thursday, friday, saturday, sunday.

***thursday***

i woke up before my

baby and tried to

get a few things

done around the house.

ten minutes later

i heard madeline moving

around in her bassinet, so

i walked into the

living room, and said “hi!”

i startled her…she looked

like a kid caught

stealing money from

her dad’s wallet.

i checked my wallet

and the money was

still there, so

what could she

possibly be guilty of doing?

i don’t know, but

i assured her that

i would get to the

bottom of this.

we hung out on

the couch and

she sneezed on me.

twice.

i gave her a bottle

then we headed

to the montrose

for lunch with

stranger friend erin w.

had a nice long

conversation over a really

unhealthy lunch.

as lunch ended, she

handed me two bags…

one with some clothes

for madeline and one

with a little gift for me.

so awesome.

after lunch we

went to the bank to

take care of some business.

two of my favorite

employees stopped to visit

us in line and

to check on madeline’s growth.

the mail man interrupted

our conversation…told

them i’d catch up with

them later.

as i filled out my deposit

slip, one of the ladies

came back to my

spot in line and said,

“this just came for you”

as she handed

me an envelope.

the people around me

stared at me,

seemingly in disbelief

that i was getting my

mail delivered

to the bank.

i just smiled.

on the way out the

ladies handed me a

few more packages

that arrived sometime

since my last visit.

headed home and spent

the evening singing made-up

songs to madeline

as she stared at me.

staring.

(no, there’s no video of that)

took a few photos

as she chewed on

her pacifier.

chewing.
half smile.

then i worked on

hypnotizing madeline to sleep

pacifier.
almost there...

it actually started to work

staring.

and she fell asleep

around 8:00pm.

i spent my evening

catching up on things.

went to bed early,

anticipating a very busy weekend.

***friday***

woke up and devoted

the morning to

tummy time

tummy time.

until madeline became indifferent.

tummy time.

then it was time to

head to the atwater

village to meet

stranger friend sara m. and her son

for a visit

to a gallery

gallery..

got madeline into

her stroller and

stroller ride.

rolled into the gallery.

i greeted a woman

holding a baby,

assuming it was the woman

and the baby

we were coming to meet.

luckily i was right.

the woman working in

the gallery asked

if we knew one another.

uh…i don’t think either

one of us really knew

how to answer that

question, so we both

said “yes” at the exact

same time.

enjoyed some art and

then made our way

down the street

past some store fronts

gate.

to the cuban

restaurant for lunch.

we talked a lot

about music and other things.

after lunch we continued

down the street,

stopping to do a some

shopping for our little ones.

prints.
shop.

stopped in another gallery

to get our babies

a little more culture

then we

said goodbye,

promising to catch

up again soon.

i headed home with

madeline and we spent the

afternoon napping.

auntie anya called,

asking if we wanted to

have an early dinner.

yes indeed.

she arrived around 4:00

and played with madeline

until it was time to

take off for dinner.

we headed back to

the atwater village

for dinner at a french restaurant.

kitchen.

ordered an appetizer

that would have been

unhealthy except for the

fact that the unhealthy

part wasn’t available.

bread, figs.

enjoyed the hell

out of it anyway.

dirty.

thought about how strange

it was that i was

sitting here

floor.

with one of

liz’s

friends,

without

liz.

it’s these moments

that things don’t

seem real,

like she had to work

late or something

and she’ll be here

any minute,

apologizing for making us wait.

this really fucking sucks.

i know the reality

and i’m

gonna try to forget

about it for now.

it helps to have

a beautiful baby who’s

constantly looking at things

arrangement.

with a sense

of wonder.

surprise.

what a great distraction

from the things that

i can’t seem to

get out of my head.

we all enjoyed our dinners

dinner.

then headed home.

said goodbye to anya

and put madeline in

her bassinet for the night.

i spent the evening

hanging photographs

around my house.

i’ve always been a little

afraid to pound

holes into walls

that are over 80 years

old, but i know that

liz

wanted this place

decorated so i did

it for her.

listened to a whole bunch

of albums by one of my

favorite bands.

somehow madeline

slept through all the noise.

finally went to bed

around 4:00am,

satisfied that

i’m heading in the

right direction.

***saturday***

woke up to our

housekeeper knocking on

our door.

shit.

what time was it?

9:15?

how did we sleep so long?

we both must

have been exhausted.

i gave madeline

a bottle and she promptly

went back to sleep.

i continued working

on my photo-hanging

project while

trying to stay out

of the housekeeper’s way.

eventually i napped

on the couch, sleeping

until the mid afternoon

(i think i’m still trying to catch up after that trip to the las vegas).

late afternoon, i packed madeline

up and headed to

the west side.

dropped madeline off

at cara’s place

so i could attend an

art opening in

the beverly hills.

met up with laura

who got photographed

by some photographer

for a woman’s magazine

(he said something to her about being trendsetter or something).

i went to get a

glass of water and

nearly crashed headlong

into salman rushdie.

holy crap!

salman rushdie!

i was sort of star-struck.

then we saw jason schwartzman

and couldn’t believe

how short he was.

what am i doing

here with all these

fancy people?

i met and talked to

some famous sculptor

who stared me down like

he wanted to fight me.

i laughed at the

absurdity of it all.

it’s 8:30 and the fancy

people are heading to

some fancy bar in

hollywood and i’m going

to do something

way better…

pick up my baby.

got to cara’s and decided

we should have

some dinner before

madeline and i drive home.

enjoyed a whole bunch

of pizza and conversation

then it was time to go.

drove home, madeline

sleeping the entire way.

got back to our

dark, empty house and

put madeline in her bassinet.

i watched the

episode of the soup

that was waiting for

me on my dvr

and thought about my wife.

***sunday***

woke up and watched

a little football

(the vikes weren’t on tv here in the so. cal, so we watched the raiders)

then madeline did

a little photo shoot

with madeline in her chair.

so excited.
happy.
happy.

then she played

with some toys

and found a way

to get it in her mouth.

she got it in her mouth!

at noon we took off

for the west side

to meet up with laura

so we could head to

the los angeles bbq festival.

made it to the santa monica

rather quickly

and let our noses

direct us to the place

we were supposed to be.

got in and surveyed

the available food,

opting to avoid all of the

southern california bbq

restaurants and focus our

attention on the out-of-towners.

someone once said,

nothing attracts a crowd like a crowd,

so we got in the

longest line, hoping that

it equaled the best food.

we waited in line

for 15 minutes

then laura had the brilliant

idea to send one of

us to get some

food from one of the

shorter lines and bring it

back to the long line.

i volunteered.

laura covered madeline

in sunscreen as they waited.

i found a shorter line

and brought some food back

to laura.

we continued

our wait.

30 minutes later we

were joined by laura’s

friend maria.

another 20 minutes in line

and we were hungry again,

so laura and maria went

to get some more food

while madeline and

i held our place

in line.

somehow she managed

to sleep through the

terrible cover band

(they made me want to tear my ears off).

once again joined by the ladies,

we ate some more food.

then madeline got hungry.

i got out of line,

found a spot under

some umbrellas

umbrellas.

and mixed her

a bottle.

she finished up

just as the ladies

plus maria’s friend, hamid

showed up with our food.

the sun came out and

madeline didn’t want

to sleep.

maddy, daddy.
drooling.
big smiles.

i put her sunglasses on

laughing.

and she became the

center of attention.

smiles.
happy.

people stopped and took

photos, marveling at

how adorable she is.

tired.

indeed.

we finished up our food

ribs = gone.
the aftermath.

at the same time

the next band

started playing.

a hair-metal cover band.

they played some

g n’r and madeline instantly

started crying.

crying.

time to go.

we packed everything up

and tried to calm

madeline down.

she loves to be in the

front pack,

so laura put it on,

i dropped madeline

into it

and the tears

stopped immediately.

glasses on.
madeline & laura.

crying fit over, we decided

to take a little stroll

along the beach.

madeline turned every head

that passed by.

despite the attention,

she passed out.

out.
madeline, laura, me.

on the walk back to

the car some dude said,

“you’ve got the coolest baby in la!”

i laughed ’cause i

know i do.

made it back to

the car, madeline still

passed out.

out after a long day.

took her out

of the pack and

got her strapped

in her car seat.

she started a screaming

fit that lasted until we

were able to

drive more than

30 mph.

dropped laura off

at her place and

made our way home.

with madeline asleep

once again, i was left alone

with some music

and my thoughts.

thought,

bbq and a day at the beach?

liz

would have loved today.

if only…

got home and took

a 15 minute

nap on the couch

while madeline slept in

her bassinet.

woke up right before anya

arrived to watch madeline.

bill t. invited me

to check out a show

his band was playing

at spaceland.

bob stopped by

and we went to

the show together.

arrived to find a few

familiar faces in the place.

we enjoyed the rock show and

before i knew it,

it was over.

stuck around long

enough to talk the familiar

faces and bill then

drove home

to my baby.

apparently she slept

the whole time i

was away.

thanked auntie anya

for being awesome

then wrote until

i fell asleep

at my desk.

(working a cool new project…details soon).

this was one of best

4-day periods i’ve

had in a really long time.

that’s two great weekends

in a row.

but really, who’s counting?

122 Comments

  1. Kamaile
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 3:10 pm | Permalink

    Really enjoyed reading about your weekend! You need more sleep mister! Madeline = cutest baby eva!

  2. mar in the mn
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 3:11 pm | Permalink

    Sounds like an awesome weekend, hope it starts a new trends for you! I don’t think you have the coolest baby in L.A. Maddie certainly has to be the coolest baby in the entire universe.

  3. Posted 9/15/2008 at 3:12 pm | Permalink

    So bummed we didn’t end up going to the BBQ Fest. Sunday was going to be our day to go too… Oh well. Glad you had fun!

    Cheers

  4. Tara in The CA
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 3:14 pm | Permalink

    Awesome to hear it’s was a good weekend! Could it be possible that Madeline just keeps getting cuter and cuter!?!?

  5. Posted 9/15/2008 at 3:19 pm | Permalink

    Awesome pics of maddie, she is adorable.

  6. Lyndsey in WI
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 3:22 pm | Permalink

    Those sneezes just made my day :) Quite possibly the cutest thing I have ever seen!

  7. Sara in the MN
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 3:28 pm | Permalink

    Good to hear you guys enjoyed your weekend. How cool to know you were shoulder to shoulder with such ARTISTS!!
    “TWO great weekends in a row”…I bet you didn’t think it was possible. I’m thrilled to hear that it is…I think this weekend is gonna be great as well. :)

  8. Angie from MN
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 3:30 pm | Permalink

    Long time reader first time commenter here….

    Just wanted to say I’m so happy you are having longer streaks of happy days. That’s so great and with little miss madeline getting more and more personality each day I believe they will only be getting more entertaining.

  9. Posted 9/15/2008 at 3:33 pm | Permalink

    All of a sudden, she is looking SO much bigger!!! :)

  10. Sarah from CT
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 3:33 pm | Permalink

    Those glasses are so awesome, Madeline is by far the coolest baby in LA (sorry other LA babies).

  11. Posted 9/15/2008 at 3:37 pm | Permalink

    Hooray for beautiful Madeline and great weekends!

  12. Posted 9/15/2008 at 3:41 pm | Permalink

    So glad you are having a few good days in a row. Madeline is so adorable. Beautiful, beautiful baby.

  13. Posted 9/15/2008 at 3:42 pm | Permalink

    Madeline is just adorable, loving the fuzzy hair, and those lashes!!

    Glad you had such a great weekend! Here’s to many many more!

  14. Posted 9/15/2008 at 3:43 pm | Permalink

    I love you guys I really do , and I don’t know what kind of bassinet you have but since she is sitting up in that boppy , I think you need to get Madeline into a crib, I would hate for her to fall , if I am wrong and misunderstand the bassinet thing , disregard this comment , but at over 4 months she should be ina crib for safety reasons. To me a bassinet is the small oval bed with about a foot high side on a stand of some kind, normally used by newborns , say up to 3 months max.
    Chris

  15. Dawn in the OV
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 3:46 pm | Permalink

    She is just so dang cute!!

    So happy for the two good weekends.

  16. C.
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 3:47 pm | Permalink

    Madeline is really getting her personality. In one of the seat photos, she looks so much like liz; another beautiful girl for Matt.

  17. Posted 9/15/2008 at 3:52 pm | Permalink

    @Chris

    it’s a pretty big bassinet that’s part of a playpen.

    madeline may be able to sit in that bumbo chair, but she’s not yet able to sit up on her own.

    she’s definitely fine for now.

    m.

  18. Posted 9/15/2008 at 3:52 pm | Permalink

    My baby is totally jealous of your baby’s rockin’ shades. I am going to have to investigate all the cool shade options for babies.

  19. Posted 9/15/2008 at 4:00 pm | Permalink

    Love the new photos..glad to hear you had a good weekend.
    Did Madeline have a growth spurt or something she is getting so big so quick! :)

  20. Amy in the MN
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 4:05 pm | Permalink

    Look at that hair, and those smiles and rosy cheeks! Cute as ever!

  21. Posted 9/15/2008 at 4:05 pm | Permalink

    I never, ever get tired of pictures of her, especially with the “too cool for school” shades on. Honestly, how do you stand it? If I had to look at that bundle of joy all day, I’d get NOTHING else done.

    Is she eating cereal yet? (It’s been almost 18 years since my baby was a baby, I forget at what age they start doing all the different things)

    Just wait til she’s mobile, pal. Your days of doing anything but watching her every move are closing in fast!!!!

  22. Posted 9/15/2008 at 4:10 pm | Permalink

    more happy days than sad, but never forgetting what really is going on is good i think? and she is the cutest baby ever!

  23. Posted 9/15/2008 at 4:10 pm | Permalink

    I am still laughing that you went and got food TWICE while waiting in line for food!
    So nice to read about your happy times.
    I always read all the comments and love getting to know the creeps through their words, you have so many wonderful, funny and caring creeps here!
    Although I do get pissed off when people get all judgemental under the pretence of being concerned. I love how you comment in such a sensible manner and don’t get mad.
    I get mad enough for 3 people!
    You are doing a great job and while you may put it down to the love and support you have, I can tell you have a natural instinct and a amazing calmness with Madeline.
    Keep on Keeping on

  24. Kim in the Seattle
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 4:13 pm | Permalink

    Man, Madeline is so GORGEOUS!!! and it’s nice to hear you laugh. Happy Monday! xo!

  25. juanita
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 4:16 pm | Permalink

    Screw going back to work. This is LA, baby! Get your kid an agent and let the Baby Elvis glasses do their thing. (I kid, I kid.)

    It’s been such a pleasure – and a privilege – to watch Maddy grow and change on a (near) daily basis. You can tell she’s drinking the world in and trying to figure it all out; good thing you’re there to ensure that her senses are stimulated with good art, music and food.

    Yay for four good days in a row, and an extra yay because you made it another four days without breaking her in two. (Again, I kid.)

    Hugs to you and the wonderous blonde one.

  26. nina in scottsdale
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 4:19 pm | Permalink

    Thanks for sharing such great pics of your sweets! If it’s even possible she gets cuter and cuter in each post. She’s a great kid!

  27. Posted 9/15/2008 at 4:25 pm | Permalink

    She’s growing so fast and yes she is the cutest and coolest baby EVER! Adorable.

    Glad to hear you’ve had a good few days… more to come. Promise.

  28. Posted 9/15/2008 at 4:27 pm | Permalink

    I love reading your blog and I just want to kiss Maddy she is so fricken adorable. Since my brother doesn’t have kids, she is definately the coolest baby in LA.

    I don’t comment often, but I read every word and think about you guys all the time! Especially every time I hear this song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlEsRtKR-mk
    Which is funny because I’m fairly certain -judging by the music you post- that country music isn’t your thing… I love it though (I KNOW! … and get this.. I’m a Republican too!) Wait.. there’s more… I LIKE ROBOTS! Am I blowing your mind or what!?!

    Seriously though, thanks for the update… when you go a couple days we all start to worry! (Well, I do anyway.) Can’t wait to see what your newest project is!

    Hugs from IL!

  29. Sol from Argentina
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 4:28 pm | Permalink

    HOLA MATT

    Happy b-week 25/52 to Princess M!

    You deserve thousands/millions GREAT days/weekends/months/years!

    Nice to know that you had enjoyed the weekend and you had also time for your own!

    Maddy is one of the most BEAUTIFUL baby I’ve ever seen!

    Besos y abrazos
    Sol

  30. Glenda in San Diego
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 4:31 pm | Permalink

    HI Matt,
    Love Maddy in her sunglasses. Sounds like you been having some good days. Here’s hoping that with Maddy and her personality you will have happier days to come! Keep doing what you’re doing! Take care!

  31. Yosra
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 4:38 pm | Permalink

    Asalamalaykom,

    Are you deliberately trying to start a new holy war in this comment section? SALMAN-FREAKIN’-RUSHDIE?! Man! Just when the pork referrences have come to an end! Now, if it had been Salman Rushdie AT the BBQ festival that really would be too much. This…I can just let slide and walk quietly away from the computer…

    WAIT! I had a thought that was worth something (at least to someone somewhere):

    The best songs in the world are those you are making up for Miss Madeline. They are the realization of months of healing, as you can’t create while you are breaking down. Probably they’ll never get recorded. But there’s something mythic about creating songs which are so special that no one else hears them except your one special person.

    Somehow, I come back to thinking about the last anniversary that you can’t remember. It wasn’t recorded either. It was so special that you couldn’t capture it and weren’t suppose to, like the butterfly whose wings are too delicate to grab. Just let it fly away with the songs for a beautiful baby.

  32. Jolynn
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 4:40 pm | Permalink

    Madeline is gorgeous! It’s so neat to watch her grow up and become more active these days – the fun is just beginning! Glad you had a good weekend.

  33. Posted 9/15/2008 at 4:44 pm | Permalink

    That is seriously one gorgeous baby!

  34. Posted 9/15/2008 at 4:49 pm | Permalink

    Really glad that you had a good weekend! (Those ribs looked really good.)

  35. Posted 9/15/2008 at 4:53 pm | Permalink

    Long time lurker, but the first time commenting.
    I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and watching beautiful daughter grow. My 6 year old daughter loves checking out all the pictures of her.
    I hope the Raider game was better than the Vikes. It was a good game til the 2nd half.

  36. Posted 9/15/2008 at 4:56 pm | Permalink

    sounds like one fabulous weekend indeed.

    madeline looks awesome in those sunglasses, i’m surprised she never took them off. probably because she realized how cool she looked.

    and the bbq fest?!!? how do i miss these things in la. i swear i am always out of the loop.

  37. Posted 9/15/2008 at 5:01 pm | Permalink

    Matt – I’ve been following your blog for a long time now and have never commented, but wanted to say how wonderful it is to see you enjoying yourself. You are doing such a tremendous job with your baby girl, she is gorgeous and your love for her is abundantly clear!

  38. Jess in THE aloha
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 5:11 pm | Permalink

    madeline is tied as ‘the most BEAUTIFUL baby in the UNIVERSE’ (with my daughter of course!) – seriously tho – she is so so beautiful.

    and oooh those smiles in the bumbo! talk about liz sized smiles. you are so so so blessed. miss madeline is the blessing of all blessings…

    so…was that long line food good?!? i sure hope so! i am amazed that madeline doesn’t take off those rad shades! my daughter needs some lessons. she doesn’t even keep them on long enough for a picture!

    i think about you guys often, and my heart still really breaks for you, but there is such beauty in this horrible tragedy – the amazing, passionate love you have for madeline, and the immense joy, laughter and smiles she brings to you.

    yet, it still freakin sucks… ugh. you are still very much in my prayers!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADELINE!!!!!!

    give that girl some love from us! :)

  39. Posted 9/15/2008 at 5:15 pm | Permalink

    She is so so so beautiful. You already know that. But every time I look at photos of her I see she looks like she’s growing, and she’s just so damn cute!!! Lovin’ that Minnesota onesie!

  40. lindsey - cape cod
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 5:26 pm | Permalink

    She looks just like Liz in the second bumbo pic!! Beautiful!! SO happy to hear you are having good weekends. I check the blog daily, sometimes twice, hoping each time to hear things are getting easier for you. Regardless, you are so consistently awesome with Madeline. A natural. LOVE the videos by the way. My girls are 9 and 6 and I miss those laughs and baby squeaks!!

  41. Posted 9/15/2008 at 5:31 pm | Permalink

    your weekend sounds fun..I Love the pic of madeline just under the yellow flowers…and the sunglasses? awesome! but seriously, try to get more sleep, will you?

  42. Liz(ard)
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 5:34 pm | Permalink

    i’ve been following your blog/story for quite some time. i have been moved so many times at your expressions of emotions that i can only imagine are much more raw than you actually let on. i solo parent as well- though not under the same circumstances. the challeneges are incredible, but the rewards are too. your daughter is adorable and you are a wonderful father. i hope you repeat that to yourself on a continous loop even when it feels like the pain will never go away.

  43. Posted 9/15/2008 at 5:37 pm | Permalink

    Maddy is such a cherub. Those pictures of her in her bumbo with that fuzzy little head and rosy cheeks are so cute. I’m hoping to get to meet her at the 5k next week!

  44. Pork Rules
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 5:38 pm | Permalink

    I hope those were baby backs!!

  45. Kim in MN
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 5:42 pm | Permalink

    I’m soooooo very happy for you. Two great weekends in a row. Madeline is looking more adorable and getting so big! I’m *loving* that fuzzy head…..

  46. Melissa NORTH Jersey
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 5:46 pm | Permalink

    I am so glad things are getting just a BIT easier!

    @Yosra – Love ya man, and I will make an effort to get to a petting zoo to put some lipstick on a pig soon in your honor (that was a joke for those that dont know what jokes are). And I do appreciate your branch and accept it and offer it back. BUT, pork will probably always be a joke here now lol.

    Maddy and Daddy are absolutely my fave part of the day with each new entry. I wish I could walk! I am going on a steroid round and my doctors (yes, more than one) told me though I will feel like I can do anything, that doing ANYTHING is out of the question right now. So I am still hoping for the pic in the traction bed for the flickr page!

    Beauty Maddy, you make my heart warm!

  47. Melissa NORTH Jersey
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 5:48 pm | Permalink

    PS – I totally want a video of you singing to Maddy!

  48. Posted 9/15/2008 at 5:58 pm | Permalink

    I love your posts! Maddy always puts a smile on my face.
    I just wanted to share a little tidbit about sleeping babies.( I’ve had three)
    In order to keep them sleeping in the morning while others were stirring,I use, and still use air purifiers in there bedrooms.They make a nice white noise sound and keep there rooms fresh.

    I just thought I would pass that on.
    Keep up the good work daddy.

  49. Posted 9/15/2008 at 6:00 pm | Permalink

    Wow! You can actually see Madeline’s hair in these photos. She’s getting to be so big!! What a cutie!

    By the way, I got my t-shirts today. I can’t wait to show off my flower in the garden of awesome!!

  50. Michael Phelps
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 6:04 pm | Permalink

    Dear Matt,

    I have a gazillion dollars I want to donate for the LGLM5K but I don’t see the paypal account up yet! I was going to spend all my money in Vegas but I decided to save some for you and Madeline. I’ve tried harassing Creep Becky about it but she said something about being blog-challenged and that you would be posting the link. Please take my money!

    Love, Michael Phelps

    (PS – I’m funny, right?)

  51. Posted 9/15/2008 at 6:15 pm | Permalink

    I can’t believe there was a BBQ fest and I didn’t know about it! Fucking pisses me off!!!

    Here’s the deal, Matthew: if you film yourself singing to Maddy, I’ll film MYSELF singing. To whom, I dunno. I’m just throwin’ it out there cuz I wanna hear you sing. Preferably some Styx. I’m just sayin’.

    Also while I have everyone’s attention (Hello?! Anyone?!) I would like to point out that Christa and I are the only confirmed walkers for this Sunday morning at 9 at Placerita Cyn. Sooooo… If you want to help make us L.A. people look somewhat less spazzy, please join us! And yes, we realize the time we’ve chosen is somewhat “off”. Suck it up. :-)

    p.s. Salman Rushdie was in town filming Bill Maher, methinks. And for the BBQ Fest.

  52. Posted 9/15/2008 at 6:16 pm | Permalink

    @Michael Phelps: LOL! You sucked on SNL, Dude!

  53. Posted 9/15/2008 at 6:17 pm | Permalink

    loved the sneezing video. Madeline is a doll baby :)

    I also really enjoyed the picture you took of her in her new shades. Awesome.

  54. Posted 9/15/2008 at 6:26 pm | Permalink

    That Madeline is just unbelievably beautiful… that’s all… oh, and I agree … I just spent 2 months in LA and I didn’t see any babies half as cute as yours!!!!!

  55. Brittany
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 6:33 pm | Permalink

    Glad you had a good weekend. Madeline is so adorable!

  56. Posted 9/15/2008 at 6:34 pm | Permalink

    I’ve never been to LA but I’d bet a few bucks she’s the cutest around. I love those glassees- so stinkin’ cute!

  57. Posted 9/15/2008 at 6:36 pm | Permalink

    As an Eastern NC girl born and bred, I know my BBQ. And I love it. I would’ve been right there with you eating while waiting in line to eat more! Hysterical.

    It’s great to hear about your good times. You can tell by Madeline’s face that most of her times with you are good times. You’re doing great.

  58. Andrea V
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 6:47 pm | Permalink

    Since we know about the kind of year that you have had, I can imagine that keeping track of the great days can be important. You are headed in the right direction . . . Hoping the next four days are even better!

  59. Tracy H in the VA
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 7:08 pm | Permalink

    Coolest baby evah – indeed!

    Also, I agree with Yosra about documenting the made up songs. I adore my dad’s made up song “O Applesauce, O Applesauce.” He put everything on cassette tape for me to hear (milestones, baby sounds, bdays, etc), and it is really special for me to have those now. I can only imagine what it will be like for Maddy to go back and see all the adventures she has been on, and how many thousands of stranger/friends you both have behind you. So glad you had a great, long weekend! :)

  60. Posted 9/15/2008 at 7:11 pm | Permalink

    I am SO thankful that you are able to realize through your heartache just how lucky you are to have such a happy and healthy baby-she is adorable!

  61. Rebecca in the MN
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 7:19 pm | Permalink

    Madeline really does get more beautiful every time you take photos of her if that’s possible. We have the same rattle and it goes by the nickname of the “DNA rattle.” Would love to know where to get the cute MN onesie!

  62. Lopez
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 7:22 pm | Permalink

    @ Kate in the Northridge
    I suspect Matt will never post video of him singing b/c his made up songs sound a bit too much like Purple rain and Step by Step (NKOTB).

    p.s. I just saw Phelps on Utube…not good :(

  63. Michael Phelps
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 7:23 pm | Permalink

    Dear Matt,

    Thanks for getting that link up there! Now I can focus on spending my money on important things like you and Madeline. Of course, I’ll have to save a little for therapy since Kate in the Northridge crushed my spirit with her above comments. And here I thought we were kindred spirits, what with her robot groping and my waitress groping…

    Love, Michael Phelps

  64. Trinity
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 7:28 pm | Permalink

    omg, madeline looks just like her beautiful mommy in those bumbo chair pics! she has her eyes and her smile! soooooo cute! she’s gotten so big! love the MN onesie too…

  65. BethBonoan
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 7:41 pm | Permalink

    Fucking hilarious! Love, love you Michael Phelps! :) Today one of my kids at school said to one of his teachers (keep in mind that he is 4 years old)… “You’re like Michaels Phelps. You swim real fast.” What?!?! …kids… Anyway, Matt, I’m with Yosra, the songs you sing just for Madeline are the best songs ever! Even if they are to the tune of a New kids song. Ask my two-year old about his potty song to the tune “twinkle, twinkle little star”. Yeah… it’s awesome! Glad things don’t suck too bad right now!
    *hugs*

  66. Posted 9/15/2008 at 7:42 pm | Permalink

    Madeline just gets more beautiful with each passing day. I’m glad you had an awesome weekend–you’re definitely overdue.

  67. KellyMc
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 7:47 pm | Permalink

    Looks like fun all around, and I am glad that the good times are more frequent. Count them and cherish them.

    Though everyone says it here in the comments, I could never see Maddy’s resemblence to her mom…well until the series of pics in the Bumbo – holy shit! That middle one is a shoo-in for Liz!!! She is by far one of the cutest babies around (I have the other one here!).

  68. Posted 9/15/2008 at 7:53 pm | Permalink

    She’s so beautiful.

    I bet you already knew that.

  69. katie j
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 7:56 pm | Permalink

    Yay Maddy – LOVE the MN onesie!!
    Happy 25th week Birthday sweet girl!

    Matt…so happy to read about your good weekend, made me smile :)

    **hugs** to you both!!

  70. Posted 9/15/2008 at 8:00 pm | Permalink

    Where, oh where, did you score that MN onesie??

  71. hawkfeather
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 8:05 pm | Permalink

    I am curious now if you have read any Rushdie?
    If you haven’t- you should.. wiht all that free time ya know?

    but worth it no doubt.
    She is a jem she is…her Elvis glasses rock my socks.
    Some of the shots of her form your *photo shoot* in her Bumbo seat- it is even more clear than usual how much of her mother she has in her.
    That smile- the one always available for a friend or stranger..you wont ever have to look far to hold on to that one.

    I know this week most be challenge for you Matt.. you are on my mind and in my heart.. more so this week for sure.

    If only the sincere love of many could really cure a broken heart.

  72. mandy
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 8:20 pm | Permalink

    Such a freakin adorable baby!

  73. Posted 9/15/2008 at 8:37 pm | Permalink

    @ Lopez…
    “his made up songs sound a bit too much like Purple rain and Step by Step”.

    OMG! (Hillarious) Thanks a lot. It has been a long time since I’ve had to endure a NKOTB song stuck in my head.

  74. Tiffany
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 8:41 pm | Permalink

    Just wanted to let you know that I was thinking about you and Maddie this weekend. I was playing some random game and it had robots all in it.

  75. Tiffany
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 8:43 pm | Permalink

    Sorry, I forgot to say don’t let other people (out of concern *rolls eyes*) tell you that you are doing something wrong. You are doing an awesome job raising Maddie.

  76. Posted 9/15/2008 at 8:53 pm | Permalink

    I second Tiffany, not mentioning any *names*, but Matt is, like, ÜBER-capable and would not put his baby in any danger, EVER. So, heads-up on THAT, America.

  77. Posted 9/15/2008 at 9:33 pm | Permalink

    Hi, Matt!

    I posted on here awhile back, in the spring. I have been keeping up with you and Madeline, and I just have to say it has been a pleasure watching her unfold—she is just gorgeous. Looks a lot like her Mommy, and she is a very lucky girl to have you for her dad. I wish you many more happy weekends together.

    Amy from Deephaven, MN

  78. Posted 9/15/2008 at 9:48 pm | Permalink

    Well, I am so glad to read that you are having better weekends…

    And in one of the pics you took, Maddie has so many of your looks there. PRECIOUS little girl!

    Much luck for the coming week!

    ~Jen

  79. Sarah in the NC
    Posted 9/15/2008 at 11:11 pm | Permalink

    Love the sneezes! She is such a beautiful baby…but you already knew that. Def. the coolest & cutest baby!!

  80. Kris in the MN
    Posted 9/16/2008 at 2:40 am | Permalink

    Love the sneezing video, it is one of my favorites! Madeline is growing so quickly and cuter by the day.

    I’m so happy about the good 4 days in a row and hope that there will be many more to come for you.

    Sending you extra hugs this week from the mn…

  81. PB and Jazz
    Posted 9/16/2008 at 4:08 am | Permalink

    Hey Matt,

    Glad you had a good couple of days! Love the new pictures of Madeline! Green is a good color on her! The MN onesie is awesome! The weather in the MN was really crappy this past weekend. It looks great for this weekend, Mother Nature must know you are coming and need a good day to honor Liz! I hope your week goes well, hope to meet you and your beautiful baby this weekend.

  82. Posted 9/16/2008 at 5:38 am | Permalink

    I am happy to hear that your days are still going well (even though the Vikes lost again, sorry about that!). You do have the coolest baby! she is the centerpiece of the garden of awesome in my opinion.

    Get some sleep! We have lots of walking/running do to this coming weekend!

  83. Aimee
    Posted 9/16/2008 at 5:57 am | Permalink

    Glad to see your face(s). <3

  84. Cara from Boston
    Posted 9/16/2008 at 6:06 am | Permalink

    I didn’t know Liz but I’ve seen plenty of pictures and all I can say is Madeline is looking more and more like her with each passing day! Such a blessing for you and for all that loved her!

  85. Cara from the MN
    Posted 9/16/2008 at 6:27 am | Permalink

    glad you had a good weekend. it’s great to hear you having good days in a row.

    the weather here in mn is turning beautiful. yea! hope it continues throughout the weekend.

    have a good day!

  86. Posted 9/16/2008 at 6:40 am | Permalink

    So glad to hear you had a great weekend! What a good mix of relaxin’ and movin’. Laughed out loud about Madeline crying to the G n’R cover band. Then choked back a tear over the missing piece who would have loved the day with you.

    Happy 25/52 to Madeline (a day late, I know) and you have a tolerable Tuesday. Keep doing what you are doing.

    (((hugs)))

  87. Posted 9/16/2008 at 6:40 am | Permalink

    Love the pictures of Madeline. and the video of her sneezing. My daughter Willow is about a month younger than Madeline, so its a flash forward for me to see how much Madeline has grown…and to realize my daughter is growing into that stage too.

    Glad you had four nice days in a row.

    But, dude–I have no idea how you do so much with so little sleep!

  88. Jen in Maryland
    Posted 9/16/2008 at 6:54 am | Permalink

    She just gets cuter everyday! She’s definitely the coolest gal around, not just in LA. Love, love, love the sunglasses!
    Just got my t-shirts yesterday. So awesome! My 5yr son LOVES his robot shirt (might be ’cause I got the one that says “My robot can beat up your robot”).
    Hope you have more good days!

  89. Amy from the Ville
    Posted 9/16/2008 at 7:04 am | Permalink

    So good to hear you had a good four days in a row. I agree with everyone above…Madeline is adorable. She is the cutest girl in the World (I have the cutest boy)! Sending you warm thoughts and good wishes for this weekend.

    Amy from Louisville in the KY

  90. Kris
    Posted 9/16/2008 at 7:34 am | Permalink

    that girl is so cute and she can really sleep anywhere!! Love love love her in her Elvis shades!

    I’m glad for several happy days in a row for you!

    Since Madeline only cheers for winners, please thank her for cheering on the Colts on Sunday!!! We really needed a win ;)

  91. Posted 9/16/2008 at 8:14 am | Permalink

    crying at GNR. She has been taught well.

  92. Nay in IN
    Posted 9/16/2008 at 9:01 am | Permalink

    Man, she gets more gorgeous every day. You are doing a great job Matt!

    PS: Sorry my Colts came back and beat your Vikes. It was just a matter of time. :)

  93. Cindy from Saugus,Ca
    Posted 9/16/2008 at 9:21 am | Permalink

    @Chris- are you kidding me? If you didn’t know what kind of bassinet Madeline was in, then why assume she was going to suddenly sit up and fall out onto the floor. Babies who can not sit up on their own can still sit in a Bumbo. I’m sure when the little miss is sitting up and trying to stand we will all know it. At which point her awesome, protective and cautious Daddy will have her in the appropriate crib.
    Matt- as you have stated before- you are NOT the village idiot. Of course we know little munchkin is safe… And do I see a little red in her peach fuzz? You are doing a great job.

  94. Posted 9/16/2008 at 9:22 am | Permalink

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TiQCJXpbKg

  95. KellyMc
    Posted 9/16/2008 at 9:35 am | Permalink

    @Christa – holy shit, tears rolling, that was fabulous!!!!!!!

  96. Posted 9/16/2008 at 9:51 am | Permalink

    Fabulous shades, Miss Madeline. You are a rock star in training.

    Glad you’ve had a good 7+ days Matt, you’re due.

    And I totally agree, she’s really grown in the last few posts hasn’t she?!

  97. Ben
    Posted 9/16/2008 at 10:05 am | Permalink

    Amorous cats sound better than Matt when it comes to singing. Having been to many concerts with, and having spent countless hours in his car taking photos of Los Angeles, I have been privileged to hear many of his “songs”. Don’t get me wrong, I dig it. It’s kind of like dirty mad libs in a way. Just Matt, Wilco and a lot of cussing interjected at key moments. I think that most off L.A. appreciates his style since he usually screams it at old women walking across the intersection. If I could sing I’d join in, kind of a dysfunctional Loggins and Messina, but with better lyrics and no crap like “Danger zone”. Although if you’d like to see Matt singing “Danger zone”, or “Footloose” let me know cause I have both on tape from one wine filled evening. All I can say is “magic”.

  98. Jen in MD
    Posted 9/16/2008 at 10:58 am | Permalink

    Have you tried giving her rice cereal yet? It’s about that time. Just wait until you see her face. Make sure there’s someone there to take pictures. You can tell she’s ready if she’s really interested in watching people eat.

  99. Katy
    Posted 9/16/2008 at 12:27 pm | Permalink

    @ K in the N–I’m only letting you sing if it’s Sun Ra.

    @ Matt–I’m DEEPLY offended that the GNR made Maddy cry. What part of “…where the grass is green and the girls are pretty” does she not find inspiring and deeply moving…?

    Oh wait, that’s right…GNR sucks out loud. Almost forgot for a second there.

    Carry on!

  100. Katy
    Posted 9/16/2008 at 1:45 pm | Permalink

    PS I’m a tool…meant to also say, will be thinking about you tomorrow. I know it will have elements of shittiness…but I hope you can focus on all the good that will come from Sunday instead.

  101. Katy
    Posted 9/16/2008 at 1:50 pm | Permalink

    PPS @ Matt…Been wondering where you are today, but now I know…I’m guessing you set a new land-speed record getting to Amoeba to check out the NEW NKOTB record.

    One word: Sexify.

  102. Melissa NORTH Jersey
    Posted 9/16/2008 at 3:47 pm | Permalink

    Ben Ben BEN!!! I will PAY to see those tapes lol.

    Just to be fair to Matt, for when he gets back to work, I have a new idea for desk decorating. Can you say Hasselhoff? (or has that one been done yet?)

  103. Posted 9/16/2008 at 4:14 pm | Permalink

    ain’t that the sweetest thing. Madeline, so divva-like in those shades. cute, cute.

    I’m breaking in my New Balance shoes for the walk on Sunday. bliss.

    I just have to say, what a RUSH delivery! Within minutes, they shipped and near next day, received! Get your New B’s today people!

    love, peace, joy and goodness.
    L

  104. anja
    Posted 9/16/2008 at 5:11 pm | Permalink

    Matt, I am happy the days are becoming better to handle. Having the cutest baby girl in the world, be proud! You have a great support system and cherish them! Keep moving forward! Anja, from Ontario.

  105. Posted 9/16/2008 at 7:29 pm | Permalink

    I’m with Katy ~
    Thinking of you and Maddy as tomorrow approaches…
    Think of the good times that lie ahead…and how your story, your life, has changed so many many of us across the globe…

    and to think that Michael Phelps read your blog!
    WOW!
    (he he he)

  106. Posted 9/16/2008 at 9:45 pm | Permalink

    Found your blog wandering thru some blogs….I’m in awe of the job you’re doing. You have an absolutely beautiful child.

  107. Posted 9/17/2008 at 12:17 am | Permalink

    Good Morning Matt-

    It’s the 17th here and in a few hours will be in LA too. I’ve changed jobs now so unfortunately don’t have so much free time to play here, but Yosra suggested something to me a week or so ago, and I thought it was a brilliant idea. She suggested that all your fellow readers that have blogs might want to blog something about Liz today in her honor. So I’m going to go do that in a few minutes.

    I hope you’re able to find laughter and joy today. If it seems hard, just keep playing with Madeline then a smile will be sure to come.

    Hugs!
    Kathryn

  108. Posted 9/17/2008 at 4:24 am | Permalink

    You don’t need to ever write again, just keep posting that sneezing video clip.

    cracks me up.

  109. aimee in the WI
    Posted 9/17/2008 at 6:53 am | Permalink

    thinking about you, maddy and the whole family today more than ever.

  110. Christine D
    Posted 9/17/2008 at 7:19 am | Permalink

    Thinking of you, Liz, Madeline and your families today…

  111. Jen in Maryland
    Posted 9/17/2008 at 8:18 am | Permalink

    Like everyone else, thinking about you, Madeline and the rest of your families today. Know that so many stranger/friends care.

  112. Jen in the ND
    Posted 9/17/2008 at 9:18 am | Permalink

    Hi Matt,
    Found your blog about 1 week ago
    You, Madeline and your families have been in my thoughts constantly – especially today.
    Probably going to get fired as I pretty much consume my free time (and not so free time) with your blog – call me a stalker, creep or whatever.
    As a parent of a two year old girl (total sassy diva), I feel that you are doing a wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy better job with Madeline than I ever did – keep up the awesome work!!!
    Anyway, the sassy diva and I will be walking on the 21st (in the MN) I will be wearing my robot pissed t-shirt
    Take good care of yourself too!!!

  113. Laurie from MN
    Posted 9/17/2008 at 9:24 am | Permalink

    Sending you and the entire Logelin, Goodman, Shoeberg family extra hugs and warm wishes today. I know it is gonna be a tough day for all of you. Liz has touched people all around the world. Even though I never met her, she was an amazing, beautiful woman.

    Looking forward to seeing you this weekend.

  114. The Aitch
    Posted 9/17/2008 at 10:30 am | Permalink

    Wow, what a great couple of days. She just keeps getting cuter and cuter everyday! And is she nothing but a big puddle of smiles now or what?

    Ha and I laughed when she started crying at the gnr cover band. Of course she’s gonna cry, she is a JT girl through and through!

  115. Posted 9/17/2008 at 12:29 pm | Permalink

    love the Elvis, I mean Top Gun shades…
    gorgeous as always…
    ~g

  116. Matzah Grrl
    Posted 9/17/2008 at 1:29 pm | Permalink

    Hi Creeps!
    This is Jessica – friend here in the L.A. I got the Minnesota onesie at a store out here, called Suburban Martini. You can order ANY state and have the heart put over your hometown. You can also order onesies with your phone area code, too (ex: 818, 626, etc). Here is the website: http://www.suburbanmartini.com

    Tell Kelly (who runs the shop) that Jessica sent ya!

  117. ruth
    Posted 9/17/2008 at 3:55 pm | Permalink

    I don’t think the universe has ever seen a baby as beautiful as yours. The pictures in this entry are the best yet of Madeline, especially at the bbq.

  118. Posted 9/18/2008 at 8:08 am | Permalink

    Never commented before – but today’s woot shirt made me think of you :)

    http://shirt.woot.com/

    (you have to look at it today :) – it’ll change tomorrow)

  119. Tiffany from MN
    Posted 9/18/2008 at 10:36 am | Permalink

    Don’t know if you’ve seen this yet or not, but it made me think of you and I thought you might find it a little fun – http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article_entertainment.jsp?ymd=20080917&content_id=3493490&vkey=entertainment&fext=.jsp

  120. Posted 9/19/2008 at 6:22 pm | Permalink

    I’ve only commented on one other post.. But figured this one was just as good. Typical stuff.. You are doing awesome as Daddy, Madeline is beautiful and growing like a weed. Keep up the good work. :)
    And yay! for two good weekends in a row!

  121. Debbie in PA
    Posted 9/20/2008 at 7:22 am | Permalink

    Hi Matt & Madeline–
    I am catching up today and your entries are bringing a smile to my face!
    Madeline must be the happiest baby I have ever seen. I really enjoy all the snapshots into your life. And I’m so happy to see how far you have come, Matt. You are awesome.

  122. melissa sweet
    Posted 9/21/2008 at 10:34 pm | Permalink

    Love you matt!

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