”
First time poster, but long-time reader (heard of you through Momma’s Losin’ It). You’re doing a wonderful job, one so tough that most people can’t imagine, but extremely admirable all the same. I look forward to your posts and I know others do, too. Thank you for sharing with us!
LOVE the video – so sweet! Such a great memory to have from your fun NYC trip together. Looks like you two are doing great! Can’t wait to hear more about your trip. Ok – and I love the song to the video! It sounds like Pearl Jam, is it? If so, what is the song title? Let me know if you can. Thanks!
Just started reading your blog. Its amazing!! Loved the video of your trip to NY!
I am in awe of you Matt! I am in awe of Liz! I am in awe of your family… which may be incomplete in reality, but in spirit is the most complete family I have been witness of.
Your love for Liz is so apparent. Your love for Madeline is so fulfilling.
You are my LastFM friend… You are my friend in spirt… oh, if only you were my friend in reality!
You are truly an amazing father, husband and friend… pictures are in fact worth more then words could ever say.
You are blessed. Perfect.
Hi Matt & Madeline–
It seriously warms my heart to see the smile on your face, Matt. And the pure joy that Madeline brings to you and you to her. I’m so happy to see how far you’ve come– the video is just amazing.
I’m always lurking on your blog over here in Pennsylvania and keeping you, Madeline and Liz close in my heart.
For all of you that were confused what Matt was referring to about the cab section of the video, I’m pretty sure he was referring to the fact that Madeline wasn’t in a car seat.
No worries Matt! You’re wonderful, and you and your daughter look so beautiful together.
That video was so fun to watch! I love that you’re smiling and enjoying the city with your baby girl. The way you look at her melts my heart.
Wow. Stunning.
I’ve been reading your blog for months. You’re inspiring. Amazing. And the love I see here between you and Madeline is just beyond words. Wishing you all the best for the last half of the oh-8.
You two are looking great! My guess is that she rolled over. My little guy who’s Madeline’s age rolled over this week too. (He also found his toes!) I’m always so glad when you two have a good day or trip. Our prayers are with your family!
Have never commented before on your blog (feel kinda stalkerish
but had to say that your video really was amazing – it warmed my heart.
Great job with this blog – your following is awesome!
Fuckin’ awesome video and soundtrack.
I’ve been reading your blog daily and never commented before, but after seeing that video, I just had to. It brought me to tears. Anyonw can see that Madeline is a very much loved child, and you are a WONDERFUL father. Liz would be proud.
Boy – you can ask but I guess that wont stop the comments huh? Starting to wonder if people dont realize that the word “seriously” means I am not kidding!
Love the video, I keep watching it. It’s great to see how much you two love each other. I especially love when Madeline is tired and is wiping her eyes, too cute!
Adorable video, Matt. So glad that Maddy and JD got to have a “date” — my two favorite blogging babies get to meet!!
Now, I get to be the car seat/cab ride asshole.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don’t take Madeline in a cab — or any other motor vehicle — ever again. You’ve had enough heartbreak in your life. And taking an infant or child in a motor vehicle without a proper car seat is asking for trouble.
“Car seats reduce the risk of death by 71% for infants and by 54% for children ages 1-4, and reduce the need for hospitalization by 69% for children ages 4 and under.”
(www.safekids.org)
To those posters who’ve said that foregoing a car seat in NYC is legal — that doesn’t mean it’s a safe thing to do. Whether or not it’s legal is irrelevant. I don’t care if Matt gets a ticket.
To the poster (290) who said that a Vegas cabbie wouldn’t let them bring their car seat — that’s unbelievable! And I’m quite sure THAT’S illegal, and if you’d reported that cabbie to the Taxicab Authority, they would have agreed with you. It is not “an acceptable thing” to skip the car seat because some asshole cabbie in Vegas told you so!!!!! I’ve stood in Vegas cab lines many times, and I guarantee you I would have let that stupid fuck go risk someone else’s lives, not mine or my child’s.
(Once, I saw a Bellagio valet installing a car seat in one of their limos. So some people in Vegas understand the importance.
)
To the posters who commented on the NYC subway, the BART in San Francisco, and other mass transit systems — there are many, many, many less accidents, injuries, and deaths on mass transit systems than in automobiles. So while I *might* take my 2-year-old daughter on a BART train without a car seat, I would never, ever, ever, EVER do so in a car.
Am I paranoid about this? Maybe. But I’d rather be paranoid than careless. The fact is, there are a lot of shitty, shitty drivers out there. And it only takes one drunk running a red light, one person falling asleep at the wheel, one person yakking away at their cellphone and drifting over the center line to change lives permanently.
Car seats save lives.
Call me an asshole for ignoring Matt’s request to not discuss the cab ride, I don’t care.
But PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, Matt and everyone else, please use car seats, always!!!!!! If it’s “inconvenient” to lug a car seat around NYC or another big city, then either move or buy a goddamn car. Don’t risk your child(ren) because of “convenience.”
Of course, my 3rd paragraph above should start: “PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don’t take Madeline in a cab — or any other motor vehicle — WITHOUT A CAR SEAT ever again.”
Obviously, not riding in a car at all is not an option.
Eric is obviously one of those who dont know what the word seriously means.
What a beautiful little video! I’m new to your blog (linked via the KARE – 11 website here in MN) and have become pretty attached to your updates. I have a Madeline myself (15 months) and I am just enamored with yours. She’s absolutely, stunningly beautiful. Those big, bright eyes! That smile! Wow. And the two of you just have this obvious connection — ok, enough, I’m getting all teary-eyed.
Can’t wait to hear about the amazing thing she did.
I understand what the word seriously means.
But some things are more important than being polite, and respecting Matt’s wishes. The safety of children is one of those things.
This is Matt’s blog, and he has the right and ability to delete all of my comments if he likes. He also could have turned off comments for this post.
If I change even ONE person’s attitude regarding car seats in cabs, the fact that I look like a jerk is irrelevant.
Seriously.
I’ve been following your story since the beginning, but have felt a little strange about doing it. I don’t think I would have commented ever, if it weren’t for the video clip. As I watched it, I smiled through a lot of tears. My heart has been broken for you and your precious baby girl. You have occupied a lot of my thoughts and prayers. Even though you are a stranger friend, it still hurts terribly to watch you hurt. The video gave me HOPE tonight! I saw a twinkle in your eye and the tender connection you have with Madeline. What a joy it was to see your laughter!
Since this will probably be my one and only post, I wanted to tell you how much I have LOVED getting to know Liz a little bit through your stories and pictures. She was an amazing woman who is inspiring me to live each moment very fully. I can only imagine how painful it must be to write about her, but I just wanted you to know that there are a lot of us out here who would love to know her better if you are ever up to sharing her. And finally I just have to say, FUCK the carseat guy. That was totally uncalled for.
you made me all teary – beautiful, stunningly beautiful . she makes you so happy, it’s a happiness that only your child can bring you.
I made my husband watch too – he thinks your pretty fucking awesome as well. Hope all is well matt : )
Ummm, Eric…to paraphrase Matt, he’s not the village idiot…..
Ok, I tried to post this through Matt – and apparently I am the creepiest of them all because he didnt respond. But dude…
Sorry for triple posting Matt, but obv asshole doesn’t know that cabs in NYC will take off while you are TRYING to buckle your kid in (this happened to me with my boos). Nor does he know that owning a car in NY will not only cost you the price of the car and insurance, but the parking of said car will cost you more than most people. And I really mean MOST, will cost as much as an apartment.
Nor do I gather that asshole realizes that lugging that much shit around isn’t just an inconvenience in NY, its impossible!, because people don’t get out of your way when you are trying to carry a car seat, a stroller, etc
um is it just me or does aunt Lo look like liz??!?! that was a trip. i love the pink socks – maddie always looks so adorable! it has been one day since you posted and i think i’ve checked your blog like 20 times. seriously.
i think i get caught up in the moment and forget what a huge undertaking this is for you matt. not to stereotype but MOST guys would not have a clue what to do with their baby in this situation. yet you dug in and took charge and are making liz proud each and every day.
so your cuss-o-meter says that 31.6% of the pages on this site contain cussing.
really, is that it???
i was pretty fucking surprised.
p.s. you missed some KILLER clouds here in the mn today
The video is beyond cool. It spoke a thousand words about you,Madeline and Liz. Your love and care for that sweet little girl shines so bright . Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us!!
the video made me cry as well—and also has made me ache for another baby myself.
thank you again for sharing Maddie and yourself with us. I think you are doing an awesome job!
Eric-Then start your own blog…this is not the place….
@Melissa from NJ – I don’t think you realize that sometimes when you’re so darn busy calling out everybody who has annoying comments, you come off as an “asshole” (to quote you) yourself. If you want to be the playground monitor, please go to ParentsConnect or Facebook and bitch all you want about how stupid everybody here is. But please, please, please….stop breeding negativity here. I think that Matt can defend himself.
To everybody – whenever anybody says anything kind of annoying here, certain people want to start in with the “fuck that person” or “that person is an asshole”. Maybe you think it’ll amuse Matt. But when people are truly asshole-ish, Matt responds in a way that (I think) makes people want to see his point….he doesn’t do it in a way that makes it an “us” against “them” thing.
i told myself i couldnt visit this blog again because just thinking of what happened makes me cry, but after watching that beautiful video and balling, i couldn’t stay away.
i wish you two so much love & happiness. matt you are an amazing human being.
love to you both.
*Meoooooooow*
The video is beautiful, it is really nice seeing you smile. The way you watch Madeline, you can tell it is pure heaven! You are a perfect Daddy!!
At Anna, whatever. I know that I was right.
When someone says seriously, they mean they aren’t kidding.
Maybe you need a thesaurus?
And by the way Eric said he was an asshole and we could call him one.
http://thesaurus.reference.com/
Umm…Eric…maybe you missed the part on how he didn’t want any lectures from you.
OMG… what an amazing dad you are to an incredibly lucky little girl. I loved the video of NYC. Very cool.
@305 (Melissa):
You said:
“Sorry for triple posting Matt, but obv asshole doesn’t know that cabs in NYC will take off while you are TRYING to buckle your kid in (this happened to me with my boos). Nor does he know that owning a car in NY will not only cost you the price of the car and insurance, but the parking of said car will cost you more than most people. And I really mean MOST, will cost as much as an apartment.”
So, because some cabbies drive off before the car seat is buckled, you stop trying in all cabs??
Riding in a car is the most dangerous thing that children do on a regular basis. Car accidents are by far the most common cause of childhood injuries and fatalities.
If it’s too expensive to own a car in NYC, and too difficult to use a car seat in taxis, then I sure as hell wouldn’t raise a child there.
My daughter has NEVER ridden in a motor vehicle un-secured. And she won’t until she’s old enough for it to be safe. When we travel, I won’t even ride with her in a shuttle from the airport to a rental car facility. I either book on-airport rental cars, or my wife and daughter wait in the airport while I go get the car.
Cars are dangerous. Kids need car seats. I don’t give a shit what they “do in India” or anywhere else.
Matt, I don’t mean to be such an asshole on your comment thread. I suspect you already know that riding with Maddy like that in the cab was a stupid thing to do, and you probably won’t do it again anyway. ESPECIALLY after having a car accident yourself last week!!!!!
Thank G-d Maddy was in a car seat then.
*****Double Meooooooooooooow****
@ eric…
you said…
“Riding in a car is the most dangerous thing that children do on a regular basis”
check this out…
(a photo i took in bangalore).
5 people on a motorcycle, 3 of whom are children (one is in the mom’s lap).
this is the most dangerous thing i have ever seen.
safety standards are different in different parts of the world.
do i agree with them?
it doesn’t matter.
that said.
enough.
point taken.
no more arguing.
this a blog about my wife who died, my baby and me.
not car seat safety.
thank you.
l.m.f.a.o
Eric. Can I meet you so I can punch you in the face?
I will pay for airfare.
Matt,
Love the picture!
Debbie
Now that is the way to go!!
Matt,
Sorry I didn’t mean it that way. I meant it for Eric to shut the hell up already!
@ eric
In response to what Eric said…”I won’t even ride with her in a shuttle from the airport to a rental car facility. I either book on-airport rental cars, or my wife and daughter wait in the airport while I go get the car.”
I wish Matt had the option of leaving his child at the airport with his wife while he went and got the safety approved car with the carseat.
Just something to think about…eric.
I can’t believe that this guy watches such an amazing moment in time and fixates at something so ridiculous (and here of all places). Eric, you must be an unhappy person.
Matt, Thanks again for sharing it with us…it truly was one of the most moving things I’ve seen. It was great to see both of you so happy. I can’t wait for you to catch us up on the trip and what you’re up to this week!
Matt, no offense intended. I won’t clutter your blog any more with posts on this subject.
Anyone interested in having a reasonable, adult conversation with me on the topic of car seats and child safety is welcome to email me at:
ejr -at- rzeszut -dot- com
I don’t live in an urban area, I live in the suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama. Maybe I don’t understand. Educate me.
Threats to punch me in the face will be ignored, as we’re not in 6th grade. Or, at least, I’m not.
I have felt uncomfortable and slightly irritated by past comments from (mostly married) women kinda fawning all over you…”But Matt, don’t say that, you arrrrrrre attractive (tee hee)…Oh Matt, you’re soooo funny (titter titter)…..Matt, you’re such an aaaawesome dad, (giggle giggle)” I, myself, am a happily married woman and after watching that video, I’d like to say…Oh Matt, you’re sooo cute (tee hee), sooo funny (titter titter), and such an aaaawesome dad (giggle giggle)!
Your gorgeous and amazing wife lives on through that gorgeous and amazing little girl.
I had the perfect smart ass comment but i am too scared to share it now! ouch! Getting a little nasty! Matt, thanks for the photo’s. The NYC looks like an awesome place to visit! The video was awesome! The love in your eyes soooo is awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Eric – Newark Airport – flight 666 – arives 9/11.
I will totally clock you. Unless I am at work and have more important things to deal with.
People, I just want to say, you know, can we all get along? Can we get along? Can we stop making it, making it horrible for the older people and the kids?…It’s just not right. It’s not right. It’s not, it’s not going to change anything…Please, we can get along here. We all can get along. I mean, we’re all stuck here for a while. Let’s try to work it out. Let’s try to beat it. Let’s try to beat it. Let’s try to work it out.
Glad you had fun in NYC, Matt.
I know Matt is a big boy and can defend himself as another person said… but come on Eric get off of your high horse! You have no idea nor is it any of your business why Matt choose to feed Madeline in the cab. He is a dad doing the best he can making the most of a shitty thing like loosing his wife and daughter’s mother.
Notice how you said your WIFE waits with the kids for you to bring the car. In a perfect world or a fair one to say the least, Liz would be waiting with Madeline, but she’s not. Oh and by the way BART in the SF Bay Area doesn’t have seat belts. So maybe you should just go back to your bubble and never go anywhere.
sorry to carry it on Matt, but really if I didn’t say (or type this) it would have bugged me all night!
Sweet dreams to Madeline
@Eric:
“Matt, no offense intended. I won’t clutter your blog any more with posts on this subject”
Then maybe you should stop posting.
And by the way…..
You are a giant, sanctimonious douche bag.
Seriously.
Awesome video! Matt, you make fatherhood look so easy and effortless.
That’s an awesome video, Matt. Thanks for sharing!
Damn! I have no vocabulary.
I seriously think I would have came up with giant, sanctimonious douche bag. You rock.
MATT LOGELIN you ROCKS!!!!
Beautiful video. That song came up on my iPod last night on shuffle.
I live in Europe and I wear my baby in the Ergo all the time on the bus. I also use it in the taxi, I just put the belt around me and not her. All of my friends use slings on public transport. In a perfect world you would find a carseat in every bus and taxi.
On a different safety note, I worry about sleeping on the couch with a baby. The chance of SIDS is highest this way. I have a friend who lost her baby this way when she was 7 months so I m super sensitive. Best place for baby is her own bed in your room.
Matt- you and Madeline rock! You have now become a part of mine and my husbands daily lives. We read the blog every day…my husband will come home from work and ask…”did you read Matt’s post today?”
All the best to you and your beautiful bundle of joy!
WOW, what a great video…some guys are made to be father’s……you are one of them.
Madeline is a very lucky girl.
Beautiful video.
I see the love in your eyes for your little girl, and it makes me smile. Madeline is a lucky girl to have all that she does. I visit the website often and it’s great to see how big she is getting, and all the new things she is doing.
You’re doing an amazing job!
Asalamalaykom,
This is why I come back to check on the comments. MAN! Who would have thought that comments on a lovely video of a man and his daughter would have devolved into a carseat debate!
When Matt wrote the disclaimer, “and i don’t want any comments about the cab-ride portion of the video. seriously,” I understood him.
I got that he meant he wasn’t a 100% perfect father who kept his daughter 100% safe. There was a margin for error. How much? Depends who you talk to. The family in Bangalore would have been mightily impressed; Eric…not so much.
I guess, in the struggle to do your best (as most of us are attempting) we can’t always handle someone thumping us over the head with a better way.
It’s like the parable of a drowing man who gets help from a friend on the shore in the form of a lecture. “You shouldn’t have swam out so far!” He yells.
The man, about to go under, pleads, “Can you pull me out first and talk to me later?”
The cool thing about Matt is that he actually knows when he can’t handle the well-meaning lecture and tells us beforehand. I thought that would stem the tide, but it didn’t. It actually isn’t respectful to ignore his pleas on his site. While I’ve tried to understand posters in the past who wanted to reach out with words, I’m not as understanding of this time.
I have put babies in slings and ridden in cabs. Everyday? No. Hardly ever. I am a crazed car-seat mama who tightens that seatbelt like my kid’s life depended on it…because it did and does. But, hey! I had to deal with the situation as it was and not as I wished it to be.
It’s good to remember this Arabic caution: Take care of the plank in your own eye before you complain about the splinter in mine.
Matt–Just back and have missed a couple of posts, so catching up. I KNEW my renewed faith in humanity was premature…
Good for our souls, Matt – thanks for sharing it with us. (:
Thank you for sharing that video. It was really beautiful and what a wonderful keepsake for you. I wish you the best.
Such a beautiful video. *cries*