i didn’t sleep as much
as i should have
heading into a weekend
in the las vegas.
that was stupid,
and i knew it.
got madeline up
and played with her
a little too long,
taking a bunch of photos,
(elvis glasses/baseball courtesy of louis z. from the mn).
which sort of made
me an hour late.
but i didn’t
give a shit.
knowing that i was
going to be away
from her for three nights
nearly made me
cancel my trip.
i didn’t cancel my trip though.
i knew it was good
for both of us.
got everything packed
up, including the robot
who will be hanging
in my trunk most
of the weekend.
dropped madeline off at
the house of gentle ben
and patient dana
(she’s so patient to deal with ben’s misspellings and terrible sense of humor).
it took dana a few
minutes to pry my little
smiler from my arms,
but i finally relented,
giving maddy two
kisses on her cheek
with the hope she
wouldn’t forget me while
i was gone.
jumped in the car and
i was off.
so why vegas?
well, a late bachelor party
for my friend richard p.
who got married
then told us about it later.
and an invitation from lauren f.
to join her and some
friends a day early
for an hbo party at the
playboy club.
nothing like serendipity.
the drive was mostly nice.
drove past the
city of claremont.
that’s the city in which
i spent
a ton of my
weekends and vacations
from 1996-2000,
the place where
liz
went to college.
my mind was
blank the rest of
the drive.
got to the las vegas
surprisingly fast,
i think the music helped.
parked near this
awesome vehicle
and made sure the
robot got to taste america.
checked into my
free room at the palms
(thanks, pia from hbo!)
and sat down at the
bar for a drink
by myself,
watching some football.
the drive, plus my two
hours at the bar
were the longest i’ve
been alone
since my last
flight to the india.
it was weird.
no baby.
no friends.
no strangers friends
no family.
just me.
lauren, talia and priscilla
arrived at the bar
and we all headed
upstairs to the club.
it certainly wasn’t what
i expected.
it was rather tame.
then i walked into
the bathroom.
later (as reported earlier).
we saw michael phelps.
he likes to touch
the ladies,
and he wanted
to see priscilla leave.
finally had enough
of big guys shining lights
in our eyes,
so we headed to some
other place before
heading to bed.
***friday***
woke up early,
looked out the window
and saw this:
just shook my head.
met the ladies
for a little breakfast.
talked about the
events of the previous evening
and learned that
mr. gold medal’s
behavior was already
being discussed all
over the internet.
awesome.
the ladies had to leave
for the airport
and i had to
check into my
next hotel room.
before saying goodbye,
the ladies took a photo
with the robot.
i drove over to another
hotel and attempted
to check in.
turns out i was at
the wrong place.
went to the right
place and found out
that i couldn’t check
in yet.
too bad, ’cause i
really needed a nap.
decided that i should
go do something
fun while i waited
for the dudes
to arrive this evening.
drove around trying
to decide what to do?
found my answer
on the side of
a bus…
i’m gonna head to
the liberace museum.
it was smaller than
i imagined, but
twice as awesome.
just look…
skipped out on
the lunch
(it just sounded too creepy)
but did pick
up a few gifts for josh.
then i asked some
lady if i could
bring the robot into
the museum for
a few photographs.
she allowed the robot
into the gift shop, but
no where near
the costumes.
i did, however, get her to
pose with the robot.
then i got her
to take a
photo of me.
she even suggested
a specific location
for part of the
photo shoot…
(she was too kind).
then i stopped in
the parking lot
to get a couple more
photos with the robot.
then i drove around
a little longer,
taking a few more photos.
finally, it was back
to the hotel
to wait for everyone
to arrive.
called ben and dana
while i waited.
heard that all was
well and that madeline
was staying out
of trouble.
they even held the
phone up to madeline’s ear
so i could talk to her.
dana said she smiled
when she heard my voice.
that made me feel good.
they finally showed up,
but who are they?
chris m. and richard p.
are guys i knew in college
and mark m. is a dude
i’ve known since 5th grade
(we were in school together all the way through college).
we decided to take
richard out for a
nice dinner.
ran into michael phelps again,
this time he was better behaved.
(he spent most of his night, nose buried in his phone and his dinner plate)
had a great meal
then headed out for
a few drinks.
eventually found myself
watching mark at
the craps table at 9:00am.
it was time
to go bed.
***saturday***
woke up late
skipped a day
in the sun,
at the pool
in favor of
an afternoon of napping
and watching
the dodgers game
in the hotel room.
had a nice dinner
with rich then
got ready for the evening
and lost a few dollars
at the blackjack table
(it lasted less than an hour).
called ben and dana
again to see how my
favorite daughter was doing.
i was assured that she was
still doing great.
met up with stranger friend kathy and her husband
for a drink
(they bought! thanks, guys).
talked to these mn natives
for about 45 mins
about what it’s
like to live in the las vegas.
said goodbye
and headed out to some
fancy club with a waterfall.
i got dressed up
as usual
and enjoyed a great evening.
walked through the casino
in our hotel and realized
just how many
slot machines had
7s in them.
had a cheeseburger
at 6:30am then
went to bed around
8:00am.
***sunday***
woke up at 10:00,
packed up and said
goodbye to mark
and chris.
took richard to the
airport, both of us
vowing not to
come back to
this place for at least 5 years.
from the airport
i jumped back on
the 15 north
toward home, stopping along
the way to
get a few photos.
drove for what seemed
like forever,
watching the clouds
to help me stay awake.
stopped to see the
world’s tallest thermometer
and saw another sign.
.
was thinking a lot about
liz.
on the rest of the
drive home.
then some songs came
on via the randomness
of my ipod.
on repeat
for the next two hours.
they’re from the album
i was playing on my laptop
when the nurse entered
the room to take
liz
to see madeline.
this song was half
over when i paused it that day.
i left it paused
for a little more
than two weeks,
the computer plugged in
so i wouldn’t lose
my place.
not sure why i
bothered, but it’s like
i wanted to preserve
that last moment
before things went
to shit.
***back to reality***
made it to the place
maddy had been
hanging out all weekend.
rang the doorbell
and found gentle ben
holding my baby.
she saw me and smiled.
that was awesome.
she must have
recognized the bags
under my eyes.
stole her from ben and
held her above
my head.
got drooled on me for
the first time since
thursday.
never thought i’d enjoy
that so much.
before heading home
we did a little photo
session with the robot.
ben gave me
the photo that he took
of madeline on saturday.
madeline said goodbye
to everyone and we drove home.
we hung out together
for a few hours.
i was amazed at how
much bigger she looked
and how much longer
her hair seemed.
i feel like i missed
so much by being
gone for three days.
it’s good practice though.
that return-to-work date
is approaching quickly.
i’ll be missing a lot
more soon enough.
put madeline in
her new chair and noticed that
her little fingers
are working more than
ever before.
she seems to be aware that
they’re there and that
they can be used
as something other
than a teething toy.
i put an actual teething toy
just out of her reach.
i watched her grab it,
putting the thing
in her mouth.
it may seem minor,
but it was huge to me.
another milestone in a lifetime
of events that
her mom will
never see.
i felt like shit
for a few minutes
then realized how
fortunate i’ve been to
have witnessed as much
as i have.
95 Comments
That seems to be the thing about the las vegas – it’s fun when you get there, for about the first 5 minutes. When you leave to go home you think, wow, I don’t need to do that again for a while.
I’m sure seeing Madeline smile at you when you first saw her was awesome! It must have been hard to be away from her.
I got my book yesterday and absolutely love it. It is truly awesome.
Thinking of you and Madeline and sending you hugs from the mn….
PS – that fucking robot is certainly well traveled….
Buen dia Matt
Wishing you a SMOOTH Tuesday!
Besos y abrazos
Sol
Glad you had such a great time in Vegas. Looks like the robot did too. Amazing how quickly babies grow!
Sounds like you had a good weekend with Liz never far from your thoughts… A little time away from Madeline will make you appreciate all the little things a little more… like drool…
i like your perspective… great photos.
Good on you. Nice to read you enjoyed your healthy break time. I did The Vegas on a West Coast road trip with a chum, proper weird place. Met a couple that went there every year for two weeks, and they weren’t gamblers, truly strange folks.
And a proper well done for dealing with Madeline’s latest milestone. Minor, my ass. Those moments are huge and monumentally emotional in your situation, so much love and back-patting from us here.
Glad you had fun in Vegas! Even though you were away from your little one for 3 days, I’m glad you could get away and have some guy time. And damn that robot gets around! Love the pics!
Sounds like an awesome trip. The pictures with the robot were hilarious – too bad there were no pics of the robot with Phelps…he would have probably copped more of a feel than k8!!
Isn’t is amazing how different kids look after you haven’t seen them in awhile, as much as you miss them, that moment is the greatest.
As for all the signs of Liz – wow, she is definitely looking down on you, I’m sure proud of the fantastic job you are doing!
Get some sleep!!!
That iPod story is heartbreaking. So, so sorry.
And you ARE lucky to have been there for so many of Madeline’s early firsts. She’s fantastic.
The robot pictures are great. So, so funny.
I am impressed that you were able to leave her. It literally makes me hyperventilate thinking about leaving Jameson for a few days. I know I have to though, because its healthy, and as long as he is with someone he knows, not traumatic. It looks like you had fun in Vegas. Your Madeline is absolutely darling. Those milestones ARE important. I do a giddy dance when Jameo hits another one.
Welcome back (yet again)! Those pics of the robot are the best, especially the desert shots. He’s a rad little dude. I also think it’s funny how you hold him over your head for pics, just like you do with Madeline. Guess they are kind of like a brother-sister duo.
P
PS-I gather you’re busy, but if you could just let me know if you ever received the stuff I sent you in July from overseas, that would be very kind. Maybe the email(s) got sent to SPAM???
vegas can be fun huh? I love the robot photos, esp the ones on the way home in the desert. and the liberace museum? great that the lady in the gift shop was so helpful.
oh, madeline. you are so right…it is good for both parent and child to be away from each other, if only for a few hours. parents need the time to be just that….away. to refresh themselves…I believe the time away only makes you a better parent and person in the end.
liz was with you the entire time. and we all freeze time in some way or another. a song, a smell, a touch, a sound. a moment in our lives is frozen with some tangible or audible ‘thing’. tuck those frozen moments you have into someplace special in your heart. you can bring them out when you need them and tuck them back in when you don’t.
I have been a reader for a while and occasionally commenter…you have given me hope and strength. I pray for and think of you and madeline often. god bless you both.
I read about the michael phelps thing…what a douchebag…and the finger thing is pretty amazing yeah? My kiddo started reaching for things yesterday and I cried….everytime she does something…I cry….is that lame?
What a fun trip. I really think you need to put together a photo book of all your robot pics. The robot in the tree pic was too funny!
I can’t wait to hear of more milestones. They are so much fun.
Robot photo shoots = awesome
Asalamalaykom,
I really asked myself why why why would Mr. Matt head to the bright lights of The Vegas when the brightest light of his life would be back home drooling without him.
Afterall, you, Mr. Matt, are no Mr. Phelps!
(Collective happy nod from many, and a disgruntled, “Wish he was!” from at least three)
Well, The Vegas pics did not dissapoint. They had me HOOOOOTING especially the robot pics at the Liberace Museum. It was like he had gone home to the mother ship.
But still…Miss Madeline has more sparkle to her
OK, then I read something in my AA books (again–for the recovery from chaos part, not recovery from alcoholism). It was talking about creating new memories in order to anchor yourself to the present.
Currently, you have really lived this HUMONGO life and so many of those mashallah great times were with Your Liz. Those times are really pulling at you with every 7, every Jessica Simpson referrence, and every song.
That moment you describe in the hospital is chilling. I always ache for you in my core when I think of that moment. The one thing I always wanted to know was where were you. Were you near? Because I would have hoped that you were near. Inshahallah you were right there. Being right there would not have stopped—could not have stopped—one pre-ordestined thing. But being there would have given you the closeness to Your Beloved when she
you know? I can’t say.
But, I did have a big thought about that and I’ve been waiting to say it. She was an extraordinary person so of course she would have an extraordinary death. Do you understand what I’m trying to say? Her time to go was actually part of her life. That was not a seperate time; that was within her time.
Sometimes, when big moments happen to me that throw me for a loop, I think, “Why in the world? How could this happen?” and then I realize it’s part of my big life and then I think, “Of course! It really makes sense that it would be so amazing.”
She had an amazing life AND death. I don’t know if that makes sense for you and I really hope you can feel where I’m coming from, even if you might not agree. It’s like, her story wasn’t ever going to be small (unlike her stature). Some people are destined for greatness and she was.
Like Anne Frank, for example, she was destined for greatness in her life and a part of that was because of her death. Her death created THIS; this moment between me and you, this blog for thousands of readers, the love criss-crossing the globe, your book, the T-shirts, and so much, including things you haven’t even dreamt of.
And the pause. I know the pause before the sh*t. I wrote about that once on my old blog. I wrote about watching home videos of myself with my son’s father and seeing me as I was with him and looping it again and again. If I could continue playing it, then I never had to admit that it ended. Then the smiles never ended and then neither did the kisses and the tenderness.
I’ve never experienced the amount of pain you have within a single moment. The closest thing was when my son was 7 and he went into a febril seizure. It was actually the day I moved out of my first husband’s house. At the end of that hard day, I had been reading The Enormous Crocodile to my daughter in the living room. It’s actually a very macabre Roald Dahl book. I heard a strange noise way down the hall. It was my son. Complete pandemonium followed—the sh*t but also the grace of God, as he lived. There was the 911 call, the ambulance, the …ok, can’t say it all. I kept the book for years but never read it again–even when my children asked for it. Finally, I had to give it away and admit that the memories from it were too horrible to relive.
Some things are almost too painful for human endurance. For real. It’s funny that you were in The Vegas at the same time as Phelps because you really have accomplished so much in your own Olympian way. I’m not joking. Really hear me. You have done more in these last five months than he has. Believe me.
So, I really think the reason you are doing so much now —allllllllll the trips, allllll the times going out, allllllllll the friends—is that you are trying to find balance. You had so much before. You are doing your best inshahallah to have so much now. You feel the pull to the past and are needing to over compensate towards the right now in order to keep yourself centered.
Apologies for so many words, but I’ve had so many thoughts.
May you be able to take whatever good you can from these comments and others. Please discard any part of my comments which don’t ring true for you. You know best.
Glad you were able to get away for three days. And the robot looks to have had a fantastic time. Peace.
wow, what did priscilla do to piss off michael phelps? that must be a great story. sounds like you had a great trip in vegas. next time i’m there i’ll be sure to go to the liberace museum
A friend emailed me your Blog a few weeks back and I have been hooked ever since.
I wish I had some brilliant words to say to you, but I do not.
You and your precious Daughter however are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am a Mom of 2 Girls and came w/in minutes of them losing me after giving birth to my 2nd in December 2005. At times I take life for granted even after that happened.
Your blog brings bring me back to reality and grateful for every day I have with my family.
YOU are doing an amazing job as a Daddy! I am positive Liz is looking down upon You and is in awe.
~A fellow Californian~ (Sac area)
Glad your trip went well. Went to Vegas this summer, and kinda lived it again through some of the pictures! Loved the robot pictures! Glad you’re home with your little lady again!
I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to Las Vegas. But really, you can come back sooner than 5 years from now. There is so much to do here that doesn’t involve going to the strip or gambling. Granted it’s a bit hot right now but we are heading into the awesome fall season with great temps. There is hiking beautiful red rocks, tennis, golf, swimming, shopping, and lots of good restaurants that won’t break the bank!
Anyway, glad you made it to our little slice of paradise!
The only celebrity we have seen since moving here is Flavor Flav’ and one 80′s hair band dude. Not sure if it was Brett Michaels or Vince Neil. Of course, I don’t get down to the “hip” clubs to see where the bigger celebrities hang out nor do I stay out that late so that’s probably the reason.
Glad you and the robot had some alone time!
I love Maddy in the Elvis glasses!
Thanks for the Vegas summary. LOL reading about the Robot’s adventures. Glad he could share the trip with you!
Have an awesome week with your beautiful girl. Me? I’m anxiously awaiting the delivery of my new t-shirt.
More pictures of Madeline please and thank you!
Sounds like a pretty good trip. Love the robot photo shoots, as usual. Would have liked to see one of him with a gold medal or eight, but the Liberace shots will be sufficient.
Was happy to hear Miss Madeline got along just fine and aren’t those hello smiles the BEST? And to get some hello drool on top of it all. Even better.
(((hugs)))
Glad you survived Sin City and that Maddy survived three days with Gentle Ben! (Great job Dana!?!) The Robot sure looks tough in that tshirt pic…speaking of tshirts – mine should be here today – I can’t wait!
Hope today is going well and that you are getting a few catnaps in – I’m tired just reading about your lack of sleep!
Checked out Why? Awesome sounds!
Thanks for clearing up that Mr.Phelps is an ass. Never really liked that kid.
You & the robot under the Vegas sign rock.
Phelps might be great with gold medals but I have a feeling he’s gonna suck with the ladies, hell he’s not even cute.
Speaking of cute, wow you’ve got hot friends. Hot friends are important ya know.
You wore my favorite shirt!! No coordinating chucks AGAIN?! ai ai ai.
You and Ben are studs. (that’s not flirting, that’s fact). Enough said.
Liz is with you. Everywhere.
*hugs* Welcome home.
Laughter, tears, and a robot all in the same post. Amazing.
Congrats on your first weekend away… and surviving. I know how difficult that can be. I think of you and Maddy often, and pray for you daily. I wish you didn’t have to return to work…..
Sounds like a good trip. Nice robot photos! I hope Madeline drools on you a lot today. Maybe it will maybe effing Tuesday better cause you get to be back with Maddy?
Glad to hear you survived your weekend away. (We have to leave my son to go to a wedding in November and I’m not looking forward to it.) I LOVE the piano picture!! Too bad you couldn’t get the robot next to the piano. I hope you have a not-horrible Tuesday.
That robot needed the break, good on you for that.
and that’s the best baby with sunglasses shot ever.
You need a follow-up photo-book of a the Travels of the Robot. Seriously!
The story about pausing the song is heart breaking. I can’t imagine what it’s like to listen to it as I am sure it puts you back in that moment – more so than just thinking about it.
Be strong, my friend. Hoping for an ok Tuesday. Just think of your sea of supporters out here, praying & thinking of you. I don’t think a day goes by where I don’t think of you, Liz, & Madeline (hope that’s not too creepy!!!)
loved the robot photos.
Sounds like another crazy adventure in LV.Loved Robot in the museum, too awesome! Glad you are back with Madeline, they always grow when you’re not watching. Got your site blocked at work, thanks! @Yorsa, breath taking and insightful, wow it makes one think. Thanks. Hope this Tues sucks a little less.
the vegas pics are great. I laughed out loud when I saw those fucking shoes in that shot of the guys!
I loved all the Robot pictures. He gets his ass around doesn’t he? I can’t believe how accommodating the Liberace lady was – even taking your picture with him! I wonder if she thought she was on some hidden camera show!
The pics of maddie in the bumbo with her glasses are awesome . To stinking cute!
Did you play a machine with lots of 7′s? And the Jessica Simpson sign outside your window . . . . dude, she’s with you. ALL.THE.TIME.
Hugs from Indiana.
First of all, I’m totally digging the color pic of the robot with the tree in the desert. Wicked cool.
Second, the why of all this totally blows, but YES, you are so fortunate to have seen as much of Madeline as you have for her first few months. I was a stay-at-home mom for 18 months before I went back to work, and it seemed like I was always telling my husband something super cool that he missed seeing. It’s a gift, and they are moments that you’ll treasure forever…even though the why of it sucks.
Glad you had a good trip! You needed the boy-cation. Wish you would come to the Little Rock someday…we have some totally rad places for robot pics.
I have never ever wanted to visit America more than I do tonight.
Knowing that the LIberace museum is out there without me in it is all too much.
My Japanese husband has never heard of Liberace.
When I showed him a YouTube clip, he said
“Harvey Keitel?”
Great robot photos Matt!
Glad you had a great time!
Ahhh, the good ol’ thermometer in Baker. So glad to see you had a good time while in Vegas.
The photos with the Bot in the Joshua tree’s. Crazy to see the difference between the Polaroid and the digital.
Jessica’s playing at the LA County Fair in a couple weeks. She’s gone country now. Maybe it’ll be a bit more tolerable now, you know, in case you wanted to take Maddy.
cheers!
Go Pork!!
this is simple. I just heart you.
oh my gosh…..maddy in her gold sunglasses with her big toothless smile. i just love it! glad you got away for a few days. i know it was hard. but really, it’s good for both of you. and i’m sure the robot has been feeling a teeny bit neglected since maddy gets all the attention now! he probably needed the matt-time!
hugs from milaca!!
I remember someone telling me when my kids were infants/ growing up that development starts from the top down…….so……aprox 6 months and using hands etc……it was interesting once I heard that I thought…duh….makes sense re: what was being used etc.
Her little smile was a good start eh?
glad you enjoyed your time in vegas. it’s amazing how many coincidences come your way…jessica simpson out your window…really?
love all the robot pics and really love the pic gentle ben took of madeline.
isn’t it amazing how fast they begin to accomplish things. one day it can’t be done at all, the next day it happens, and the day after it’s done all the time. simply amazing.
hope this tueday treats you well.
ooooh…. vegas…. sweeeeet…
Love your big metal red companion….
~g
Welcome back! I loved the fact that you not only toured the L-Museum but that Robot got to enter (sort of) and get photos in there as well! I’m glad you had a good time and some well deserved just you time!
I just about bawled at work when it got to the part about the Lucky 7′s market and the spot on the songs…I still ache for you and can’t imagine having to go through what you do every minute. I wish you & Maddie the best.
So happy you made it back safe and sound- and congrat’s to Maddie for the milestone of putting the teething toy in herself- that is a big step!!
As my oldest would say:
“I am the robot, of the tartitian to tot.”
Don’t know what it means, she’s said it since she was three.
It is funny how their hair seems to grow overnight, or even after a weekend my little man (one month older than Madeline) seems to have more hair.
Your travels are so interesting, I love how the lady at the liberace museum was so accomodating, sounds like she got into the spirit of robot photo-taking.
Great update, great photos.. Glad to hear about Maddy hitting all those fun milestones. You are such a great Dad. Have a great week.
I’ve been to that Liberace museum–crazy time!! Glad to hear you and the robot had fun in Vegas. I really like those desert pics you took. It must be so nice to have Madeline back!!
Looks like you had a good time! Isn’t it amazing how good holding your child feels when you get back to each other after a separation? especially that length of a separation.
so happy to see the 2pac shoes made an appearance in the vegas!
fuck tuesday. (solidarity, brother).
You know, I’m not sure…you tell me….but I *think* Liberace MIGHT have a been….you know….maybe a little gay. You think? Or maybe he was just fussy! Anyway, glad you had a good time. I think that damn robot has seen more of the world than I have.
Martha
I’m totally going to the Liberace museum in November when I’m out there…just because of you. And I’m going to make the gift shop lady take a picture with me in my Robot shirt!
Those little moments with Madeline don’t seem minor, especially to those of us who have experienced them with our own children. They are all part of watching the life you created learn what life is all about.
What’s really monumental is that you take all of us on the ride with you. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for that.
I love to hear about the reunion that you had with Madeline. It is so hard to be away from them, but seeing them again is hard to beat!
The minutes that you lived before Liz died is so heartbreaking. Don’t need to tell you that. Somewhat ironic that the song that you were listening to is called “why”. I couldn’t understand the words, but the title is so telling. Before meeting you, I kind of had this feeling that at 33 years old, I was still so young and somewhat not quite at the age where awful things happen to people. You and Jackie constantly open my eyes to see the world as something different. Bad things happen to great people, things that are out of our hands. It is up to us to pick up what is left and do the best we can. Easy words to say, even harder words to live by. You are always in my thoughts.
When do you have to go back to work?
Have a good day!
I love your pictures. Vegas seems like a fun place for like a day.
To me Madeline is starting to look so much like her mommy. I love the picture with the glasses.
Hi Matt, just found your blog a couple of weeks ago, no idea how. Now I come every single day hoping to see little Miss Maddy, she looks just like Liz! Your doing an amzing job, Im sure Liz is with you everyday and she is prouder than ever.
You now have a new peruvian stranger/friend.
Jimena
Lima-Peru
((cracking up @ Sarah & her Japanese husband))
GREAT post, Matt!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE all the robot pix! I am now more determined than EVER to go to the Liberace Museum.
My hubby and I slipped away to Vegas a few years ago for an anniversary trip sans boy, and saw FUCKING ANN-MARGRET, LIVE AT THE STARDUST. I kid you not. Most fucking awesome show, EVER.
awesome pics from lost wages!! you’re more than welcome for the drinks – and we can do it again in 5 years LOL. we’ll be heading your way over thanksgiving, so i hope for the chance to stop by and finally meet little madeline. hope today isn’t too sucky-
Matt,
It looks like you and the robot had a good time in Vegas! I love the Liberace Museum pics! That place rocks! I know how it is missing your little one when you are away and it DOES seem like they change in only a few days! I bet beautiful Miss M. had fun at Ben and Dana’s though. I was really sad reading the iPod story. Again, I am so sorry Matt. I often wish there was something I could do…at least offer a big hug or something! I know Tuesdays suck but we are here for you to help you through them!
(((HUGS)))
My coworkers and I agree that “Lunch With Liberace” just sounds wrong. Looks like the robot got some lovin’.
I understand about wanting to preserve moments. I remember going into my father’s office after his stroke, and seeing a pen left on a notepad, just where he left it during a phone call. It seemed wrong to disturb the little scenario, knowing that he was lying in a hospital, paralyzed within Locked In Syndrome, and would never pick up the pen again. (He died 9 days later).
Ummm, I don’t know that I trust the robot in Las Vegas. I bet he got a little handsy himself. Too bad there are no stories of that–I guess the saying is true: what happens to a ‘bot in Vegas, stays in Vegas…
The robot looked like he had an awesome time in Vegas.
Love the pic of him posing with the vests.
Thanks for sharing!
Those trees the robot is in are called Joshua trees, just for the edification of your readers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joshua_tree
I believe they’re pretty unusual plants… If I’m not mistaken, the larger ones can be hundreds of years old.
Matt,
Glad to hear from you and all about your trip to Vegas. No milestone is ever minor! Being a parent is the most rewarding experience. I bet you felt Maddy grew bigger. Seems like that if you don’t see her all the time. The robot is Vegas too funny! So you didn’t drive alone lol you had company, even if he sat in the trunk of your car
Happy b/day Maddy and hope today is a better Tuesday! Take care and enjoy your time w/ Maddy! xo
That’s a HUGE milestone! Yay!! I know you don’t take them for granted, either, and that makes me really happy. Sometimes it’s hard for me to read other parent’s blogs when they write about their children because my son struggles so much. It makes it easier knowng that you appreciate the little things which really are BIG things.
I’m glad you had a good time in Vegas. I’m pretty disappointed to hear Phelps acted that way; in a way, he really let me down :\ Oh well, I’m glad your friend stuck up for herself. Gold medalist or no, she doesn’t need that!
I’ve lived in L.A. for nine years — I’ve been to San Diego a few times, San Francisco only twice — yet I’ve been to Las Vegas five times and none of those trips were my idea. Vegas is great for 2-3 days. Then you have to drive like a bat out of hell to get back home away from the insanity. My first time in Vegas I was 21 and so freaked out that my friend and I left at 3:30 a.m. b/c we didn’t see the point in staying until morning. BUT I have definitely had some really fun times in Vegas.
Just got my book this morning at 7am (Mr. FedEx must have started early this morning!) Awesome photos Matt! Glad to hear you had a fun weekend with the boys in Vegas. Its good to get away and have some time for yourself. Miss Maddy is as cute as ever! I agree – it looks like her hair got longer
Hope your Tuesday doesn’t suck too much. ((HUGS))
sounds like you had quite the trip to the Vegas.
mr. robot was probably stoked that he got to get so much action in the Vegas – but not as much as he was getting with the G. Ben in the ‘brokeback’ pose.
isn’t it just the best thing when they smile after you have been gone for a while? ahh melts my heart every time.
thinking and praying for you and maddy often – hoping that this tuesday doesn’t suck too bad.
oh and @ yosra – wow. absolutely true. thank you for your words. liz was/is destined for greatness – just like matt and madeline.
@matt – you have all (you, maddy, your rad ‘real’ friends and family) made an incredible impact – you will probably never know how huge. thank you.
glad you had a good time on your trip. it’s so hard to leave your little ones… good for you. as you said, it will also be hard to leave her when you go back to work, but you are so lucky to have had this time with her. there are so many firsts to come and i can bet she will save them for daddy to see
hope this tuesday doesn’t suck too hard core!
*hugs*
Just ventured onto your Flickr site and saw the two videos you posted. So much going on in my head but for something as simple as a few words…it was just so hugely touching!
As always, my thoughts are with you and Maddy!
That robot is well-traveled. And very photogenic. He (she/it?) looks like he had a good time.
Did I read correctly? A cheeseburger at 6:30AM? mmmhhhh…
When is the return to work date? I just went back yesterday (6-months post-baby). It was hard. Really hard. I cried. But he was fine, and I was fine, and I’m betting you and Maddy will be just fine too. Enjoy her, soak it up…’cause what everyone says is true…the time just flies by.
Oh, and thinking of you on this ‘nother shitty Tuesday.
Another great post
. Sometimes I take time to read some of the comments, and I feel like I’ve become part of this great big group of cyber-friends/admirers – most of whom you’ll never know. But it’s obvious that you draw all of us into your life with your postings, and we keep coming back because we can’t help it.
We care. You allow us to care, and we thank you for that.
NanarockinWEEN in the Winter Park, FL
Hope you nights/days are worked out since you’ve been back!
I love returning from a get-away to smiles knowing you were truly missed!
thanks once again for bringing your vacation to us! I’ll probably never go to Las Vegas, and it was nice to see a bit of it. I am proud of you for leaving Madeline…I am going to leave my #4 baby for the first time in her four years of life in November to go to NYC!
Anyway, I am glad you enjoyed your trip and I’m glad you got lots of smiles and drools when you returned…being away probably made you appreciate your precious angel even more!
Only you would say something like “I’ve got nothing to do for a few hours. Oh, I know! I’ll do what this bus suggests!” And only you would actually do that AND buy the t-shirt.
I think you should carry the robot around in the baby carrier when Madeline isn’t around.
Welcome home Matt. Hope it was a great get-away. I’m thrilled that you got your first real weekend away. Hope you and Miss M have a great homecoming!!!
Glad you had a great time! Did you try The Tillerman? Lots of other great places besides that of course!
Love the robot shots!
Sounds like just what you needed, to get away for some alone Daddy time. Phelps is quite the d-bag. Tell us more about the story of why he wanted Priscilla kicked out. Probably because she wasn’t all like, “Oh phelps you’re so hawt with your underbite and small package.” Guys with ego’s like that loathe women who don’t fawn all over them. Anyway.
With my kids it seemed like every 2 months it was like a light bulb went off in their head and they’re like, “Oooh neat” and start doing new tricks. Like my 19 month old, just found out of she slaps my tummy it jiggles. This is great fun for her.
Okay then, that is all, see you later.
Take care!
Sounds like you had a great time Matt! Glad you were able to take that break…sometimes you have to do that for your own sanity!
Had to laugh at the Jessica Simpson sign up at the Palms. That was Liz letting you know she was watching you in the Playboy club!!!
Madeline is proof positive that hipsters are born, not made; she rocks the elvis glasses with far more flair than I ever could.
And I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks Maddy would make a fabulous baby Elvis (or Liberace) for halloween?
Awesome photos of Vegas (no surprise there), though my favorite part of the story is the part where you and your little one were together again.
j.
p.s.
Did the robot at least kick in for gas?
Way to be thankful for what you do have
Oh man….in June Vegas kicked my ass too! Each night we’d say “ok, let’s be back earlier this time”. Then just like the night before we’d end up eating nachos at 6am again…..shit! Hope you’ve slightly recovered by now. What a treat to come home to that adorable smiling face….just beautiful. Can’t wait to see more pics of her fuzzy head.
wow that Robot has done some Traveling. Madeline is adorable..as usual!
Want an olympic swimmer who is not a douchebag? Ian Crocker. His blog is here
where he writes about why he sold his fancy bmw in favor of his dad’s hand me down pick-up…
“We take material things for granted for long enough and then we move to more important things like relationships. I looked at society and saw how our spoiled and wasteful culture makes everything from razors to cars to marriages disposable.”
and how he confuses michael phelps by listening to 1930′s jazz guitarists on his ipod instead of lil’ wayne.
Now he is someone I’d want to have a few beers with.
I love your robot photos. They make me wish for a polaroid. And then I remember that all the film is running out. And I figure it’s probably better to not get attached.
Glad you’re doing okay. Madeline is awesome as always.
–Another Stranger
I’ve been reading for a few months now, and haven’t introduced myself. So rude, I know…anyway, I’m from the MN.
Glad you got to get out of town for some much needed man’s time. Apparently, you are friends with Mark…small world. We’ve ran into each other in the MN and the Vegas…though all my friends call me Sam.
Also, I have a Madeline… and while I am addicted to my own, yours is a close second.
I intend to be at the walk at Calhoun so maybe if I have the courage I’ll say hi…to Madeline that is. Kidding.
@Juanita I hope the robot didn’t kick in for gas, afterall Matt made him ride in the trunk!
O-M-G!!!!!
I just noticed the t-shirt link. Was it there yesterday? Holy shit, I’m excited! Now I just have to pick one.
Shall we assume that this is your set-up and you get the profits?
Hi Matt:
I found your sight from Mother Nature (who’s been an amazing inspiration to me).
I’m so sorry for your loss.
You’re a wonderful parent and although Vegas can be a nice get-a-way (3 days max), it always seems that coming home from there is just so sweet….especially when you have a precious gift like Madeline awaiting your arrival!
oops, I meant *site*
Looks like you had a fantastic time. You deserve it. Madeline is too amazing. What a girl you have! She is awesome.
Matt, I have never commented before. Guess you can call me a *lurker*. I was turned on to your blog by a friend that thought I would enjoy reading. She was right. I am having trouble with infertility & that’s a long story. Not going there. ANYWAYS, your strength in this has given me a strength. Thank you for sharing your innermost thoughts. Although, your story has scared the shit out of me & my husband. It’s a tragic love story that I have fallen in total love with. I wish you and Maddie a life full of love and happiness. Liz is smiling down and I bet she actually loves that damn robot.
I wish you all the best in life. I pray for you and Maddie every time I visit your site and that is every day. Good luck with life’s journey.
Jen
I love all the little signs of Liz. I ((hope)) they make you feel like she’s with you. I am big about finding stuff like that–very observant to it all. I’m glad you are too.
And HOW CUTE IS BABY GIRL IN THE ELVIS GLASSES?! HUH? HUH? (ohmygoodnesssocute)