last week was
a quiet one.
with a busy
week behind us and
two very busy weeks
to come, it was necessary.
plus it rained in
the la for much
of the week so
it was no fun
to be out on
the town.
maddy was less
than thrilled.
mornings were spent
modeling some new outfits.
outfits that
finally fit her.
(holy shit…she’s getting so big).
she also worked
on perfecting her
sitting and reaching technique
k
(she doesn’t even tip over when i try to get her to do so! i guess she has discovered her balance).
we spent most of
the days wrapping
things up at work
and daycare.
and maddy spent a
night playing
with some of
my records
and talking away
part of the
week was devoted
to both of
us getting over our
latest round of colds.
(i’ve never been as sick as i have been over the past few months thanks to my little germ spreader bringing all sorts of nasty daycare colds home to me).
there was an
evening of dinner
with laura at that
restaurant on 3rd st. that
liz
loved.
and an evening
spent with k8 and
some of her creepy
friends at the polish
restaurant in my neighborhood.
the ladies molested
my robot.
while maddy slept in
her car seat.
as if one night
of pierogies wasn’t
enough, we ended
up back at
the polish restaurant
later in the week
with bob, anna
and auntie anya.
after dinner that night
maddy, with
a little help
from auntie anya,
opened up
the gift that bob
and anna brought over,
her first of
the holiday season.
consider it practice
for the dec. 24th & 25th.
maddy spent an
evening going absolutely
nuts in her bouncer
which made me
smile like
liz
used to,
which was great
’cause the early
part of that day
was really
fucking hard.
i took maddy to
the same christmas
tree lot we went
to last year.
she helped me
pick out a tree,
something i always
hated doing when
liz
was here.
but i had
to do it.
i know this would
have been a really
exciting time
for us, maddy’s first
christmas, but it
just doesn’t seem
real, doesn’t seem
right without
her.
this year we
did’t buy the biggest
tree on the lot,
but i know that
liz
would have been proud
that i actually went
out during one of
the busiest shopping
days to buy one,
without her pushing me
to do so.
decorating the damn
thing was a whole
different story.
i went to a few places
and picked up
some ornaments.
and over the past few
weeks i’ve been
buying ornaments
at random places i’ve
visited with madeline,
so we can
continue the tradition
that we had.
there was no
way in hell i
was going to dig out
all the ornaments we
collected over 12
years of christmas.
i just couldn’t do it.
someday.
they’ll be there in
the garage, waiting
for madeline.
so one night,
after a holiday
party at the home
of auntie angels fan,
and after the tree sat on
the porch for a few,
i finally found
the will to
put the fucker up.
maddy watched as i
put the tree into
the stand and
covered the tree in lights.
i learned that
waiting until the
last minute to buy
tree-decorating items
is not a good idea.
we visited 5 different
stores and came away
with the last box
of lights in the la,
the lights that look like a
small net, normally used
to cover a small bush.
(thankfully i bought that tiny tree).
i also was unable to
find the little ornament hooks,
so i had to buy
some wire and make
my own.
madeline stared
at me as i cut
the wire and hung
the ornaments on the tree.
for someone who
hates christmas, i am
certainly doing a
lot of work.
and i actually
loved doing it,
’cause i know
that this is what
liz
would have wanted.
so this is how
things ended up:
maddy was thrilled
with the lights
and pretty damn excited
to start tearing
into another gift.
there were no
christmas carols playing in
the house.
instead we listened
to that arthur russell
album that has
been stuck in
my head for weeks.
as it turns out,
maddy loves christmas.
and i suppose
things are not so bad.
there was this:
then a few
attempts at a
family photo
monday we went
to work/daycare
and got home early,
leaving us plenty of time
to pack for our
trip to the mn.
of course, we
didn’t do it.
maddy decided she wanted
to stay up that
night, preventing me
from getting
anything done.
i gave up,
and we both
went to sleep around 11:00.
woke up early on tuesday
and maddy slept until
8:00, giving me time
to pack up
both of our suitcases.
our ride arrived at
8:30 and we
were off to the airport.
she had a bottle
and promptly passed out.
the flight was great…
madeline was happy as
hell and slept for part
of trip.
she woke up
just before we landed.
after landing we
sat on the tarmac
for 45 mins.
it was okay though, ’cause
i was able
to keep her happy
by simulating her bouncer.
(my arms are a little tired now).
we got off the
plane and found
the g. grandparents and
awesome auntie deb
waiting for us.
we got our
luggage and headed
to their house.
lindsay stopped by
and we hung out for awhile
until aj, sonja
and baby emilia arrived.
maddy finally met
her bff
i said to sonja,
“i don’t remember my child ever being that small!”
and she reminded me
that maddy was half
that size.
she was right
and i shook
my head in disbelief.
later, madeline demonstrated some
genuine empathy when
her best bud started crying.
(deb said, “congratulations…your daughter is not a sociopath.”).
later we played
some rock band.
the colianni family left
and we spent sometime
staring at my baby.
eventually it was time
for bed.
i had a hard time
finally falling asleep.
this week is gonna be
a real bitch.
we’ve got some
9 month anniversaries
coming up here on
the 24th
and 25th,
one great,
one more awful than
anyone can possibly imagine.
but i’ll focus
on the positive
and do what we
would have done if
liz
were standing here with us…
make this the best
fucking holiday possible.
for madeline.
100 Comments
She is getting so big! It’s amazing, isn’t it? Good job with the tree – I laughed out loud about the net lights and making your own ornament hooks! It looks amazing (and I’ve got to admit, the net lights is a damm good idea). Merry Christmas!!
I absolutely LOVE the picture of Maddy and your tree. You have done a GREAT job of making her 1st Christmas wonderful. Of course she likes the season…her Mama wouldn’t have had it any other way. You are going to find a whole new joy each year with Maddie. The parent/Santa role is better then anything else you can do!!! Have a wonderful Christmas here in the MN!!
Records??
Maddy was playing with your records.
She will be so far ahead of the rest in her generation just for knowing what a record is.
Kudos to you for teaching her such things…
Paul, Connor and I wish you a very Merry Christmas. Today will be full of awesome. Tomorrow will be tough, but you’re surrounded by people who love you, which will hopefully make it a bit easier.
Connor LOVES Christmas lights. When he starts to fuss and I can’t calm him, I put him in his swing facing the tree. He also loves going to look at lights, like at The Grove and The Americana. He also loves Christmas Tree Lane in the Pasadena.
Don’t forget to hit The Electric Fetus while you’re home. Stay warm!!!
Hugs!
E
Oh and next time you’re short on ornament hooks — paper clips work wonders!
happy christmas!
Thinking of the two of you during this tough holiday and not to help..having it on the 24 and 25th. She is with both you. Madeline is a doll.
Hugs.
I don’t know exactly how I found your blog but wanted to wish you and Maddy a Merry Christmas, and to let you know that a perfect stranger is thinking of you and hoping you get through this rough holiday alright…
Thinking of both of you, love reading your blog. I know this will be a difficult holiday/month, but you’re surrounded by people who love you =0) It’ll get easier soon. Your daughter is beautiful! (but you know that)
Your pictures of Maddy with the tree brought tears to my eyes. You are doing a wonderful thing keeping the tradition going. It will mean the world to Maddy when she can understand. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Merry Christmas! I know it will be extremely hard. Take it one minute at a time. Allow yourself moments to be happy and allow yourself moments to cry.
Happy Hanukkah to you and Maddy.
Merry Christmas from a MN stranger who has never written before, but checks in regularly. Even though you’re probably tired of receiving advice from strangers, I thought I’d pass along something I did when my oldest had his first Christmas. Instead of using the wire hooks for ornaments, buy a large spool of thin red ribbon. Tie a loop of ribbon on each ornament to use as a hanger. It stays on the ornaments from year to year, so you never have to look for hangers again, but it’s also safer for little ones. I think you are doing a fabulous job raising Maddy. She’s a beautiful little girl. You both are always in my prayers.
P.S The robot ornaments are AWESOME!
Oh, she’s just too sweet. I’m so sorry that Christmas day is always going to be a suck ass aniversary too. I’m glad you’re surrounded by family and that precious baby girl. You did great on the tree. Liz is proud of you! And I love seeing Maddie with her bow!
The tree is gorgeous! I think the net lights are perfect because the lights are closer together and it makes the tree really bright. I can’t believe you made ornament hooks! How fantastic!
Happy 9 month birthday to Maddy! and Merry Christmas to you and yours! I hope the holiday is a wonderful as possible. Thanks for continuing to share your and Maddy’s life with us. I know I’m not the only one who loves to see her beautiful smiling face.
Love the pic of you and Maddy in front of the tree.
This post just rips my heart out. I can’t even imagine how hard this week is going to be for you.
Hugs from CO~Z
Merry Xmas Matt & Maddy! Happy 9 mos Maddy! XO…love the pics! Maddy is so big! GORGEOUS! You should be so proud of yourself… you managed to put the tree up for Maddy and started your own traditions, something Liz would be so very proud of! take care ! XO
You’re a great dad! Maddy will always love the lengths you went to for her. Merry Christmas!
When I was little (soooo long ago) my mom would give us each a special ornament showing what was happening that year in our lives. Ex:dance lessons was a little ballet slipper, brownies, girl scouts, little cookie ornaments. When I discovered the phone and was forever on it, a little phone. Even as I got older, when I started my cleaning service, a little vacuum. You get the idea. She did the same for my son, and now my grandkids. Every year when I hang the ornaments, its a trip down memory lane. On her tree, are ornaments from every place we visited. Great way to make memories for Maddy.
(Sorry, hit “post” too soon). Maddy’s ornament for this year should be a plane with all the travelling she has done! And a snowflake for her 1st Christmas in the MN.
your tree is beautiful. Im sure Liz is proud of you
Merry Christmas to you and Madeline.
Wishing you ease through these couple days.
Beautiful tree, love the lights. I wish they made net lights for bigger trees!
You’ve done so well to keep up the traditions that you and Liz had before Madeline. Although these next few days will be hard, know that there are lots of us who are praying for you, and excited to see how you and Madeline are progressing.
Hard to believe Madeline was so small, but look at her now. Too soon you will have the joy (?) of running after her as she begins walking – running through the house. The fun begins!
Merry Christmas Matt and Madeline.
Blessings from Texas.
I’m in tears and laughing at the same time. My heart breaks for you and Maddy. But I can’t help but laugh at the wire hook and light netting story. There is no doubt that you’ll make this an amazing Christmas for Maddy.
I hope you both have a very Merry Christmas! Even though Liz isn’t there in person she is definitely there in spirit and I’m sure she is proud of all you have done to make this a great 1st Christmas for Madeline.
Happy 9 months Miss Madeline!!!
Merry Christmas to you and little Madeline! Sending lots of great vibes.
Matt, you are such an amazing person and doing such a wonderful job with sweet Madeline. I can’t get over how big she is getting and so pretty!!! I love her new clothes! Glad you are in the MN during the holidays near friends and family to support you. Just wanted to let you know I am thinking and praying for you from Dallas….
I seriously laughed out loud at the picture of Maddy passed out in the airport (what the heck was in that bottle?) and the comment from AA Deb. Wishing you and Maddy a Happy Christmas, and a new year filled with peace and love.
I love Madeline’s clothes.
Good luck tomorrow.
Hi Matt,
I just wanted to drop you and Maddy a note to wish you Happy Holidays.
Lauren told me how big she is getting.
I know that this is not the easiest time of year for you..but I see that you are doing a wonderful job in making Maddy’s first Christmas a great one.
God Bless to you both.
Myrna
I LOVE the tree! I would have never guess it was a net light! It looks sooo perfect!
Have a great and Merry Christmas despite the circumstances.
As a wife and mother, I know I would want my child to have a good christmas too, but I am sure Liz would want one for YOU too.
Lots of love
I hope you and Maddie have as merry of a Christmas as you can. I know today and tomorrow will be very hard. I commend you for getting a tree. I must admit I did not the first year after my husband died. The tree looks AWESOME!!!! Welcome to the world of no more presents for you, they only will be for Maddie now. Try to stay warm up there in the MN.
You are by FAR the most awesome fucking dad there is! Setting that tree up and I LOVE your idea on the net lights! Shit, that is as GOOD as the onsie over the pants! I may have to adopt this idea next year, makes on and off simple as hell!
Love the Maddy and Daddy shots by the tree and she is very good at unwrapping already. Such a beauty!!!
Have a great time here in the MN, the weather should warm up a bit, of course not LA Weather but for us it is better!
Merry Christmas and Happy new year you two!
Have fun with your family
Ah yeah, I could count the # of times on one hand that I had a stomach bug/colds pre kids….now, I could fill up fists.
Love Maddie’s new clothes!
You are doing a great job and doing all the rights things for Madeline.
I know the anniversaries are tough. Keep going for Madeline, she needs you too…
She has gotten so big!
Merry Christmas!
Wishing you and Maddie and your family the best possible holiday, even though I know it will be one of the hardest ever.
I was thinking a lot about you and Maddy this week when I realized the 24-25 combo was the holiday. Hopefully that will make the 25th a little easier having Maddy’s first Christmas to celebrate. You did an amazing job with the tree for her — she’ll have great memories of everything, thanks to you (and Liz, who I bet would have been proud to see what you’ve done).
First, I must say that I LOVE your tree. It’s adorable. The pictures of you and Maddy in front of it are precious.
I wish you the best for Madeline’s first Christmas. I know it will be so difficult for you and for your family. But know that you have many warm, wonderful thoughts and prayers headed your way. May the love of those that surround you make this day a little less awful.
P.S. Happy 9 month birthday Maddy!
Happy 9 months Maddy! The tree looks awesome! Love all the photos as usual! WIshing you and all of your family a Merry Christmas!
Take care,
Debbie
Matt, hang in there. The 26th is the one year anniversary of my dad’s death, and it sucks already. Having my kids so excited about Christmas helps take the focus off all the bad stuff that happened at this time last year. Know that many people are thinking of you, and you are blessed with that wonderful little girl, as well as many family and friends who obviously care a great deal about you, Liz and Madeline. Enjoy your time with your family.
Matt,
You crush me. Thinking of you and Maddy.
I love the photo of Maddy tearing into the big present… so stinkin’ cute! I hope you guys have a great holiday together! (And I bet Liz is thrilled with everything you’re doing to make Christmas so wonderful for Madeline.)
Merry Christmas! ~Lacey
I think your tree is beautiful. You are doing a great job, Matt. Thinking of you this week. Hang in there.
Hugs, and Merry Christmas to you both,
from Amy in Indiana.
No clue how I found your blog – but I just met and learned about the three of you in the time I *should* have been getting Christmas Dinner ready. You are truly captivating individuals and my outlook on life may never be the same.
I don’t know if I’ll have the courage to follow your blog – but I will remember this tragically beautiful love story for the rest of my life. The last moments Liz shared with you were of pure excitement and joy and I can only hope that I am so lucky when my time comes.
May you and Maddie – and your families – find as much peace and joy as is possible this holiday season..
You are just a lovely human being. And, excellent work on the tree.
Merry Christmas, both of you!
You did a great job with the tree! I love checking in and catching up with y’all. Maddy is a beautiful little baby girl…growing up so fast! Her new outfits rock!!
She is getting so big. It’s always amazing to see littler babies and realize how much your own has grown. Good luck over the next few days and let Madeleine do her magic when things get hard. By the way, that is the perfect tree. Merry Christmas.
::awesomesauce:: job on the tree. Will be thinking of all of you tomorrow. ((Hugs))
I am new to your blog, but the first day I found it, I read the entire thing. Yes, all of it. I think you are an amazingly strong person and the things you do for your daughter are amazing. She is blessed to have such an amazing father. It seems that you truly LIVE for Maddy, and its beautiful to see, and for you to share with us.
You are in my thoughts and prayers and I hate to think how hard this month is for you. Keep up the amazing job. I’m sure Liz is looking down on you smiling all day every day proud as hell. You’re doing a fabulous job.
may you be wrapped in blessings this difficult holiday. i hope that madeline’s joy will shine light into the darkest corners of your heart. you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. merry 1st christmas, madeline.
You’re the best Dad ever. Maddie is one of the cutest kids ever. And you are doing an awesome fucking job right now. dont forget it.
Try to have a good holiday. Easier said than done, I know. Lots of strangers will be out there thinking of you and wishing you both well.
Oh my god, Madeline looks HUGE next to Emilia. Yep, it is hard to believe that not too many months ago she was even smaller than Emilia is now.
My heart goes out to you and to Liz’s parents and sister. I can’t begin to imagine how challenging this next week will be. You are very amazing for doing all the stuff that Liz would have wanted.
Thank you for sharing Liz and Madeline with us. What a gift that we get to hear about the sparkling human being that Liz was….and now witness Madeline becoming her own little ball of sunshine and hope.
Hugs to you and yours!
you are a strong man. and your tree was fucking sweet
Happy 9 months Maddy! And Merry Christmas to all of you!
Wishing you strength for tomorrow. I know it wont be easy, but you will get through it. Maddy is there to help you!
Wishing you and Maddy peace, love and happiness over the coming weeks and months, Brightest Blessings to you both xXx
Merry Christmas Matt & Madeline! You’re in my thoughts and prayers today and tomorrow!
Hey Matt – Happy Holidays to you and the Little Miss – I know it’s not going to be easy but I’m proud of you for the way you’ve been jumping into this Christmas thing with both feet.
Hang in there man – Sending you love and hugs and all the positive thoughts I can muster!!
I’m thinking about you and Maddy, as I often do, though even more so today and tomorrow. ((HUGS))
(so what was in that huge box anyway)
Sorry to get all mushy, but… I FUCKING LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
Oh, and Stephanie — I hope you will have the courage to hang around! These two are an *awful* lotta fun to watch…
::kisses to maddy::
::air-kiss to matt::
::waves at Anna in the MPLS::
You are way more awesome than you give yourself credit for. Merry Christmas!
I hope that it is the best holiday possible for you and your family.
Merry Christmas to you and Maddy – we’ll be thinking of you.
I think it is wonderful that you are keeping ornaments of Christmas past for Maddy – one day she will love that you did that for her, and while it might be a very long time before you can break them out of their boxes, I am sure the stories that you can pass on of your Christmas’ with Liz will be treasured by Madeline when she is older.
god life sucks!!! i’m so sorry that your beautiful liz won’t be with you and the little cutie pie celebrating her first christmas. i wish there was something i could say or do to take some of your pain away. can’t believe how big she is getting! she seems to love ripping into the presents!! and where can I get a jumper like that for me?? looks like so much fun! merry christmas matt & maddy!!
“make this the best
fucking holiday possible.”
I get it Matt…I hear your words.
Can’t feel it though.
I thought I had some kind of handle on my grief from missing my late daughter this holiday season….I really freaking did!!
Then, this morning, my son (who is leaving tonight, meaning I spend the next ten days ALONE) said:
“Mom, I think the cat is dead.”
Sure as shit, he was right.
So now, I have my heart missing my daughter, my son leaving for the holidays, and a dead cat on porch.
Merry Fucking Christmas.
(Feels good to be able to able to speak the truth somewhere).
How, how, how…and why….I wonder?????
I want to jump, but then I remember I can’t even do that. I live on the ground floor for God’s sake.
Matt,
Merry Christmas, I know the day is going to stink, but you have the right attitude of spending the day as if Liz were with you, because she is with you and Madeline.
I can not believe Madeline is 9 months old!! She is getting big so fast!
Have fun in MN, enjoy spending time with your family.
What an awesome little tree! I love the robot ornaments! I saw some at Macy’s and knew that some how, some way, you were sure to have those.
) You are the best dad for making this a special first Christmas for Miss Maddie. Best wishes for what is sure to be a wonderfully, horribly, bittersweet holiday week.
Merry Christmas to you and Maddie from the sf area.
Matt, I’ve gotten to the point that I don’t cry anymore when I read your posts, but this one made me tear up. My heart aches for yo and Madeline during this time of year. I’m so glad you have wonderful family, and that you have such a great outlook for Madeline’s sake. I hope you guys make some wonderful memories this year and that 2009 will bring you some healing from the pain. Merry Christmas to you both!
so proud of you. so proud of the tree too. glad you are here. merry christmas to all of you. stay warm. thinking of you. let me know if you need anything. heart you both. xo.
Merry Christmas to Matt and Maddy. She is getting so big! I love the picture of her tearing into the big package and eating the paper.
Matt and Madeline
I wish you some sweet memories of Madeline’s first Christmas and for you to feel the love of people who care about you and think about you every day.
You are an amazing Dad. I consider you one of my heroes.
Peace.
Merry Christmas, Matt and Madeline! May Santa take excellent care of you both this year. Big hugs to you both!
Merry Christmas Matt and Madeline! Wishing you a great day surrounded by family and friends. Your family photos were so cute and your tree is GORGEOUS! Next year will you please come to VT and decorate mine?
::hugs::
<3 Hannah inthe VERMONT
PS Happy 9months Maddy!
Merry Christmas, Matt and Maddy! You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you survive all the cold and SNOW here in the Midwest. You both are truly a blessing to all of us, and Liz would be very proud of how special you are making Maddy’s first Christmas. God bless you both!
Dropping in to wish you lots of Christmas love!
Merry Christmas to you and Madeline! Wishing you a happy and peaceful holiday.
Jessica, Larry & Joey
What a great post, thank you. Love the family shot, too sweet. Liz wherever she may be must be so proud of you, you have done good Matt. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Happy 9 months to Maddy! The tree looks awesome – love the ornaments! You did a great job! Stay warm and Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family!
I love the tree, it looks simply….perfect! Madeline is gorgeous as usual, and just adorable! I know this is going to be a hard-as-hell holiday, but I feel sure Liz would be proud of how awesome you’ve done with everything. 1 more day to get through…just 1. Just remember, you’re doing wonderful things for your daughter, and the fact that your main focus in life is her, counts most. She’s better therapy than anyone could get anywhere!!!
Merry Christmas Matt….and a big Christmas hug from my family to yours.
Lisa, Dave, Alyssa, Lindsay, Jacob, and Emma
I have been following for awhile now, and it just seemed like the right time to drop a comment here.
May both you and Madeline make some happy memories during the holiday by putting one foot in front of the other (as you have already been doing for quite some time). The effort you put into decorating your tree is to be admired by anyone (wire – really?) and completely apparent that it was all done solely out of love for Liz and Madeline both.
Your strength is something to marvel at, and Madeline will absolutely have no doubt that she is loved more than anything by her father. I will be thinking about you both during the holiday and wishing you peace.
I’m thinking of you both today knowing that it’s going to be a tough one. I hope you find some peace and joy knowing you have so many people who care about you and a darling little lady to celebrate with (she just gets more precious every time you post!). Merry Christmas.
Matt you’re making amazing memories with Maddy. I know you wish (and we all wish for you) that things were different, but despite everything, you’re doing an amazing job. Tomorrow is probably going to suck….but just look at Maddy and her excitement and happiness, it’ll help.
Take care,
Rosie
You are doing such as awesome job Matt. You really should be so proud.
That tree is Gorgeous!
Maddy looks SO happy and the way she is looking up at you in your “family photo” made me smile wide.
MERRY CHRISTMAS to you both. Be strong and enjoy your sweet baby girl.
Merry Christmas Matt & Madeline!
I’ll be thinking of you guys and wishing you and your family the very best day possible.
::hugs::
Matt…I just know Liz is so very proud of you right now. The tree is beautiful and Maddy is obviously thriving.
I am so very sorry you are in such pain. I can tell from reading that you and Liz had a very special relationship and can’t begin to imagine how her absence makes you feel.
Wishing you peace of mind and heart…and maybe, just maybe a little bit of joy.
Your tree is beautiful, Matt. And I love the picture of Maddy looking up at you. Priceless!!
love the tree. the net lights look awesome. think you may be on to something there.
merry christmas.
Great pics, as always. We just finished setting up Santa’s gift at our house – Wii! No Rock Band, but we did get MarioKart, so I am sure the fun will promptly start at 7am!!
Good luck this week – sounds hoky, but I said a little prayer for you and Maddy at church tonight. I hope it can be the best fucking holiday possible!! Merry Christmas!
Madeline is getting so big! She’s precious. Bless you both, and all I want for Christmas is that fucking robot.
I wish those bouncers came in my size; Madeline looks like she is having the most awesome time in the history of the universe in that thing!
I can’t imagine how fucking hard these few days are going to be, but I am glad that you and Maddy are surrounded by people you love. Lean on each other and remember that sometimes, it’s okay to say “fuck the Christmas carols” and cry.
You did a great job with the tree, it looks lovely. Liz would have been proud of you I’m sure. Great picture of Maddy asleep.
Wishing you both well at this difficult time for you, and all the family. May you find strength in each other.
Your tree looks wonderful. I am sure that your wife Liz is very proud of how special you are making this time for Maddy. Merry Christmas!
Your Christmas Tree looks great. The pics are great as well, especially the ones with you and Madeline next to the tree… Take Care.
Your tree looks better than mine, I must say. Good work!
Love Madeline’s rockstar outfit. And even though I’m sorry she was sick, I’m glad we got video of those sneezes ’cause they are too damn cute!
Just dropping a note to let you know that this post was recognized on my blog for Mommy & Daddy of the Year! It’s just a silly little thing I like to do to recognize both the victories and not-so-victorious parts of parenting.
And in regards to your previous post, yes, it’s so awesome when they start talking! Mine girl is two and she cracks me up at least ten times a day! (Although a couple days ago, she told me I’m crazy, maybe talking’s not so hot afterall?)
Hope you and Maddy have a lovely New Year!
I’ve been lurking on your blog for months now, but never took the time to comment.
I haven’t checked in for awhile and just seeing the pictures of Maddie from Christmas… I had to write something! She is getting so big!
I hope 2009 is a year full of wonder and blessings for you and Madeline.
Matt and Madeline! The first Christmas and all the firsts…are indeed the most difficult of them all. I want to tell you that you are an inspiration to me and I hope that you got through this Holiday Season as best as possible. All the best, for sure in the health department, for you and your young daughter. Your Christmas tree rocks and yes, Liz, (even though I never knew her) would have loved you for it. All the best, Anja from Ontario, Canada.
I would like to let you know that I am deaf mother to 4 kids . I am only 36 years old in 1 more week . I was nearest to die during c-section with my fourth daughter . I got a People magazine and I just read about your story that make me a little crying because of your loss wife . It was so terrible about it . I wants to tell you that I will always praying for you and your daughter Madeline . She is so beautiful girl . I had the same color eyes and hair as her hair and eyes oh my gosh !! It is so beautiful . I hope you will understand what I am saying because I am being deaf . I had a long q-t symdrome and was nearest to die but doctors saved my life . I was scared to death . I am alive lucky but your wife always being with god . She is in our prayer . Hope you guys have a nice day and I will look at your post and comment how your daughter and you are doing . Smile !! My third daughter has brain tumors and cancer that she is only 8 years old , now . She got it when she was 1 year old . I found out from hospital . She is doing great and still alive . She is so smart just like your daughter , too . We love you , lots because I love to read your blogs . Let me know how your daughter and you doing , now !! God Bless You all , Jennifer
Im playing catch up with your blog and I love how you write out your life in real story versions. I think she looks like mommy a great deal….. love those big blue eye and blonde hair….just be ready, remember how you felt when you saw her mommy ….there are a ton of YOUS waiting their turn. heheheh
I love your attempts at trying to take a family photo…which looks like what I experience trying to get a good picture out of mine with our 9 month old…which is when I end up taking 50 and erasing 49 of them…thank goodness for digital cameras.
dude, i just found your blog a couple weeks ago and just wanna say i think you’re freakin’ awesome! maddy is freakin’ awesome! the robot rocks, i love it! you make me laugh and cry. dangit, i just think you’re cool.