happy 25/52 week birthday
to my beautiful baby girl.
we did almost nothing
today, which explains
the look of surprise
on madeline’s face.
those damned
teeth had her crying
for most of the
morning and into
the early afternoon.
none of the recommended
remedies seem to help,
so i relied
on the one thing
that i know can make
her feel better.
i held her in
my arms as we
did laps around
the house.
must have gone
counter-clockwise from
the living room through
the office, through the
hallway, through the kitchen
through the dining room
and back into
the living room
at least 28 times
before my little one
passed out.
as madeline slept,
i caught up on
some e-mails.
sometime after 2:00pm
we went
to the grocery store,
not to buy
food really, but to
get the hell out
of the house.
madeline seems to feel
so much better when
we’re outside these
walls, like she
wants to meet new
people, and of course,
impress the hell
out of all
the strangers we encounter.
after the grocery
store we
listened to the same music
we’ve been listening to
for the past few days.
madeline fell asleep sometime
after 10:00pm and
i went about the task
of filling photo frames
with images of
the past.
also picked up
the house a bit
in anticipation of a
visit from a
new stranger friend on tuesday.
today was exactly
what we both needed
after a fun,
but exhausting weekend.
it was sort of nice.
57 Comments
Love you two!! xo
Love good days! Its amazing how big she’s getting. Thanks for sharing your lives with us.
She is so cute!!
I can imagine that everyone just swoons over her when you take her out.
that picture cracks me up. love it!
Sounds like a great day. Glad you were able to relax. Those teeth are a bitch aren’t they? Madeline sure looks like a sweetie. Are you in the great state me MN yet? I bet you are, you must have brought the beautiful weather with you.
“we did almost nothing
today, which explains
the look of surprise
on madeline’s face.”
Sometimes there is no tylenol, teething tablets, chewy things, or necklaces that can conquer the evil teething. you did just right – lots of love and persistence!
have a good good day!
Love your insightful postings and stunning photographs. You are in my prayers and you are doing such a wonderful job with Maddie despite the horrible circumstances
in regards to fussy babies. They have an inner altimeter. They are only happy when the adult holding them is standing up and more uncomfortable than them.
Keep on keeping on…….
I’m glad I’m not the only one who goes to the store just to get out of the house. Happy 25 weeks, Madeline!
teething stinks. target was our go-to place of choice when my monkey was feeling out of sorts. she knew when we went out that she was “on.” it always made her feel better.
madeline is easily one of THE MOST adorable babies i’ve seen.
Ah yes, the baby laps, I know them all too well. They say never shake a baby, but they sure do like to be jostled around a bit. Glad it was another good day!
My daughters lap of choice was around the kitchen, into the hallway, through the living room, past the dining room and back into the kitchen, very small laps that took about 15 seconds to complete but it usually worked. Maybe I just got them so dizzy, they passed out! LOL
I love the picture of Madeline in this entry, just too, too cute. Hope her little teeth break through soon, so some of the pressure is relieved. Hugs to you both.
I’ve been following your blog for awhile now – and I hate to say it but my daughter went through “teething for about 8 months! We always said it was teething, her first tooth didn’t break until 11 1/2 months – watch out!!
“Filling photo frames with images of the past”.
That has to be so ridiculously bittersweet. The images you consistently capture are so beautiful…but I imagine they will forever spark feelings of melancholy and longing. Damn.
Take care
Glad it was a good day! Maddy is beautiful as always!
When you have the busy social calendar Madeline typically enjoys, a relaxing day at home every once in a while can be just what the doctor ordered. Here’s to more good days. [Raises glass. Sips water. I mean, it's only 2:00.]
I’m nearly 31 with flippin braces, I’m with Madeline on the teething pains…
I’d get the wife to carry me around for laps too but I’d probably snap her spine…
Laid back days of just togetherness & nothingness are all you need to get back on track sometimes. We all need them.
Teething sucks. *hugs*
I am not gonna go through the hunderds of comments you have recieved to see if my teething suggestion is in there so I will share it anyway , I would take those little baby wash cloths and wet half and roll it like a buritto kinda and freeze them , my little teether would naw on it , seemed to help alot , but not with my second kid , these things are hit or miss . Teething sucks .
Can’t help but think about your comment on you filling frames of pictures from the past. Not an easy task I’m sure but an important one for you and Madeline (once she’s old enough to know better)!
aaah…. the joy of teething…. now, she will soon be able to enjoy all that great food you post about….. Yumm… bite, bite…
Doing nothing… aaah… in my dreams…;0
~g
Ah yes. To this day, I swear our kid is happier on the move and outside the house. Oy, the teeth.
She is super, super cute. She kind of has an expression in that picture similar to the reaction she had to Times Square. (We were there last weekend and I now understand… lots of shiny blinky things…)
Even from a tender age, similar to Madeline, my son’s mood would be different if we didn’t go out. Thankfully it wasn’t very often, usually reserved for when he was poorly, or I didn’t feel like facing anyone, which was rare TBH.
Good job Madeline has a daddy like you, a do-er. Keep it up Matt.
So much expression on that little ones face! Too cute.
so glad it was restful day. and a belated happy 25/52 to miss m. (she’s almost 6 months old – when did that happen?!)
Sometimes those normal days are nice, aren’t they? Just hanging out, doing nothing but being together. Surprised look or not, she’s still the cutest kid ever.
I love all the baby paraphernalia in the background! Have you started baby food w/ Maddy yet? If so, is she liking it?
I love the expression…
I am sure the daunting task of filling frames was difficult but one day, you both will appreciate that you did. even though memories are always in our hearts, our minds, our souls, the tangible stuff is still really important.
shouting out yeahs! for you both from ohio.
Im sorry to hear about Madeline teething, i feel your pain..and hers. Matilda just got her first tooth during Gustav..not fun let me tell you.
Love reading your updates.
Take care and thinking of you and Madeline.
Oh yeah, forgot to add that the only thing that works for my baby girl is Baby Orajel but im sure you got that piece of advice long ago. lol.
Sounds like a good day, except for the teething part. That is never fun. With my daughter Lilly I remember sometimes, anything would work and others nothing worked except for the love of a parent holding her. I hope those teeth come in so she can get a break soon! I know it’s hard to see our children in pain like that.
I love the picture of her looking so surprised! She is such a doll! My laptop was broken and I was waiting for a new one (long story there LOL) and was having withdrawls. lol So I’m glad to be able to be back and to check up on you both to see how everything is going!
Keep up the good work with your little girl. You’re doing awsome!
Happy b-day Madeline
What a cute picture! I never noticed before until another recent picture how long her lashes are! lucky girl! I have to work for mine.
Glad you had a nice relaxing weekend.
love those do almost nothing days, we too went to target to get our minds off of teething and such. babies have a wonderful way of reminding us that life is not about the hustle and bustle. Madeline has the most gorgeous eyes!
That photo is priceless! Glad you had a good Monday – hope the rest of the week is going well too.
Matt,
Can’t even remember how I got to your blog a few days ago, (I think through crash course widow) but so glad I did. Spent 6 hours over the past two days reading the archives. (Yes, I do have a life despite that statement). Just wanted to say you are a fucking rock star! Not only are you a good man and excellent father, but you are one hell of a mother. (In a good way of course!) I know it is “job” that you would give you left arm, and I’m sure much much more, for the lovely Liz to have, but WOW your maternal instincts are spot on! I know many single fathers who are excellent parents, but through your writing I feel like you have a little extra somethin somethin going on there. Little Miss Maddy is quite blessed to have such a creative caring father who will through photos, stories, and this blog keep her mother’s memory alive. And you are blessed to have a stunningly beautiful baby who is a testament to the love you shared with your wife. Your wife seemed like such a cool girl. Someone that would be a friend to anyone, and a treat to be around. What more can I say than I am just so sorry. I look foward to your updates and seeing Madeline grow. Six to nine months were some of my favorite times with my kids. Enjoy!
I imagine that all the little old ladies in the store want to touch Madeline!
Happy birthday
Sorry about her teething trouble, poor baby.
if i was going to just take all the other comments and jam them together to regurgitate something that looks like my own unique comment..
I could say.
“Pictures of cute babies are good but teething and sadness are bad.”
??????? ???????
@Matt: Are you going to be at the Calhoun walk? (can’t remember) and are you the designated photog or someone else??? I ask b/c I’m interested in putting together a video of it all.
I would love some video footage of everyone, besides your killer piks. I’m going to try to make it, but a family ‘thang may cawk-blawk me.
I’ve posted a note on the flickr site, here:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/lizlogelin5k/discuss/72157607332513772/
There’s also a couple other requests for “items” as well, on there. Thanks!
Glad you and Madeline could slow down on her Monday bday and enjoy your time together. I’m sure you see getting ready for an overwhelming Tues and weekend in Minn. Take care friend and we all look forward to meeting and supporting you at Calhoun. Safe travels to you both.
Matt-homeopathic teething tabs. From CVS or Walgreens. Package is pink. I thought it sounded like BS until my sis told me they worked for her and I was at that “try anything” point. Hope they help if you decide to take my Mom-of-4 advice. Happy birthday to Madeline
I remember those laps and bounces (bouncing, bouncing, aaaaaalways the bouncing…aka squats). It’s a wonder I didn’t have a body of steel back then. Thunder thighs. Wait, I had those. Must’ve been all the gots-to-get-the-heck-outta-this-house trips *we* had to the grocery store. I feel you. I do, I do. (and I’m not saying *you* have thunder thighs. Let me be clear on that)
Glad you had one of these days too (minus the teething). Sometimes those down days are pretty good. Though your girl seems like quite the go-getter…hmmmmm, wonder where she gets that?! ;D Keep on, Daddy.
Oh yeah, sometimes the only thing that works is wearing a path in the floor. Its crazy the stuff we do to make them happy. Madeline is adorable as ever, glad it was a good day.
I never comment, but I love reading your blog.
I know yesterday was Liz’s birthday, I hope that you survived the day OK.
Good luck with the teething. Once the teeth finally break through, it does get a little easier. I have found Motrin to work the best for my son. Just don’t let it wear off.
madeline is getting sooo big!!!!!
Do you keep the necklace on her? It doesn’t work very well unless it’s on her at all times. The amber will constantly be absorbing into her body and helping so it doesn’t get to the point where it’s that bad. We never took ours off, just tucked it under the onesie so that it was “out of sight, out of mind” and it didn’t get messed with.
Susie would go to sleep if I called a friend while I held her with her head on my shoulder. Who knows what the deal was but it almost always worked to calm her down and put her to sleep when she was too tired to put herself to sleep. Oh, Maddy, you are a darling! And, Matt, you’re a sweetie too!
I know you have heard this before but really you are such a good dad! This is the first time that I have commented but have been reading your blog for a few months! I often think of you especially when I think “there’s something Matt would take a picture of” HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADELINE!!!
It’s always nice to have a relaxing do-nothing day! My baby is the same way though–she does like to get out of the house, even if it’s just for a walk.
I wish I have some great advice to give you for the teething–it sounds like you’ve tried everything. A damp washcloth to chew on? Chilling those water teething rings in the fridge? I hope she feels better soon!
Asalamalaykom,
I love this photo of Miss Madeline perhaps the best of them all. She’s a little goofy in this pic. I love me some goofy kids over catalogue kids any day. Mr. Boo is looking forward to meeting her, if the crowd doesn’t swallow you up.
As always, I’m going to give you my take on what you’ve written. Doesn’t mean it has to be yours. Really.
It’s about the photos in frames. Islamically, displaying photos in the house is a no-no. It’s no faces allowed–not even for animals. I didn’t adhere to this for years. I used to have a kind of shrine of frames. Then, I decided to follow my religion closer to see if it did make a difference in my life. I can actually say that it did help me to take framed photos down.
With those pictures, time is frozen. It’s a constant reminder of what was, every time you walk by. Your current day is kind of measured by how different it is from that day in the 4 x 6.
But I love photos! The latest ex is a photograher and that’s part of the reason I married him. LOL!
The way I handled having photos was by showing only scenery and places and nature. It really made for a very peaceful place. So, for instance, we didn’t have a wedding photo up; we had a picture of Minnehaha Falls taken on the day we married. He’s still got the picture up and can enjoy it, even though the time and the marriage are done.
But, whatever you do, don’t try to put up every cute picture of Liz and of Madeline. You don’t have enough wall space.
Hey Maddie & daddy! You are a wicked sweet dad! Madeline is so lucky to have you,and of course your lucky to have such a damn cute and perfect baby girl. You couldn’t be doing a better job. I’m incredibly amazed by you. My beautiful girl and my devilishly handsome son(odd because its my daughter who slightly devilesk) can’t wait to walk for Liz. She sounds like she was an incredible woman. I can’t realate exactly but I do know how difficult is to lose someone close. The surrealness(is that a word if not it is now). Being somewhere they always would be. Watching the window thinking they’ll be here any minute. Then you sink. You remember. Its hard but it does gets easier. I never comment on anything I read. Your my very first. When I finally get my daughter to go to sleep I either clean while watching DVDs of Sopranos or mess with the blackberry. Your story just friggin amazed me. Your an awesome person. Your robots pretty rad too! Good luck Matt and Madeline!
Hallo!
Sorry Madeline is having a fussy teething time. Hope those teeth pop through soon and give her some relief.
I’m also the type that has to get out of the house/office at least once a day. When I was a stay at home mom with two little ones and a dog we would get out 3 x day…had to b/c of the dog. So rain or shine, out we went and even if the kids were crying in the beginning, as soon as we got to the apple tree orchards, they would stop. I was a sight to see walking down the street. Pushing a baby in a stroller, dragging a rope attached to a kid’s tractor with the other hand while also holding the leash to our dog. Every parent becomes an instant multi tasker when the need arises!
I think you’re probably back home (Mn) by now, so enjoy your time there with family.
PS-I was perusing some old pics of yours yesterday and had to laugh out loud at the snowbar you once built for New Years…hilarious! I’m originally from the South, so something like that would have never crossed my mind.
)
Hi there, been lurking for a long time but reading about teething agony has urged me to commment-
Our little guy hates orajel, won’t let anyone put it on, but we found that cucumber slices were aces. Soft enough that he can gnaw on them but hard enough that they stay together well for quite a while, easy to grip with small hands too and MUCH cleaner than rice rusks or toast.
I’ve got a good cure for the teething times.. It worked for both of my boys, and has been around for at least 25 years (according to the woman who recommended it to me, saying that she used it on both of her kids who are my age)…
)
Dr. Hands Teething Lotion. It’s apparently hard to find, but you should be able to have a pharmacist order it if they don’t have it in stock. It honestly worked wonders for my kids. It’s liquid, and you just apply a small amount to her gums.. Instant relief.
I hope you can find something to help Madeline (even if it’s not my suggestion
yay for happy days!
My first born loved being out too. She had to have her social life , loves watching KIDS. She absorbed it all. She is a well adjusted (almost 13) year old girl now. Your little Madeline reminds me of my A+++ Smarty pants. Watch out dad, she is a smart one, I can see it already!
I know you have probally gotten thousands of teething remadies, but these is another one
http://hyenacart.com/prod_details.php?id=52126&vid=2295 Hope her teeth come in quickly and she gets some relief.
Not sure if anyone has mentioned the good old rub on whiskey – but trust me it works!! Just dab a Q-tip and rub it on her teeth. WORKS WONDERS!!