out the door
by 5:30am to
take deb to the airport.
we said goodbye, knowing
that we’ll see her again
in a little over a week
on the flight to the banff.
headed home and thought
about packing.
auntie anya’s picking us up
at 1:30 so we can
start our journey to
the nyc.
7 hours to pack sounds
like a lot, but
i will spend
most of that time pacing
through my house,
not getting anything
accomplished until the last
30 minutes.
so i started the big task
as soon as we got
home,
one thing i realized
is that madeline has
to grow up in a hurry.
i need a helping hand with
the laundry/packing duties.
more than once i found
myself about to yell,
“hey liz, can you grab my clothes out of the dryer?”
or
“liz, can you please fold all of this shit for me?”
but
the lack of laughter
and smartassed responses
in the house
reminded me that
she isn’t here.
and like i said,
madeline’s not old enough
to help.
this sucks.
rhonda stopped by and
hung out with madeline
while i ran to pick up
some diapers (for madeline)
and a few other things.
the shopping trip was way
faster than usual,
’cause i didn’t have to navigate
the place with my baby.
(i totally forgot what this was like).
got back and resumed
my parenting duties as i
juggled everything else.
the day disappeared
from me way too
quickly, and suddenly auntie anya
was at the door,
ready to drive us
all the way to the lax.
(she’s so kind).
got madeline in the
front pack and made it
through security without
the usual dirty diaper fun.
realized that i could
hang out in the airline
lounge thanks to all
the business travel i did
last year.
got lots of looks
from the rich and well-employed folks
as i strolled in with
a baby strapped to
my chest.
sat her down,
and took some photos
took all the free food
i could stuff into
my bag and
headed for the gate.
got on the flight
with no advice from
any overbearing parents
and took our seat in coach.
madeline did great until
about half-way to the ny.
she woke up screaming
louder than ever before.
stuck a bottle in her
mouth and everything
was once again right with
her world.
later, i went to change her
diaper only to find that
there were no changing
tables on this plane.
damn it.
to the floor she goes.
finished up and
shared my changing pad
with a dad who needed
it for his son.
awesome.
talked to the flight attendant
who offered me a glass
of wine, telling me
i looked like i could
use one.
indeed.
what’s amazing is that
he didn’t charge me for it.
(imagine that!).
chatted with him and
a few of the others
and was finally asked
the question
told them the story
and was offered even
more wine
(he gave me a huge bottle to take with me to my hotel)
and a box of chocolates
from one of the women
working the flight.
(love these folks).
had a passenger ask
me about
liz’s
rings. the answer i
gave him generated
a look of apathy and
a return to his seat.
screw him.
thanked the flight attendants
and headed back to
our seat.
madeline hung out in
my lap until we landed.
got to baggage claim
and waited.
holding my backpack and
camera bag, madeline strapped
to my chest,
i helped a woman
lift her luggage off
the big silver thing.
a woman behind me said,
“you can do it all!”
yes i can.
found my driver and car,
strapped madeline into
the waiting car seat
and headed to our hotel.
we stayed at the same
place i stayed with
liz
on our layover in the nyc
on the way to greece for
our honeymoon.
we were in town
less than 12 hours,
but figured we should
live it up since
we were on our
honeymoon.
besides, we could stay there
for free thanks to
all the hotel reward points
liz
earned during her
near constant business travel.
it was rad.
had a 3-room suite that
was bigger than
the house in which i
currently live.
total excess, but a ton
of fun.
i spent the entire night
arguing with the
airline trying to recover
our lost luggage.
liz
was robot pissed,
but chose to sleep
rather than let it
ruin our trip.
got less than 2 hours of
sleep and we went on an
airline-funded shopping
spree in the nyc to
ensure we had clothing
for greece.
despite the circumstances, it
was a ton of fun,
liz
smiling at the idea
of getting an entirely
new wardrobe paid for
by the airline.
made it to the airport
right before our
flight and found our luggage
in a corner.
grabbed it, called my
contact at the airline
and he told us to
keep all the stuff we’d
just bought,
telling us we deserved it
after what we’d been through.
giant smile on
liz’s
face.
great memory.
***back to reality***
i got out of the car,
staring up at the doorway,
a doorway i hadn’t
seen in almost
three years,
now holding my baby’s
hand instead of
liz’s.
it was weird.
the bellhop greeted us
with a smile and
a question.
“you meeting your wife here?”
“no. my wife is dead”
(it was too late in the evening to sugarcoat things).
he cried.
so did i.
he followed us with our
stuff and waited
in the lobby
as we got checked in.
he hauled our
shit to room 879
and asked if he could
get a crib
for madeline.
“yes, please”
i said, knowing that
she’ll never sleep in it.
then he said,
“you know the bar is still open if you need a drink.”
wow.
he’s the second guy to tell
me this tonight.
what is it about
me that screams
out my need for booze?
thanked him and said,
“that would be nice, but i have a baby. who is going to watch her?”
“you can bring her with you.”
he said.
well.
it is the bar at the
waldorf astoria,
and you can’t smoke inside
in this city,
and i wasn’t tired,
and madeline was asleep,
and i had no one
to talk to,
so i went back
down to the ground floor,
and walked into the bar.
got some looks
and more than a few
“she’s so cute”
comments.
talked to a waitress who
asked the question
almost immediately.
my answer compelled her to
offer me a drink of anything
in the bar, free of charge.
i took a water.
we talked for awhile,
closing down the
bar in the process.
said goodbye and i
headed back upstairs
with madeline.
i laid her in
the crib.
she lasted 15 mins.
i placed her in the bed,
and started reading a
book while seated
in the chair.
heard madeline crying.
looked over and saw
her on her stomach,
face buried in the comforter.
shit!
i didn’t put her
on her stomach!
how did she get like that?
i rolled her over
and watched.
she did it again.
she rolled over.
she really did.
i saw it this time.
and i realized that
in that moment,
she gained some freedom
and i lost most
of mine.
no longer can she
lay on the couch
while i run to make
her a bottle.
no longer can she sit
still on her changing table
while i wash the shit
from my hands.
nope.
this baby is gonna
be crawling, walking, running,
dating, giving birth soon.
i sat on the bed,
smiling through tears,
realizing that things are
gonna be
ok.
192 Comments
Oh thank you for an update!! I was about to go stir crazy over here!! Now I’ll go read it and savor all your words and pics! :O)
Oh Matt, what a wonderful post (again). So yay, she rolled over! Another of many milestones ahead for both of you! I’ve said before that I love the stage b/w 4-6 months old, but I didn’t say why. One reason is b/c I just think babies look so cute at that stage but the other reason is b/c you can plop them down and they stay put (for the most part). After they learn to crawl and walk, it’s a whole other playing field you’re on. Something tells me though that you’re going to like it even more :O)
Thanks again for the post…now maybe I can actually get some work done and not check your site every 2 minutes for an update
P
me again…sorry to hog the comment space, but just realized that you must by heading towards the Banff today on what must be trip # 5 for you two. So good luck and have fun! I’ve heard so many wonderful things lately about Vancouver and that area that I’m itching to see it myself. But for now will have to live vicariously through your photos…so take lots of them, ok?
Tschuß!!
Loved the post. You rock! Madeline is getting cuter all the time
That’s just it Matt, things ARE gonna be ok.
Beautiful.
Hey Matt and Madeline, congrats on the big rollover…
Yay Madeline! **clapping** Congrats on becoming on more step closer to completely mobile!
Who in the hell doesn’t have a changing table in a bathroom, and especially on a plane? Now whenever I’m in a bathroom I look for a changing table (kind of funny that I’m think of you whenever I’m in a public bathroom, thought you would find that a little amusing, especially since I’m currently single and childless
Great memory of Liz, I especially love the phrase “robot pissed”, and also nice to hear some helpfulness from an airline both then and now (nothing like a shopping spree an getting your original items back – seems like that never happens anymore).
Well I could say a ton more but, like the above commenter’s said, you posting means I don’t have to refresh this page every thirty seconds and maybe I can get some work done now
BTW – would love to know the kind of still camera you use.
Matt, as usual you made us giggle a lot.
You are off your rocker. But its so funny!
Thanks
that just made me cry….i know the milestone of rolling is exciting, but man oh man it is terrifying!!!! my twins seem to grow faster every day…i totally understand the smiles and the tears
I think it says what kind of Nikon he uses on the Flickr site…
love “robot pissed”
great post
My baby is just rolling over too, & it’s such a feeling of panic! But so awesome. This next few months is my favorite baby age. I know you’re going to love it! It will be sad too, to not be able to share it with Liz. I didn’t get to share it with my husband with our first baby, and now with our second. Stupid Iraq. But I hope the happiness will outweigh the hurt because it really is such a wonderful and miraculous time.
There’s a great song by fab Icelandic/Italian singer Emiliana Torrini, called “Today has been OK” (http://www.last.fm/music/Emiliana+Torrini/_/Today+Has+Been+Ok)
The first verse reminded me of you a tad. Damn skippy, petal: It’s gonna be OK.
I’m currently on business in Denver so I’m up way to early for people out here. It’s nice to have your blog to read while I wait for the rest of the world to wake up.
I’m teary eyed at your story about Madeline rolling over for the first time. Yes, it changes things to have a mobile baby, but as you already figured out, it gets more and more awesome from here. Wait’ll she looks right at you and says, “Dada.”
Yay! Congrats on your new rolie polie! This is when it gets really fun. It’s like they do something new every day. ;o)
HOLA Matt
BUEN DIA
Congratulations your baby is GROWING UP!
Once again I have to say….BRAVO Matt! You are doing an amazing job! and Maddy helps you a lot!
She has eyes only for you! You are her super hero!
Have a wonderful day
Besos y abrazos
Sol
I had one of the ladies at VIP Signatures make you a little something.
I hope you like it. I don’t know if I can use HTML on this page so I am just posting you a link.
Lots of love from AL.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm209/stephareee/mkdnqcjpg.gif
p.s. Wishing you tons of fun during your trip to BANFF.. Take Care…Sol
Hi Matt,
Your post was wonderful, it made me laugh and cry and get goosebumps…one right after the other.
I heard about your site through a friend and have since been checking it daily for updates and pictures of your beautiful, growing, baby girl! I think its fantastic that you and Madeline are jet-setting and seeing and doing the things that Liz would have done with you as a family (from your words in a previous post).
I just wanted you to know that since I read your story, not a single day has gone by that I haven’t thought of you and your familiy. Every single day you and Liz cross my mind, whether it be while driving or making dinner…which I found bizarre at first since I don’t know you or your family. But you and your story have touched so many people, and in return you are on so many minds and in so many hearts.
Have fun on your adventures with Madeline, I look forward to hearing all about them and watching your little girl grow!
Sending warm thoughts and prayers from Norway.
I must say, the majority of people you meet sound so nice. It’s good to know there really is some human decency left in this world.
This line “this baby is gonna be crawling, walking, running, dating, giving birth soon.” cracked me up. I think every parent thinks that several times during their children’s childhood. It’s scary and yet so true. Well, except for the giving birth part, although a “man” did just give birth.
Anyway, I know that Liz is smiling down upon you two and seeing what a great job you’re doing. Even though we can’t see her face, we kow that Liz is proud of both you and Madeline. And yay for Madeline’s first big stepping stone. And yes, your freedom is over. Sorry.
Have a wonderful, safe trip to Banff!
Matt,
You enlighten me…I’m not sure if I said that in a previous post. Glad to hear that your trip was fine to NYC. Yeah for Madeline…the fun begins! Have a great trip stay safe.
Superb post.
What an emotional, but fun filled day.
That girl is growing, as are you, keep up the good work, on here and in the good not-so-old U-S-A.
Horray for Madeline!
Sounds like the start to your NYC trip was a blast… can’t wait to hear more about all the fun.
I remember when my niece started to roll over; then crawl; and finally take her first few steps on her own. We were all in awe! Now, at 18 months, she’s running all over the place, playing hide-n-seek in restaurants… it’s great for us, cause we think it’s too-cute-for-words, but it causes her parents to blush and fumble when they try to pull their squealing daughter out from another diner’s table, offering their apologies! heh
Ah, the fun times for parents!!!
YEAH!! Way to Go Madeline! You are in for it now Matt! Loads of exciting firsts from here on in!
What a great memory to record that Madeline first rolled over on a King Size bed at the Waldorf!
Thank you for clarifying that the diapers were for madeline
. Congrats madeline on rolling over. Dad, you’re screwed!
Way to go Madeline on the big roll over!
2008 Part 2 is getting better and better!
Beautiful post Matt
i knew it!! way to go Madeline!! nice job too Daddy, you obviously can do it all, carrying everything and yet still managing to help a stranger get her stuff. the growin up thing will happen fast, but thank goodness you have your blog, it will help slow things down a bit, because you get the chance to relish in everyday, every moment and share it with all of us.
everything is going to be ok, and soon Madeline will be helping you with stuff, (probably more help then you want, like my son who thinks throwing his toy into the next room is helping me clean the room we’re in)
have a great time in Banff. take tons of pictures (as if you weren’t going to already!)
hugs from NJ,
erica and Landon
Yay @ rolling over!! That’s wonderful, and I’m sure she’ll be crawling and walking before you know it! Great post, glad you had a safe trip to NYC. I also laughed at “robot pissed.” Hope you have a safe trip this weekend, and can’t wait to see the pics!
Yeah, Madeline!!! If it makes you feel any better, Matt, my Charlotte is almost 5 months and pulled herself up from sitting to standing last night. I’m screwed… Apparently I walked at nine months so my mom just keeps telling me it’s karma.
smiling through tears, realizing that things are
gonna be ok.
rolling over…my little on better get moving. She has a month on little M and can’t quite get all the way. I hope M figures out the tummy to back roll quickly. My other 2 kids would roll and then just scream because they could not get back over.
Your post made me smile at the end. Enjoy your next trip.
Hey! Congrats on the rollover. I remember when Isaac rolled over on May 31, 2008. I put him on my king size bed and turned around to put my clothes away in my closet. I turned back and he was on his stomach, smiling triumphantly. It took me a minute to make sure I hadn’t done that! Thank goodness I put him in the middle of the bed!
Question, I see you are wearing your baby bjorn on the plane. I’m taking Isaac to Disney next month and was thinking of doing that while flying – are the flight attendants okay with you doing that? Have you ever had any issues with that? I kept going back and forth about it b/c I had never heard of anyone doing that but it does seem safer if anything happens during the flight. Thanks for any info!
What a blessing your blog is for both sets of Madeline’s grandparents…what a joy it must be for them to be able to not only read about, and see pics of their precious little grandbaby – but to know that you still cherish the memory of your wife so lovingly and can share that with her parents. It is going to be OK….
Yay for rolling over! Just you wait… it only gets better!
But I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes…..
Jenn
How exciting! Always something new happening. Smiles, giggles, rolling….yup dating before you know it. The good news is you seem to be living it to the fullest and capturing it all in photos and print.
PS-Before we started dating, my husband was a single dad. He never had changing tables in the tiny bathrooms on planes and had a terrible flight full of diaper blowouts.
YAY she is rolling over. That is so great. She wanted to give you another great memory of that hotel!
Hey Matt,
I stumbled upon your site this week and have been on the edge of my seat waiting to hear what Madeline did. I got goose bumps reading about it and hearing your reaction. I think the woman in the airport couldn’t have summed it up better. “You can do everything.” I think she’s right and I also think Madeline has an unbelievably full life ahead of her with such a terrific Daddy.
So she rolled over for the first time on a bed in the Waldorf Astoria?
Makes you wonder where she’ll take her first steps….
Donna
That just got me thinking and it kinda goes with your previous post. Why do so many people ask you about the baby’s mom? I have traveled by myself with my young boys and no one asked me where ‘daddy’ was.
YaY Maddy!
Matt- you make me cry and laugh all at the same time. Life is like that huh – even in the crappiest of moments- God gives you a reason to smile – hope- like a baby rolling over for the first time. And a beautiful one at that! Good Job Miss M.
You Roll in style don’t you!
Awesome post. Can’t wait to read more. Madeline is a sweetie…Thanks for sharing with us all!
This line from you “took all the free food
i could stuff into
my bag and
headed for the gate.” totally had me laughing out loud – Matt, if you lived closer we would be best fucking friends. You rock!
I’m getting on a plane alone with my son for the first time on Aug 29th. He’ll be 5 months and 10 days by then and I’m scared shitless. Reading about all the flights you take eases me a little bit. I was so freaked out about where and how I was going to change his diaper on the plane if need be. I’m still trying to work out how I’m going to go to the bathroom myself. I guess no drinks for me from midnight on the night before.
Oh Matt…….wonderful post as always! And congrats to Madeline on her new milestone! And you are oh so right that you have lost some of your freedom as she has gained some of hers! Now comes the fun part…….mobility =)
Your recognition of her big moment brought me to tears. Each time my little Lily does something new I am so proud of her, but at the same time I know that means that she’s growing up. She becomes a little less mine and a little more hers. Ahhh. The things they do to us
Congratulations Madeline (and Matt!)
Hi Matt,
I have only commented once before, but I loved your post today… Grief is such a strange thing that everyone deals with differently. To have gotten to where you seem to be now, I’m very much in awe. I can’t even begin to understand the great pain combined with great joy you have experienced since March. But you are truly making the most out of every day and making sure that Madeline does too. It should be a lesson to us all.
I want you to know that you have reminded me to treasure every minute with my daughter and husband and not take them for granted, ever. I find that it is a lot easier now to let the dishes sit in the sink and play a little bit longer, or read that extra story before putting my daughter to bed. My daughter was 14 months old yesterday and it goes by so fast. I am greatful for every moment that we share together as she does change and grow so much each day.
Your exposure of the world to Madeline is an amazing thing. You don’t need strangers to tell you to keep doing what you’re doing, since you’re obviously doing is so well already and it is clearly a part of who you are.
We are just lucky to be a passenger along for the ride with you. I wish you and Madeline all the best and can’t wait to see what you do / where you go next.
Congratulations! I remember like it was yesterday when my “baby” (now almost 6) rolled over, all by himself, in the airport on the way to Florida. You can’t beleive how fast time flies when you watch a child grow up. But it’s an unparalleled experience, and not anything that can be explained to you- you just have to experience it yourself!
Have a wonderful trip!
Two words-baby jail.
My sister kept her grandson while he was an infant and toddler. She works from home…needed a safe spot for him. Anyway, it is called the Superyard XT by North States Industries and available at BabiesRUs.
Set up the Superyard, put that sweet little Madeline inside said “jail”, with appropriate cushioning-not too cushie, but you know that-some toys-bingo! You can leave her without fear of falling. Plus, it’s got more room than a playpen. Folds up for easy storage or portage. You will realize as she gets older and stronger that baby jail is mobile. My sister’s grandson would lift up the panel he was closest too and walk the whole thing to be closer to whatever he was looking at. It did keep him out of stuff, though!
Great for outside, too. I had one for our grandson and when he outgrew it I used it for puppy jail to take the little ones outside, yet keep them contained.
Thanks for continuing to share your lives with all of us. Like so many, I get impatient when there is a break in the posting times! Bless you Matt and Maddie from one of the stranger/friends from Texas.
Matt,
Hey SUPER-DAD! YAY – the roll over! It’s so great that you are with Maddy to tell her about these firsts later on. Parenting is a physically strenuous and sometimes mind-numbing task – but worth every second.
Has anyone given you the advice about “don’t let your baby sleep with you or you’ll never get her out of your bed” yet? We got that all of the time when our daughter was a baby.
Bunch of crap.
We let our daughter sleep with us and by the time she was two, she wanted to be in her own bed in her own room. (Oops – I just gave you advice…)
Glad to hear that the folks you run into while you are out and about are starting to recognize that you know what the heck you are doing. My husband used to get the question “Are you babysitting today?” He would often reply, “No, I’m parenting today, just like I do every day”.
Thanks for sharing your life with everyone. It is such a joy to see your sweet Maddy getting so big!
Damn, Matt. It is 7:30 in the morning, I’m at work and I have tears running down my face. Your little girl is growing up and it is beautiful. Congratulations on the big “roll over.”
YEAH!! rollover! Your right about losing your freedom a little but what fun is to come!
Congrats Madeline.
How fun Matt!! As with many other things that we have seen you “learn” and traverse through in the past several months, learning Madeline’s new way to get around will be a great adventure . . . Everything will be ok. Love that! So glad to hear from you.
My eyes are leaking. Again.
Beautiful post. Beautiful news about Maddie.
What a milestone! They seem to keep coming faster and faster now. Hang on…!
aww she can roll over! And lucky you, I found out mine could roll over when i heard the kerplunk as she fell off the bed. Luckily no damage was done.
Wow – great job Madeline. My daughter was born right after Maddy’s original due date – so this is good notice not to leave her just anywhere. First time commentor – and I have been touched by your blog, and love watching Madeline grow. Can’t wait to hear about the rest of your trip!
She is ADORABLE. And changing so much. She looks like her mum. Truly beautiful. xox
Yah!!! Maddy!!!
That is so exciting. My little one has been rolling over for the last month and let me tell you once they learn this new trick there is no stopping them. If Bailey (my little one) really wants something all she does is roll around until she can get it. It is so cute. I’m so jealous of how much you and Maddy travel, but i love lively vicariously through you both so i second the comment about taking lots of pictures. I am also so glad you updated the site, i spent most of yesterday checking to see how you guys were doing. Here’s hoping i’ll actually get some work done today.
You’re right, You are going to be ok!!
Have a great trip.
Damnit! I should know better than to read this at work. Tears, tears, tears.
Praying for you all in NC,
Jenn
Yeah Maddeline!!! Your right things will be ok:) Have a safe trip!
Matt and Madeline,
So exciting to watch them do something new! I missed my first one roll…. anyway, can’t wait to hear about your adventures.
Take care,
Debbie
It really is going to be okay. Way to go Madeline!
Congratulations on the rolling! I have a son who is a month older than Madeline. Your wonderful pics of you and Madeline on the road have inspired me to travel with my baby, which had previously seemed too complicated and inconvenient to be worth doing. Thanks for sharing part of your lives with the world!
Go Maddy go! What a big girl rolling over – that is awesome!! I had tears in my eyes reading the last part of your message…they do grow too fast! I have a 3 year old and 5 month old twins (all boys) and I cannot believe how fast it does.
You are doing a great job…keep breathing…and you’re right – it’s gonna be okay!
I have already looked at all these pix on Flickr but your narrative brings them to vivid life. You are a wonderful writer, photographer. I hope you find a way to put them together somewhere beyond your blog. You are soooo RIGHT: you’ll be at Maddy’s wedding before you know it.
Hi Matt,
Hi Madeline,
AHHH, rolling over…what an accomplishment! I remember the pride I felt. Why I, the parent who did nothing should feel pride, I don’t know. But…Congratulations to both of you!!!
Still reading…
Pixie
yay Madeline! Get ready Matt, first its rolling over, then crawling, then walking. Prepare to get some exercise!
Well, we are definitely going to need to see video of a rollover!
This post made me cry.
Then it made me laugh – oh yes sir, you have totally lost most of your freedom
Then it made me cry again.
Finally – happy tears!! I don’t know how many times I’ve cried while reading your Blog but today – I cried happy tears! Just picturing your sweet girl rolling over makes me smile so big! Congrats on your first major developmental milestone!! So many more to come!
That really brings a tear to my eye, tear or joy. I’m so happy for you Matt, she is growing beautifully! I can’t believe she rolled over already, how cool is that?
Thank you for sharing your world with us.
Yay for Ms.M! Glad you guys had a great trip. Off on your next travels.
Everything is going to be just fine.
Start baby proffing now. seriously.
:::::claps coming from the city of brotherly love:::::
Way to go Madeline! She’s adorable.
Yup, everything WILL be OK Matt. She rolled over! She did it! Woooo hoooo! Hopefully she’ll wait a few more years before the dating and giving birth stuff though. Have fun in the Banff.
Congrats on the roll-over! These little milestones are bittersweet, at least for me. It’s wonderful to see your baby grow and kind of sad when you realize how quickly it happens.
I had a feeling that’s what she did while she was gone. I remember that mixed emotion as well. I was a single mom myself, and it was the first of many “Oh this is great….oh this sucks” feelings! With kids you spend the first year all excited and you can’t wait for them to walk and talk, and then you spend the next 17 years telling them to sit down and be quiet! haha
Next up…baby food. I can’t wait to see pictures of your girl with sweet potatoes smeared all over her face and hair!
Wahoo Maddy!! Congratulations on your accomplishment. Let the really fun, fun begin!
Thanks for the update — Your memories of being there with Liz were wonderful to read about & the new memories you made with your daughter are just as beautiful!
Banff is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Safe travels. Can’t wait to see your pictures!
One more milestone of so many in her life. Each wonderful, exciting and sometimes a little bit scary.
And as you so beautifully put it….things are gonna be okay. Somehow.
Thanks for sharing your daughter and your story with us.
loves it.
YAY Maddy!!!! She’s growing up so fast! Thank you so much for sharing her with us strangers/lurkers! Hope your trip is wonderful!
That is so great. And you’re right – things will be ok. Okayer in a way that you never could have imagined. Never quite “right” again, but they will be ok. She’s growing up before our eyes… amazing.
Matt – what a great post. I love the pic of Madeline on the bed – w/her little legs up in the air. She’ll be rolling over to sleep on her belly all the time I bet now.
ugh! way to start the day crying again! but such beautiful words. so glad you and madeline made it to the nyc!
I guess it might be creepy since I’m just another creeper into your world, but I so love the stories of Liz. You have a way of writing your memories with her that makes me feel like I was there in the room with you.
It’s been a while since I’ve teared up from a post. Could just be the time of year, but wanted to let you know there’s some extra hug vibes going out to you.
AS the previous poster caught onto, you must be leaving soon for your next adventure. Safe travels to you and yours.
Awesome on the rollover Maddy. Now don’t scare your father with any rolls off the sofa!
Cheers.
Go Pork.
Made me laugh, made me cry, made me really grateful for what I have. Congrats on your roll over madeline, your almost mobile!
Another long-time lurker, first time poster here. I am totally addicted to your blog! I wanted to say how bittersweet it is that a place that was special to you & liz now holds a special milestone for Madeline and her first rollover! Looks like you can keep going back to the Waldorf to celebrate for years to come!
Totally loved this post. Way to go, Maddy! What a big girl.
I remember when my daughter rolled over for the first time. I remember jumping up and down and cheering for her, because it was her first big accomplishment. 
And, just last night, at 4 years of age, she cried out for my help. I walked into the kitchen to find her hanging upside down, off of our bar….as if it was an effin’ set of monkey bars. LOL How she got like that, I have no idea. Get ready…the fun is just beginning. 
Way to go Madeline! She is just going to be keeping you on your toes Matt!!
One question – and this may be a dunce one – but what is “the Banff”? Or rather, where is that? It looks like, b/t your blog & Chrissy’s that you & Madeline had a great trip to the NYC and I loved the photos!
You CAN do it all! (with a little help from the Divine Miss M!)
And you’re so right, you’ve lost a little freedom, but M. has gained a whole bunch. What an exciting time. Enjoy every precious moment of it.
I’m really falling in love with your writing style. Get her a bumbo seat, that’ll hold her tight a little while longer, she’s almost old enough for it.
Rolling over huh? Let the games begin!
How cool that Madeline accomplished such a huge milestone at the place where you and Liz once stayed! You already have such cool stories to share with your daughter, and now she’s part of the rest of the story.
You really are a role model for all of us who wonder how we could ever do this parenting thing alone.
Yay for Maddie!
Your honeymoon story reminded me of ours. 2004, went to THE San Francisco (take that) for our honeymoon. Luggage? Gone. Soooo, they said they’d bring it to our hotel as soon as they found it. Well we felt gross and found the nearest Filene’s Basement and bought the essentials: underwear, pants, and a t-shirt. Ahhh. They told us to keep the receipts, and if it took longer than two days or something they’d refund the money.
Wouldn’t you know, we get back to the awesome Serrano Hotel and our luggage was waiting. Figures, right?
You are at a critical age with Maddy right now. You may not be able to leave her on the couch anymore, but if you strategically place her on the floor and run, you can still use the bathroom and get back before she has rolled herself under the couch!
Congrats Madeline!!! Chase, her friend that she hasn’t met from The STL just started rolling over too! He scares himself when he does it in his sleep…oh the fun…but really, it is fun!!! Have a great one and thanks for all of the updates!
Great post, Matt! I feel encouraged for you today (teacrs in my eyes of course)
You are a good dad, and things are going to be o.k.!
Hooray Madeline! Way to keep daddy on his toes.
Matt, it is gonna be ok. Your baby girl is darned near perfect and you’re doing an amazing job with her.
I love hearing stories of “firsts”. There are so many to celebrate as our little ones grow to be not so little any longer. I remember the first time my son rolled over. Much like you I put him down (on the floor), looked away, and when I turned back around he had flipped himself over. I wasn’t quite sure how he had done that until I flipped him over and watched him do it with my own eyes (over and over again, just to make sure this was really happening).
My new favorite phrase: “robot pissed”. Ha. Yay for Maddie rolling over!
Hooray Madeline on the rollover!! Way to surprise your daddy.
Glad to hear of your great trip the NYC – congrats to Madeline for rolling over – pretty soon she’ll be scooting all over the place! Have a great trip – can’t wait to hear about it!
Matt~ You are awesome.
Yay Madeline!!!!
I’ve been reading for months but have never commented. Yay for rolling over, Madeline! I’m happy to share a name with the most beautiful little girl in the world.
They really DO grow up so fast. I know I’d heard it a million times before becoming a mom, but until then, it was just something people said. But now? Just the other day my almost 4 year old son received an “acceptance” letter for preschool. Talk about a wakeup call. And my baby? He just had his first birthday. When you become a parent, life moves in fast-forward, and you don’t even realize it until another milestone is reached.
It’s 8:42am on Thursday morning in the MN, and I’m already crying my eyes out. Welcome to the exciting/terrifying world of parenthood.
Wonderful post. Read it through tears. Guess I needed those happy tears this morning. Thanks.
Yeah for rolling over!!! Daddy better watch out, you’ll be running soon!
Rolling over, yeah!!! Way to go Madeline!!
What a wonderful post. That’s awesome that Madeline rolled over! Love your pictures, as usual.
Congrats Maddie!! This post has a whole new meaning to me – my best friend had her little girl last Saturday and it is so amazing watching her change day by day. I can’t believe she’ll soon do all of these things. Time goes by so fast. Glad to see you enjoying ever second of it.
I had a feeling the “big thing” was rolling over. Way to go Madeline!
I love that airline story about the shopping spree. That would never happen nowadays, you guys had your luggage lost at exactly the right time!
She rolled over! That’s awesome! It won’t be long before you have to run to keep up with her. Sounds like a good trip, good to hear from you!
Matt- it seems this post really hit a note with quite a few of us who have been “lurking”, or avidly following your blog. This is my first time commenting…I just had to today. You have an amazing writing style–always. But, this post… the memories–thinking back, then looking forward–all of it with love–just beautiful. It WILL all be OK and you CAN do it all. Just lovely. I am smiling for you and Madeline this morning, through some happy tears!
The lack of a changing table on the plane is very familiar. I could not believe my luck when we were on a plane that had none. My son’s party trick is blowing out his diaper on a fairly regular occasion. If it weren’t for the flight attendant I would have sat down and cried. Luckily, she was great. She told me how to set it up on top of the toilet. Although it took way too many hands to do that, and next time he is getting changed on the floor! Jameson began rolling recently, and you’re right, the freedom just leaves. Get a good blanket to place on the floor and instead of the couch leave her there, thats what we have done, and he loves it. He rolls from one end of the room to the other giggling the whole way!
Your blog moves me to tears!
That’s Great that Madeline rolled over! It’s amazing the joy you feel when they reach these milestones. Who would have known, you know? It’s wonderful and scary at the same time. My soon-to-be 8 month old just started crawling – yikes! So now we have to chase after a 2 1/2 yr old and crawling 8 month old (who puts everything in her mouth!).
Love your memory about Liz…thanks for sharing it with us…
On a side note..re: the laundry thing..I hear ya but pretty soon Madeline will be able to help
As soon as my 2 yr old started walking, she would come to the laundry room with me (in our bldg) and help. She still Loves to help with the laundry. People joke that I’m starting her early on this stuff..well, maybe I am 
But she truly does love to help me with it. If you make it seem like it’s the most fun thing to do, they’ll follow your lead and think doing laundry is the Best!
Glad to hear that your flight to the NYC went well too!
Christine
A W E S O M E P O S T !!!!!!!
hooray! travel safe – look forward to hearing more!
Matt,
I have been reading your blog but haven’t yet posted. You truly are an amazing man!
Maddie is beautiful and your stories of Liz, your grief and your daily struggles have made me cry but at the same time have made me very grateful for all that I do have. A baby changes your whole world but doing it alone is so challenging and you seem to rise to every challange presented to you. You truly are an inspiration to us all. I’m sure Maddie will be grateful for all your stories of Liz and keeping her memory alive. Everytime you talk about Liz it’s as if we are living in the moment with you!
I have a 6 month old and every new milestone is so exciting………..it goes by so fast so enjoy every moment of it!
YAY, Madeline! That is just one of the many firsts for her…Believe me…You will be crying a lot over new tricks in the coming months!
A W E S O M E P O S T!!!
Yay for Maddy rolling over…it’s so exciting when they accomplish something huge like this. I saw someone else mention this, but seriously look into a “bumbo” seat for her. It truly is a lifesaver! Keeps them in one spot long enough for you to run to grab something, because once she’s rolling, she is just going to keep on going
So this Banff trip? How long are you here? I imagine you are flying into Calgary and then getting a ride out there since it’s just an hour away. If you have time I am sure there is more than just myself here in Calgary that would LOVE to have an opportunity to meet you & your beautiful little girl.
Enjoy your trip. The weather forecast looks beautiful!
I don’t comment very often, but do read along quite a bit. Just wanted to say Well Done to the little one on her new maneuver.
Oh Matt, what an amazing post. The Waldorf holds a special place in my heart, too, so I loved seeing the pictures. It is only fitting that your little princess spend her first night in NYC there!
Rolling over definitely makes for some good times! It is so hard when you can no longer “wall” them as my husband says…which literally means lay them down next to a wall and have them still be there when you come back.
Have a wonderful trip to Banff! Laura (who is my sister) told me that you are going there, and it sounds like it will be a well-timed getaway!
Welcome to the world of the “moving” child! It gets really fun Matt. When she 1st crawls over to you and stands up just wanting a hug…..it’s heart melting. I got my 1st kiss last night from Blake and just was amazed.
thank you for todays entry. seriously.
i yelled at my husband today. he wasn’t listening to what i had to say, my opinion, and i lost it. it wasn’t over anything small, but it also wasn’t over anything relationship changing huge either. i was just so frustrated. we have changes going on in our lives that feel beyond our control and that never feels very good. your words today put me **back to reality** and made me realize that everything WILL be ok. maybe a different ok than what i planned or expected or even wanted, but an ok i can live with. thanks for giving me a 3rd person perspective of life, choices and moving forward.
i’m giddy with hand clapping over madeline’s big roll – she sure knew how to do it the first time in style!!!
Oh, Matt, that last sentence made me cry. Congrats on the milestone. Hopefully there are a lotta years between Madeline running and dating and giving birth. Although she is already dating….
I’m so glad she decided to roll over when she was on that big bed instead of the couch. Smart girl!!
What was w/ that apathetic guy on the plane? A-hole! But it sounds like you ran into mostly nice people.
I have stayed at the Waldorf–it’s beautiful!!
beautiful post…..they grow up so fast don’t they?!
I have been reading your blog for a little while now and wanted to tell you how incredibly sorry I am for your loss. Liz sounds like she was an amazing woman and your love for her is inspiring.
Madeline is such a precious little girl. I have a little boy who is 2 days younger and just also rolled over. It is so much fun to watch them accomplish new milestones. Congrats to both of you on the achievement!
Holy crap. What a beautiful way to remember this milestone. I have tears streaming down my face sitting at work.
I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but from what I’ve read you are an AWESOME dad. Sounds like Liz would be proud.
Hiya Matt! Geez, I was AWOL yesterday and missed *everything*, huh?! It’s just as well, I hate commentroversies, they stress me out.
I love that Maddy rolled over at the fucking Waldorf-Astoria. How awesome is that?! It was like she said, “Gee, I’m at the Waldorf, I’m gonna make this visit COUNT!” That’s our awesome girl.
I dunno when you’re leaving again, but whenever it is, I send you GOOD TRAVEL MOJO!
xoxo
k in the n
Way to go on the big roll over Madeline!!!!! You’re growing up so quickly. You too, Matt…Madeline is one lucky little girl to have a father who loves her so incredibly much.
Way to go Madeline…there will be lots more first’s Matt….you do tho have a little time before she has a baby tho…so I think you can relax a little on that one.. *grins*
Many a milestone occured didn’t they…
MAN! you two fucking rock (and roll–sorry. couldn’t resist)! travel safely.
Yay Madeline! What a big girl – rolling already! My little Caleb gets more and more mobile every day. It’s terrifying and beautiful all at the same time.
Now… how can I go about getting a new wardrobe to be funded by the airlines… Doubt these days they’d do such a thing.
Matt,
I’m sitting at the mac store getting my CD drive fixed laughing, crying and smiling at Thursday’s message. I hope that you are having a great day and thank you for bringing so much joy to mine!
Jenny from the TX
Way to go Madeline!!! She’s getting so big and you’re doing such a good job, Matt.
I live in Calgary, so if you need anything while you’re in Banff, let me know. I can’t wait to see the pics you will take up here… it is so gorgeous.
I can’t put my finger on it but I think this is one of my favorite posts of yours. I loved the story of your honeymoon with Liz, the comment “you can do it all” and Madeline rolling over-great job
Oh and thanks for the clarification that the diapers were indeed for madeline.
I heart that you use the word ‘rad’. Brings me back, yo.
Happy you are getting free drinks. M is adorable. Travel safe.
I loved your latest post!! Just loved it AND I saw that Madeline was on a pillow in your lap and had to laugh to myself as I wondered if they charged you $7 or whatever I heard on the news, for a clean pillow. I hope not. If they did, I’m gonna write a letter on your behalf.
Seriously though your post was awesome, and I’m glad people have been so excellent to you. Tell Madeline that Melissa in the armpit of America says HELLLOOOO and congrats on rolling over. I have four kids, and trust me … your fun is just beginning! It IS gonna be all right. And I was so happy to see you ‘say’ that. Big hugs from the armpit…. of America that is. ~Melissa
Hope you guys have a wonderful time in Banff, Matt! I can’t wait to see your photos. I currently use a shot from there as my desktop wallpaper and daydream over it — it’s been very next on our list of places we must go since last winter.
And such fun news about Madeline! Yeah — it all does go so fast…too fast. So not only will your baby be doing all that other amazing stuff in the blink of an eye, but before you know it, you’ll be shopping for diapers again and they WON’T be for her!
what a wonderful trip, if bittersweet for the beautiful memories. and yay madeline! you go girl! thanks for sharing this milestone with us.
All I can say is WOW………..great post!
She is beautiful and you are doing an amazing job
You are a wonderful dad. And she is so beautiful! Congrats on rolling over baby girl!
Hi Matt! I just discovered your blog and wow, I’m just amazed. I’m sorry about Liz. You look like you’re doing an AMAZING job with Madeline and getting through each day. I’m sending zen your way and will keep reading. Thanks for being an inspiration in the face of true adversity!
and she’s MOBILE!!!!!!!!!
yay..
what a wonderful little development Matt!
and you can tell her she rolled for the first time at the Waldorf Astoria in New York.. that is rockin’ sweet.
now he is a rockin’ and a rollin’..
I am glad your back- but it sure sounds like a kick ass trip.
You’ve brought tears to my eyes once again Matt!
Congrat to Madeline on rolling over! My 4 month old hasn’t done that yet. Its so corny when you hear people say, they grow up so fast! or don’t blink they’ll be grown before you know it! But its so true. I have a 16, 9, 2 year old and 4 month old. The 16 year old is practically a man already. *sniff* its great you’re documenting it all!
Hey, I saw this just a few minutes ago and was catapulted back to your blog to share it with you since it screams you. LOL
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29314348@N02/2741889440/
Save travels to the Banff, enjoy it.
That first pic is adorable! Once they get mobile it’s so hard! I remember wanting my kids to crawl (walk, etc.) and then once they did, I was like, “wait, no, go back to just sitting in one place”. But, oh the opportunities and new things to explore!
just beautiful.
Ahhh……a milestone……my favorites were 1) holding their own bottle 2) being able to walk from the car to the grocery store holding my hand ( my back was killing me by then ) 3) tying shoes 4) the first time they look at a word and recognize it and the sudden BLAST of reading that occurs…..
Fun stuff Matt; enjoy every minute…..
things will be okay…
have a great time at your next stop!
Damn you for making me cry at work. What a great post.
Hey! Seriously, if you’re going to be in Banff in a week, or less, or whatever, there are actually a few of us Calgary gals that would love to set up a playdate with you and Madeline. I made the mistake of telling some of my online girlfriends (same place I found your blog) about your upcoming trip, and they wanted me to find out details. (some of them actually post comments here, yeah, I’m talking about you, Beth.)
We all want to fawn over your beautiful little girl, if you’ll let us. Pleeeeeeease? (insert fluttering lashes here…)
Things will be better than OK. You’re doing awesome at being a dad/mom/parent! HUGS.
tears again… happy ones this time.
you and maddie are a great team… and she gets you free booze! score!
have a fantastic journey together.
You really can do everything
Yay, Madeline hit a milestone! Ok, there’s some yay and some not so yay about it, like you said. Sniff, they grow up so quickly. I can’t believe my son is a year old already, and I just brought him home as a newborn yesterday. On the bright side, she’s one step closer to helping you with laundry 
And she’ll become more and more of a social creature that it’ll surprise you sometimes.
Not since Kenny Rodgers and Dolly Parton sang “Islands in the Stream” have I cried so much. I hate you Matt.
YAY MADELINE!!!!! I had a feeling rolling over was her big news!!!!!
I am very jealous you’re in Canada…I should be in BC right now, but we had to cancel our trip
Have a wonderful day!!!!!
Ah, baby immobility is a thing of the past. WTG Madeline! Each milestone is such a celebration, but is also a tad bittersweet…a great post as usual Matt.
Gotta love those flight attendants – when I was flying on a plane with my boys (they were four and two at the time and I was 5 months preggo with #3) the flight attendant suggested that I might like a good stiff drink to get through the flight. Once he noticed that I was preggo he offered (jokingly of course) to mix a surprise drink for the boys. I almost took him up on it. Almost.
this is a very comphorting post matt. congrats on madeline rolling over. soon she will be able to help with that laundry
Yippee!!!! The GG is getting mobile!!!!!!!
Great post as always, Mateo. Love love love the first pic of Maddie – that girl of yours is just too damn cute!
Musta been bittersweet staying at the Waldorf – but now you’ll have memories of sharing time there with both of your girls………..
Have a safe trip (yet again!) – you’re a travelin’ fool, dude!
And damn skippy you’re gonna be OK – don’t ever doubt that.
Awesome post today! Awesome baby… Awesome Daddy. (Not awesome that I am crying at my desk
)Safe travels!
Great post, Matt. Yay! for Madeline…it’s just the beginning of more fun times with watching her grow. Hugs to you both!
Matt,
Sounds like a great trip! Congrats and a big hug to Maddy for moving on up in the world! lol… (rolling over)… a milestone and yet many more to come! It’s great that you have so many great memories of Liz! I bet that keeps you going and she would be so proud of you and Maddy. Have a safe trip and lots of fun at Banff and like always can’t wait to hear and see all about it! Keep doing what you’re doing and keep smiling!
Matt,
I came across this site and thought of you since you travel so much with your wee one…also your last minute comment about running out to get diapers. You pick out everything you need from diapers, formula etc. and it is sent directly to your hotel. jetsetbabies.com
I haven’t cried while reading in a while. But I did today.
Please, PLEASE bring Maddie to our 10 year college reunion at Scripps in two years. I MUST meet her. And it might ease the pain of Liz not being there. Just a little bit.
Wicked awesome.
Such a kick ass story. Thanks for sharing.
Great post. Had me crying at work this morning. I’m normally pretty good about reading your blogs and containing the tears but today no such luck. You’re a great father, and Madeline is beautiful. Have a safe trip.
glad so many people were nice and accommodating in nyc. you deserve it
and madeline is getting so big! she is truly precious
Great post Matt.
I have to fly back and forth to school and I am in constant fear of losing my luggange (I mean I’m a girl so it’s my life in a bag)! Your story made me laugh and *knock on wood* if that ever happens to me I hope I have to same luck =)
Thanks for the sweet memory.
What a great post!
So exciting that Madeline is rolling over. This will definitely make things a bit more complicated in your household, but I’m sure you’ll continue doing a wonderful job. 
Asalamalaykom,
My guess? Miss Madeline, with her mother’s keen shopping genes, was trying to get out to the stores.
And I think you missed metioning another milestone: when Miss Madeline looks at you and says: I think you could use a drink.
Great post Matt and yes, that baby is now on her way to her new found adventures! Things are going to change rapidly from now on, I assure you they get so much more fun! Enjoy my friend!
That’s a big milestone. Awesome.
My gal was born on 3/18 and still hasn’t rolled over… and she wasn’t premature. Madeline is kicking butts and taking names!
Love the pic of her on the bed with her legs up. I see that view A LOT during the day!
My turn to come out of the lurkdom
Your blogs make me laugh, cry, and realize how precious life is. Kudos to you for turning a shitty situation into something beautiful and admirable.
My son was born on 4-22-08, so I love hearing about Maddy’s milestones! Congrats on the rolling over!
It is not often that I am moved to tears by things that I read, but the words you write for you wife and your daughter are some of the most amazing and beautiful expressions of love I have ever read. Every wife wishes her husband felt this way about her, every parent wishes they could express with such clarity the way our children make us feel…
you truely can do it all. thanks for sharing your adventures with us… I find your writing very cathartic and enjoy the release I feel when I sit at my desk and cry
Please print these entries out for your daughter… put them in a book, something.. she will really appreciate these memories when she is older.
(“you can do it all!”
yes i can.)
loved that.
what a way to end the day. yea for madeline rolling over. how fun is that watching her accomplish feats for the first time? my youngest (who is about a month older than madeline) hates her tummy time, so it’s funny when she rolls over. she’s so proud of herself at first and enjoys the different view, then about 30 seconds goes by and she remembers she hates being on her stomach. what cha gonna do?
hope you and madeline are having a stellar day.
Wow, you sure can do it all! That is so funny that everyone kept offering you drinks. Glad that you two landed safely!
I always forget I am not supposed to read anything here while I am at work. Thankfully, most people are out to lunch (in more ways than one).
Thank you for making me think. Love ya.
Ahhhh! YAY Madeline!!! =)
I remember so perfectly the first time BOTH my kids rolled over! They are now 3 and 10!!!
Hold on tight and take two glances Matt, it is going to pass by faster then you know! =)
My first time commenting…YOU are amazing. LOVE your blog. Your daughter is just beautiful. Congrats on the rolling over. Awww!
Best Wishes!
You two make such a grate travel pair. I think it’s great that you two get to travel so much. I’m currently traveling and I give you props for doing it with a baby!
Maddie is getting so big, soon she’ll be sitting up by herself and eating solid foods! I love the way she was sleeping on the bed with her feet curled up in the air, so cute.
Matt, Love your smart ass smirk in the plane bathroom. Now if that is NOT the look of a guy who seriously accomplished an impossible diaper change in the airline can! LOVE IT!
I feel like rolling over is the BIGGEST milestone. It may not seem like much when you look at the big picture of life, but rolling over is the start of mobility. Before my baby could crawl she would set her sights on something and roll to it. I definitely remember that “oh shit!” feeling when she first started rolling over. The feeling that soon I was never going to be able to leave her unattended for even a moment.
Hi Matt, new stranger/stalker/friend from home. I stumbled upon your blog though a blog on KARE11 last week and have been unable to be productive in anything else since. I am terribly saddened by Liz’s passing and all the events you and little Maddy share without her here. As a mom you have opened my eyes to enjoy each and every day and realize what I am blessed with in my life. I laugh and cry while reading your blog and viewing your photos so thank you for sharing. Absolutely love the video from NY, what a great memory for you and Maddy! She’s such a little traveler and getting so big, can you believe it? Ok, on another note, as I have been traveling this week I’ve come across two robots, thanks now I am even less productive as I have to keep my eyes open for these crazy things. Safe travels to both of you, I hear Banff is amazing, can’t wait to see photos!!
It’s funny, I work in a very large office building and I’ve walked by no less then 20 cubes with people looking at your site. No Lie. Amazing. That, and NOBODY is working.
Oh there is nothing to replace that feeling you get when you witness the growth of your own child. It is a feeling of crushing elation, sad and beautiful at the same time. Thanks for sharing, She is so cute.
Hi Matt,
I’m a sort of long time reader (i had started reading your blog just before maddy turned 1yr but then decided i should start from the beginning), first time commenter. I just wanted to say that madeline is adorable and you’re doing a wonderful job. You two are always on my mind, especially now that i have my own little baby girl. The purple polka dotted sleeper maddy was wearing on the plane caught my eye because my daughter had the exact same one while we were living in england earlier this year. It was my all time favorite one because it’s just so cute and i’ve held onto it. I’m glad to see that other cute babies are wearing the same one
If you’re ever visiting the east coast of canada, let me know. My husband and I would love to meet you for a drink or a bite to eat and we would, of course, love to meet madeline too!
Take care Matt and keep up the good work!