saturday morning we’ll be on a plane to mexico
for eight days on the beach
with a three of our favorite people.
we’ll be celebrating madeline’s birthday on the 24th.
and on the 25th………………………………………………………………………
this is not an escape.
there is no such thing.
this is something else.
in the mean time, check out the video that chris lee put together during our recent photo shoot with his fabulous wife, gina.
(oh…and you really should click here to get a preview of gina’s shots).
more soon…
m. + m.
786 Comments
have a great time in mexico.
Enjoy your vacation, and give Madeline lots of love!
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!
she is so beautiful! getting so big!
have fun in mexico… will be thinking of you.
and wishing maddy a HaPPY BirTHDaY!
Beautiful film…I hope Maddy and Emilia have a blast in Mexico. Can’t wait to hear all about it…have a safe flight and enjoy the conversations you’ll have with strangers ;o)
wishing you some peace and comfort this week.
and wishing maddy a deliciously happy birthday on the beach!
It is so obvious how much you two love each other in that video. Really incredible.. And boy is she photogenic!
As for Mexico.. Try your best to have a good time. We’ll all be thinking of you
Wishing you a bon voyage, Matt, for Maddy feliz cumpleanos, and warm thoughts to all of you for that ginormous painful ellipsis. I know you’ll still wring any and every morsel of joy, beauty, and fun there is to be had out of this trip — here’s to that.
I love the video and the pictures, Madeline is the most photogenic child I have ever seen. One year, such a special Birthday for a child, they don’t remember but it stays with a parent. I hope that your trip to Mexico gives you the opportunity to spend more precious time with your best girl, as you continue to honor your original best girl…Liz. I continue to keep you and Madeline in my thoughts and prayers.
Have a safe flight and enjoy your trip to Mexico! Here’s hoping you continue to make new memories in Mexico with Maddy! Enjoy every minute of every day! Happy 1st Birthday Maddy! I love the video and the pictures. I love how she smiles now and you can see her teeth! ADORABLE! XO
that was a beautiful video and the pictures are gorgeous! i think its so special that you take so many wonderful pictures and video of her. she will definitely come to appreciate those when she’s older. she looks like such a happy baby. have a great trip in mexico matt!
Beautiful.
Just beautiful.
What is that contraption you were pointing at Madeline? I thought there was going to be a guy in the background with one of them old flash/flame stick things.
Hope you enjoy your journey south.
Hope Madeline has a happy birthday and that you stay ok throughout the trip. Will be thinking of you.
Have a safe trip and have fun in Mexico! Happy early birthday Maddy!
That video is awesome! Some great photos, too. I swear you have the cutest baby EVER. Well, at least until mine is born in November! ;o)
Happy Birthday to Maddy!
Safe travels!
Gina is one talented woman!
I am in awe of her artwork…
Matt- I wish more than anything that this time was simply filled with excitement for you.
lots of love- safe journey ….
Madeline makes my heart melt every time. I’m glad I’ve never been asked to pick a favourite photo of her. I have no idea how I would. But perhaps one of these has just taken the lead. Wishing you a peaceful time in Mexico, Matt.
We’ll be thinking of you guys. Have a safe trip!
Matt. I can’t even begin to understand the rollercoaster of emotions for you during this time.
I hope for you and Maddy a wonderful 1st birthday celebration.
For the following day I wish you a mountain of strength.
Hug your precious girl close. She will get you through it. x
The last picture before the beautiful video ended Maddy looked just like Liz. I could see her shinning through her daughter’s eyes.
Hugs to you.
Absolutley beautiful!!!
I hope you and Madeline have a good time in Mexico. I will be thinking of you guys and sending lots of ((hugs)).
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline!!
What an awesome video! You’ve done an amazing job Matt – you can see it in Maddy’s eyes, she just adores you. You two have one incredible bond. Have a wonderful time in Mexico celebrating her 1st birthday with your friends and enjoy your time with your beautiful little girl! You’ve given her one incredible first year! What a great Dad you are! Looking forward to seeing the rest of Gina’s pics and Maddy’s birthday pics. We’ll be thinking of you guys.
What a fantastic video!! How proud are you going to be showing that back to her when she grows older? How amazing is it that you’ll be able to watch that over and over as time marches on??
They did a tremendous job.
That brought tears to my eyes! What a wonderful video, can’t wait to see the pictures!
Enjoy your time away. You deserve it.
have a great trip! can’t wait to see pics! happy (early) birthday to Maddy!
Beautiful, just really beautiful. What a great way to start a Saturday. You can just see the love oozing off these photos – awesome! My Olivia who is 2 loved looking at these with me, she kept saying balloons and baby!
Enjoy your little vacation in Mexico!! I hope you two have a great time!! I love the video! It was Beautiful!! It’s a beautiful Love~
Happy Birthday Maddie! (who by the way absolutely rocked that photo shoot!!!!) Have a good time in Mexico!
This is so beautiful Matt
I’ll be thinking and praying for you this week
Matt, I love that you have *chosen* to grab life and show Maddy how to laugh and love and play! I am very touched that you are fashioning a world for her where she knows implicitly that she is safe. She can explore and learn and try it all. That huge and ready smile of hers, shows her trusting connection with you as you teach and enjoy her. Your videos and photos and words all show that you consider it an honor to be her Daddy and you think she is delightful! You have soooo much love to give – you just can’t help but pour it out, Matt – it’s who you are. Just being you — curious and positive and kind and imaginative and full of…um…’vim’ and vinegar (!) — to me, you personify JOY.
When you are in Mexico and looking back, be mindful that all your creeps and friends are here caring for you. I hope you return comforted , refreshed, and excited for all the new things to come. Thank you for allowing a glimpse into your corner of the world – it means a lot to me.
Happy, Happy birthday Maddy! You are a precious and beautiful little one. I think there are many new adventures and experiences ahead for you and Daddy. Have fun (and eat some beach grass for me, OK?)
Matt I love that you have *chosen* to grab life and show Maddy how to laugh and love and play. And I am touched that you are fashioning a world for her where she knows implicitly that she is safe and can explore and learn and try it all. Her ready smile shows her trusting connection with you as you love her and teach her. Every video and photo and word you write, shows that you consider it an honor to be her Daddy and you think she is delightful! (You’re right!)You have soooo much love to give – you just can’t help but pour it out, Matt – it’s who you are. Just being you — curious and positive and kind and imaginative and full of…um…’vim’ and vinegar (!)– So, to me, you personify JOY.
When you are in Mexico and looking back, be assured that all your creeps and friends are here caring for you. I hope you return comforted , refreshed, and excited for all the new things to come. Thank you for allowing a glimpse into your corner of the world – it means a lot to me personally.
Happy, Happy birthday Maddy! You are a precious and beautiful little one. I think there are many new adventures and experiences ahead for you and Daddy. Have lots of fun! (And eat some beach grass for me, OK?)
Wow Gina did a fabulous job! I hope you and Madeline have a wonderful time in Mexico
Every child should be as loved and cherished as Maddy
what an amazing video, truly moving
what an amazing bond between father and child
with every blog
with every picture or video
you can see the love in both of your eyes
you can see the devotion between you both
it’s a wonderful thing to witness
I wish every child had the bond with their Daddy
like Maddy has with hers
she is such a Blessed little girl..
Happy Birthday sweet Maddy!
We wish for you both to have a safe trip
Our thoughts are with you all ..
as you celebrate the lives of Maddy and Liz
Surrounded by the love of family and friends
May you see the signs that will remind you
of happy times..
May you make happy memories on your trip
that will over shadow the sorrow within
We will miss you both
think of you often
Some of us read this blog
to feel hope
you give us hope
Maddy is hope
Blessing to you both.
Safe travels and enjoy your time there….memories will be fresh, I’m sure! Hope you can make some wonderful new memories on this one year anniversary/birthday! Blessings!
Very cute.
I hope you have a wonderful trip – and that it does everything it can to soothe you. You both deserve an amazing time. And of course – A VERY HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY to Maddy!
enjoy your vacation. that was beautiful video. the photos are fantastic. Happy Birthday Maddy!!
hugs from NJ,
erica and Landon
PS That video was so awesome. I’m totally choked up. Those photos are going to be AMAZING. Your bond with Maddy is so great, so strong, and so visible through videos and photos like this. She will ADORE this when she’s older.
Matt…i’ve been reading your blog every morning for the past several months. i’m not normally one who comments, but this post just stirred something inside me — the simplicity and beauty and, most of all, the easy smiles spreading across your face and madeline’s face. my best friend lost her husband at age 30 last year and together they have 4 sons…i can’t wait to call her and tell her about your blog and the fact that happiness and grief can sometimes live side-by-side. new days come and go. you are amazing.
hapy birthday to madeline! i’ll keep you, maddy, and liz in my heart and hope that mexico is all you need it to be and more.
That video was AMAZING!! Matt, thanks for allowing me and so many other strangers into your life. You and Maddy are destined for big, big things. I admire your strength, your love for your child and the bond that you both share. Liz has to be so proud of you, you really are doing an excellent job. I hope you and Maddy have a safe and enjoyable trip. Happy 1st Birthday Madeline. Hope Daddy gives you some cake!!
Many happy tears being shed here! Looks like the two of you had such a fun time doing that photo shoot! I hope you have a wonderful trip to Mexico and come back refreshed and ready to tackle a new year!!! Happy 1st Birthday Maddy!!
Beautiful video, beautiful photos, beautiful father and daughter.
Happy Birthday sweet lil’ Maddy!
And Matt, I hope your trip to Mexico be just what your soul needs this week–the closeness of friends and family to celebrate, and to remember, to share the joy and the sorrow. (Yes, I’m a creep who’s read for almost a year now and never posted! Sorry!!!)
Nic
so beautiful – happy birthday Maddy!
haven’t commented in a really long time, but still watch in amazement–gorgeous video–made me cry, but happy tears that y’all have made it through this first year. even through the tremendous aching pain you are moving forward by living and sharing life with Maddy. and i don’t think Mexico is escapism, because it’s going to be impossible to escape the memories of each moment from last year. it happens no matter where you are. keep breathing and loving your daughter. that’s all you can do.
Simply beautiful.
Happy birthday, Madeline. You are loved by so many people.
Hang in there, Matt…you are loved by them all as well…
Love the new photo video of you and Madeline. Enjoy Mexico. Hoping “the day” is not as bad as you have anticipated. You have touched so many over the past year and I look forward to year number two.
I have been a silent observer for a while now. I enjoy getting on and reading and seeing all of the wonderful things that you do for Maddy and all of the happiness and love there is between you. I just wanted to comment on two things, first the first picture of you and Maddy in the video is stunning. She is a gorgeous girl and to see the two of you in pictures like that show how much love there is between the two of you.
Secondly I want to comment on you wearing Liz’s rings still. Personally I think that is one of the saddest yet sweetest things. Keep that connection. Have a great trip in Mexico, and keep showing Maddy the amazing love you have for her. Be strong.
You do have something fabulous to look forward to — by this time next year, Maddy will be walking all over and starting to talk. By the time, she’s 2 1/2, you’ll be able to have real conversations with her. Your heart is heavy, but don’t forget you also have been given an amazing gift who will keep on giving…… please take care of yourself this week — and let your loved ones take care of you, too….
I don’t know Liz, but I am pretty damn sure that any wife would be proud of her husband for being a wonderful father! Happy Birthday, little one!! Make new memories on this trip…not to replace the old, but to add to them. Have a safe trip!
That video show the most beautiful father-daughter relationship I believe I have ever seen. It is just magical to watch.
Have safe travels and enjoy a wonderful birthday with your sweet Maddy. We look forward to updates and PHOTOS!
So beautiful! This is such a great video to watch for years to come. Can’t wait to see all of these photos.
Amazing, beautiful, breathtaking!
Oh my gosh. What an awesome video, Matt. Go Gina! Madeline is SO flipping cute, and I’m glad I got to hear her little squeak, too! I’m thinking of you guys this week… xoxo
Have fun in Mexico. Will be thinking about you guys a lot this week. Happy Birthday Madeline!!
Have a FABULOUS time in Mexico!!!! Happy Birthday to Miss Madeline!!!
Oops – didn’t mean to leave Chris Lee out… Go Chris Lee!
Happy Birthday Maddy! Have a wonderful trip Matt!
Hope your time spent in Mexico is restorative and you are able to create some new memories for you and Maddy on this anniversary/birthday. The photos and video are simply beautiful. Happy 1st Birthday to Ms. Maddy and continued peace to you as well.
That is an absolutely beautiful video! I grew up in that park, nice to see you’re creating memories there also. You will be in my thoughts throughout the coming week. ♥
The pictures are so great! Made me cry
A beautiful video, something to treasure. Have a good time in Mexico. We will be thinking of you and Maddy.
Oh wow…the pic preview and the video are amazing! Maddie looks so big and you look so handsome.
I hope the trip to Mexico is cathartic and therapeutic.
What a beautiful video. I am amazed and inspired by your ability to continue to make beautiful new memories for you and Maddy evene as you walk through your grief. What a gift you are giving your daughter. Actually, your blog is a gift to many, many people, Matt. Showing that while the depths of grief can be so terrible, each day brings the possibility of loving, never forgetting and building on the memories of Liz.
Annie
absolutely enchanting. have a great break, take care.
Absolutely precious! Beautiful colors and bright blue eyes that make your heart melt. I never met Liz, however through pictures you can see the great resemblance between Maddy and Liz. Thank you for sharing your life (and Maddy’s) with us.
Love what lorri said so much I needed to chime in again. It’s an amazing thing to imagine, isn’t it – if we could live in a world where EVERY child was as loved as Maddy?? (By legions of strangers and/or even only their dads.) What a lovely place that would be!
The video is breath-taking. Can’t wait to listen to it with the sound on once the kids wake up!
safe travels to you and your little group.
most importantly, happiest first birthday wishes to madeline.
may mexico treat her well on her 365th day on this planet!
*
I haven’t boo-hooed about you guys in awhile, but you got me today!! Safe travels, have fun celebrating that beautiful girls and I will be thinking of you for the rest of the time.
What a beautiful video! and an even more gorgeous baby girl! thank you so much for sharing, not just this post, but also this past year. We’ll all be thinking of you this week!
The video is stunning.
It broke my heart and melted my heart.
If that’s possible.
Lots of love and remembering and healing on this trip.
What an amazing video of you and Miss Maddy!! She is adorable and her beautiful smile is a tribute to her mother…and the wonderful job you have done raising her so far, Matt. I know it’s not easy – but you are doing a great job!! I am watching from the sidelines in Indiana – I came across your blog maybe a month after Madeline was born and I cannot believe it’s been a year.
Thinking of all of you this week as you celebrate Miss Maddy, remember your sweet Liz and continue on the road of healing.
Hugs from Indiana!
FUCK Matt! You get me everytime! Tears just pouring down my face. She looks so much like Liz. Liz would be SO proud. Have a great time in Mexico and an even better time at Maleeda & Kevin’s wedding
Have a wonderful time, Matt and Maddie! Matt – I even have my mom reading your story now. I know you don’t like to hear that people are proud of you for raising Maddie on your own, but we’re southern, and parents pass off babies to the grandparents more times than I could ever count when it just seems to hard to do it alone. Looking at those pictures of you and Maddie, I can tell what a wonderful job you are doing.
Wow, what an incredible gift that video is. I wept… all the way through it. I’m so fucking proud of you both. It’s incredible. Matt, you are awe inspiring and just plain :awesomesauce:. I don’t even know what else to say. I need to go blow my fucking nose and fix my make up now though… so that’s all for now
Adios! Have a great time! We’ll all be thinkin’ of you and sendin’ good mojo. xoxoxooxoxoxox
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
I know that this is going to be a bittersweet time for you. You and Madeline are in our thoughts here.
Madeline is the luckiest little girl to have you for her daddy. The love you have for one another just oozes forth from the photos and the video.
Safe travels, and a happy first birthday to Madeline.
love the music, love the video and love the idea of you being in mexico this week. my heart aches after watching that…its just not fair and its not right that liz is not here with you to celebrate this. ugh…..
Have a safe and peaceful trip. Happy Birthday Maddy! The photos are beautiful and the video is touching! I will be thinking and praying for you this week Matt, so sorry you have to go through all of this. You deserve to be away.
Matt, I have tears in my eyes as I type this. That video is absolutely beautiful!!! Maddy is gorgeous and becoming such a lovely little girl. I can’t believe that she is almost a year old already. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDY!!!! I know the 25th will be a very difficult day for you, but try to enjoy your vacation in Mexico. I wish you all the best, and try to have lots of fun with that special little girl. Take care!!!!
I have followed this last year with you and never been prompted to write…my joy and pain with you has been silent and private. My son is 3 months older than Madeline and I have loved watching her grow along with him. Next month will mark the one year anniversary of my brother’s death and although it in no way compares to the loss of your wife…I am always grieving for the person my son will never know. I have perused photos from friends and family and have only one at the hospital with him in the background and yet he was so excited for the birth of his nephew. You and Maddy appear to have great love for each other…the joy is obvious in her whole face when you are near and the photos that capture your awe of her are so moving. Wishing great strength and joy to you now and always.
That is what pure joy looks like!
Beautiful video and wonderful photos, brought tears to my eyes! What wonderful memories you are creating w/ Maddy.
Stefanie
Asalamu Alaykom wa/y El Paz de Dios,
What’s up with the video, dude? You’re telling me that you had a huge bouquet of helium balloons and the ending was you strolling away? I am seriously dissapointed. I kept thinking they would carry you aloft over the housetops to Mexico!
Sigh…maybe in the remake. Could somebody animate this?
And ya, ya, ya, Gina’s pics are freakin’ incredible. Mashahallah. For real! I just want to see the pics she takes of ugly kids.
I think my eyes are welled up. That’s not something they’re prone to doing. Beautiful, Matt. Simply . . . beautiful.
I hope you enjoy your trip. Many people are thinking of you. As always.
I hope that as Maddy reaches that teenage phase of not appreciating her father, that someone shows her all these videos. She is one lucky little girl to have you as her father!! Prayers and healing thoughts will be headed your way on the 25th.
Wishing Maddy a Happy Birthday! Have a safe trip too.
P.S. Is it a bad thing to escape?
so, so beautiful
The preview picture is the sweetest thing ever <3 I hope that your time in Mexico is fun, and that you have an easy week. I will be thinking about you, and I hope that Madeline has a fantastic birthday!
What an awesome video! That is so cool you have mementos like that to keep forever to someday show that beautiful baby of yours. Happy Birthday, Maddy!
Matt, so good to see you smile in the video and photos. (Us blog strangers don’t get to see that too much!) The video is A-W-E-S-O-M-E. Enjoy your time in Mexico. Happy Birthday Maddy! Peace to you, Matt.
Beautiful video! I’ll be thinking of you next week. Take care…
That video is incredible! Madeline is such a beauty, just like her mommy. I can’t wait to see the rest of the pictures from the shoot! Everything looked stunning.
Enjoy your time in Mexico as best you can. Have a safe trip, and please know I’ll be thinking of you.
The second to last still photo in the video has busted me into tears. I’ll be sending extra prayers and thoughts your way in the coming days.
Safe travels to Mexico and back and have a wonderful first birthday dear Madeline!
What a beautiful video! Madeline gets prettier everyday. Gina definitely knows how to rock a camera! Have a good trip and enjoy each other. ; )
What a beautiful video. My 3 yr old watched it with me (as I had tears in my eyes) and she was kissing the computer screen when she saw Madeline. She asked if she could meet her someday
Maybe next time you’re in the NYC?
Have a wonderful time in Mexico! Happy Birthday to Madeline! What a doll! We’ll be thinking of you.
Christine D.
Have a wonderful trip, and happy, happy birthday to Madeline! Many thoughts and wishes for peace for you Matt. You really are doing such an amazing job.
That video is wonderful! I have actually been following your blog since August, without commenting. Your story is heartbreaking, but your outlook on life is nothing short of inspirational. You are a wonderful father with a beautiful little one–my best to you both!
What a fantastic video. Madeline is just exquisite.
That video was gorgeous! Maddie just gets prettier and prettier as the days go by. Have a safe trip. Happy Birthday Maddie!!
Happy birthday to the both of you and give your self a huge pat on the back, you made it to the first birthday and it seems like your doing an awesome job! Enjoy mexico
Amazing!
Have a great time in Mexico, we’ll be thinking of you. Happy Birthday, Maddy!
I loved the video, I sort of shed a tear at the last photo of you with your back pack on pushing Maddy in the stroller.. It’s just so sweet in so many ways.
Once again I am in tears. The video is AMAZING!!!!! I will be thinking of you this week…..
I am just spellbound by that video. Amazing. The look of love between you and Madeline is breathtaking. Take care and have a beautiful trip to Mexico.
One of my favorite posts so far. Beautiful, touching and just awesome. Makes me realize I need to get out there and start creating memories like this with my own baby girl. You are an amazing father. Wishing you safe travels on this coming journey with Maddy.
madeline is such a precious little girl, the older she gets the more she starts to look like you also (and not just liz!)
That was the most amazing video, and it made me cry. Happy Birthday Maddy. Your dad is an amazing dad.
That is a wonderful video! Happy Birthday Maddy. Have a safe trip
Have a fantastic time! Love the video. The picture where Madeline is sitting between your legs is my favorite! Happy Birthday sweet girl.
Have a great time in Mexico, happy birthday Madeline!!
That video and the shots were fantastic, shows her personality so well!
That video is beyond amazing! enjoy your time in Mexico as best you can.
Awesome!!
It was the first time I shed a tear on this blog, seeing this video. Which is completely fine by me since I tend to cry seeing beautiful things, not knowing about horrible and unfair tragedies. I prefer that way. You two are gorgeous, and Matt, I really hope everything goes well in Mexico, as well as possible. As a lot of people mentioned earlier, we’ll be thinking of you and Maddy.
Simply amazing – that video seems to capture so much! I have been reading this blog for just about a year. You are in my thoughts and prayers so often! Maddy is so lucky to have you. Happy birthday to Maddy!
Happy (early) 1st birthday Madeline, as you’ve grown, I think you look more like your dad every day! (it isn’t a bad thing!!!)
Have a wonderful trip, enjoy making new memories.
Such an awesome video, you are darling with her. I hope you guys have a great time in Mexico and Madeline has the best 1st birthday!
Have a safe trip you fuck!
Awesome video.
The video was just amazing and made me cry! I’ll be thinking of you! Happy birthday Maddy!!! You will get through the 25th. I’ll be praying for you!
Brilliant video! Brought me to tears. I know Liz would love it.
Precious….awesome. Can’t believe she is going to be 1 already. Enjoy Mexico, enjoy her birthday….
That video is awesome. I am now going to check out the pictures! Well your off to Mexico, I know that you will have a relaxing time out there. Happy 1st Birthday to Maddy, she will be in the thoughts and prayers of Millions of People across the counrtry. Liz will also be remembered across the country on the anniversary of her passing. As for you Matt, thank you for sharing your journey over the past year. As you know your journey is special to our family as we are traveling the same journey only a few steps behind. God Bless you and Maddy. I also wanted to add a special thought for Liz’s parents. May god bless your family in the upcoming days and keep you close. I know that you too must be anticipating both dates with happiness and sorrow. You lost a beautiful daughter and gained an awesome granddaughter.
Rosann
P.S. Would love to have Gina come to Chicago and Shoot my brother Jim and his daughter Sophia for her first birthday, Do you think she would come????
WOW! That was an amazing video-I just wanted to watch more
There were so awesome shots of the two of you, Madeline just gets more adorable every day!! Have a safe trip to Mexico, as always you two are in my thoughts and prayers, especially in the coming week.
Absolutely gorgeous pictures. Not that I’m surprised–Gina’s photos are always beautiful. And the video is great.
Be safe on your trip.
Have an awesome time in Mexico! The video is beautiful and I cannot wait to see all of the pictures!
The video was beautiful of Madeline. Happy Birthday Maddy!
Have a safe and wonderful trip to Mexico. I’ll be thinking of your guys.
Matt and Maddy – your pictures and the video were amazing and beautiful, provoking smiling through tears. I hope you have a fabulous time in Mexico and have happy times to celebrate Madeline’s big 1st birthday! I will be thinking of you Matt, as you go through the days. There are no words, but know that thoughts are with you.
Beautiful video! Gina and Chris did a great job!! What a wonderful keepsake. Hope you have a safe trip, and take care.
seeing gina’s pics makes me want to book a flight to LA for lydia’s next shoot! she does such great work–and really captures the wonderful relationship you share with madeline. thinking of you often and especially in the upcoming days. take care.
OMG! That was just precious. What a great job Gina did. It made me cry but in a good way. Thinking about you two and wishing you the best to come.
Matt & Maddy,
You two are amazing, I hope you enjoy your time in Mexico. The video and pictures were beautiful.
you can tell that she carries her mom’s spirit within her! luv it! you are so blessed!
Matt, I’ve been following your blog for months and have never commented–but I wanted to say that video is absolutely touching–that sweet little girl is the most expressive, beautiful blue eyed baby. And she’s so lucky to have you. I hope your trip to Mexico is as good as it can be. And I can’t wait to see pictures of Maddy’s birthday. We’ll all be thinking about you.
Great pictures and beautiful video. Happy Birthday to Maddie! My thoughts are with you as the day approaches. Hope your trip is everything you want it to be.
Great video! I’ll be thinking of you and Maddy on the 25th. Hope you have a great time in Mexico. Happy Birthday to sweet Maddy!
What a long way you have come from that dorky prom photo. I’m sure Liz would be SO proud of you and her sweet daughter.
Happy birthday, beautiful Madeline!
The 25th will be over soon. Try to have fun in Mexico.
Happy Birthday Maddy!!!
Also, LOVE the video and the photos. Too fantastic for words.
Have a great trip!
What a gorgeous child. What wonderful shots.
Love, love, love the video and preview of the pics!! Happy, Happy Birthday Maddy!! You are beautiful just like your mommy!! Enjoy your time together! You are making wonderful memories for your little princess!! Have fun and be safe!! Wishing you safe travels and a peaceful vacation!! Continued strength on your journey through life!!
Oh my gosh, that video is so beautiful. I’m all weepy now.
Happy Birthday to Maddy!
take care, will be thinking of you. Happy First Birthday Maddy! love you both!
Such a beautiful video! Hope you guys have a great time in Mexico and Happy Birthday Maddy!
Matt, she is absolultey precious! You can see how much she adores you. Give yourself a big pat on the back – you are one of the best fathers I have ever seen. I hope you guys enjoy your time in Mexico and I know we all can’t wait to hear about her first birthday. I will be thinking about all of you next week!
Wow, what a beautiful video! Immediately, I was struck by the love between you and Maddy – the way you looked at her with such love and pride. Its that love that made this video special. Thinking of you all during this week…
What a gorgeous video!!! The bond captured between you and Madeline is just beautiful! What an amazing job you’ve done over the last year. Happy early Birthday to Madeline. I hope you are able to find some peace while in Mexico with your friends. As always, blessings to you both~ Sarah
An amazing video for such an amazing little girl and father! Have fun in Mexico, Happy Birthday Madeline! And we will be thinking of you and Maddy Matt…….*HUGS*
What an absolutely beautiful video!
What an unbelievably gorgeous video!
Have a good time with lots of reflection, your best daughter and great friends. That video is extraordinary. Something that everyone would love of their kids. What a gift! Speaking of gift, happy (early) birthday Madeline! Lots of love!
I couldn’t be more touched.
First time writing but been a follower for a while. This video prompted me to write today. With tears in my eyes…you are simply…an amazing father. Little Maddy is precious. Thank you for sharing a piece of your life with us. You will be in my thoughts and prayers this week.
What an absolutely beautiful video. The love you and Madeline have for eachother is breathtaking.
Hi Matt,
We went to high school together and I’m really good friends with Danielle. I think your dad is also on the fire dept with my sister Heather. I’ve been reading your blog every day for the past year but this is the first time I have left a comment. You are an amazing father Your story has moved me to tears countless times. I think of you, Liz and Maddy everyday. I have a 3 yr old and 10 month old little girls and I can’t imagine what you must go through on a daily basis. I hope you enjoy your time in Mexico. I wish you and your family all the best! Thinking of you!
Happy Birthday Maddy!! Have fun in Mexico. The video is amazing. The picture preview is so sweet. It is so evident the love that the two of you have for each other. Maddy is one lucky child.
What beautiful pics, beautiful video and a beautiful little girl!!! I hope you find peace in Mexico. Have an awesome trip!
Oh my god, tears. Damn you and your overly cute baby videos!
Awesome video! Have a great trip.
Absolutely beautiful video of you and Maddy. My 16 month old watched it with me and she was squealing and clapping…she enjoyed seeing Maddy and her balloons! Maddy has grown so much this past year. You’ve done a remarkable job, Matt. I know it hasn’t been easy. My thoughts & prayers are with you on the 24th and the 25th.
Julie
P.S. My daughter, Sydnie, would be celebrating her 16th birthday on the 24th. This will be our 12th year without her…
What a great video!!!!!!
that video is phenomenal. they did an AMAZING job. what is so great is how they captured the two of you together…you can feel the love between father and daughter, and that is just cooler than words.
Happy Birthday, Maddy! our thoughts and prayers will be with you all this week.
Matt,
I’ve never commented before. Or maybe once…
Anyway, I am continually touched by your journey in a way I never really imagined. I was browsing in a small boutique today and saw a onesie and instantly thought of your Madeline. I know you have gifts and clothes busting out the seams of your house, but if you want just one more, let me know
Enjoy Mexico, breathe, and continue on your journey.
xo, Hannah
That video is incredible. So moving, and the pictures are breathtaking.
Hope you trip goes smooth, and know you’ll be in our thoughts and prayers this week.
Love for your daughter radiates from you. She’s so very lucky to have you as a father. Happy Birthday to Maddy. I hope the next few days, as painful as they may be, also have room for joy with the celebration of Maddy’s day.
I am in love with the balloon pictures. So beautiful. Hope you can find some peace in Mexico. Madeline will be the coolest kid ever..who gets to say that they had there first birthday in Mexico!
That video and those shots are beautiful.
Good luck in Mexico.
Awesome video and great pictures! Have a great time in Mexico & happy 1st birthday to Madeline!
You and Maddy are in my thoughts and prayers this week. I hope she has a wonderful birthday! She is a beautiful girl, and once again you are dong an amazing job with her. Your story is such an inspiration. She is so lucky to have you. I know that Liz is looking down on you both, and she would be very proud of what you have accomplished. Please know that we all will be thinking of you on the 25th and I hope that will give you strength. May God bless you both!!
The video is enchanting! Madeline sparkles and shines like the star her mommy sits on, watching and loving both of you.
Wow – what an amazingly talented couple – and combining forces, breathtaking!
Loved the video & the photographs, and look forward to seeing more. Hope your trip is good to your soul.
Beautiful . . . you are so in love with her. I’ve always seen it in your writing, but to see it in your eyes . . . watch out, she’s got ya wrapped around that little finger. ;o)
Have a fabulous vacation! Happy birthday Madeline!!!!!!!!
Happy Happy Birthday little Madeline. Enjoy the sand. xoxox. you are precious.
My daughter, who is almost 2, and I just watched “The Madeline Show” four times in a row! My daughter kept saying, “More Madeline! More Madeline Show!” We really enjoyed the beautiful pictures of you two. We hope Madeline has a very happy first birthday – and that you both have a great trip.
Your friends put together a beautiful slideshow with lots of great pictures. I hope your time in Mexico goes well…I’ll be praying for you all!
AMAZING video…Maddy is gorgeous, as always, and getting so big!! I hope you guys have a fabulous time in Mexico. Will definitely be thinking of you guys on the 24th and 25th!!
Enjoy your time away with your sweet little angel!! HAPPY FIRSTY BIRTHDAY MADDY!! 
Lots of hugs and prayers headed your way!!
have fun in Mexico. Loved the video. I especially loved the pic where she’s sitting in between your legs. It represents to me that you’re over her protecting her plus she’s below you holding you up.
First of all…HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY to Madeline!!!!!! Have a great trip in Mexico! Loved the previews from her photo shoot and her vidoeo was so beautiful, I watched it about 4 times and it brought tears to my eyes watching how perfect you two are together!!!!!
That video was so so SO awesome. You are Maddy’s essential person and she is yours and that video just shows it so much. It was so cute and so beautiful to watch you guys. Love it!
Enjoy Mexico with your favs and I hope Miss Maddy has the best birthday that a kid could have and then some. I also hope that the 25th…..well I wish it wasn’t happening but it is so….I hope it goes by fast. I know we’ll all be thinking about you two (and the other fam and friends whom this day is so very tough) and sending you all the strength to endure it and hoping you take comfort in eachtoher. It fucking suck suck sucks and that’s all there is to it. I know that after “the day” things aren’t going to magically be fine but I hope that with the passing of this day and many more, that the pain in your heart and the load on your shoulders begins to lift. Wishing you guys a great trip, you deserve it! *HUGS*
xoxoxoxo,
Tricia and Bella in the So. Cal
that video is so beautiful it made me cry! what a wonderful memory for you two. And the photos are going to be gorgeous. I hope you have a great vacation and HAPPY BIRTHDAY Madeline!!!!
Happy Birthday Madeline!
Matt, have a restful time away. I’ll be thinking of you and Madeline on the 25th.
Absolutely, incredibly beautiful. I cant help but smile…she is exquisite, Matt. Wishing you the very best time on your trip! Its a great chance to celebrate.
Happy birthday, Madeline. Thinking of you both this week.
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
Have a lovely time in MX.
Happy (early) first birthday, Maddy.
As my daughter and I watched this video, I lost it. As I wrote to you on Twitter, I have been following this blog from the beginning. I stumbled upon it while looking for support after unexpectedly becoming a single mom. I’ve been hooked ever since! I have watched you raise Madeline and been in complete awe of the both of you. You have been so selfless in sharing this experience (that I desperately wish you werent in) with us. Im sure that you get a million stories of how you have changed peoples lives with your blogging and the Liz fund. And being the modest man that you seem to be, Im sure you dont realize what an impact you really do have on people. I take comfort in knowing that you and Maddy will not only be ok, you are going to be fabulous.
HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY MADELINE!!
These pictures are beautiful, thanks for sharing with us!
Thinking about you and Madeline this week!
Those are amazing pictures, what wonderful memories you are creating for her.
Safe travels, wishing you lots of peace as the days come and go.
Happy Birthday Maddy!
Those pics are amzaing! It looks like you guye wre having a lot of fun.
During this joyous & difficult week I wish you happy memories, few tears, genuine smiles, easy laughter, beauthiful sunsets & even better sunrises. You are not alone Matt…..
Happy 1st Birthday to a very special little girl who was blessed with an amazing father.
The video and photos are INCREDIBLE (not surprised). They always touch me in a very special way. Hope Maddy has a wonderful birthday FELIZ CUMPLEANOS MADDY!!!! Enjoy Mexico and ask daddy to let you EAT A TACO on my behalf
Matt, we’ll be thinking about you as these 2 special days approach.
Abrazos (hugs)
Liliana
Just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you and Maddy this weekend. I hope you find the peace you seek.
Cutest video ever!
Have a great time in Mexico with your friends! Although Liz won’t be there to celebrate, celebrate the great times you did share with her : )
That is a beautiful video. Madeline looks like an Easter chick! I wish you a lot of fun and happiness for all the new memories you’re going to make and a courageous heart for the 24th and 25th.
Simply Amazing! You are a wonderful dad! How lucky Madeline is. Enjoy your vacation.
We are thinking of you both, and a big Happy Birthday to Madeline! What a big sun-shiny girl she is!
Happy birthday to Madeline! I hope you have a good time in Mexico.
Wishing you peace and safe travels, Matt. I know I won’t be alone in saying that I’ll be thinking of you and Maddy this week. I know it’s going to be an emotional rollercoaster to say the least.
Sending you many, many virtual hugs and tons of warm wishes for your sweet little girl… Happy Birthday, Maddy!!!!!!
Awesome pics matt…they show what an amazing blessing that little girl is to your life!
P.S. I have been a lurker for the past 8 months…but I have decided to introduce myself to you! so…Hi…I am Pina
Beautiful video! Such love shows through in those pictures! Have a wonderful time in Mexico. Happy 1st Birthday sweet Madeline!
Beautiful video… can’t wait to see the other pictures. Praying for you, this coming week.
Matt, it was a pure joy to watch you and Madeline in that video. It’s a rare treat to see video of you and Madi together, because you’re usually the one manning the camera. Seeing the happiness and love on both your faces felt so intimate and special. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Gorgeous video and photos. How fortunate you are to have this for Madeline when she is older.
Will be thinking of you Madeline and Liz this week. Hang tough Matt.
Speechless. She is precious beyond words. I will be thinking of you both this week. I know it’ll be bittersweet, and it’s good you can be with special friends in such an amazing place. Much love to you both.
Proud Papa! Congratulations on an incredible journey you have created for you and your daughter this year!
She is such a happy baby, your doing a great job!
the video made me cry.
madeline’s beautiful, and the unfathomable amount of love you have for her really shows. you two are lucky to have eacother.
wishing you comfort this week. happy birthday to your little girl.
That video is freaking AMAZING! You and Madeline will cherish that forever
That was one of the most beautiful things I have seen in a long time.
I once read that being a parent means that your heart is now on the outside of your body. When I look at my daughter, who is almost 2 now, I know that couldn’t be more true.
Watching the video of you and Maddy today and reading your blog over the past 9 months or so…. Matt – it is clear that your heart, while having endured unspeakable loss 362 days ago, is so full for Maddy and your life together.
I wish you both a trip this week to make memories of this wonderful milestone for Maddy and a chance to reflect on the many memories you have of Liz and to celebrate the love you shared in your lives together.
You have thousands of people thinking of you both this week, and always. I’m just one more, hoping that the thoughts of strangers help you even a little bit get through the good, and painful, in the days ahead of you.
Wishing you both all the best…
oh my goodness that is a GORGEOUS video! i had chills and tears watching it! you both look SO happy with each other , its very moving! my favorite shot is the one where you are lying down on your back and bringing her down to your mouth for a father/daughter kiss. PRICELESS!
Adios, mi amigo. Estamos piensando en ti.
Abrazos,
j.
Beautiful! That was so great! I <3 Maddie!
Have a wonderful time in Mexico. Happy First Birthday Maddy!
Have a good time in Mexico! The video and photo’s are absolutely amazing! Something your daughter and you will cherish forever!
My stomach hurts for you…
what a fabulous video. a treasure for both of you. you have one gorgeous girl on you hands!
The video was amazing!! Loved it! Happy 1st birthday Maddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We will be thinking of you and your family this week. Have a wonderful time in Mexico.
Tkae care,
Debbie
I showed my 14-month old this video and he was in awe. Yet another boy crushin’ on your beautiful girl … You’re in trouble.
Hope you enjoy your trip, and that Maddy has a wonderful 1st birthday! We’ll be thinking of you.
wow… what a stunning video. Maddy will be so thankful to have it when she is a little older. Wishing her a happy birthday!
simply beautiful…
How does it happen so fast? My son is 21 months and watched the video of you and Madeline and was mesmerized by the two of you…he kept signing and saying more. She is so beautiful and wow, what an amazingly talented couple!! The video and pictures your friends did just made me melt. What a treasure that will be years from now when your little girl is not so little.
I can’t imagine what the 25th will be like for you but it is good to hear that you will be with those who were closest to you and Liz. I hope and pray that you will find some peace in their arms and with your baby girl. Can you believe you have come so far…your world may not be what you had expected it to be as you welcomed your daughter into your life almost a year ago, but know that you have impacted so many lives and made people appreciate those little moments. You are an amazing dad! Enjoy the time away.
Wow Matt, that was a beautiful video, it brought me to tears. Happy First Birthday Maddy! Big big hugs to you Matt.
I can’t find the right comment today, but i can’t not leave one either.
Be well. Drink a LOT of tequila. See you when you’re back.
beautiful, simply beautiful. you are good people, Matt.
hang tough this week – keep living a life worth being proud of.
Matt
I could not hold the tears in my eyes when I saw this video. Wonderful pictures! Thanks for share this moment with us.
May God put a lot of happiness and strengthen in your heart, and bless your life and the little princess Maddy!
And He also put a lot of comfort in your heart, when you will remember the sad memories.
I wish you all the best, always! You have no idea how your life is making difference in other peoples lives.
i’ve been a stalker, er, friend (?) for awhile now. after seeing a piece of your story in People magazine, i immediately went to the first entry of your blog and read my way through. now i’m addicted to watching as your beautiful Miniature-Liz grows and learns! you are truly an inspiration. and what a gorgeous video! thank you for letting us all in!
Matt, the video was beautiful and clearly shows the strong bond between you and Miss M. I know others have said this many times before but I can’t help saying it again…..I know Liz would be SO proud of you both. The pictures are awesome as well and I can’t wait to see more!! Have fun in Mexico. My little one Anna and I will be thinking of you both and sending love and hugs your way! Take care…..
What an awesome video! You have a beautiful daughter. We will be thinking about you guys during this tough week! Our hearts go out to you and Madeline. Happy First Birthday Madeline!
Your child is just beautiful. That last still pic of Maddy in the video where her mouth is open in a laugh (or maybe a shout) and her eyes are so joyful reminded me so much of the pic of Liz laughing at you wedding.
You, Maddy, and your families are in my prayers as the 25th looms. May God bring you peace.
Matt,
I absolutely LOVE the video! What an incredible thing to have! I am thinking of you both over the next few days. May God give you comfort and strength as you face this difficult time! Happy Birthday Maddy!!!! Have a great trip!
Hope you all have a peaceful time together as you celebrate Madeline’s 1st birthday and …………………..
I love the video and am having a hard time believing it’s been a year.
Can’t wait for more pictures!!
My wish is peace for your soul these next 8 days.
Have a great time. happy, happy first birthday to maddie. will be thinking of you on the 25th. you are surrounded by people who love and care about you.
Love the video… love it…. love it… love it!
Have a wonderful trip and I’ll be thinking of you both lots this week.
hi friend…. i wrote a post for you tonight.
http://www.mybottlesup.com/2009/03/think-of-them.html
you will be in my thoughts.
I hope spending time in Mexico affords you an opportunity to add to your overflowing chest of wonderful memories. I know you will also be reliving the memories of those life altering days in 2008. May you have the strength to balance both as you sit on a sandy beach with 4 of your favorite people.
Love the videos and the photos!
Have a safe trip! I will be thinking about you this week.
So beautiful, have a great time in Mexico–Happy 1st b-day Madeline! Take Care…
too, too beautiful.
peace to you on this most wonderful, most terrible anniversary.
Happy Birthday Madeline! The video is beautiful. You are in our minds and in our hearts.
Those are some of the most BEAUTIFUL photos of you and Madeline I have seen! You can see Liz’s beauty and love shining though her face. Stay strong this week. You have many love and prayers behind you.
You and Madeline will be in our thoughts this week. I’m sure she’ll have a fabulous birthday in Mexico – can’t wait to see the photos!
wow. that’s all I can think to say. that video, those pictures, that song . . . . I’m still teary eyed. just beautiful. that’s something you’ll enjoy for the rest of your life. please enjoy Mexico and know you have a lot of people thinking of you and sending good thoughts, prayers and karma your way.
I’ve been lurking on your blog for awhile, but just not decided to leave you a comment. I know the year anni. is quickly approaching, and I wanted to wish you peace during that difficult time. I also wanted to wish your beautiful little girl a happy birthday. I hope when she’s older she looks back and realizes how strong her dad is. You’re someone any child would be honored to call their dad.
The video is beautiful!!! Wonderfullly put together!!!
Madeline is sooo beautiful !!
Beautiful shots and a great soundtrack for the video. With my daughter’s birth and husband’s death following nearly the same timeline as your loss, I feel like I’m walking through my pain as you’re walking through yours. I know friends and family can’t really fill the space, but it’s great that they’re helping you through.
I have tears in my eyes, as I am typing this. She is so adorable, and this video was beautiful. To see the love you two have for eachother, just warms my heart. Have a great time in Mexico. I will be thinking of you guys!!!
HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY MADELINE!!!!
What a dear way to start the day! Happy birthday Madeline! All the best….
That video is breath taking. Thank you.
Peace to you these next two days.
Have a wonderful trip. Sending you love and light.
Beautiful…. thinking about you and Maddy during this joyous and heartwrenching week.
LOVED the video! Totally made me tear up. The photos are also gorgeous! Have a wonderful time in Mexico.
Tomorrow is a holiday here and I will be offline the whole day, so
I want to say FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS to Maddy!!
wish all of you a nice vacation week!
Wed. will be a tough day…. keep strong, my friend!
you are always in my thoughts and prayers
Besos y abrazos
Sol
Incredible video!!!!!!!!
What can I say, Matt…your daughter is beautiful! I loved that video of you both.
Have a good time in Mexico…HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDIE!
Liz will also be in my thoughts.
I love the video. It brought tears to my eyes. I know you’ve been told this a thousand times but your doing such an awesome job Matt, and you’ve got such an amazing little girl.
The 25th is a horrible day for me too. It will be two years on Wednesday that we lost our twins. I know how terrible that day is and you and your family will be in my thoughts this week.
Lots of love to you and Maddy!
so INCREDIBLE!! Gina takes AMAZING pictures!! (so do you;) The video is PRECIOUS!!!
I hope you find some peace in Mexico in the next few days. You know you have lots of “friends” thinking of you all over the world!
Happy early birthday Madeline!!!!!!
Off to “send” her “present”
Thank you M & M for letting us into your lives…. You have found your way into so many hearts of Strangers/Friends… I will be thinking of you Two and the rest of Liz’s Family this week…. It is gonna be a “shitty” week for you but know you have so many pulling for you and Madeline. Relax, laugh and cry you have every right. Hugs….
My comments will probably be lost in the thousands that will soon follow, but I have to say it: Those pictures are gorgeous. You have an amazingly beautiful little girl and she has an amazingly beautiful father and is perhaps the luckiest little girl.
M & M…LOVE the photos as always. Could she be more beautiful??? Have a safe and wonderful trip! I can’t believe it’s been a year almost. Time really does fly. You will both be in my thoughts. HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY BIG GIRL!!!!! XOXOXO
Ohh, I can’t watch the video, I don’t know why, the link to it does not show on my computer. Anyways, you gusys have an AWESOME time in Mexico, Happy 1st Birthday Maddy!!!
I will keep on trying to figure out how to watch the video, everybody has commented on it, I bet is breathtaking!
Great video!
I’m thinking of you, Matt over the next couple of days especially. I know you aren’t escaping, there is no place you could go that would take away from what you have dealt with in the past year anyhow.
I wish you peace, and the smile of your little angel to start every day! Enjoy Mexico….
Birthday countdown….woohoo Maddie, just 1 more day!!!!!!
what an amazing video! May Peace be with you this week- safe travels m & m…
I hope that you and Maddie enjoy Mexico. Happy first birthday to BOTH of you =)
And I hope, hope, hope against hope that on the 25th you are able to focus more on celebrating Liz’s life than anything else.
that is incredible! had me in tears
have a nice vacation. thinking of you lots, sending lots of prayers and virtual hugs!! (((HUGS)))
What a wonderful video and beautiful pictures! There are tears in my eyes…it is awesome to be able to “see” the love between you and Maddy. I will be thinking about the 2 of you this week – I hope it is peaceful…hugs to both of you!
First Happy Birthday to your beautiful little girl!! Gina’s pictures and Chris’s video are amazing!!! My favorite in the video is the still of her with the balloons cause of her eyes, they are so blue in that one!!! Can’t wait to see what she has to say once she starts talking
Have a good time in Mexico and know that you are in many thoughts and prayers everyday. Be blessed!
AWESOME VIDEO!!!!! I love it. Great photos, I mean the best! She is SOOOOO photogenic and beautiful.
Have a great time in Mexico. You two are not far from my thoughts during this time.
Matt, my almost 5 year old daughter was also born on March 24th. What an awesome day. We will be thinking of you and celebrating with you, and also thinking of you on the 25th. Good luck my friend. Our girls have an awesome birthday connection!
Matt, I just smiled for 3 minutes straight. Loved that video. Hope Mexico is blissful. Happy birthday to Maddy tomorrow.
Hi Matt. I have a strict no crying policy at work and you and that beautiful baby broke me today. You really are an great dad. Congrats on getting through this tough year. You have been an inspiration to me.
Margaret
Matt…I have been a silent follower for a long time..and that video..made me weep..weep tears of joy..all I kept thinking of was..you made it..you did it..Madeline is a happy..beautiful..smart..one year old..and her dad did it all..while having a knife in his heart…I am proud of you. Have a wonderful time..
I have words I just can’t compile them at this moment, so very simply – I wish you peace.
Happy *early* Birthday Madeline!!!!!!!! ONE whole year behind you both and so many wonderful wonderful years ahead!
That is an amazing video, just beautiful!! Hope you have a great time in Mexico, I will be thinking of you and hope you have some peace, just look at what you have done. You have made it one year and you are raising a happy, healthy baby. Hugs, Kaeley
such a moving video!
have a wonderful time in Mexico
Hope you have a safe trip and that you have a good time celebrating Madeline’s Birthday and that you are able celebrate good memories of Liz.
You’ve picked the perfect place to celebrate Maddy’s first birthday! Enjoy and water and the company and pat yourself (and Maddy) on the back. You’ve come so far, and touched so many people, and life will keep getting better and better. Just wait until she starts walking. Very exciting things to come!
Matt,
As you celebrate and look back I wish you a most wonderful future. I have been following you from about the beginning of your blog and I know you will be just fine. I know that Liz is looking down on you with tears of joy in her eyes just as I am when I see that baby with you. Happy Birthday Madeline! All the best for year #2!
Have a wonderful time.
Hi there matt and maddy!
Maddy, I hope your first birthday is magical. I hope you watch the sun rise and set on those beaches and that you are in your daddy’s arms for all of it!!!!!!
Matt, i hope you are enjoying life while in Mexico. I hope you embrace maddy over the next 48 hours, and just freeze this moment…I can not imagine what you are feeling these next few days, but I know that you know we are all here for you!!! can’t wait to hear/read all about your trip!
That is the most beautiful thing I have seen in a very long time. I am sure your wife is smiling down at you both.
wow. priceless.
happy early bday maddy! i was sitting at work today and thought today was tomorrow but…then realized it wasn’t. i am sooo happy that she is thriving and we’ve all watched her grow over the past year. thank you for letting us all be a part of your life. i guess some good does come from the ultimate most shitty fucking occurance….liz would be soo proud!
Congrats Matt!
Happy Bithday Maddy!
I’m happy because of you!
HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY MADDY! and a pinch to grow an inch, or several most likely. Happy day for you. It’s cold and rainy here in the mpls, so enjoy your time there.
take care
Happy Birthday Maddy! (well a early one at that!) Also, Have a wonderful time in Mexico.
Great video! Love what Gina did with hue, saturation & overlays in the stills.
Have fun in Mexico!! Hasta luego (SP?!)
It’s 12:00 AM here in EST. Happy Birthday Maddy! I swear this little girl is so cute, I could look at pictures of her all day. We need to get her and my 15 month old son together
Happy Birthday, Madeline! One day you will look back at all these wonderful photos and videos and love your Daddy that much more! You are truly blessed!
I will be thinking of you and Maddy this week. Have a wonderful time in Mexico. Celebrate life and remember that life is beautiful, which I am sure you will!
Bless you as you continue this journey forward.
happy birthday, maddy!
prayers and all the best from the MN to you, matt.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDY!!!!!
Matt,
The video is beautiful. Maddy is lucky to have such an amazing father. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers.
Happy Birthday to Maddy and have fun in Mexico.
*nicole*
Infrequent commenter but long-time reader here. Just watched the video and can only say, “wow.” Not saying anything that hasn’t been said before, but you have shaped your daughter into an amazing, amazing kid. To see the joy in your eyes and hers makes my heart smile wide for two people I’ve never met but who’ve made an impact on my life.
Thinking a full range of thoughts for you guys over the next two days. Happy first of many, many birthdays, Miss Madeline and continue being the light for your daddy that you are.
i read about this blog from local newspaper in my country,
i cant describe all this sad feelings..
happy bday maddy..
wish you all the best
have a great time in mexico
*another stanger for indonesia*
since i’m still up…HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADELINE!
Happy birthday incredible Maddy… all the best for you dear..
Happy Birthday 1st Birthday, Maddy!
Happy Birthday Madeline, I hope you and your Daddy have a beautiful day together
Happy Birthday, Miss Madeline!
Happy Birthday Madeline!!!
Your a beatiful little girl with a great dad!!!
Hope your having fun in Mexico.
Happy First Birthday, Madeline!
Matt, I’m holding you and yours close in prayer today. Hold onto and believe the truth of Romans 8:28.
Happy Birthday sweet little Madeline!
Happy Birthday beautiful girl ~
Hi Matt!
This is Kimmie, my friend Jamie and I had breakfast with you at The Griddle in LA last fall. I just wanted to drop by and say hey — let you know I’m always reading. I wanted to wish sweet Maddy a very happy birthday! She’s such a big girl now! Hope you guys are having a wonderful trip!
– Kimmie
Long time reader/lurker but never commented.
Just wanted to say Happy Birthday, Madeline!!!
Have a wonderful trip!
Happy Birthday Madeline!!!!!! That video is fantastic. I’ve had you both on my mind for a few days now, and will continue to be thinking of you today and tomorrow especially. Sending lots of hugs your way….
Happy Birthday Maddy!!!
Hope you and Daddy are having a fabulous time in Mexico!
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline!
And here it is, the 24th, HAPPY birthday sweet Madeline!!!!
First thing in the morning here on the east coast… barely have the sleep wiped out of my eyes but you were one of my first thoughts this morning, Matt and Maddy. I hope you have a yummy birthday cake today!
Happy 1st Birthday, Madeline!
Matt, I wish you joy and peace.
Just wanted to stop by and wish little Madeline a Happy Birthday!! Hope her day is as wonderful and perfect as she is!
Happy Birthday to dear little Madeline.
Hope you are able to find some peace tomorrow.
All the best to you and your little girl.
Happy Birthday little Madeline. You and your dad are in my heart.
Happy Birthday Madeline. Hope you are having an awesome fiesta in Mexico.
It is my boyfriends birthday as well only he is turning 21…
That video was amazing!!!
Big hugs to you, Madeline and the whole family… and Happy Happy Birthday to Miss Madeline today!!
Happy Birthday Maddy!! I hope you and your wonderful daddy have a very special day together! You are truly a blessing!
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline!!
Happy Birthday, Maddy! What a beautiful one year old! Enjoy Mexico!!
Matt – thinking of you and Maddy today and this week. Happy, happy birthday precious Madeline – and Matt – you’ve made it a year…. you’ve come a long way…. keep hanging tough – you’re an inspiration…. sending hugs from Melissa (in the armpit of America, of course!)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Madeline! I know you are such a blessing to your dad and everyone who knows you. I pray that God will give you the strength and courage to live a good life and change your world. Have a wonderful 1st Birthday!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADEINLINE
ENJOY YOUR FIRST BIRTHDAY BEAUTIFUL BABY GIRL
Just wanted to say HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY MADDY!!! Matt – you now have an official toddler.
Hang in there buddy! You’ll get through tomorrow.
Dear sweet Madeline: Happy 1st Birthday!!
What a wonderful gift you have in your awesome dad…have a fun-tastic day with daddy and your friends in Mexico!!
Happy Birthday, sweet little girlie!! XOXO
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET & ADORABLE MADELINE….
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
Happy Birthday Madeline!!! I have thought about you all last week and this week. I hope you have a wonderful day sweetie with that wonderful daddy of yours! -kriss
I love the video of the photo shoot, Madeline is such a happy little girl, her smile is so darn cute! Happy Birthday Maddy!! I hope Daddy is giving you a big piece of cake all for yourself.
Happy Birthday Madeline! Wow 1 year old!! =)
Matt, I hope you feel the peace and love from those near and far this week.
Happy Birthday, Madeline! It’s been a pleasure and privilege watching you grow over this past year. I hope you and your daddy have a fantastic day in Mexico!
Happy Birthday Maddie.
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline!
I hope you are having lots of fun in Mexico. And I hope you get to eat some delicious cake!
Happy Birthday Madeline! I hope you have a fabulous day with your beautiful baby girl. I will be thinking of you tomorrow.
Happy 1st Birthday Dear Maddy, hope you are having a great time in Mexico. I only wish we could be there to help you celebrate it, but we’ll be in CA in a couple of weeks to make it up to you. Get a tan for me…
Love G Bev
Happy Birthday Madeline! I discovered your dad’s blog not long after you were born and it’s been an honor to watch you grow. Thanks Matt. Hope you have a safe trip.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDY!!
That was an awesome video & gorgeous images…Of course with a baby that cute what do you expect
.
Birthday wishes to you Madeline!
Happy 1st Birthday Maddy! Hope you and Daddy enjoy this day together.
Happy 1st Birthday, Beautiful Madeline!!! I hope you and your daddy have a wonderful trip ~ and enjoy celebrating the amazing first year that the two of you have had together! I’m sure your Angel Mommy is beaming with pride for both of you today!!!
Happy Birthday Maddy!
Happy Birthday sweet girl!
Hope you have a very Happy Birthday Maddie! Have fun in Mexico!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MADELINE!
She is such a sweet little girl! I have three more weeks until my little girl is one. They grow up WAY too fast! I have never posted before, but have followed your blog for quite some time now. You are a great dad! Madeline is so lucky to have you in her life. You should bring Maddie out to St. Louis someday. There are so many family friendly (& free) things to do here. We have a wonderful free zoo! We would love to have you out here.
Have fun in Mexico. I hope you are able to find peace down there.
Happy 1st Birthday sweet, sweet Maddy!!! I hope you two have an amazing day together. xoxo
Happy Birthday Baby!! Madeline, I hope you have a lovely birthday….Your such a special little girl who is loved by so many!!! Enjoy your trip and bring back some of that beautiful Mexican sunshine!!!!
Happy Birthday sweet Madeline! Hope you all are enjoying your time in Mexico and that Maddy will get plenty of cake for her special day today
My thoughts are with you and your family today and tomorrow.
Take Care!!
Happy Birthday, Madeline!
Happy First Birthday Madeline!
Have a wonderful trip Matt. My prayers are with you today. Happy Birthday Maddy!
Happy First Birthday Maddy!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDY!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS MADELINE!!!
Don’t party too hard in Mexico!
Happy Birthday Madeline!!
Happy Birthday Madeline! You’re a beautiful little girl, it’s been amazing watching you grow up this past year.
Thank you for sharing her with all of us Matt.
Sending all my love.
xoxoxox
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET MADELINE!!! You are so blessed to be loved my thousands around the world! You are a bright star in so many of our lives. Blessings to you and your Daddy!
Happy Birthday Maddy!
With love from Iowa…
Happy birthday Madeline! you are a beautiful little girl with an amazing father, I know today and many birthdays to come will be wonderful.
Happy birthday sweet girl! Hope you and your daddy are having a wonderful day filled with fun and sun!
Happy Birthday Maddie!!!
Happy First Birthday Maddy!!!! Hope you and Dad are having a great day in Mexico. Your first year pictures are beautiful.
Happy Birthday Sweet Madeline, you are a ray of sunshine in so many lives!!! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness with your wonderful daddy….
Love,
A Stranger in MI
Happy Birthday Madeline!
My thoughts are with you Matt!
I will be making a donation to the Liz Logelin Foundation to honor all of you…
Happy Birthday Maddy…I wish you a lifetime of health and happiness. : )
Happy Birthday beautiful Madeline!!
Continute to enjoy the rest of your trip..you both deserve it. The pics of Madeline so far are precious, as usual.
Thinking of you in the NYC..
Christine D.
Thinking of you both today on Madeline’s 1st birthday! Sending you warm thoughts and all good things for the coming year!
Happy Birthday Madeline!
Happy Birthday, Madeline!
Happy Birthday Sweet Madeline! Know that your mommy is watching over you and loving you every minute of every day!
Happy Birthday sweet Madeline!!! I hope you guys are having a wonderful day!!
Happy Birthday, Madeline! Matt- I know this is a bittersweet time for you. Just remember, you have been through the worst, and although tomorrow will be tough, celebrate that you have gotten through a whole year! When I started reading your blog, you were worlds away from where you are now. Take some time tomorrow to mourn, to remember, and also to celebrate Liz’s life and the wonderful gift she left behind.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADELINE!!! Hope that you and daddy are having a fun time in Mexico
Happy Birthday Maddy!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDY FROM THE LAND DOWN UNDER! Australia of COURSE! Thinking of you on this BEAUTIFUL DAY!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MADELINE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.
you have a fantastic 1st birthday.
Happy Birthday sweet girl! Your momma is smilin’ down on you and your daddy!
Happy 1st Birthday Maddy!! Congrats on a job well done this year Matt!!
Happy Birthday Maddy!
This is the first time I’ve posted to your blog after reading it for quite some time now. I’ve echoed the hundreds of other posters who have marveled at your strength, courage and ability to not only persevere but thrive through one of the hardest circumstances imaginable. There’s barely a day goes by that I don’t think of your loss. As a mother, to say it breaks my heart is an understatement. In times where I find myself taking the everyday for granted, Liz seems to pop into my head, showing me that I shouldn’t take one minute for granted. To know that a woman I’ve never met has impacted my life in such a way is remarkable.
I couldn’t miss the opportunity to wish Maddie a happy first birthday! It’s been a pleasure to watch her grow. Know that as you face tomorrow not only my thoughts but the thoughts of thousands will be with you. I hope that will give you a small measure of comfort.
The new pics are beautiful. You can really see Liz shining through Maddie every time she smiles. My 23 month old daughter loves to look at pictures of her!
I hope everyone enjoys the trip! Safe travels!
Happy 1st Birthday Maddy!
happy birthday 52/52 madeline!
Happy 1st birthday Maddy! Hope you and Daddy are having a wonderful day.
Matt, wishing you peace today and tomorrow. So glad you are in a beautiful place with people who care about you guys so much.
Happy Birthday!!! You are one amazing child with the most amazing Dad. May the 2 of you continue to make memories for a lifetime. Liz/Mommy is definitely so proud of you both on this day as she is on every day.
Much Love, Tami, Mark, Hadleigh and Hayden Walborn
Sevierville TN
Happy Birthday sweet Madeline!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDY! Thank you for letting us watch you grow and change over the last year! I can’t wait to see what’s coming in 2009!
today as I celebrate the birthday of my own precious daughter- I will think often of yours!!
I hope she has a great day- as always!
we love you–
man yer going to get a crap load of comments..
I am going to wager- 575.
know it is because your family is loved brother.
Happy Birthday Maddie! I hope you have a wonderful day at the beach. And remember, birthday cake tastes much better than rocks!
Happy Birthday Sweet Madeline! You are such a beautiful little girl and it has been such a joy to watch you grow. I hope your day is filled with happiness and lots of cake!
Long time reader-first time commenter. Happy 1st birthday to Maddy and hoping for an easy day on the 25th for you Matt..
What a beautiful, beautiful video. Maddie is truly blessed to be surrounded by so many who clearly love her. Have a wonderful trip. I wish you peace in this time of both celebration and sorrow.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDY! CONGRATS DADDY
The day is finally here. I’m sure it’ll go so fast but for sure you’ll have manage to have so much fun. We are so proud of the two of you and even if you don’t know us we feel you are a part of our lives, so today we would like to join Maddy’s bday celebration.
FELICIDADES!!!
Happy Birthday, Madeline! Will be thinking about you and your Dad the next couple of days.
Happy birthday (or should I say feliz cumpleanos), sweet little Madeline! I hope you and your dad and friends are having a wonderful time in Mexico!
Happy First Birthday Madeline!!
Happy Birthday Maddy! So many people around the world are holding you close to their heart today, tomorrow and always…Blow out that candle, and have a blessed day.
Maddie… Happy Birthday! You are a very lucky little girl to have a family and daddy that love you so much!
Happy Birthday Maddy!
I can’t wait to see the rest of your birthday pictures. Your Daddy sure does dress you up in the cutest outfits.
Happy Birthday, sweet Madeline!
HI Matt HI Maddy! Happy 1st birthday ou beautiful little girl! Matt maybe it’s the pregnancy hormones of being 9 months pregnant and ready pumping through me but I bawled my eyes out at that video. It is absolutly stunning. Maddy is SO SO SO lucky to have such a WONDERFUL father in her life. Not many children are blessed with someone who would step up and change so much for them. Beautiful Maddy!! Beautiful Video!! What a amazing father!!!
Have a great trip in mexico.
Happy Birthday Madeline! Enjoy the sun, the beach, and your Daddy today! I hope you get to eat some sweets too! Have a great day!
Happy Birthday Madeline!! Hope ya’ll have a wonderful time in Mexico!!
Happy Birthday Madeline. I hope you and your Daddy have a very special day today. I will be thinking about you both today and tomorrow as well. The next two days, as can be expected, will always be bitter sweet for you both.
Happy Birthday Madeline!!!
I hope you and Daddy are having a wonderful time in Mexico!
Happy birthday to Maddy!!!!!
Happy Birthday Madeline!!
The video was so sweet
HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY MADELINE !!!
You have the greatest daddy in the world !
Happy Birthday Little One!!
Happy Birthday sweet girl! Hope you’re having a blast celebrating your birthday…give your dad a big hug for us and tell him he’s doing a great job!
Happy Birthday Madeline!!!!!!! Hope you are having a great first birthday. Congrats to Matt on having a wonderful one year old.
Happy Birthday Madeline!!!
Happy 1st Birthday, Maddy! Hope you enjoy your day!
Happy Birthday Madeline!!
Happy Birthday Miss Maddy!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday, sweet girl.
You’re both in my thoughts today & tomorrow.
I’m just one of many wishing Madeline a very happy birthday, and thinking fondly of her mother, father and their entire family.
That is a very beautiful video. Happy Birthday Madeline!
Happy Birthday Madeline!
Happy Birthday Madeline!
Hope you both have a wonderful day!
Happy First Birthday little Miss Madeline!!!
Happy Birthday to Madeline! Looking forward to your vacation pictures.
Happy Birthday sweet girl!!!!
Happy Birthday, Madeline! Watching you grow is so special. It is completely obvious how much your Daddy loves you. I, am a Daddy’s little girl, so I was drawn in from the beginning.
My dad just came to visit and he was talking to me about how he knows he didn’t always do the best in raising me and my older siblings (he was a *mostly* single dad from the time I was 2), but he hoped I could learn from his mistakes. I told him that when I was younger I might have thought he didn’t do a great job, but now that I have 2 little boys of my own, I realize that being a parent is the hardest job ever and I know that he did the best he could.
Matt, this blog truly makes me realize that I need to treasure each moment with my kids. Watching you do just that with Madeline is so magical.
Happy 1st Birthday Miss M!!
Happy Birthday Madeline.
Happy Birthday, Madeline!
Happy birthday Madeline. Matt you are in my thoughts.
Happy First Birthday, darling Madeline! I hope you have a wonderful day.
aww sweet maddie, my how you have grown! i am thinking of you today, wanting to wish you a very happy first birthday! your mom will be in my thoughts as well. Matt you’ve done a WONDERFUL job with her! Keep up the good work, you really do deserve a WORLDS BEST DAD AWARD!
Happy 1st Birthday Maddy! Thinking of you and your daddy today. Take a relaxing dip in the warm blue water in your b-day suit
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline!
Happy Birthday!
Happy B-day to the most beautifull girl in the world…you are not only your daddy’s favorite you are the favorite for everybody..luv you little princess…
Happy Birthday Maddy!!! my thoughts are with you both this week.
Happy first birthday, Madeline. I hope you and your daddy are having a great time, spending this special day together. Love and hugs from one of your many admirerers.
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline!!! Enjoy this day, and make sure your daddy gives you cake to destroy!!
Happy birthday Madeline!! Matt, thinking of you all and wishing you comfort and peace.
Happy 1st Birthday Maddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Matt- can you believe she is one already?!!! Time really flys! My son just turned one last month and I just kept wondering were the time went! It only goes faster from here!
Beautiful video!!!! It brought me to tears!
Happy Birthday Maddy! March is a great month for birthdays! I will be thinking of you both today and tomorrow.
Happy 1st Birthday Maddy! I was finally abe to watch the video, just like I pedicted it “Breathtaking”, I can not use enough adjectives to describe how beautiful, precious, cute, perfect and sweet your little girl is. Awesome job Daddy! You are both in my thoughts. Hugs.
Happy Birthday Madeline!!! It’s been fun/heartbreaking to watch you grow up this past year.
Happy Birthday, Miss Madeline!! It’s been a joy watching you grow over the last year – many wishes for a blessed year ahead of you.
Happy First Birthday Madeline!
Hope you both are having a good time in Mexico. I hope this week brings you very much peace and joy. You are doing a wonderful job with that beautiful little girl. Thank you for letting us all be a part of her first year.
Happy 1st Birthday, Maddie! I’ll be thinking of the three of you today and tomorrow.
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline!!!!!
Happy Birthday Maddy!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDY!!!!!
Happy 1st Birthday sweet baby Maddy!!
Thinking of you both today…
Happy Birthday Maddy….
You are really lucky to have the dad you do…..
I hope today is a day you get lots of time with the ones that love you so….
Matt,
You are truly an inspiration. No matter how many days you have that you are down, you will have double that you are amazed at the little girl that you needs you so much…..
You amaze me!!!!
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline!!!!
Happy Birthday Madeline! It’s been a pleasure watching you grow over the past year and seeing what a wonderful job your daddy is doing. Your mommy has to be so proud of you both. Have a great day.
Happy FIRST Birthday Madeline! Thanks so much to your daddy for sharing your first year with us.
Happy Birthday, Madeline!!!!
Happy Birthday Maddie. I hope you are both having a ton of fun in Mexico.
Happy birthday, sweet baby girl! Thinking of you and your family today!
Happy Birthday Madeline!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDY!!
Happy Birthday, Sweet Madeline!
Here’s hoping Daddy lets you face plant into some delicious cake today.
Matt, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers today and tomorrow.
happy birthday madeline!! (and kudos to matt for being such an amazing father during the first year of madeline’s life – looking forward to seeing what you guys get up to next!)
Happy Birthday Maddy!!!
The photo and videos are beautiful. Happy first birthday, dear Madeline, and I hope you have a wonderful day with your family.
Matt,
May your heart have the comfort, peace and love it needs right now. I wish Madeline a wonderful 1st birthday. She is beautiful and growing so fast. Liz is smiling down proudly of how great a job you’ve done with your daughter. Prayers of comfort and joy going up on yours and Maddy’s behalf. When she becomes a woman and sees how hard her Daddy worked to cherish every moment of her life, she will know what special stock of parents she came from.
Happy Birthday Maddie! You and yoru family will be in my thoughts and prayers! have a great time in Mexico.
Wow! Time does fly by fast!! Happy 1st birthday Maddy!!
Happy Birthday Princess…
Happy happy birthday! What an incredible journey you all have taken! I admire you. I think of your family often and hope this birthday brings joy and laughter and tears of happiness. Love is never gone.
Hope Mexico is wonderful and offers a serene getaway. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Happy birthday Madeline!
Happy Birthday, Madeline. You have a great blessing in your life — a devoted daddy and devoted grandparents!
Happy Birthday Madeline!! I hope you have a great time with your Dad in Mexico. I am sure your mom would be proud of how far you two have come in the past year. Matt, I ready your blog daily and have truely been inspired by your love for your wife and beautiful daughter. Enjoy Mexico and thanks for sharing your journey with all of us!
Happy birthday Maddy!
Happy becoming a father day Matt:)
Hope you’re having a great time in Mexico!
Happy Birthday, Maddy. I know you feel your Mommy’s love today and every day.
happy birthday maddy!! it has been such an honor to watch her grow during her first year. and matt, congrats. you did it. you made it through this extremely difficult year when most of us would have broken and given up. you’re amazing.
i will be thinking about you and your families tomorrow. it’s going to suck, and i’m so sorry for that.
Happy Birthday Madeline!!!! This is my first post but I have been a long time reader since finding your site last year.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Madeline!! I hope you and your daddy are celebrating in style today. You are such a precious gift to so many people. Matt- we are thinking about you and wishing you peace and strength today and tomorrow.
Hugs to you both!
Happy 1st Birthday, Maddy! Tell your dad we are all thinking about you both. Enjoy Mexico.
Happy Birthday Madeline! I hope you are enjoying your time in Mexico, and will be keeping you in my thoughts tomorrow.
Happy Birthday, Sweet Maddy!
Matt, I’m thinking about you these next few days & always. I hope you’re having a great time with your birthday girl in Mexico!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADELINE!
I wrote your birthday on my calendar so I wouldn’t forget
Have a great time in Mexico! (Don’t forget the SPF!)
Happy Birthday, Maddy!
Thinking about you both
Happy Happy Birthday sweet girl, enjoy your day!
happy birthday miss madeline! i hope you have a truly special day – and i know you will cause you are with the greatest guy on earth – your daddy!
Happy Birthday Maddy!
Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers!
Hi Matt,
i’ve been reading your blog for a while now, i have it in my favorites. your doing a wonderful job with madeline! the image you given of your wife, is the most beautiful woman. she must so proud of you and, of the life your giveing madeline.
happy birthday to madeline! and my thoughts are with you durring the anniversary of a very sad time.
stay strong! you are an inspreation to many!
Such a beautiful video…such a gorgeous girl!
Happy First Birthday Madeline!!
Happy Birthday Maddy!
Happy 1st Birthday, dear Madeline! It’s been an absolute joy watching you grow over the last year, and I can’t wait to see what comes next! Enjoy your family time in Mexico
happy 1st birthday madeline!
thinking of you guys this week. {{hugs}}
Happy Birthday Maddy!! Matt thinking of you the next couple of days. Hope you both are enjoying your trip.
Happy 1st Birthday, Madeline!!
Happy 1st Birthday, Madeline!
Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Maddy!
Happy Birthday, Maddy! You’re such a beautiful girl and so very loved by so many people.
Happy Birthday, Maddy!
I just made a donation to the Liz Logelin Foundation for you and your mom. Best wishes for a wonderful year. You’ve got a lot of love being sent your way!
Happy Birthday Madeline! Thanks to your daddy for sharing your 1st year with all of us! You are blessed to have such a WONDERFUL father! Praying for you as always and wishing your entire family peace and joy during this difficult week.
Happy Birthday! Yay, you’re a year old! Enjoy your time in Mexico and have a blast with your daddy and best friends!
I expect to see birthday cake photos. I bet Maddy is dainty and doesnt get to messy. Enjoy birthday number one. Thanks for sharing Maddys first year with us all. It has been an inspiration to watch not only Maddy grow, but you grow as well this past year. We love you and here’s to a great year ahead!!!
Happy Birthday Sweet baby girl… Enjoy your vacation with your daddy!
Just a beautiful video. Happy 1st birthday Maddy!
Happy Birthday Madeline!!!
I can’t believe it’s been a year!
What a beautiful baby & now TODDLER you have become!
Much love to you today while you bask in the Mexico sun!!!!
xoxo
Wishing a very happy birthday to Madeline. I hope you, your Daddy, and your family enjoy this special day where you came into their lives one year ago!
Happy Birthday sweet Madeline!
Happy Birthday Maddy Love!!
Your mommy is looking down on you today and so proud of you and your daddy!! May blessings surround you and your loved ones today. We are all thinking of you and loving on yah from afar.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Maddie!! What a wonderful milestone you and your Daddy have reached. I have been reading and crying along with your Daddy’s blog for about 4 months now and as sad as I am it has to exist, he is doing such a wonderful thing for you. Your Mommy is up in heaven right now as the prettiest angle there celebrating right along with you and your Daddy. When I you are on the beach today and you feel that breeze-that is your Mommy giving you a birthday hug sweetie. I will be thinking of your entire family tomorrow and the days to follow.
Matt-I commend you. You seem to be not only an amazing Daddy but person as well. Your generosity to those also in need is inspiring. Most would crawl under a rock and hide from the outside world the first year after a tragedy such as yours. But the way you have marched forward with raising Maddie and setring up the foundation is just inspiring!! I wish you all of the best in the coming days, months and years.
Happy Birthday Maddy!!! Love the pictures that Gina did!! Awesome!! I hope you enjoy the trip to Mexico!
Happy birthday, Maddy! You are so special!
Happy First Birthday Beautiful girl! Im sure that you and your daddy are having a fabulous day in Mexico! I wish you both health, happiness, and many more wonderful birthdays to come!!
Happy Birthday Madeline! It’s been so much fun to watch you grow!
Happy Birthday, Madeline! I have followed your blog since the story appeared in the StarTrib, nearly a year ago. First time to comment, I have been one of your secret stalkers. You are such a great Dad, Matt. I have two sons in their thirties and one 20 month old grandson. I often wonder how your Mom responds to your comments when you are having a bad day. I would want to try to rescue you or help in some small way if I could. Do you ever feel like moving back to MN? Also, if you could, would you post a picture of Liz at a year old so we could see how close they resemble each other? She already looks a lot like Liz, but would be fun to see a pic of Liz at that age. One more thing, did you ever figure out what you and Liz did on your anniversay in 2007?
I am sending $24.00 on the 24th in honor of Madeline’s birthday and your beautiful wife to the Liz Logelin Foundation.
Hope you have a wonderful time with Madeline today. Take Care.
HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY Madeline! You are such a sweet wonderful little girl, may you and your family enjoy today! Take Care…
Matt! We made it back from Chicago. Many blessed happy birthday wishes to Maddy today. Paul, Connor and I will be thinking of you tomorrow. Stay strong.
Happy First Birthday Madeline! I hope you have a wonderful day!
Thinking of you both today and tomorrow.
To sweet Madeline,
Your bright eyes and sweet smile bring so much joy and hope to those who surround you, you are an amazing little lady!
May your birthday be full of smiles, discovery, peace and light!
Eat lots of cake and enjoy the day with your daddy!
Michellej.
Denver, CO
Wishing a very happy first birthday to one of the sweetest, most beautiful little girls I have ever seen but not yet had the pleasure of meeting. Much love to you today and tomorrow Matt!
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline! You’ve grown into such a beautiful little girl! I hope you and your daddy have a wonderful week. He’s a very special man and the two of you are very lucky to have each other! Thinking of you always and wishing you happiness & love. God Bless!
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline!
Hola, Miss Madeline! Hope you’re having a fabulous first birthday in Mexico! I’m so jealous!
You have traveled more in your first year than I think I did before I turned 18. 
Matt, thanks for being such an inspiration during the past year. I’m sure you and the family are enjoying this special day with your special girl.
happy birthday Maddy!!!!!!! xxoo
Happy 1st birthday Madeline!
If you ever make it through all the comments, maybe you will get to mine! It’s been amazing watching and reading about you, Liz, and Madeline!!!! You have done amazing things in Madeline’s life and with that you have brought great things to mine as well!! You make me want to be a better parent every single day! So, thank you for doing what you do!!!
The video of Maddy’s birthday shoot brought tears to my eyes! She’s so gorgeous. It breaks my heart to think that she doesn’t get to experience these things with her mom, but how incrediblely lucky she is to have someone as awesome and wonderful as you! She’s lost so much, yet gained much more than anyone could ever ask for! You are truely amazing!!!
I hope this weeks is everything you needed it to be! I hope Maddy had a wonderful birthday and managed to get birthday cake from head to toe. I hope tomorrow goes by quickly for you, but that you remember all the great times you shared together!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADELINE!!!!!
Happy Bithday Madeline! I’ll be thinking of you all tomorrow.
Happy 1st Birthday Maddy!!!!! I love your Birthday Dress. Matt enjoy the day with your daughter.
Rosann
Happy Birthday Madeline!!!!!
You may not know it yet but your dad is an amazing man who gives hope to everyone who reads your story!!!
i’m reading them all, and appreciating them more than you can ever imagine.
thank you, everyone…
Happy 1st Birthday Maddy! Have a wonderful time in Mexico! The video is priceless!!!
Happy Birthday Maddy! I am thinking of you both during this sweet and sour time.
happy birthday, Madeline!!
Happy Birthday Beautiful Babeh!
Aaaw Matt! My heart melted to see Maddy in her birthday outfit I gave her!!!! She is so precious!!!! Thanks for sharing the pictures. It brightened my day!
Happy birthday Maddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy First Birthday Sweet Madeline! Hope you and Daddy are having a nice day. We love you! XXOO
Wonderful video. Have a very happy birthday Maddy and a great time in Mexico.
Will be thinking of you tomorrow
Butterfly kisses, your sweet little Madeline is 1 today! Our 30th anniversary. This shared date has new meaning. A connection of love and life. Madeline is your gift. May you and Maddy feel God’s hug on your lives today.
Happy Birthday Maddie!!!! I am thinking about you both
I don’t have the words to say all that is in my heart now. Just that I send you both much love.
*~* Happy Birthday sweet baby girl!!! *~*
Matt, you and your sweet little girl are in my prayers this week!
Happy Birthday baby girl! We’re all hoping you and your awsome daddy are having a great day!! (and hoping all the well wishers don’t crash the site!!)
sorry that is “Maddy” ( I have the Maddie)
HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY MADELINE!!! I’m sure your mommy is so proud of you and always watching over you and daddy. Have a great time with your daddy in Mexico!
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline! You are such a beautiful little girl, you embody the spirit of your mother. I am so happy that your dad has chosen to document your life through this blog. Know that there are thousands of people out there that care about such a tiny little person.
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline! I hope you and your Daddy are having a great time in Mexico with your friends and family. Pretty incredible that so many are celebrating this day with you around the world. Your Daddy has done a great job this year and he as well as your Mommy have inspired so many people. Such a special day for a special little girl.
Happy 1st Birthday sweet little lady! Look how much you’ve grown and done in just one year. I can bet you and daddy are having a great time together. I hope you enjoy all the hugs, kisses and cake that you get today!
Happy Birthday Maddy!!
Happy, happy birthday, Madeline! You are more beautiful in every picture that your Daddy posts. Just saw the birthday girl twitpic…precious
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline….. may you enjoy your day today with all the love that is being sent to you and your dad. It’s been quite a journey over the last 365 years for you – thank you for sharing it with us. Matt – may today bring back happy memories for you and wishing you peace and comfort to get through the memories that tomorrow brings.
Happy Birthday Madeline!
Happy Birthday sweet little Madeline!! Hope you are having tons of fun on your trip!
Happy Birthday Ms. Madeline!
Happy Birthday Madeline.
Matt – Thinking of you today and tomorrow. I know Liz is proud of you both and sending you smiles and hugs, today and everyday
Enjoy your day!
Happy 1st Birthday Maddy! Matt you are such an inspiration to everyone. Maddy is so lucky to have you! Take care of yourself and your baby girl tomorrow.
Happy Birthday Madeline!!!!
Happy Happy Happy Birthday, beautiful girl!!!!!!
Happy Birthday Madeline!! Matt, my thoughts are with you today and certainly tomorrow. Know that you did it!!! You got through the year of “firsts”. Liz is so so proud!! Hug your sweet girl and start moving into the next year of adventures!! I am now going to go give the Liz Logelin Foundation $24.00 in honor of Princess Madeline!!
Happy 1st Birthday, Madeline!
Thinking of you Matt on the best day of your life as well as the worst!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Princess Madeline!
Happy Birthday, Madeline! Hope you’re having a wonderful time with Daddy on this most special day!
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline! We wish you a year filled with laughter and new adventures. My daughter Alyssa and I have read your blog regularily for many months and have enjoyed watching you grow and change.
Matt, you’ve done a fantastic job raising your daughter. She is adorable and we wish you all the best as you embark on this next year. You are in our thoughts everyday, may you find more peaceful moments for yourself and endless entertainment with Maddy.
Happy Birthday, beautiful Maddy!
Happy, happy, happy birthday to precious Maddy!!!
Happy Birthday Maddy!!!
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline! Matt, my thoughts are with you today. Liz would be so proud!
Hapy 1st Birthday to darling little Madeline!
Sending you tons of positive thoughts this week, Matt. Hang in there, you are doing a wonderful job and you will make it through.
Enjoy Mexico the best you can!
PS – I have made a “birthday” donation to the foundation for Madeline, in Liz’s memory.
Happy Birthday, Miss Madeline! Enjoy your special day with your Daddy and family.
Matt, I’m thinking of you … Sending you the biggest virtual hug EVER!
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline, what a special milestone!
Love,
Stefanie & Anna
Happy birthday from Portugal, Princess Madeline!
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline!!! You have grown so much over this 1st year of life. I definitely see so much of your Mommy in your facial features! You are a beautiful little girl! Mommy and Daddy are both so proud of you! Enjoy your first birthday!
Keep up the great work Daddy!
What a stunning video! Almost choked me up a bit!
and I couldn’t forget to wish Maddie a wonderful first birthday! You two have come so far in a year, and I hope that this year brings you much more healing and happiness.
Happy Birthday sweet lil Madeline!
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline!
Happy Birthday, sweet Maddy!!!
Happy Birthday Maddy!!!
Happy birthday sweet, sweet maddy!!!
Happy 1st Birthday Maddy!! I hope that you and your family have a great time together. Remember, cake feels good when you squish it between your fingers!!!
To Matt, may you look on the last year and see all your accomplishments shine back in those beautiful big blue eyes of your daughter. You truly are a great Dad. I have enjoyed reading sharing your experiences through your blog and look forward to more to come.
On a side note, keep up the great recommendations of music. You have introduced me and others to some great bands that I know I would have never looked into on my own.
Matt, I have been reading your blog for sometime now after stumbling on to it. This morning I realized what the date was and I wanted to wish Maddy a very happy and special first birthday in Mexico.
I pray that tomorrow you will find comfort by being with your favorite daughter and those that love you! Know that thousands of people are thinking of you and Maddy; maybe tomorrow can be a time of celebration for liz’s rememberance instead of a time of sorrow and grief.
Take care and keep on truckin!
Happy Birthday Maddy! I hope you’re having lots of fun with your favorite papa! Love for you both.
Happy B-Day! I have been reading your blog for months but this is my first comment, hope you are having a great time and enjoying this day.
Keep doing what you are doing, Maddie is lucky to have a father like you.
Happy Birthday Maddy!!!! Enjoy and amazing first birthday with all of the wonderful people in your life. You have grown into a beautiful little girl in the last your. Both of your parents i am sure are amazingly proud of you and love you sooooooo much! Much happiness and love in all of the years to come!
Happy 1st Birthday to the most beautiful little girl whose family has touched more lives than she can know!
Happy Birthday beautiful Madeline!!!
Happy 1st birthday, Maddy! You grow more and more beautiful each day. Hopefully you and your daddy enjoy your trip and find some peace for tomorrow. Thinking of you.
Happy 1st Birthday Maddy! It has been such a joy to watch you grow this first year! Hope you have a very special day with your daddy!!! Happy Birthday sweet girl!
Happy 1st birthday to Maddy! Matt our family is thinking about you today and definitely tomorrow. We hope that you guys are all having some good laughs and good cries in Mexico. Hello to your fellow travelers also
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADELINE!!!
I can’t believe she’s already a year old. Congrats on doing such a great job, Matt. I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow.
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline! Thinking of your family as this first anniversary passes…. how incredible you all are!
Oh Mama would be so proud of you! Your the most important person in Daddy’s life. You have brought thousands of people smiles and tears! We can’t wait to see you take your first steps and grow into the adorable little girl that you are already are! Your mother and father loved each other so very much and your father has even more love to give you. Sweet child Happy 1st Birthday. You are so loved by so many people that have never met you.
Happy 1st Birthday Maddy!!!! What an incredible first year…here’s to countless more filled with much laughter and love.
Happy Birthday Precious Madelinie! Enjoy the beach but don’t eat too much sand. Bad for later on
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline! Looking forward to hearing how the day was spent, and seeing pictures of the birthday girl. Matt, I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts tomorrow.
Happy Birthday Madeline!!!
You’ve come a long way in 365 days! May today be a day of celebration and tomorrow a day of rememberance.
I love the birthday photos and video. Take care.
Long time reader, first time commenter…the video is beautiful, makes me weepy! Pics will be awesome, can’t wait to see them.
Hope you guys are having a great time on your trip-Big Happy Birthday to little Maddy!!! We’ll all be thinking of you tomorrow, Matt, hang in there. (((hugs)))
Happy Birthday, Madeline! Thank you for sharing her with us, Matt. I’ve been following your blog since last summer and I’m still amazed at your strength throughout everything.
Matt,
I know this day is so bittersweet. You need to know that from a complete stranger, former Montessori teacher, and widow, you are an amazing parent. Liz would be speechless if she could see all you have done for M+M. She would not even mention the robot, because she is so proud of you. Part of Liz is right with you and Maddie is that awesome reminder everyday. When I would become sad for Joe, I would just go and hold my daughter. Just look for all the ways Maddie reminds you of Liz..Start with the fingernails and toenails….amazing. Job well done for round one, now round two! The hardest job, but the best job in the world. We step up to the plate like no other. I am sending you a huge hug for all your effort and love for your darling baby…..Forward you move with meaning and focus in memory of your dear wife who is at peace. This I know. Her essence is right with you, those memories of her will never leave you. Geez she loved you! Just look at her big smiles when she looked at you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDY
have your daddy give you a big hug
from all of us who can’t see you
today!!
PS.
When you eat your cake… smear it all over
your face and high-chair… the crowd will LOVE IT!
-Lacey Poulson
(Port Orange/Daytona Beach, FL)
look at all these comments filled with birthday wishes for maddy! so awesome! i already left one, but keep coming back to see what others have written. i almost didn’t leave a comment, because i saw there were already so many….but if everyone thought that, there wouldn’t be any, right? so if you are thinking that….leave one anyway! i think it’s so awesome to see the comment count continue to climb. what a testament to the impact matt has made by sharing his, maddy’s, and liz’s story with all of us over the last year. so many lives touched for so many different reasons. thank you, thank you matt! you are hella-cool.
bring on the comments and birthday wishes for maddy everyone!! keep em coming…….maybe 750? maybe 1,000??????
Happy, happy birthday Madeline! It’s been a joy seeing your first year of life through your father’s eyes. Thinking of you both this week!
Happiest of Happy First Birthdays to you Maddy!!!!!!!!!! May the sun always shine warm upon your face!
Happy birthday to beautiful Madeline! I think starting a foundation in her mother’s name was the best first birthday present ever. Much love from a stranger in Salt Lake.
happy birthday to the adorable madeline, and my thoughts and prayers are going out to both of you tomorrow – know that you have so many supporters around the world thinking of you both – i hope it helps even in the smallest little ways. take care…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY beautiful Miss Madeline! I have been reading daily since the Star Tribune article…but never commented. I can’t believe how much Madeline has grown over the past year…and what a beautiful little girls she is now. Here’s to another year filled with piano recitals and exploring the world…
Happy 1st Birthday Maddy! XO
Happy, Happy 1st Birthday Madeline! Matt, thanks for sharing her with us over the past year. I can’t wait to see birthday pictures!
Matt, you and Madeline (and the rest of your family) will be in my thoughts tomorrow.
Happy Birthday Madeline!
Thinking of you both~
Happy 1st Birthday Maddy!
Happy 1st Birthday, Madeline! I hope you’re enjoying the beach, some guac and some cake!
Happy birthday beautiful girl!!!!!