is approaching.
i’ve been getting a ton of e-mails (70+), twitter messages (20+) and a few comments, asking if people can send maddy a birthday gift.
well…
as you can see, madeline doesn’t need anything else…
the stuff you see is just a small portion of what has been sent to us over the past 11+ months. she has a dresser full of quilts, 40+ pairs of shoes, a dresser and a closet filled with clothes, hundreds of robot items, toys, books, music, jewelry and a bunch of other stuff.
thanks to all of the formula/formula check donations, i’ve had to pay for only three containers of formula since she was born (all three purchased because i forgot to put formula in her diaper bag when i left the house).
thanks to salma hayek, rachael ray and pampers, we now have a lifetime supply of diapers (guess whose child is never going to be potty trained?)
i still have hundreds of dollars in gift cards (and a job!) to help pay for anything else we may need.
our garage is also filled with clothes and toys for when she finally hits 12+ months old.
we’ve donated the clothes that no longer fit as well as the baby equipment and toys that she has outgrown.
and still.
there is no room in our house.
literally.
i can’t begin to tell you how much we appreciate all that people have done for us.
we wouldn’t be where we are today without you.
thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
but for madeline’s birthday, we would love nothing more if you would consider taking the money you were planning to spend on her gift + the postage to ship the gift, and donate it to the liz logelin foundation so that people facing circumstances similar can benefit from the kindness and support you all have extended to us.
m. + m.
152 Comments
I was one of those 70+! So as you wish, I will make a donation to the foundation!
Firsties??? ::awesomesauce:: idea!!!
aww look at you!
I am so glad you brought this up!!!
Can’t believe the one year mark is approaching.
Let’s think of something special to do-wear-something to commemorate???
you and maddy deserve every gift.
glad you’re taken care of
What a wonderful post, Maddy is one lucky little girl and I’m not just talking about all that “stuff” she is surrounded by..
Thank you for sharing Maddy and your journey with us. You have enriched our lives more than you will ever know.
That is exactly what I will do, Matt.
But I do have something special planned to give you both for her birthday, so you’re unfortunately just going to have to deal. But trust me, I think you both will like it.
Really great idea Matt…and so unselfish of you
Count me in! I would be honored to honor Maddy and her Mommy with such a gift.
Matt,
I only found you Maddie and Liz a few weeks ago on the Rachel Ray show, but i have been checking in every day since. I have to tell you the love you have for Liz and Maddie can move mountians, what an incredible man you are. I will be making a special birthday donation in Maddies honor to the foundation.
Keep on being you, you are a wonderful person and I feel very grateful to have been allowed the pleasure of knowing your story.
I think that is a fantastic idea Matt. My family isn’t anywhere near the situation your family is in and we still feel like our daughter has more stuff than we can store. We have been thinking of asking people to donate the money they will spend on her birthday gift (coming up in April) to a charity and I will suggest the Liz Logelin Foundtation to my hubby. I’m sure he will think it is a fantastic cause.
Count me in! I would be honored to honor Maddy and her Mommy with such a gift.
is that a giant peep? nice!
keep up the wonderful work.
how about a puppy? TOTALLY kidding!
excellent idea to give to the foundation. I’m sure you will see donations increase!
Can you tweet something about this (I know it’s hard to shove it down to 140 characters) so I can retweet it?
I’ll be donating for Madeline’s birthday as well. I have been meaning to donate to the foundation for some time now anyhow.
Sounds like it is time to ask for a new house.
i think it’s wonderful that (1) people have been so generous and (2) you are returning that generosity by donating the used items and by helping others thru the foundation.
in this day and age it is so lovely to see something good come out of something so horribly bad.
i hope that maddy has a wonderful 1st birthday later this month. know that her mommy is smiling down on her (and you).
Awesome, awesome idea. Even tho I sent you both a few things for Mardi Gras, I’ll be sure to donate to the foundation for Maddy’s birthday and in memory of Liz.
Donating for her birthday to once again pay it forward. You, are a good soul, Matt Logelin.
‘(guess whose child is never going to be potty trained?)’
LOVE IT.
Happy Birthday Month Maddy!!
I’m so glad that you guys are so well taken care of. Looking forward to birthday pictures!!
awesome matt… will do.. but will also see you on the 15th… my gift to both of you…
see ya soon….
wow. That is a lot of stuff. wow. I will be making a donation when I get my next paycheck for sure!
God bless you and Madeline; but God bless those who have been generous in so many ways.
What goes around truly comes around
40 pairs of shoes…..it’s a good start for a girl. wait till she starts wanting purses to match! Such a great photo.
You are such a beautiful person.
I will donate for Madeline in honor of her birthday. I am happy to.
Fantastic idea Maddy (and Matt:-) Way to be a great dad who teaches their child to give and share. Liz must be proud.
LOL @ Guess who’s child is never going to be potty trained. I know you’re grateful, but when they gave them to you I thought “Man, I bet he could have REALLY used that 10 months ago” lol
I’ll be making a donation on her birthday as well!
It’s amazing the generosity of strangers. Your story never ceases to inspire me and that little girl is just perfect. I will happily send a donation to the foundation.
Well, if she has that much stuff, I want my shit back!! JUST KIDDING. HAAAAAA!
Uh oh! Just packaged up some things that I’ve been collecting for a while to send and mailed them today!….well, feel free to share with someone who can use the things when you get them if they aren’t things you can use. I’ll make a birthday donation as well….such a wonderful cause!
That’s wonderful, Matt. Wishing you all the best with the Foundation, and what a great and generous way to start.
happy almost birthday maddy! My bday is march 24th too. I’ll make a donation on her day.
I was one of those 70+ and 20+ too!! lol We would be glad to make a donation to the the Liz Logelin Foundation instead! Its so great that you and Maddy have the support that you have! I thought our kids had alot of stuff!!
Well I am sure “we” (everyone in the world it seems) will all be thinking of you and Maddy on these upcoming days ahead! 24th & 25th~ We hope Maddy has an Awsome 1st Birthday!!! and you will be in our thoughts on the 25th. That day will mean a little something to all of “us” (the world it seems) now too!!
I will gladly put Maddy’s birthday gift money towards the foundation – what a great idea! And you can bet we will all be celebrating in spirit with you on her special day!
Love it. Will definitely do it. Love the pics too.
I’m not sure I kept the receipt for the pony…
I enjoyed reading this post. Instead of sending a gift, I will be donating.
I will be sure to donate to the liz logelin fund cause I would hate to send things to a house that clearly does not need anything else other then kind words and prayers. Lots of love!!
Will definitely make a donation…I think little girl clothes are just so much fun to buy for us big girls, that it gets out of control! (coming from a mother of a 10 month old boy)…
Maddy looks just a *little* overwhelmed.
Request duly noted.
Consider it done.
And I agree with Allie from Tally – mother’s of boys LOVE to buy little girl clothes whenever we can. Little boy clothes just aren’t as cute!
What an awesome problem to have…too many donations of gifts and clothes.
I’m so glad you started the The Liz Logelin Foundation it’s a very cool thing to do and it is good common sense to have the donations put to work there.
I know how my aunts, cousins, sister in laws and all shop for my girls. I couldn’t imagine having a good portion of the country (maybe people from all over the world) shopping for them; that is very cool!
That is a great idea, what better way to celebrate her birth than honoring her mother. I will be donating for sure.
I will TRY not to send a gift, but I will be donating again! People can be so cool sometimes! Take care!
Debbie
Are you two feeling better??
I will definitely make a donation! It is so wonderful to see someone giving back, instead of taking. And you are one person I think deserves EVERYTHING that is given to him. You are a wonderful man – and a real inspiration!
I think that’s a great idea for Maddie’s birthday! I’m so glad you and your beautiful little girl have been so well taken care of!
As I was in Children’s Place last week, I saw an outfit that I though would have been adorable on Maddy. Thanks for letting us know that a donation will be the perfect gift.
Hi Matt,
I always wondered when they say lifetime supplies of diapers, does that mean when she gets old and god forbid needs diapers again too? =P
I will definitely see if I can donate in honor of Liz and Madeline’s 1st Birthday. The economy sucks big time!
Not to mention it’s better for the environment to donate to the foundation
!! She’s so cute among her toys! Definitely making a donation in her honor!
You got it, Matt! I knew people had been generous to you and Maddy, but WOW! Reading this has restored some of the faith I had lost in humanity. People rock. Seriously.
Dear Matt:
I just found your blog via Ms. Single Mama. I am so moved by you and your daughter and your family’s story. The photos of Liz are beautiful. Madeline looks so much like her.
All my best,
Tina
I will gladly sent my donation in
Looks like Maddie is up to her eyeballs in all sortsa fun stuff!! Hope you both have a great week!
We will be making a donation for the birthday girl. The question how much stuff are the grandparents going to contribute to that pile for her first birthday?
I will donate as well! It’s a great way to celebrate Miss Maddy’s birthday and honor Liz. Speaking of extra things, my house is packed from my kid’s stuff and I need to really spring clean and donate! Kid’s outgrow stuff so fast. Take care
Hey there – My plan was to donate in honor of Maddy’s birthday and now I feel even better about the decision. I feel your pain with all of the stuff and the house that just can’t contain it all! Zoe will be 15 months old soon and I couldn’t imagine if I had the whole world sending her stuff – my mom and I seem to do enough damage ourselves! So glad to see you are able to donate and share with others through all of this.
We will be thinking of you this month, as always, and hope that our thoughts and prayers can ease you through.
Take care, Jen and Zoe in MN
That’s a wonderful idea. I was really racking my brain (and pulling at my somewhat empty pockets) cause I really wanted to send something. I will definitely donate to LLF instead!
What a great idea Matt! And you’re right, she definitely seems to be loaded up.
I was going to give her a Delorean, but I guess that will have to wait; instead my family is going to donate $24 on the 24th and $25 on the 25.
I wish Maddy wore a size 9 shoe, I would ask to borrow a pair.
take care,
Michellej in Denver
Holy Moly, who’s child is that? Did she literally grow in 2 days? I’d love to donate to the foundation for Maddy’s big day.
I will definitely be donating for her birthday! I hope she has a great birthday!
I was always amazed with my nieces and nephews at how much stuff one little baby can have! I’m a poor college student who is going to give as much as I can. I think it is such a great foundation.
Is there a baby in those photos?? LOL
*smiles* i’m definitely donating this saturday. you can count on that. but i’d still liked to get miss maddy a card.
I will be making a donation in honor of her birthday.
@Michelle Jackson – I love that idea of $24 on the 24th and $25 on the 25th for those of us who have the extra to give!! Great idea!
Wow. so. much. stuff. I can’t believe it’s been almost a year …
That is hilarious! It’s probably stressful trying to find places to put all that stuff, but it’s great that so many people care. She looks so cute in the middle of everything, too!!
In a world where the economy is crumbling and there seems to be negativity everywhere, it’s always amazing to see the kindness of people and the compassion of others and the true positivity of the human spirit prevail above the dark clouds that seem to cover us all.
Matt…I already had the idea of donating to your fund on Maddy’s birthday. I knew that you’d rather have that than give Maddy a “gift” per se. This kid got the hook up for the rest of her life!
LOVE the pics of Maddy w/ all of her stuff
she’s getting so big! Can’t believe she’s going to be ONE already! 
I second the comment about the giant Peep, those are my favorite…that is awesome! haha
Count me in for a birthday donation!
i wonder how many gifts have been sent to you Matt, that were just for you, and not Maddy. You should take a picture of that too, just for fun
i think a donation to the foundation is a wonderful idea, and exactly what i was planning on doing anyway.
hope your day has been a good one
hugs from NJ
Erica and Landon
Does she have a White Sox shirt??
I know Maddy is a Twins & Dodgers fan though…can she cross fan lines?
p.s. you should totally pick up about 100 spacebags for all those clothes!
hugs from NJ (again)
Erica and Landon
I have faith in humanity! It’s great to know that there are people out there who are willing to help others! I would love to send Madeline a gift and will take that money and donate more to the for the love of liz foundation!
Ck she definitely needs a Cubs shirt not White Sox..LOL.
Matt can you let us know how much is contributed on the 24th and 25th?
I know how bad the one year anniversary is and I’ll be thinking of you. The first one was the worst one for me. This year will be the 9th one for me and thank goodness it is a lot better than the first couple. For me it has gotten easier as the years go by. I am always hoping you find some peace. I know this is not normally the music you listen to but Sarah McLachlin’s “Angel” seemed to fit my situation.
that’s awesome.
My four year old Emma, has the same dress!
Great post, and great pics!! LOL
Oh my goodness you are cute! I want to know if she goes to school in diapers! Liz is laughing as well. What a great person you are!
It gives me hope in the human race to see such an outpouring of compassion and generosity from perfect strangers. You, Matt, inspire people to great things.
Looks like little miss Maddy is well taken care of! It’s nice to see the pure goodness in others as they seem to want to make your life more compfy (or compf-ty, as my kids put it). How good it is to know that through this horrible experience (because, let’s face it, Matt, it’s HORRIBLE!), many hands are reaching out for you and your beautiful Liz-lookalike, to make things easier.
Remember, even us silent readers are rooting for you!
fan-fucking-tastic idear!
What great pictures! Glad you and Madeline have been well taken care of, as you should be. Happy Birthday early to little Madeline & congrats to you too Matt, for making it through the first year of parenthood, with a heck of a lot more struggles than many of us! You should be very, very proud of yourself & your strength.
Your such a great man Matt, and what a lucky girl Madeline is, or should I say what a lucky guy you are to wake up to that beautiful face every day. I will definately make a donation and what a coincidence that my daughter’s birthday is the same as Madeline’s so we’ll make it double. Thank you for sharing your story with us. God Bless
Holy Crap that’s a lot of stuff!!!!! Me and the girls at work were going to donate 7 on the 7th. And we will def. make a donation in honor of the adorable Madeline and in memory of the gorgeous Liz
Wow! The generosity of others is amazing. I was going to send something but I will honor your request and make a donation to your foundation instead. I will be thinking of you both the next couple weeks. Sending prayers and strength your way!
I know how the “stuff” can be. I finally had to ask/tell my family/friends to stop buying my daughter so much. And her toy stash pales in comparison to Maddy’s!
Great idea about the donation. I’ve donated, but have family/friends who are waiting for the tax exempt status to be approved. Any way you could post when that happens?
Thanks for continuing to seek to find some good in all of this.
It doesn’t look like she quite know what to make out of everything surrounding her
Hey Matt,
Your daughter is beautiful… I’m a 3/24 baby, too, and think the donation idea is great.
I am sure it has been mentioned-
but *also*- what a wonderful way to honor Liz on the day she was so tragically stolen away from her family.
to donate to the foundation created and named for her.
I hope we can donate.
In China- where rules were established to limit population growth- some have noticed the repercussions of a nation full of *only child* families..
complete with the whole ‘only child syndrome’ deal- I have read the term “little emperors” used to describe the tiny “spoiled” younglings…
Now I know my grandma used to say- a child can NOT be spoiled.. just loved a LOT…
so when I see yer wee girl surrounded by material offerings- all I can think is…she may well be a little empress..
but she is Sure as hell loved A LOT.
Now THAT’S a great idea. I agree, and the 24th 25th idea by Michelle is wonderful too.
take care
Your pictures show just how good people are. With all the bad things we hear about from the media it is reassuring to know there are actually good people in this world. I just have to say that I’m touched at what the foundation created in memory of your wife does – and I’m sure she’d feel honored to know that her memory is helping others experiencing the same as Maddie and you.
You are giving a little happiness in this big sad world (stolen from a song that I can’t remember from the band, The Avett Brothers – they are SO good)
Matt,
You are so creative!!! What a great way to show a portion of what people have given. I really love the photo. It was like a where is Maddy moment
I hope you are doing well. We will be donating to the LLF for Maddy’s birthday. Sending smiles your way!
oh my! that’s a lot of stuff in there!
and nice presentation too, by the way.
wish her a happy birthday in advance.
can’t believe its almost a year!
What a gorgeous girlie! I will happily donate to Liz’s foundation to celebrate Miss Madeline’s birthday!
That is a brilliant idea! I still think you are going to be getting packages from people that just HAVE to send that precious Maddy something! I am still facinated with your adaptability to such a tragic thing. I am a faithful reader! I will definitely donate to the foundation. Kudos!
You guys completely deserve everything you’ve gotten, and more. I had already figured that you would rather donations be made to the foundation instead of gifts. I’ll see if I can’t help you out with that!
Holy Shit Matt!!! People Love You Two…. now only if you get back to the MN can Madeline use all those quilts
A donation it is….I bought this cool robot shirt for my daughter who will be 1 in May and every time she wears it I think of you guys (I think of you guys a lot actually…and not in that creepy stalker way;-)) I wanted to buy one and send it to Maddy but I have a feeling she may already have one! Lol!
I will definitely donate and I will spread the word…
Holy loot!
I think it is fabulous that you are able to help other families going through similar circumstances.
Whoa.
I love that everyone loves you two!
I AM ANGRY ANGRY ANGRY…….I AM SO ANGRY SHE IS GONE AND HAS BEEN TAKEN FROM YOU’S…..I am so upset i can’t stop looking @ the photos and crying, i can’t sleep. I dont even know you ppl and this is effecting me so much and i dont understand why (other than the obvious). {sigh}…..How in the bloody hell could this of happened….i am so sad….the life you had together was so amazing…you did sooooo much went to so many places made so many memories……she was so happy…..stupid fucking embolism…..Matt your a hero a true hero~! since i just found out about all of this i will be spreading the word and checking this site multiple times a day.
Your doing such an awesome job! Maddy and I share the same b-day! She will be turning 1 and I will be turning the big 28. Happy early b-day to the both of us
Keep up the good work!
I wish I could offer a consolation other than “something amazing has come out of something so shitty”, but…I can’t. I can tell you that I am continually awed by the way you’ve all banded around one another and vowed to honor Liz’s life through Maddy. I can tell you that I feel privileged to have had this glimpse into your life and such tremendous loss because, well, it makes me less of an asshole than I usually am. And I’m sure that’s what you want, right? To keep people like me from being the assholes we innately are?
Thinking of you, Maddy, the Goodmans, Logelins and everyone else who misses Liz and her light.
j.
I just went thru the one year death of my husband and in a kind of similiar situation I was pregnant so 6 weeks to the day I gave birth to my third daughter while grieving the sudden lose of my husband. It is a tough process, but you are very lucky to have a much bigger distraction that day. If you ever need another person that understands what you are going thru please feel free to contact me!!!
Happy, happy birthday Maddy. Your daddy will make it special for you and I know you will have lots of fun. You are such a loved baby girl and a really great team. What an adventure and journey this has been – with more to come. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. Enjoy!
@Jass: I am thinking lifetime should include Maddy and then her children … and then, yeah, … her old age. lol
@Michelle Jackson –thank you for the idea of $24/24 and $25/25 – it will continue the $7 on the 7th and will be easy to remember now.
Many blessings to you and Madeline–especially as her birthday approaches. My delay in donating finally came to an abrupt end with this post. I love the shots of Madeline with all her things. Way to go, Pampers! A great client at a great ad agency (full disclosure: I work for the agency).
Holy Cripe Matt did you have to put all that stuff away after the picture?? lol I’d let it all sit there for atleast a week cause i’m lazy like that;) There has been times over the last year that you and Maddy have popped into my thoughts as though you are lifelong friends and in a sense you are (not in a freaky stalker way – I SWEAR;) You have inspired me to be a better person and parent. Know that we’re here thinking and praying for you and your family as you approach one year! many, many hugs being sent to the Logelin & Goodman Family’s ~
Matt,
Is there anything you could use? You know, us woman, we love to shop, being single and with baby in tow its kinda hard some times to get things done.
Hugs,
Jen-Ohio
Matt- Lesson # 1 of GIRLS!!!! A girl can NEVER have too many shoes! Baby Girls need shoes and Binkies (when applicable) to match every outfit!
Done! Can we see a cool graphic to see how much has been donated total?
I hope Maddie can look back at these photos someday and know how people around the world cared enough about her to send her all that stuff! She’s so loved and blessed with a wonderful father!
Cutest child ever. Seriously. And a pianist. Wow.
Wow! She certainly has plenty! =)
Have you thought about setting up a college account for her as well so that people have the choice of donating a gift to the foundation or a gift to your daughter’s education as her birthday comes around?
GREAT idea! I thought she had alot of things but I was going to send something for her birthday anyway. Thank you for this post because now I realize she really DOES have everything she needs so I will definitely be donating to the foundation instead!!!!
Matt-
If you get a chance please let me know where you got that pink piano. I have a 9 month old and would love to buy her one for her birthday. If she’ll play it as much as Maddy does then it will be well worth the purchase. Thanks so much!
Your baby girl is precious and so pretty. I just finished reading the article about you in People magazine. I feel for the loss of your beautiful wife. Stay strong and positive.
I will definitely be making a donation!
Take lots of pics!
Asalamu Alaykom,
@ Allie from Tally I to-Tally agree with you: girls clothes are much more fun to buy.
Here’s my thought for those who love to shop: go online to Hanna Anderson, Children’s Palace, Carter’s, BabyGap –you get me? Then have fun looking through the outfits. Pick out the IDEAL Miss Madeline ensemble.
I once had a virtual house-warming party on my blog and it was fun! Everyone posted links to what they would get me if they could.
What if Matt created a virtual birthday party? Everyone could post a link to the birthday gift—clothes, toy, book, puppy, or DeLorean they would give her.
Then, the amount of that item would be donated instead.
Matt? Whatcha think?
The puppy idea! (Lynda above)
HAH!!!! that’s the funniest thing I’ve ever read.
Count me in. How bout $24 on the 24th, $25 on the 25th plus $1 for Birthday wishes.
Donation done!
Happy Birthday, Madeline!
Those photos are too cute! LOVE!
Matt & Madline
We dont have much our selves but we will
for sure donate to Liz.
Love reading about what you are up to everyday.
Rachel from the mn
Hello Matt,
My name is Trisha. Exactly one month ago, I lost my husband the same day my daughter was born. My husband was finishing up some last minute chores at our home before our big trip to the hospital, my water had broke the night before and we knew it was time. After too much time passed, I went outside to look for him. I found him outside, lying on the ground, with his eyes open but he was not breathing … there was no pulse. After calling the ambulance, I tried to revive him but failed. That evening I gave birth to my daughter. I am still very much struggling with the emotional pain on a moment to moment basis. My husband wanted a child more than anything else in this world. I would give anything for him to have had the opportunity to hold his daughter. When will the pain, regret, and haunting memories ever end. When will I begin to truly enjoy and celebrate the birth of my daughter?
Matt + Madeline~
Thank you for thinking of others.
Happy Birthday, Madeline.
Madeline is a bundle of Love & Joy! Thanks always sharing pics and your moments. This proves that Love always finds a way…
*CHEERS*
Donating to the LLF is the most beautiful-and awesome!-way to celebrate Maddy and honor Liz; I’ll definitely make my donations on the 7th, the 24th, and the 25th. All this generosity and kindness coming together makes for really good karma and celebrates the human spirit in the best way. And my heart-felt condolences to Trisha on the loss of your husband. Have faith, believe, and you will get through it.
Happy Birthday, Maddy! Keep up the good work, Matt, you’re awesome!
I love Yosra’s idea!
I love the picture of the mountain of toys. Maddy looks like she is having fun!
@ Trisha
The longer I follow this blog, the more I realize how many heartbreaking stories of loss there are out there. I’ve come to the decision that I’ve been very sheltered when it comes to the reality of tragedy. I hope blogs like Matt’s offer a tiny shred of support as you attempt to get out of bed each morning and continue life without your partner. having to go through the birth process after just losing your husband is simply insane!
I will certainly be thinking of you…take care.
Matt..here is a woman who will need some support..mabye thru your foundation?? she needs prayers..i saw her blog and thought of you right away..maybe you can help?thanks
sorry, forgot the link…
http://www.mckayfamilylife.blogspot.com/
matt, my link didnt show up, thought i would try again this way..sorry!
http://www dot mckayfamilylife dot blogspot dot com/
I am not sure if you are having a heap of advice tossed in yer lap..
but Trush (aka yeast infection in the mouth)…I just am not sure if you have dealt with it..
yogurt is a Godsend for thrush- replacing the lost friendly bacteria- often killed by accident by anti biotics..
yeast feeds on sugar- white flour and stuff..
I REALLY hope you feel better soon Logelin tribe.
and I hope my advice is not totally unwarranted- therefore totally annoying.
Poor Maddy (and Daddy). I hope she feels better soon so that you both can get some good sleep.
I saw on Twitter that Maddy has thrush, my son had that when he was little too, if they didn’t give you any tips, just make sure you wipe her tongue off with a clean rag after her bottles or after she drinks milk/formula and it should clear up and never happen again!
Oh Trisha, this is why Matt set up the foundation for people like you, you have come to the right place. May you have comfort and peace tonight.
I too will make a donation for Maddie’s birthday, and on the 25th in honour of Liz
I hope the poor little munchkin feels better soon…ear infections are NO fun…coming from a Mom whose daughter has had one every month for the last 6 months!! Motrin and a hot water bottle or heating pad to lie down on helped my daughter lots!! Hang in there Matt…and hopefully you both get some sleep soon!!
You are so blessed. However, I think it should be known that you continue to be blessed because of your great generosity and spirit of giving. You are setting such a good example for Madeline. Congrats on your foundation.
Happy Birthday Maddy!
Thinking of you two!
http://sprucehill.typepad.com/
Matt,
Precious Madeline sure doesn’t need anthing else. You forgot to mention one thing though…
Madeline sure has plenty of LOVE (thanks to you), not just from you, but to everyone else out there who loves her too.
Take care, and God bless
eeek…sorry to hear about the ear and the thrush….been there done that….lay low…..plenty of fluids and cuddles…..among all the other good advice….the great thing about little kids….one day they can’t lift their head from sickness..the next day they are a new person…..always such a delight when that happens…..revel in it…..this too shall pass….;)
Day at a time friend…
I’ve been reading your blog for awhile now and you story has moved me so much. I was thinking about getting Maddy something for her birthday, instead I will make a donation to Liz’s foundation. I will also offer my services as a Maddy holder if you ever it make it out to Austin (Texas of course) for some Tex-Mex and live music!
Thank you for the suggestion for the birthday gift, I was one of those 70+ emails as well. I would love to donate to the organization as well. Happy upcoming 1st birthday little lady!!!!
I’m so proud of your generosity to others. Great idea to have everyone donate to the foundation. What goes around comes around. Love to you and Maddy.
Amy and Emily
hi matt .
i know you from a magazine in my country,indonesia.
before, i wanna say sorry if my english isn’t good.
matt..your baby is really beautifull.
with her blue eyes. i love her ( in indonesia, the color of eyes is black and the color of skin is yellow )
you are a strong father..loving your daughter.
without yor wife, withour her mom..
hopefully, the next time she will know all things that ever you have done.
she will know what you have done,when she was 1st years old.
and coz her, you are famous in other country…
*think that your story is popular in my country, indonesia!
actually, i’m really really want need you all.. hhu
but, i know we are really far..
i like your baby and father like u . a best guy
nice guy..
Hi Matt– This is so buried at the bottom of all the other posts, who knows if you’ll see it… I see that Maddy has more toys than she knows what to do with! I have a suggestion if you don’t already have them (which judging from the look of that pile is doubtful!)
My boys use Baby Bjorn bibs…they’re plastic with a ‘pocket’ at the bottom (not the flimsy type of pocket on the cheap-o ones). THEY ARE THE BEST! Will make your mealtime life SO much easier (and less messy). Here’s the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Bjorn-046055US-BabyBj%C3%B6rn-Soft/dp/B000XDXD08/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1236695673&sr=8-3
I had to order mine from Amazon because we live in Northern Indiana and I couldn’t find them around here. (Big surprise!) Since you live in the Los Angeles you might have better luck.
I think the pink would look smashing on Maddy!
Hei! The RR-show where you were guests in has just aired here (Norway). So wanted to check out your blog =) I’m sorry for you loss. And Maddie is very qute, and I want to wish her a happy birthday in advance =)
And by the way.. are you sure there is a kid in that pile of toys??
(sorry for my terrible English-writing)
Hugs and love from Linda =)
Matt,
Since people want to help and they want to help Maddy directly is it possible to consider the idea of a college plan for her? I may be totally out of line here, but it’s just a suggestion. I’m a former banker and reading your blog reminded me of the 529 Plan.
Ps/ I’m impressed with how extremely organized and neat you are, that’s tough to do in general, kudos!
California 529 Plan
http://www.529california.com/
The new 529 college savings plan is operated under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. It was introduced in 2002 as part of the Educational Savings Plan and is an amended version of the Educational Savings Plan of 1996.
This type of savings plan is sponsored by most states, private bodies, and by some colleges and universities. The money saved from this plan can be utilized for the education of the beneficiary, used in conjunction with accredited colleges or universities.
The 529 plan is prevalent throughout the United States and all plans are flexible as per current states’ demand and their specific provisions. The states have been given the freedom to implement this plan on the basis of their own needs and creative possibilities. There are very few states that have not embraced this plan. They are therefore present in almost all the states of the US. California has also implemented this plan, and it is referred to as California 529 or the California 529 college savings plan.