sorry for the lack of updates…we’ve been a little busy lately.
since the last update we’ve been to nyc and back, then i was off to nashville and back (maddy stayed at home with liz’s parents), and now we’re in nyc again telling our story and most importantly, doing a little promotion for the the liz logelin foundation (more on that soon).
madeline is exhausted:
in the mean time, here’s a little message from the creeps re: fundraising efforts for the the liz logelin foundation
the $7 on the 7th campaign is an easy way to make a big impact.
by donating $7.00 to the liz logelin foundation on the 7th of every month, you are helping provide financial assistance to families as they deal with the loss of their loved ones.
in light of the country’s current economic crisis, $7 on the 7th is an easy, affordable way to impact the families of widows and widowers in a positive way.
thank you.
donate now to the liz logelin foundation, $7 on the 7th campaign.
86 Comments
She is adorable. Thank you for your incredible story! I have learned so much from both out you and I am so very thankful.
Hi Matt,
I just wanted to let you know that your story is so inspiring to me. I read about you in People magazine and my heart broke for both you and Madeline. Your story is one of both sorrow and joy and seeing pictures of Madeline makes me positive that Liz was a wonderful woman…the more pictures you post the more she looks like Liz, it’s wonderful.
Anyway, I guess I’m just thanking you for inspiring us all and being the wonderful Father that Liz knew you would be all along.
Again…you amaze people daily. Thanks for the update and take care! Your article in People was recently the talk of the family dinner table…and everyone loved that I could fill them in. SOOO glad I have followed you from the beginning. Maddy is getting so big and cuter by the update!
Hey Matt!
I read about you in people magazine and within 10 days, I’ve read every blog you ever posted. I cried nightly with your posts while the anger of the question ‘why’ burned inside of me. But the more I read, the more I feel that Liz is your angel reaching down to make all of this possible to help you and your baby. Keep the posts coming. I miss my nightly reading! HAHA! I donated a small amount to the Liz Logelin Foundation (sorry, I’m poor but I did what I could). Thanks for taking the time to keep us updated and for helping single parents like yourself. You are truely amazing!
I initially donated what I could and had planned to continue donating when possible so I love this idea. $7 is an easy enough amount to handle, easy to remember to donate it each month, and in the end could mean a lot. Great idea!
Can’t wait to see you on Rachel Ray! It will be so great to get your story out there even more and to bring more attention to the foundation. Have an awesome weekend : )
Matt, what a great idea! Since my husband just went back to work after a long time, 5 months, I can do this! Have a geat. trip. Way to go creeps!
its not the 7th but i saw the msg from the facebook group. had to donate immediately. i wouldn’t pass that up. i hope you meet your goal. you rock!
thanks very much for all you do. got the message on the FB group, too. the photo is fantastic, even though maddy is so tired (and passed out!).
hope you reach the goal…my kids now want to know what is happening with you.
and thanks to the creeps who help it all along!!
Miss Maddie does look exhausted and I bet you are too. Congrats on all the good work you are doing.
Matt, I like many others, read your story in People magazine and haven’t been able to stop thinking and talking about you and your situation. What a strong awesome man you are. I am the mother of two boys. A 3yr. old and 8 month old born just two months after your Madeline. I can’t imagine losing my husband. My heart aches for you, but you are being such an AMAZING father to your precious daughter. What a lucky little girl! I am SO inspired by you and your story. I donated to the lizlogelin fund and I wish you the best of luck with the foundation. Liz is definitely looking over you very proudly.
Fantastic!! What a great and easy way for people to give. Have a good trip!
What a fantastic idea Matt. I’m in..
She is so cute, even when she is sleeping.
Your story inspires me and i think about it everyday.
Your a great father. Keep up the good work.
Best Wishes.
::awesomesauce::
I’m going to do my best to donate tomorrow, but if not definitely next month! Money is a little tight this month. I’m so glad that there is a $7 on the 7th campaign, though! It’s an easy way to remember those who are in an unthinkable situation.
Hey Matt! I finally sorted through the stack of People Magazines on my nightstand last week and found your article. Within a couple of days I found myself going back to your blog and reading every single entry and crying along with you. Your family is beautiful. Your Maddy is adorable. Liz is watching over you knowing that you are doing a fantastic job. Your story inspires all of us to not take the little things for granted, enjoy the moment and live life to the fullest with the ones that you love. Take care, Mary from the Chi-town
Hello Matt and Madeline…
Read your story in People while sitting in the dentist office for my girls appt. Loved it couldnt wait to get home and look you up. Took me 3 days but I caught up found myself calling my 3 month old daughter Madeline a few times cause I was so into it. Her name is Lani a little different my husband would look at me like I was crazy. Anyways…you are the awesome in the garden!! I just read you will be on Rachel Ray when does that take place you will keep us updated on that right?? Keep up the awesome work you are a fab dad!!
Matt, I admire you!
Maddy looks dreamy in turquoise.
Someone’s going to be on the Rachel Ray show…Can’t wait to see it!
Matt,
Like many others, I heard of your story from People magazine and found myself here. And I also started from the “beginning,” often spending hours at a time reading entry after entry. My heart breaks for you and your family that you lost someone so obviously special, but I can also see how Madeline’s loving smile can bring you peace. She’s absolutely beautiful!. You’re doing an amazing job Matt.
I wish you peace on your journey and hope that you can find strength in knowing that so many people are rooting for you and are marveling at Madeline’s continued growth and development. She’s one happy and healthy baby! What you’re doing with the Liz Logelin Foundation is amazing. Stay strong.
You guys are amazing! I will definitely donate to the foundation.
Wow – you guys have been busy. Can’t wait for updates and will definitely donate to the foundation. Enjoy your trip!
Maddy is so adorable – I love her little outfit!
I think the $7 on the 7th idea is a great one… definitely easy to remember and something I can pledge to stick with. I’ll be donating tomorrow! 
I’ve been reading your blog since I read your post on “cribsheet”. I’ve never commented before, but always feel like I should since I’m a regular reader.
You are amazing, as is Madeline. I have twin girls that are just 5 days older than Maddy, and one of my girls is also a Madeline, so I feel some weird internet connection to you – developmentally my girls are in about the same place as your Maddy so it’s fun to see. I must say, your Maddy is much more fashion forward than any of my girls. My 2 1/2 year old Lola LOVES when we’re reading the Maddy updates.
Thank you for sharing your story. It is beautiful. And thank you for the $7 on the 7th. It’s brilliant. We already donated today and we’ll be ready next month too. Best of luck.
What a great idea! I just posted about this and linked it on my blog.
Email me if you have time to say hi while in the NYC. It would be great to see you both. (Mmmmm, Maddie fix!)
Have a safe trip home and I hope the LLF $7 campaign kicks off with a bang. Much love to the M’s.
My five year old son stills holds my thumb to this day. I don’t look forward to the day he is to big to hold my thumb. Sweet!
Hey Matt and Madeline!
I always read your blog and you guys are in my prayers each day.
Also, Matt, on a totally different note, you have directed me to some awesome music!
Just wanted to finally say hello and also that I started my 7 on the 7th today and am so excited to have a small way to lend a hand.
I am a nurse and a mom of three and it seems like right now it is hard to give in any meaningful way to the things I care so much about. I am really thankful to have a simple way to give each month to Liz’s foundation.
I hope you guys are well. Matt, take care of you and the little one (she is beautiful).
Miranda (from the AL)
I love Madeline and her pretty dress. She is beautiful and you are one hell of a father.
I hope you will follow Maddy’s lead and get a tiny bit of sleep Matt – Things are going so fast MY head is swirling!! I am sooo thrilled about all of the folks willing to spare a lunch out or a morning latte and contribute to the foundation ~ together – we can make a difference!!
Have fun on your travels! I just donated to the foundation, felt so right! Keep doing what you do! Still rooting for you here in the freezing MN.
OMG. i thought i was the only one on the planet that loves Bob Ross. (happy little clouds.)
take care.
Matt,
It’s fucking cold here in the MKE but your blog keeps me warm in the heart sense. I’m not one to mince words so…your situation sucks, continues to suck & will always suck…except it doesn’t. One door closes, another opens. Madeline is the ultimate silver lining.
Just know that
liz
is so proud of you. She chose you for a reason but didn’t know why. Now the world knows. Clap clap. Chin up camper. You are doing a fabu job. Proof is in that smile that lights up the day of more people than you realize.
Best,
Angela (hoping to be the prez of the MKE creeps…although we need to chat about M’s favorite NFC north team…)
::awesomesauce:: indeed
Ugh, she’s so cute! You guys have been busy little bees, all out and about on your travels, hope you had a blast! I donated what I could before and planned to do it again so I think this an awesome idea to keep the donations rollin in, yippee! <3
She looks exhausted the little angel! I donated seven dollars! What a great thing you are doing for others and you are an awesome father!
Bummed you were in Nashville and I missed it. I’ve been reading your blog for a very long time. I’m so glad the world is seeing what a great Daddy and man you are!! Love 7 on the 7th. Count me in!! When is Rachel Ray?? Don’t want to miss it. Take care!!
>>>> The Rachel Ray episode will air on next Wednesday, February 11th! <<<<
http://www.rachelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/single-dads-amazing-story-courage-and-support/
I am so glad I found this so that I can set my DVR for it! Congrats on all of the great press coverage for Liz’s foundation. Thanks for sharing your story with all of us!
SO WEIRD. I just was linked to your blog by a different blog I follow like a week ago, and I legit have read every entry in that one night I was linked to it. Anyway, today I’m minding my own business, walking in midtown Manhattan and see a man with a baby in a fleece bjorn type thing (bare with me, don’t know what they’re called..the front carry on things) who looked slightly familiar and I only saw this man really quick, but his hat (the winter one with the cotton ball thing on top..I am clearly VERY articulate..hahah!) looked so familiar and I realized it looked like you! Only saw a blonde headed baby sticking out of the fleece carry-on, but was convinced it was Maddy. The best part is, the way I confirmed that it must have been you was that you had on blue sneakers and the picture on the top of the blog has blue sneakers. Anyway, just got home from my internship, came to the blog to see if I wasn’t crazy and you were IN FACT in NYC, and tada! You were! I did see you guys today in midtown around 45th and 6th ave around 1pmish. SO WEIRD, especially considering I only read your blog once–in one night..the whole thing. Okay, I’m rambling and it’s been a long night so I’ll stop now but what a small world!
12:30am in Ohio and I just donated my $7. Im proud to be a part of such an amazing and wonderful campaign.
For the love of Liz!
I’m really glad you’ve been keeping up on this blog. I’ve been following since last spring (and not just to tap into your genius musical selection, either!).You continue to amaze and inspire me, Matt. And I thank you for that. And each time I find myself running along Lake Michigan, Liz and the thoughts of the 5k we did in her honor last year flood my mind.
Anyhoo…it’s still the 6th here, but I’m in for $7. This really is a wonderful idea and can prove that every last little bit helps make a huge difference.
What a fabulous idea. My father passed away when I was eight and I was raised by a single mother. It’s only now that I have kids of my own that I realize how incredible heartbreaking and hard it was for her to grieve while struggling to take care of two young daughters.
Your story is so touching and I’m sure Liz is smiling on you and Madeline. Madeline is lucky to have you as a father.
Donated this afternoon! =o)
I hope all of my fellow Nashvillians were nice while you were here.
Hi Matt,
I just found your blog. I am sorry for your loss. I lost my own husband four years ago and I can recognize some things in your blog, such as the ways you are marking the passing of time: your Tuesdays, and how things are measured in days and in weeks since it happened.
You are absolutely amazing and Madeline is so lucky to have you for a dad.
Liz would be proud of the work you’re doing. Will definitely be signing up. $7 on the 7th is a great idea.
Your story has touched my heart so many times over the past several months – $7 on the 7th is the least I can do. Best wishes for the foundation’s success, and the continuing success of you and Madeline!
Usually think Madeline looks like Liz, but in the pic today, I really see you. Donated my $7. Thanks for the update. I’ve missed my Maddy fix. Have fun in the NYC and with your happy little trees.
Donated my $7 this morning. Hope you are able to post a large total for how much was raised today.
Madeline is just precious. I’m donating today. Thanks on behalf of those you help. God Bless!
truly ::awesomesauce::
the love of liz has touched so many.
thank you to all that are donating. every little bit helps. truly!
(((hugs)))
What a great idea! I’ll be donating each month & $7 is easy enough so everyone can do it.
And when are you going to be on Rachel Ray? I’m going to have to tune in, as soon as I know you’re on. And I’m donating my $7 as soon as I’m done w/this note. Maddy sure is gettin’ big, Matt. *smiles* Just gorgeous.
Added the banner to my site too
PS.. I hope you don’t mind, but I plugged you and the foundation on a diary entry I wrote. Maybe will get some donations that way. Every little bit helps. *smiles*
Matt, I’m new to you. I’ve been single now for 10 years raising four children. I hope your foundation is wildly successful. I donated and will do so every 7th. Thanks for the opportunity.
Just donated $7. Gladly.
I think this is so great–thanks to all those that have put this together.
Ummm…You got a real Bob Ross???? Seriously, seriously cool. That’s maybe the most awesome gift I’ve ever heard of.
Hi Gang! For those of you who want ‘$7 on the 7th’ widgets for your blogs, go here and grab one!
http://thesiegelfiles.blogspot.com/2009/02/widget-for-7-on-7th-campaign.html
Thanks much! Every little bit helps.
I will also commit to making an ongoing contribution. A very worthwhile cause.
As a widowed mother of now three year old twins (they were 22 months old when my husband died) I understand what the grieving spouse and parent endures. I applaud your efforts to honour Liz and keep her memory alive whilst helping others. My only suggestion is that the one year limit on the dispersement of funds from the foundation might be a little more flexible in these times of financial uncertainty. A widow/er might make it through the first year ok, then lose their job and SS just not make up the short fall. Many of us are in this position in this crummy economy. Even being in the position to be forced to sell (or try to) the family home at the bottom of the market.
Thanks for all that you do.
I will be donating my $7 now. I think that’s a GREAT idea! I also think it’s fucking AWESOME that you have an original Bob Ross. You’re the man!!!
Made the donation! Rock on creeps and Mr. Foundation President!
Is there any way to get one of those thermometer-thing-a-majigs that indicates how much has been donated to date? That would be sweet!
FYI – the first 7 was from me. The 14 was from my parents who have gone through (almost) the same thing. Same account though. Apparently they dont read my e-mails.
i haven’t posted since your vegas trip and visit to the liberace museum. i’m so thankful for your continued posts sharing your and madeline’s lives. from the pics and stories you share she seems like the happiest baby – surely a result of you being an assume dad, liz’s spirit and all of the people that surround you with their love and support.
the foundation is awesome – just made my $7 on the 7th donation. can’t wait to read more matt and maddy stories.
Matt, If I was walking in NYC and saw you like one of the comments above… I would of stopped you and said HI to you and Maddy
that’s funny! Wow I can’t believe you’ll be on RR. Can’t wait to see the episode! Can’t wait to see the pics of the NYC!
“Is there any way to get one of those thermometer-thing-a-majigs that indicates how much has been donated to date? That would be sweet!
”
I agree this would be really great.
she’s so sweet
She’s such a cutie, look how she’s still holding onto you even while she’s sleeping.
Your Maddy is beautiful & so was her mommy.
All the best to you. The foundation is an amazing project.
I sure miss you both! But, are hoping that your absense is bringing lots of donations your way to help with the foundation. Can you believe that you have the abililty to help out so many people?? This is going to be a legacy that Madeline is going to be so proud of. Great job Matt!
wow that is a great idea. i will do it and i will pass this on to everyone i know. i am going to put it on my blog and also sent out an email. : ) hope you are having a good day. what you are doing is amazing….really it is! : ) liz would be so very proud of you.
Is it just me or has your website changed into something else…….one for raising money?
Although I think it is great that you are doing that…I miss the format of your old one…and also your posts!
This is a GREAT idea. I have sent out a mass email to my contact (close friends). I am a widow with a 3 year old daughter so I definetly know how important this is. I believe my friends will as well.
Thank you
Bon dia!
I was up for a bit and thought I’d stop in and say hi. I can feel the Love through the pics that you post. Thanks for sharing and being a voice for another great cause.
I love this pic of her. She is one lucky girl to have such a devoted father and loving husband to her mother…Liz would be proud
I will start donating every month and I will tell everyone I know to donate. God Bless you and Maddy. I can’t tell you how lucky she is too have you. My husband’s father died in a car accident when he was only 2 years old and his mother raised him by herself. I told her about your story and she thinks it is amazing what your doing. Keep your chin up!!
Oh she really does have the best clothes!! And I made my donation… great promotion!
An undercover trip to the Nashville. I see how it is. No time for the creeps in Music City USA? I’m interested to know what you were up to here.
My daughter was born on March 21st so I relate! I just heard about your story and think you are a wonderful dad. Thank you so much for sharing your story and your life. I lost my mom when I was young and my heart aches for Maddy.. though she is so lucky to have a dad who so obviously loves her. I appreciate a peek into your life – we are all just trying to get by day to day, in spite of or because of the difficulties! There is so much joy in the world walking hand in hand with the tragedies. Take care.
i just read your blog in its entirety… while ‘working’. someone should fire me. you are amazing as fuck. madeline is lucky to have an awesome dad like you.
I agree with Marlene^
You and Maddy have a special angel watching you from above. Liz is so very proud.
Hang in there, you are doing a GREAT job parenting!
Matt – I don’t even know where to begin. I found your blog a few days ago and have been reading to catch up since then. I am so sorry for your loss, but you are doing an amazing job with Maddy. I hope that your vacation allowed you time to think and reflect and recharge. You are doing something AMAZING for Maddy by bringing her to a place that her mommy loved. Looking forward to more updates, and more pictures of you and your beautiful daughter!
Didn’t see this til after the 7th….so I gave $8 on the 8th….I’ll be back on the 7th next month though!
HI Matt, She is absolutly beautiful As soon as I get my new debit card in the mail I plan on donating. I was supposed to recieve it on friday and bummed I didn’t
But I can’t wait to help out!
Tomorrow eh!! i will be tuned in!… along w/everyone else!
I hope you being on RR brings in tons of funds for the LLF!
I am loving her outfit today! Happen to know the brand so I can try and stalk it down on ebay or something?