(still a week behind).
***wednesday***
another night
of sleeping through
the night.
(at least for madeline).
it seems that
the one week
of waking up at
5:00 am, demanding
a bottle was a
bit of an anomaly.
lucky me.
we hung out
for the morning,
and madeline
got locked into
her little pink prison
as i did some
stuff around the house.
she’s learned a
new trick…
pulling on the
blue handle attached
to the mobile of
the bouncy chair
gets daddy’s attention.
why?
’cause it plays a
song that sounds
fine once, but
on repeated listens
it makes me wish
i were deaf.
even though i
hate the song,
i think it’s awesome
that she has
figured out how
to make the music play.
plus she seems
to love it.
i just wish i
could teach her to do
it on command.
we spent the afternoon
watching baseball
and catching up
on our sleep.
around 5:00
i decided to get
things set up
for madeline’s second
attempt at eating
solid foods.
this was no easy task.
i wanted to make
sure we utilized all
of the video cameras
in the house.
madeline waited patiently
while i positioned the
cameras around the kitchen.
i thought it
would be fun
to get all of
these different
camera angles and
edit them together
to make a rad video.
here’s my attempt:
her second attempt at solid foods. from matthew logelin on Vimeo
(watch me try to teach her to use her mouth. i look like a fucking fool…oh…and i bet you did the same thing as you watched the video).
we spent the
rest of the evening
watching the debates
(republicans without a sense of humor may not want to watch this…remember! as aj and fog once said, we’re in this together…).
after the debate
we watched
some more baseball,
seeing the dodgers
take the first
game of the nlds
from that other
team from chicago.
we both went to
sleep early,
madeline before 9:00,
me before midnight.
today was great
because i only stepped
outside my house
long enough
to grab my mail.
relaxing is good for us.
***thursday***
madeline slept until 8:00.
i was not
so lucky.
we got ready and
went to the
montrose to meet
rhonda for breakfast.
we sat at the
tables on the sidewalk
and madeline caught
the attention
of every woman that
walked by.
i heard,
“ahhhh…she’s so cute”
at least 10 times
(what do people say to parents who have ugly babies?).
we had a nice
meal and conversation then i
thought that, since we
are in the neighborhood
we should
go visit the doctor
who delivered madeline
i called the office
and had to explain
the story to the
woman on the
other end of the phone.
(i’m sure she wondered why a guy was calling the ob/gyn office).
she got the doctor
on the phone and
she said it would
be great if we
stopped by.
said goodbye to
rhonda and drove up the
street to the office
where i spent
a lot of time with
liz.
my chest got
a little tight
as i took madeline
from the back seat,
but this is
something i’ve been
meaning to do
for awhile so
it’s time
to face it.
walked into the office,
remembered the way it smelled,
remembered sitting there
in the lobby with
liz,
remembered being excited
about each pregnancy milestone
we were about
to learn about.
i went up
to the counter and
the woman said,
“you must be matt”
i said,
“yes”
she then told me
that she had heard
our story and she
wanted to share
one of her own.
the father
of her child
died when
she was 7.5 months pregnant.
fuck.
not another one.
we talked for
a bit and i told her
about all the wonderful
support i’ve gotten
via the blog,
friends, and family.
i gave her my
info and told her
to contact me if
she needed anything.
then i went back
to see the dr.
it was so nice to
visit with her
and show off
my beautiful baby.
i also got to show
madeline off to
the nurses and
some of the doctors
who checked on
liz
while she was
on bedrest in
the hospital.
i promised to bring
madeline back often.
i left the office
and knew what
i had to do.
i drove straight to
the bank,
withdrew $1000
from the lglm5k fund,
drove back up
to the doctor’s office
and gave it to the
woman who
knows my pain all
too well.
she thanked me,
but i told her to
thank all of you.
to date i’ve received
$3688.87 in donations
(still waiting on a few checks to roll in…i’ll share the updated amount asap).
from friends, family and strangers
alike and i
can’t think
of a better way
to use it.
the rest will
be distributed soon,
all of it going to
people facing similar circumstances.
after the second visit
to the doctor’s office
we went home
and took naps
then spent the evening
watching the dodgers
come within
one game of the nlcs.
a difficult day
but one that led
me up the path to
feeling better about
my life.
145 Comments
I love that the lglm5k fund ends in a “7!”
What a wonderful way to share the fund. You continue to amaze and inspire me. Very cool that you had a chance to take Madeline back to the doctor’s and show her off. It’s good to hear that you had some nice days.
Matt, I think you “chew” the food more than Madeline does! Each mouthful has you “eating” along with her. As they say in the MN, “oh fer cute.”
You’re rad. I wish my dad was as rad as Madeline’s dad…. thanks for keeping it real.
hi matt. i have never left a comment on your blog but was so touched by two things i read/saw tonight. one- the video of you feeding little madeline. it brought tears to my eyes- you are such a natural! watch the video and watch the faces you make- it is EXACTLY what i do when i feed my son.
the other thing- the fact that you gave a stranger $1000. that says a lot about you matt! you are so kind hearted and a wonderful person to the core. even though you aren’t a fan on palin i still love your blog and your little one! take care!
Matt, you’re amazing. Talk about paying it forward. I hope your week at work is going as well as can be expected. Thanks for the new pictures, she’s a doll!
Rosie
Wow, that’s an incredible thing to do for her!
Madeline has the sweetest baby fuzz, I just love it.
I am all teary eyed. You are so very awesome Matt and we all are so proud of you.
What a wondeful thing you did. It shows how wonderful people can be. I love ready your blog and watching your daughter grow more beautiful by the day. I hope going back to work went well and Madeline is liking daycare.
Not only are you an amazing dad, but you are an amazing person! Madeline is trully a lucky little girl. I am sure Liz is so proud of you both!
ok, can you get any better than you already are??? that’s totally awesome for what you did for that woman. bet she was shocked. the little cutie pie is sprouting some sweet fuzz!! you’re gonna have to learn how to do some braids soon!
I think that was a beautiful gift to give that woman! You have such a generous heart and I am amazed at your ability to remain open and loving in spite of such an excuse to become closed off. Must be that beautiful baby of yours. Her smile always brings one to my face. Thanks for sharing your life Matt.
For the first time in a while, I cried while reading today’s post. I’m newly pregnant myself, and suddenly, the thought of losing my husband terrifies me. I think you’re awesome for doing what you do.
P.S. I wanted to gag myself when Palin was talking too!
Really glad to hear that you found someone to help. That really makes my evening. ::awesomesauce::
Well, I know I’m not first… you’re just working and havent approved comments.
You’ve mastered the scrape and shovel method quite well after only the second time with solid food. Watching YOU was almost as entertaining as watching her. The faces we make when we’re trying to coax a child to open their mouth. The video also made me cry a bit as I remembered my own daughter having her first bites.
You’re doing a great job!! Robots for Obama!!!
Matt and Maddy,
First, I love the videos (especially the one of you feeding Madeline) and the pics of Maddy in the green shirt are awesome! She grows more beautiful each day!! I just love her!
Second what an wonderful way to share the lglm5k fund! It brought tears to my eyes. You are the kind of person I hope my daughter grows up to be.
Watching the “rice cereal” video made me realize how much of a blessing this blog must be for your families. How amazing is it that they get to witness so many of her daily experiences (accompanied by a soundtrack)…very cool!
Your video also made me cry. I wanted so badly for Liz to be there with you watching her little Maddy eat. You are doing her proud, glad our contributions are being used in such a generous way.
So cute. I am touched by your story and wanted to say that you are an amazing father.
As for the thing with your mouth while you are feeding. A lot of people do it, and even if you try to concentrate and not do it, you will. So cute though – she is a doll!
Palin makes my Madeline gag too…and she’s 6. It’s obvious that your daughter is your bright light — she’s obviously becoming one to your faithful readers. : )
A little tip: if you touch the tip of the spoon to your baby’s face, right underneath her bottom lip it triggers babies to open their mouths.
You are an amazing father! I hope this week is awesome for you and Madeline. Can’t wait for you to catch us up
Wow, I have the chills…paying it forward–one path to healing for sure. Thank you for inspiring me and others to do the right thing and care for other humans, to know that everyone is fighting some kind of battle…I just think it was fate that took charge of your day, putting it on your heart to go visit the doctor and then to encounter a fellow traveler on such a similar path. Keep doing exactly what you are doing…
It is so great to hear about the donations from the walk. So many people walked in honor of Liz and now it is so nice to see you take some of the proceeds of that and honor Liz by giving it to someone who has walked/or is walking the same road as you. Way cool….
Loved the video of you feeding Madeline. So nice of you to help her by showing her how to move her mouth. Seriously, it was so cute it brought tears to my eyes….
As always, thinking of you here in the mn and hoping that this first week back to work has been bearable for both you and Madeline.
I don’t know why I read your site. All I do is cry and cry and cry…then I obsessively check back 10 times a day to see when you’ve posted again. I think you are a great father and that you are doing such a great job with Madeline. You can see in her face that she was made from love and is being raised with love. You fucking rock.
Hi Matt!
The more I read the more addictive I get to your blog. I have faced challenges of my own and I just loved to see how you have turned such a big loss into something so positive. At the end I feel somehow Liz’s death brought so much to you, the sweetest most adorable daughter and the love from so many people. You really are not only one amazing parent but extraordinary person.
Oh well I just had to let those feelings out. On the other hand let me comment about you feeding Maddy. I love how us parents can’t keep our mouth close while we feed the kids, is like if we have our mouth wide open they won’t spill the cereal ;P Having all the cameras on was one cool idea.
Sorry if my english is not perfect (or good at all) I try my best, by the way I’m mexican, my hubby is american and we live in Michigan.
Mexicans for Obama!!!
2 things:
1. cried during the feeding video…loved it.
and 2. You are f’n awesome Matt. Really awesome.
Love the pics, videos and stories…happy you could help the woman at the clinic! When Madeline gets older and she starts she’ll do the same mouth movements…enjoy every second!
All I can say is Liz is smiling down on you.
Hope you’re having a good week back at work! Loved the vids!
I love the facial expressions. My husbad does the same thing, and no matter how much I mock him, he cannot stop. So great.
I bet going back to the hospital was hard, but I bet you’re glad you did it. I gave birth eight days after my dad died, and being back at the hospital was tough. As we were leaving, the elevator stopped at the 4th floor, the floor he’d been on. The tears came, and I did my best to hold them back, but I couldnt’ help but think he was getting on that elevator with us, and in a way it was comforting.
How wonderful of you to give the woman at the counter that money. The fact that you are helping people in similar situations is so admirable. Madeline has an outstanding role model.
You truly are an amazing person.
You truly are amazing and a wonderful guy. I know i have said this before but im sorry such a shitty thing happened to you with losing Liz, but just know you are doing an awesome job raising Madeline.
You might not have seen my question before but i wanted to know what address i can send you stuff for Madeline.
Echo everyone who thinks you are amazing. I am so glad that you gave that nurse some of the donations! Though I must say the 87 cents has me head scratching lol.
Keep on Matt. We are all thinking of you.
As for Palin, we in the NY Metro area have a radio station WPLJ that has a contest now called Pailin or Fey, where callers have to guess which one of the clips they just played. Its fucking hilarious how dead on Fey is that most everyone is just doing a coin toss guess. Also disturbing that her “parody” is pretty much word for word.
@ Colleen, there is the address for the Logelin Memorial fund at the top of the page where you can send stuff. Also a link of how to get in touch with Matt.
Perfect…you, Maddy, the check for the lady, you chomping on the video…all perfect!!!
What is not perfect are the songs on those stupid bouncy seats. Ours is pretty damn annoying, and even worse when my older two sing along with it. Too bad you can’t upload your own music on those things!!
I meant my husband, not my husbad. Or did I…
Matt, I just got chills over my whole body when I read that–and a huge lump in my throat. Liz’s legacy is being shared, and it’s just awesome. Thanks for your thoughtfulness. As Jocelyn said, Madeline has a wonderful role model in you! Hugs…
Thanks Melissa
I LOVE what you did with the money. I’m sure you changed her life with that moment of kindness. Those photos of Madeline are beautiful. She is so photogenic!!!
you are such a good example to all of us.
Palin has that exact effect on me too , go figure , hey I am Canadain I can say that from way over here right.
Oh and when people have ugly babies people say to them “look at him” or “oh look how big she is ”
your baby is a beauty .
Thank you for sharing Madeline’s milestones with us creeps. Thank you for being such a great example (whether you want to be or not). Thank you for reminding me to continue to strive to be a better person. Finally, thank you for making me cry due to your kindness….you rock!
Amy from Louisville in the KY
You are truly amazing… what a wonderful thing you did…
What a tremendous way to ‘pay it forward’, Matt. My company just did an event called “What if…?” What if you were given $10? What would you do for someone else? (http://www.7principles.coop/)
It’s incredible to hear how people want to give back to the community & how you gave (a huge sum) to someone else.
Awesome. So so awesome! I love it!
and for the ugly babies… I bet they hear a lot of, “what a cute outfit he/she has on.”
What a great post, Matt!
First, Madeline seems to get cuter and cuter with every picture and post.
Second, I am so impressed and inspired by you. Not only did you have the courage to follow your gut and visit the doctor’s office, but then you went a step further and gave to another human being.
What a wonderful thing…
That video is hilarious, you are so adept at “air chewing” . and Madeline is so stinkin cute I can hardly stand it, I swear she gets cuter by the day! Gives me serious baby fever. That was so sweet of you to give the money to that lady, I am sure she was shocked as hell.. you are just an amazing guy.
Such a sweet way to share the fund. I have to tell you , the maddy eating video is awesome, must be the music , or your tender touch or all of it. Brought tears to my eyes.
Matt: I had to laugh when I saw your mouth working while you were feeding Madeline! I did that with all my kids, and just the other day did it with my grandma! (she fell, broke her leg, 93 years old, needed a little help eating) So you’re not alone in that.
Awesome on the gift to the gal in the doctor office. What a perfect way to honor Liz.
I was in Wisconsin the other day and saw something that you would’ve appreciated. A huge, pink elephant wearing glasses. It was right outside the gas station we stopped at. Right away I had my husband take a picture of me with it! I’ll email it to you. I thought of you right when I saw it.
I hope work is going well!
Karin
(we met at Calhoun for the run, I’m the one that lives by Grandma Broccoli…)
Awesome Matt
So excited about all of this!
I am glad to see I was not the only one to cry over Madeline being fed. I felt like such an asshat. You looked so happy and sad at the same time. Madeline is head over heels about her daddy. You are a pretty awesome man.
Matt,
I have been reading your blog for awhile now, but I never felt I had anything worthwhile to say in a comment. I have lost a father but have never lost a spouse, so I can’t know your pain… I cannot imagine how devastating this loss must be.
I do want to tell you I am grateful for your words on this amazing blog and can see that you recognize the blessing that your daughter is even in this tremendous pain (she’s absolutely beautiful).
I am glad that you are finding your way to feeling better (as much as is possible with the loss of someone you loved so much). May your daughter continue to bring you peace in the pain and comfort in the challenges…
Ugh I’m here crying my eyes out! That is so amazing what you did for that Lady! I love the videos and pics of Maddy.
Matt,
You looked so comfortable with all the cameras I thought maybe you were getting ready for a new reality tv show! I do that same thing with my mouth when feeding the babes! Thank you for doing what you did with the memorial funds! I love it! This is what life is about supporting and caring for those around us. You are a great role model. I am happy to be a part of what you are doing.
Matt, this is my first time posting a comment on your blog, although I have read every single entry, some of them twice. You are an amazing father. You are a phenomenal person. Madeline is the second-most gorgeous child ever (second to my own daughter, of course). I hope that your first week back at work has been not horrible.
You are a good man. Way to pay it forward.
Matt,
I don’t believe I have ever posted before, but I found you through the Storked! website via Glamour. I have been following your story for awhile now, and I cannot imagine how you do it! I just hope that someday I can be as good a parent as you are. You are making us all so proud of you! Madeline is beautiful!
Wow! just wow!
I’m sure she appreciated the gift as much as you have appreciated all the wonderful help you have received.
Matt,
You are so awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Take care,
Debbie
I always open my mouth when I feed my baby…
Your gesture was so lovely that I’m choked up and at a loss for words. The world needs more people like you walking around. As always, thank you for sharing such meaningful stories, as well as your beautiful moments with Madeline. Checking in with your blog has become a part of my daily routine.
I love it when my kids learn to do something new!
With toys that repeat the same things over and over again, it is amazing how I’ve learned to just tune those out! Hahaha I loved the video you put together of her eating her solids. You both look like you had fun! I do the same thing when feeding my children. Well I did it for my daughter when she was that age, and now that my son is two months old, I find myself opening my mouth when I want him to open his mouth for his bottle! My husband does the same thing. All parents do it! 
I got a kick out of your debate video! Too funny!! And Madeline is just getting soo adorable! My daughter (who will be two this sunday!!!) and I love to come on here and see new photos and videos. She always points and goes “look mama baby!”
I am so happy to hear about how you helped that woman. I’m so happy to know that you are paying it forward. You are a very generous kind hearted person! Madeline is so lucky to have you as her father!
I hope this first week back at work is going well for you and Madeline. *HUGS*
What a absolutely wonderful gesture/thing for you to do for that woman. I really enjoyed enjoyed video of Madeline eating her solids – sooo cute! She seems to enjoy them thus far!
Just wanted to say again – you are doing one hell of a job!
Great videos to watch tonight…wonderful thing you did for that lady and her baby.
And THAT Matt – is why everyone not only thinks, but knows, that you are fucking amazing. How fantastic for you to make that single mother’s day by dropping by with a wad of cash. Words cannot describe how awesome that is.
Hope the first week back and work is falling into place ~ xoxo – darcie
What a great gift! Way to go on planting more seeds in the Garden of Awesome.
Matt,
How sweet of you to donate the money to that woman. Madeline is such a cutie…she really does bring joy with her loveable smile. And as for ugly babies..people would probably say, “Aww bless his/her little heart.” Not that I would. I think all babies are cute! And I totally agree with how Maddie feels about Palin. LOL
Reading that you gave $1K to a virtual stranger is the first time I’ve cried reading this blog since the beginning.
Thanks for sharing the love, passing it on. You made her month.
Heh. Palin. I’m going as Palin for Halloween. Maddie would approve.
well done, well done.
::awesomesauce::
First, I make the same faces when I am feeding Zoe – she is 10 MONTHS old – so doesn’t need my help anymore – I am even aware that I do it and can’t help it!
Second, if the world had more Matt Logelin’s it sure would be one heckuva place to be. You are amazing! In the face of adversity you have shown what it means to be an extraordinary human being. And you are a great parent on top of it. You should be so proud of yourself. The legions of people that you inspire and encourage every day is a real testament to the man you are, as well as to the woman that Liz was.
I know that my life and my daughter’s life is forever touched in a way that is hard to put in to words just simply for knowing who you are.
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing life and amazing women with us.
Take care, hope the week has treated you both well.
Jen and Zoe
haha I am one of these republican folk, but with a sense of humor, and who also gets twitches at Palin’s voice at times
Love Madeline’s dress when she is sitting in her pink prison, and this may be bad, or sad, or good, or all the above
but your daughter strikingly resembles your wife right now. So Beautiful
and I didnt even mention the money thing – but you know.
AMAZING
You’re such a good father, such a good person. Breaks my heart and gives me hope at the same time. Thank you for continuing to share your story!
Asalamalaykom,
Not to take away from you winning, “The Greatest Person on the Face of the Earth,” award but I think we both know that you weren’t the originator of the gift giving. I don’t even mean those who donated money. Nope. The real person who gave everything they had was Your Liz. She started this in motion by giving the world Miss Madeline. She gave everything she had and did so with love.
How many of us give and then hate what we’ve done or who we’ve given to? We really think we gain more by holding onto what isn’t ours. In reality, we become much more blessed by letting our blessings go.
So, the flow begain with Your Liz, then Miss Madeline gave to you, then you gave to us, then (some of) us gave to the fund, then the fund could give to the receptionist. Whew! Going with the flow rocks! It means that someone in Germany or Argentina helps a woman in California they never met. It means that lives change for the better and love never dies as long as it’s passed on. Alhumdulillah.
Matt-
I have read your blog for quite some time, and you never cease to amaze me. I just broke down in tears after reading about you helping the receptionist in a similar situation. It truly takes a special human being to give while in the midst of grief yourself.
Madeline is a beautiful little girl and has a great role model.
You are in my thoughts!
Matt,
I have to say that I have been a “creeper” for way too long and this post got to me. You are an amazing person, and I can tell you are a great father! I’m glad that you want to help other parents out. I’m anxious to hear about how the first day back to work went, I’m sure not easy. If you ever want to visit the Kansas City, MO, please get in touch with me, I would love to meet you.
You are awesome and so kind for doing that for that mom.
wonderful videos, gorgeous pix, and a beautiful story to share your kindness.
Madeline is so lucky to have you. I love how her face lights up when she sees you.
I’ve been thinking about you both a lot this week. I hope all is going well at work and day care.
You just made me think of my old neighbor. WHAT A KICKASS GESTURE! You have no idea if that woman needed it badly or if it came at a good time for her, etc…You are a KICK ASS PERSON.
My old neighbor had a miscarriage & then they finally got pregnant again. She was just a few months pregnant when he was killed in a freak accident. He was hit by a train. She went to the funeral and straight to bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy due to the stress she was close to losing the baby. She went on to have a healthy baby boy and named him after his father. I am saying a prayer for her tonight because I never saw her again after he died. She moved to her mom’s and put their home on the market for sale. She never even packed up their stuff. Her brother told me that the father’s boots were still sitting at the foot of the bed where he left them. Ugh, now I want to go cry and thank God for my husband.
You are killing me Matt !
AND GOOD GRIEF Maddie is getting more and more beautiful! You are doing such a great job. LOVED THE FREAKIN VIDEO!
Matt ~ I think you are an amazing father… Your video made me cry. The way you are with your beautiful daughter makes me strive to be a better mother to my son. You are an inspiration, truly.
Thank you.
Well done you.
…and well done Madeline’s insanely fluffy head ;0)
Matt,
What an incredible gift you gave. If everyone would think a little more like you, this world would be a better place.
Also, you know that it is a scientific fact that you can not feed a baby without opening your mouth too! Congrats on the solid food!
You are good people, Matt.
That debate video was fucking awesome.
Matt, I can’t get enough of looking at videos of beautiful Madeline!! Soooo cute! What an awesome, awesome thing you did for that woman, and I’m sure taking that step to going to the doctor’s office was huge for you. AWESOME!!!!
::awesomesauce:: indeed.
Opps, forgot…. sorry Matt, but GO PHILLIES!!!
haha! great video of Madeline and the debate.. so so so true… i have the same response when she speaks… giving that donation to the woman at Liz’s OB-GYN was perfect. I hope she reads your blog.. if you do we’re here for you to!!
hugs from nj,
erica and Landon
Many times I have been tempted to leave a message but don’t because so many have already said what I want. I read a lot because I have a baby the same age, but also because I am encouraged and warmed by the love and fortitude you have to be such a good father in such a rotten situation. The video of you feeding her made me smile and want to cry all at the same time…you are so gentle with her and she looks at you in a way that is different from the way babies look at people. I have four daughters and let me tell you that what I look forward to most everyday is seeing them with their Dad who they adore more than life itself. She may look like your beautiful wife initially but she definitely has you in her too. You are doing an amazing job.
The best of luck to your family!!!
Matt, I’m so touched by what you did for the lady in the dr’s office. Damn you for making me cry at my desk! Like I’ve said before, you’re a good man Matt!
Matt, not only are you an amazing father, you are an amazing person. Hope work is going well. take care
Those videos were brilliant. Yeah you look like a bit of a tool opening your mouth (thanks for the laugh) but you’re so damn right, I did it when I fed my son and I was probably doing it watching Madeline eat. You’re a great dad!! You’re also clearly raising her to recognise rubbish when she hears it – if gagging on your finger when Palin speaks was an option I’d take it too.
Great job on the fund! Good luck on the radio show. Can we tune in abroad? Will check the site out.
And
this post made my day. thanks to you and madeline!
Crying in my keyboard….again….and I’m sure people are starting to wonder why I am often so upset! Great post today. You were in the right place at the right time to meet the right person for sure…..and you did what was right…..and somehow it made you feel more right about your life. Okay……I’m babbling as usual. But I want to thank you for helping out another fellow human being on your path. I know what it’s like to be a single mother, and I am SURE that that $1,000 felt lie 1,000,000 in her pocket. Today you have touched my heart. I need to find some good deed to do today : )
Hugs,
Stranger/relative,
Barb
Madeline is a pro at eating already, she is definitely ready.
…oh and by the way, I am crying at my desk right now.
i, too, cried for the first time in a bit while reading. so many reasons, but all due in large part to what yosra explained so well – Liz’s love and yours started all this. proud to be a (small) part.
love the videos, your gift to the stranger, your continued strength and grace.
hope the week has gone well – tomorrow is finally fucking friday!
Love seeing the videos of Madeline!! I bet she’s getting the hang of it already – she was doing great with it a week ago!! And you are so not alone with the mouth movements…my boys have been eating cereal/fruits/veggies for 3 months now and I STILL do that with my mouth sometimes!!!
Been thinking of you both a lot this week and hoping the transition back to work hasn’t been horrible…for either of you!!!
What do people say to parents of ugly babies?
“Awwww… cute shoes!”
At least, that’s what *I* say…
yep, the world needs more people like you.
quite something to read this first thing in the morning and get all choked up by a stranger.
Have a great day and let us know how the return to work has been. I’ve been wondering.
This Republican has a since of humor and was laughing pretty damn hard during the video. I think Palin’s voice does have a tendency to make you either want to gag or cringe.
Glad it sounds like you survived the first day of work and daycare drop off. It does get somewhat easier but 2 months into the daycare thing there are mornings like today where I don’t want to give up my babe because she is so happy, smiling at me and I don’t want to miss a moment.
You da man!
You never cease to amaze me, Matt. What a way to turn your pain into joy for someone else.
I can’t wait to watch the videos when my boss isn’t here to hear it!
As much as I wish you had no real reason to ‘pay it forward’, it’s awesome that you can, and do.
If only everyone would.
Your little girl gets more beautiful by the day, and her eyes are like shining little lights when she smiles. Those photos of her are priceless…she’s a natural for the camera…must be genetic or something.
You never cease to amaze me as to what you do. I’ve been reading your blog for a couple months now and I truly enjoy seeing both you and Madeline grow together.
Watching the video of you feeding Madeline brought both smiles and tears. I have a son about Madeline’s age and I wished I would have captured his first time on video cam.
Anyways, I hope you return to work is a smooth one and I’ll definitely keep on reading.
Matt, thank you for sharing a bit of your life, Madeline’s life and Liz’s life with us; in doing so you have touched and changed so many of us for the better.
you are amazing….
That was a wonderful way to share the fund and Maddy IS so cute!
I have never left a comment on here before but like many or all of the people who have
, I was deeply touched my your act of kindness. I am inspired. Thank you for sharing so many stories and pics of your beautiful baby girl.
Now, Matt, doncha go razzin’ me for bein’ annoyin’.
You and I, we’ve got far too much in common for that, what with us both bein’ such mavericks and knowin’ the joys and sorrows of bein’ a parent and all.
(Say, how ’bout gettin’ your employer to pay you a per diem to work at home? Worked for me!)
As for givin’ $1,000 to a stranger just because you could…in the name of Jesus, are you fuckin’ nuts? Donate it to our campaign and we’ll let you write some legislation…
Toodles!
She is so aborable….and did i just see Sarah Palin comment on here….ahhhh run run for the hills….oh wait that is where she is from….run the other way run the other way!
Matt God Bless you for giving to others in the same boat. You are a great role model!
I can’t help watching and thinking how excited Liz will be when she sees how you have documented everything for her while she has been away. Then I realize that she won’t get to see this, that she isn’t coming back. I don’t know her or you and that precious baby, but I mourn her for you each time I read and remember that she won’t get to “make up” for lost time by viewing your videos and reading your blog. I’m not sure why I felt the need to share this with you, but as a new mom myself it makes me think that if I weren’t around I would want my husband to document everything, too. I guess I just wanted you to know that another “mom” out there is thinking of you and your little miracle and wishing you the best. Take Care!
Props to you Matt for being so generous and giving that single mom money from the fund. Time to go donate now
Major hugs to you and Madeline…I hope your first week back at work and her first week in daycare are going splendidly!!!
Oh yea…I think we all die a little inside when Palin speaks. So, so wrong.
Okay, first of all – MAN you have a beautiful daughter. You wondered what people said to parents of not-so-cute kids – I think they just don’t say anything. When my daughter was born her eyes were SOOO blue – any time we were out in public at least 3-4 people would mention them every single time. Within a year or two, her eyes got less blue and people stopped noticing. I remember realizing one day at the grocery store that nobody had stopped to comment on her eyes and I was all sad.
In the first video – at the end did Madeline fill her diaper? She had that look in her eyes.
Hope work is going okay.
@Sarah Plain: BWAHAHAHAHAH!
Hello Matt—-The video of you feeding Madeline made me smile and cry, especially with the music in the background. It was so moving to see you be in that moment with your daughter. It’s the ittle things….. Once again, your awesome! Oh yeah, GO DODGERS!!!! Take Care!
Great job!
I just love reading your blog. You continue to inspire me and make me smile on a regular basis. I can’t wait to get home from work so I can watch the video.
I think it’s awesome that you’ve been able to help others in similar situations so quickly.
Madeline really is cute. When people don’t have cute babies, the comments they get are like these: “Aren’t babies so much fun?” or “she looks just like you!” just kidding. I made myself laugh.
Matt,
You are doing a great job. I am a single mom-my son does not have his father in his life. The work is hard-but the rewards are abundant. I know you get that—it is obvious from your blog. Keep up the good work.
Denise & Josef
regarding the question you posed at the beginning of this post:
when parents have an ugly baby you say,
“oooh! he/she’s so sweet!”
and smile. a lot.
I’m a cynical newspaper editor from New Jersey and I suspect most people are pulling some kind of scam. I don’t like other people’s children and sometimes I dislike my own.
But your story made me cry. Damn you.
Oh yeah, Madeline’s pretty cute, too. Double damn you.
Man, I’m ready to burst into tears at my desk. The kindness you showed towards that woman in the doctor’s office, it really touched my heart. And I loved watching the video of you feeding Madeline, too precious.
I cried watching you feed her. The look in her eyes at her beloved Daddy made me melt. The love in your eyes at your daughter is beyond words. I’ve told you this before, you are amazing.
My son had fluffy hair like that. It’s one of the things I miss the most from his babyness!
She will NEVER forget you and your kindness. Many blessings to you and the freaking adorable Madeline.
Ok, I just finished watching the feeding video. Fucking awesome. She’ll get the hang of it soon. As everyone else has said, you really are doing an incredible job with Madeline. Your bond with her is truly something to be cherished. I hope you had a great day today (and Madeline too!).
long time reader, first time poster.
1. madeline looks so much like liz, especially when she smiles. she is gorgeous.
2. the rice cereal video was adorable and the palin video hilarious!
3. it was so wonderful of you to give $1k of the lglm5k money to the widow at the dr’s office. you’re awesome.
AMAZING! She is an amazing baby! The feeding video is my fave, the music is awesome, her face and yours are beautiful! Amazing that a blog can make me cry. I swear it’s not PMS. It’s what you did there at the doc’s office. Just incredible. I dunno if I would have the strength to turn my grief into something positive at all. Sure we all do what we have to in the moment. However, I think I’m more of a close the bedroom door and don’t come out for days at a time kind of person.
Matt –
Good evening. Madeline is a cutie. Go Barack! You paying it forward with the young lady at the doctor’s office was very special. When I donated I thought what differnce will $7 make but when it all comes together it makes a profound difference to the blessed recipient. You go boy, you did good. Go Barack! LOL!
I check your blog almost every day and I always think two things: you are inspiring and Madeline’s eyes look just like Liz’s. God Bless.
I had to stop watching. I couldn’t stop crying. I just kept watching you laugh and smile, but I just felt that something was wrong. Liz wasn’t there. I don’t believe in God or heaven, but part of me wants to think that she knows what is happening. She would be so proud. I’m sure she was always proud of you. People don’t just find compassion like you have overnight. You were able to help someone else in need, and us creepy stranger friends are here to help you.
Sending a hug your way from the CT.
first, let me say that what you did for that woman was wonderful. Second…Madeline is getting some pretty awesome hair going there. She IS cute, so people are going to tell you that a LOT…enjoy it! I think people who have less attractive children, just don’t get compliments much.
Third, you did a wonderful job with her feeding, and I was impressed by her willingness to eat her food! My kids were all so bewildered during their first solid attempts, so she really did well!
“(what do people say to parents who have ugly babies?).”
That’s not something you’ll ever have to worry about, with your beautiful baby!
Madeline is such a good little eater. I kept waiting for the “Nummy, Nummy, Num” bit, or “airplane” with the spoon, but it wasn’t even needed. Such a fun video!
matt…i am inspired by you everyday…you are doing amazing things…in the memory of your wife and for your beautiful, and i mean beautiful, daughter.
love, love, love the way you have captured madeline’s 1st solids. she will love it when she’s older.
take care.
Matt, I check in on your blog almost daily, and your strength and compassion for others never fails to amaze and inspire me. What a wonderful way to share the fund! Madeline is absolutely gorgeous, and I love watching her grow and her many firsts!
your kindness just inspired me to be stronger in this fucking hard journey that I understand all too well. people tell me I’m an inspiration for what I am going through, I think I get it now.
great job with the solids!! she will be eating cheerios and gold fish before you know it.
Matt – what a wonderful entry and some wonderful videos. I loved the music to her eating cereal. What was that? Did I tell you already that because of you I bought that Wilco and Bill Bragg Mermaid Avenue? This is a huge step for me since I am pretty much a Justin Timberlake – Britney Spears gal with a little Pearl Jam mixed in to keep me grounded. And I love it.
Other than that, madeline is beautiful and sweet as ever. Take care!
People tell parents of ugly babies that they have “nice personalities.”
You never cease to amaze me. I was checking out your blog before I retired to bed and I am glad I did as I missed this one. And the video was adorable. Even though I am in the same boat with Sam, watching you document these milestones melts my heart. So stinkin’ sweet. You and Madeline make one hell of a team. She’s soooo beautiful and happy and you are a very beautiful soul!! Such a wonderful friend to others!! thank you~ you are such an inspiration!!
You are in a word Awesome!!! I have been so touched by you! I’m not a single mom the way most are but at the moment my husband is deployed and I’m on my own for 12+ mths. It’s hard as hell him being gone but reading your blog and seeing how you deal with so much more I have to thank you for this blog!!!
You’re doing great Dad. Madeline is so beautiful, and right on about Palin. She has grown so much, Madeline of course, obviously not Palin.
I’m overwhelmed by your generosity.
Again, another comment (I haven’t had the net for a while and am just catching up). Sitting here crying my eyes out with the vid of you feeding her. It’s so natural to work your mouth…my mom kids me all the time that she can’t wait to watch me go through that with my daughter. We’ve all said it so many times before- Maddy has a damn great dad.
Catching up on you blog here… loved the 2nd attempt at solids video… as I’m watching it and giggling… my 2 year old Ellie comes over to watch too. I told her, this is Madeline and she’s learing to eat solid foods. Ellie looked at me and said, “me like her.” Don’t ya wish we all had the love and acceptance of a 2 year old?!
Couldn’t agree with you more on the Palin topic… scary scary thought… her running this country. ((shuddering))