below are two things i never imagined would follow my name.
first.
“madeline and matt on oprah”
as some of you know, we taped an episode of oprah a few weeks back. i just got word that the episode will air next monday, april 13th. check your local listings to see when the episode airs in your neighborhood.
second.
matt logelin named “dad of the month” by iparenting.com
seriously?
yeah.
seriously…
madeline’s “da da” is good enough for me, but this “dad of the month” thing is really a nice honor. (thanks to kelly burgess for a great article).
i’m not sure i should ever be crowned “dad of the week day minute second” by anyone, but i did have that one amazing day when i may have deserved the designation:
*trimmed her fingernails and only drew blood twice
*took the dirt-covered leaves from her hand before she put them in her mouth
*bathed her for the first time in weeks
*heated up (in the microwave) an awesome dinner of apple pie and vanilla ice cream
*in my sweetest mommy voice, read her that article on bonnie ‘prince’ billy in the wire
*changed her into pajamas before bed
*let her stay up late to watch tim and eric awesome show great job!
(some of those things are fake, some of them are real…you decide which are which).
(also, today is the one-year anniversary of madeline coming home from the hospital. how did we get here? i really have no idea, but i’m pretty fucking thankful for how far we’ve come, and for what we’ve become).
then:
now:
329 Comments
Congrats Matt! You are doing a great job.
If it was her first bath in weeks, I doubt the leaves and dirt would have hurt her. LOL.
Congratulations on all accounts!!! It’s hard to believe how far you’ve both come
Congratulations on the Dad of the Month .. and being on Oprah. You and Madeline are big stars now
this is really fucking incredible! I’m so proud of you. I’ve never posted before but am so happy for you. What an awesome human being you are!!
congrats! you’re a great da da
You outshine most of us moms every day of the week Matt – Awesome – cannot WAIT to see you on Oprah! WOOT!
You are awesome all the way around.
Liz
new that too.
The last pictures of Maddy on that train with that big
Liz
sized smile..Look exactly like her mommy’s smile.
Way to go DAD!
Congrats on Dad of the Month – cant wait to see you on Oprah!! Keep up the good work!!
Congratulations Matt! I cant wait to see the Oprah. I dont normally watch but I will just to see you and Maddie.
Dad of the month is nice, but I bet Maddie thinks you deserve “Dad of a Lifetime” more!
that is so awesome Matt! I will be DVR’ing that episode of Oprah for sure. So happy for you!!
Congrats on both!
Matt, you are doing a wonderful job with your darling Madeline. You deserve to be Dad of the Month! Now on Oprah, you rock!
That’s awesome Matt! Both are well deserved!!
That is so exciting. Amazing how much changes in a year- the way you have documented and opened yourself to so many people is incredible. Thanks for allowing all of us to become a part of your “creepy” family and watching your little girl grow.
You are AMAZING!
I loved reading this post. Thank you! Congratulations…I’m surprised this is the first time you’ve actually received an award.
what an honor! you deserve it all too, I can’t wait to see you and Maddie on Oprah!
Just set my DVR from my work computer for Oprah because Direct TV is cool like that..LOL! Can’t wait to see it!
Congrats on the honor…you deserve it!
Congrats on making it with Maddy for a whole year! Your readers…me included..never had any doubts!
Congratulations, from everything I have read, you are a great dad. And just so you know I have drawn more blood cutting nails than my husband. It happens.
Shannon
New Ulm, MN
Glad to know I’m not the only one with those “child bathing” secrets! Um..yeah, every day bath, of COURSE they have one!
Wow! You deserve the Dad of the Year, not just the month! Maddie is thriving because of you. I’ve enjoyed watching her grow. Such a pretty little toddler she is
Can’t wait to see you guys on Oprah!
Way to celebrate a year! Congrats on all counts!!
ROCK ON! We are so set for Monday, we are spreading the word. Can not wait…Make sure your site does not crash on Monday…Get ready. Liz would not believe this….no way…Maddie will never fully understand the Oprah thing in her lifetime either….
I can’t wait to see you on Oprah, and you totally are dad of the second, minute, hour, day, week, AND year! You’re doing a fantastic job.
Liz is proud!
Congratulations! You deserve everything that comes your way!
congrats matt both of those are awesome!
I know you think you are lucky to be her dad, but, she is so ahead in the lucky deal, in that she has you for a dad.
i am a baby nurse, and I know happy babies, and she is one…
im definitely going to watch oprah on monday, if i dont forget !!!
Beautiful! You are a great dad and deserve the recognition. Can’t wait to see you on Oprah!
only Dad of the month? Don’t they know you are dad of the year. And to Maddie Dad of a lifetime! Congrats on both, can’t wait to see that Smile of hers on Oprah. I bet Oprah fell inlove with Maddie.
What a crack up you are, Matt. Congratulations on being Dad of the Month, and for not breaking Maddy this past year. (FYI: Providing therapy fodder doesn’t count until she can call to book her own appointments.)
One of these days you’ll figure out that truly great parenting is almost all about truly showing up (even and especially when we’d rather stay in bed with blankets over our heads), and then you’ll finally understand how few parents really do and why there’s such a fuss over the guy with the filthy kid, bloody fingertips, and no shift key.
And even then, it’s nice to know fame won’t make you change anything…not even your shirt. xo
You deserve all those awards and so much more! You’re doing a FABULOUS job!!
Love, Mere
You know what…you are an awesome Dad!!! I also know that everyday you make Liz proud as we watches over you both! I know you always think how lucky you are to have that little girl, but she is lucky too that she has you!
Congrats Matt! The picture of the two of you on the train made me cry. Such a beautiful picture. I think you should be nominated for Dad of the century.
Life can be hard, my friend (you know this). But also, life is good. Very, very good (you also know this).
Congrats !! Already have tivo set up record Oprah !!
Congratulations Matt and Madeline!! What amazing news for you both. It’s wonderful to see how far you’ve come… Can’t wait to see what the next year will bring for you!!
You are doing an amazing job, we love you. My little one’s always love to look at the photos of Maddie. Loved the then and now photos. Can’t wait to watch Oprah on Monday..
Just look at what a great job you are doing with Madeline! She is such a happy little girl! And she is the spitting image of her mother. In the photo where you are sitting beside her she looks like a “mini-me” of Liz.
Congratulations on being a Fabulous father!
Dad of the Year? Hell yeah! Congrats to you and can’t wait to see Oprah (for a change!).
Congrats on both great things! I’ll definitely check out Oprah! That’s way too cool!
And I love the second picture in the ‘now’ section. Madeline looks JUST like Liz there. Gorgeous, gorgeous.
Dad of the month, Oprah?!?!?!?! Seriously…I hope this helps you realize how AWESOME you are! Maddie is pretty awesome as well
You deserve Dad of the Century.
I can’t wait to watch you and Maddy on OPRAH! That is so exciting!
Cannot wait to see you with her in action in the islands!!!
you deserve it.
You are a wonderful father, it is evident in the fierce way you love your daughter and honor your wife’s memory. Cheers to you.
You both look great! You really are a father that people dream about for their children. Maybe one day you’ll write a book. Thank you for sharing your story and living life for Maddy. Can’t wait to see oprah. I enjoyed when you were on Rachael Ray too!
Matt, you deserve this and I am sure that you would have deserved this award even if Liz were still here you are a wonderful person as well as a wonderful father keep it up.Maddy is thriving
I’m sure you are a wonderful father (da da)… All of those little ditties about baths and dirty leaves. I’m pretty sure they’re all real and no fakes. Sounds a lot like me with my four…. It’s life, you know? You just go… with the flow most days. You have to. Doesn’t make you any less of a good (great) parent!
Keep up the good work! Can’t wait to see you on Oprah.
Fabulous! Great article. Can’t wait until Monday’s Oprah show – hope it draws a lot of support. You guys rock!
Pretty fucking amazing on all accounts. You should be really proud of how far you have come in this one year. Liz would be super proud
I’ve been reading you almost all year and this post brought tears to my eyes. You’ve come a long way. Madeline is gorgeous and healthy and happy. What an accomplishment. Good job, Matt.
Ha. Is it bad that I thought all of those were true? And that I still thought you were doing a great job? Well, except for that not bathing her for weeks thing…
Amazing what a year can do. You’ve done a lot in a year and I think it’s fantastic. Good job with your little girl. She’s beautiful and happy – thanks to her loving family! Keep up the good work!
That post beings nothing but smiles to my face.
Congratulations!
Awesome news!!
Maddy’s saying Dada? Bad Matt for not blogging about it.
Check out my news, I’m cooking a new friend for Maddy!! FINALLY!!!
nothing but smiles from me on this one. I did a very similar thing on my blog when my youngest turned one:)
All I can say is WOW…just look at how happy that darling girl is. I know the last year has been so unbelieveably, insanely, stupidly hard, but its pretty darn obvious that she’s healthy and happy and in love with her Daddy.
Aww. Those pictures are a blast from the past. How far you’ve both come. My tv is all set for monday and I can’t wait for the day I run into you somewhere in LA or Pasadena!lol.
Congrats Matt! I have been a follower since the beginning! I can’t wait to see you guys on Oprah. You two deserve everything that has come your way.
Take care,
Debbie
Great tip on how to bathe them in the slippery tub. I put a big laundry basket in the tub, that way they are kind of confined to one spot! It works wonders.
you certainly deserve father of the year…father of the century in my book. you are AMAZING! and maddy will have the most amazing life story to tell! and i can’t wait to see you on oprah!
soon…we’re excited to see you guys.
Damn! Laptop’s in the shop. Can’t even typing my name correctly on my iTouch. That should be “Dora” not “Fora.” Although, could be the intuitive correction, not my fat finger.
That’s awesome. Can’t wait to see Oprah.
So PRECIOUS! You rock! Keep up the great work, you can see the happiness in her eyes and smiles!
I have been following your blog from the beginning, but have only commented once before. You are a wonderful father. And I am so happy you are getting recognized for it. Congrats!
We just moved from Twin Cities last summer. I love your pictures – it reminds me of Prior Lake – especially the winter ones!
I’m going to choose to not believe you let Madeline watch ‘Tim and Eric Awesome Show Great Job’ because that has to be the world’s stupidest, most unwatchable show (and I’ve actually watched a few Japanese game shows). Your baby is adorable and amazing, so I know you’ve done a great job (Unlike stupid Tim and Eric!).
Congrats on both the show and Dad of the Month!!!! You deserve it!!! I love her smile, cheers me up! Be blessed!!!
Congratulations, Matt! You are an awesome dad and totally deserve the award. My calender is marked for Oprah, too!
Dad of the Month Award – you deserve it for sure. Husband of the Year Award – you deserve that too! You humble me – everyday of my life. Thanks for being you!
The sadness in your eyes in those photos from last year brings tears to my eyes. What a difference a year makes. You have come a long way, baby! Though I know your heart still aches for Liz, it is clear that Maddy has worked wonders on your soul. I really dislike Oprah, but I’ll watch Monday
Congrats Matt! That is amazing news! You absolutely, 100% deserve it. I can’t wait to see y’all on Oprah.
wow! congratulations to the two of you! How much she looks like Liz! Can’t wait to watch on Monday
Not unbelievable news to me. You are doing great Matt. I never tire of writing that to you because it is so true. I can’t wait to see you on Oprah. Keep on being awesome
Can’t wait for Oprah. I’ve already added it to my DVR. Congrats on the “father of the month”!! The article was great. Still love that picture of you changing Maddy on the bridge. That I’ll be one that goes on her graduation poster someday.
You’ve come a long way baby! Congrats on Oprah, your award, and, most of all, congrats on a beautiful , happy girl!
Hi. I meet your brother at a bar in Seward, AK…random…and after hanging out with him and his friends for awhile he started to tell me about you. He shared for quite some time and afterward I thought I really needed to “meet” you. From the comments that I have read here, it’s not hard for me to see how inspiring you are…I hope you realize it too. Your determination and power is something every mother and father should attempt to live up to.
WOW…Dad of the month. That is really cool.
It’s nice to hear from others what a good job they think you are doing…it is for me anyway. But Dad of the month is a really cool honor.
You really ARE an amazing dad, Matt.
Long time reader, first time commenter. Congrats on the great news!!!
I can’t believe how much Madeline has grown. She looks so much like Liz in these pictures. What a beauty!
You know, my husband is a pretty effing good dad, but we’ll let you have April
You DO deserve the recognition – take a moment to enjoy it. Congratulations on all the good news! You two have come a long way.
I am so excited for Oprah! Congrats on the father of the month. All us creeps know how much you deserve it! So awesome!
Maddy is one lucky little girl to have you as a daddy. You are such an inspiration, Matt! I love the before and after photos – your comfort and love for your little sweetie radiates so strongly. Can’t wait to watch you on Oprah
YOU are so deserving!!! You have come such a long way and it breaks my heart, but the love in you and Madeline’s eyes (through pics of course:) really makes it feel better. Madeline is a dollbaby! (Although her nails DO BLEED) she is so beautiful, like her mom (pictures, again). No offense to you though!
I will tune in to Oprah for sure. Matt, you are a true inspiration and rightfully deserve parent of the month. I enjoy your blog and respect your honesty.
Wow–look how much she’s grown!!
Very exciting about Oprah–can’t wait to see!
And congrats on Dad of the Year–you definitely deserve it!!
I’m going to say the micro-apple pie was one of the made up ones!?
Dude…give yourself more credit.
Madeline is obviously happy, well adjusted, and super easy going. That takes skills…not luck.
You and Maddy are so awesome. This is a lovely post. I’m proud of you guys. Can’t wait to see the show on Monday.
What a year, what a beautiful little girl and what a great dad you are! Congratulations!
wow Matt I have to say you really looked like shit in those first pictures. You are looking so much healthier/saner/happier now.Madeline, of course, gets more and more beautiful every day. I forgot how tiny she was when she was first brought home. I hope you keep this blog up until she graduates from college. I think I can speak for all the other readers when I say that we want to see her (and you) grow up.
Great article Matt! You are an amazing father.
I know the greatest thing to come of the Oprah appearance is going to be the massive exposure for the Foundation, but still it’s pretty damn cool you meeting and being on Oprah. And Father of the Month is more than deserved, I’ve said it before (I believe) Liz knew what she was doing when she chose you her as her husband and future father of her most precious treasure. Liz would be smiling her often spoke of smile, with pride, for all that you are doing and all that you are being for Madeline. It continually overwhelms me the love you have for them both. I’ve set my PVR to record Oprah and can hardly wait
Congratulations Matt and Maddy! You are doing a fantastic job and have a beautiful little girl! Can’t wait to see Oprah. If it had been my choice you would have daddy of the YEAR.
I cant believe how much Maddy has grown, both sets of pictures brought tears to my eyes (what a shocker). You and my dad both deserve daddy of the month, every month
How exciting on both accounts!! Great job. I cannot wait to see “Oprah”. Congrats!!
I am just one of your many long-time readers, but feel like a proud relative! Two huge honors. I loved the details in the iParenting article about the enduring relationship you and Liz had from such a young age. And, I love the picture of Madeline at the top of the post. It looks like her hair is standing on end in excitement of your big news. And I also agree with so many others that in the pictures on the train, Madeline looks so much like Liz. Can you post a picture of Liz next to that one of Mini-Liz on the train so that we can see the comparison?
I’ll be bribing my preschooler to take a nap on Monday.
YYYYAAAAYYYY!! Can’t wait to see OPRAH! Did Liz watch it? I know she would be beyond excited!
And Dad of the Month? Awesome…..Madeline is a lucky baby girl
Awesome–congratulations, you totally deserve it! Can’t wait for the two of you to appear on Oprah! Take care…
OMG…her pic on the train looks just like her mama. what a beautiful girl. can’t wait to see you two the the big O!!
Cheers!!
Hey, I’ve been blurking and I just wanted to say Congrats! Looking forward to the Oprah episode and love the pics.
You deserve all the wonderful things coming to you plus!! I have followed your blog and fallen in love with Maddy, this is the first time I have ever posted, as there are usually hundreds of posts so I wondered if you would even read mine. We lost our son 6 years ago and I have to say, you are such an inspiration! What a great father you are! You and Maddy are so very lucky to have each other!!! If you ever have time, visit my blog… http://www.tutusandchoochoos.blogspot.com I will continue to keep up with y’all and wish you the best!!
And donate
Kelley
Awesome! Congrats.
you deserve every last bit of it! congrats!
Congrats on the two bits of unbelievable news!
Now if I only had a television…
And congrats on the anniv. of your homecoming! Love the photos of then and now.
You so deserve that award! It’s not about being perfect. It’s about loving so much it hurts and trying to do your best by your kid and just getting up and breathing every day, especially on those days when you want to lay down and die, but you don’t because that little piece of humanity needs you (well, and breakfast).
You are an amazing Dad, Matt, and you and Maddy have come so far in a year.
Those are both amazing things. You should be so very proud of all you’ve done in this year.
Oh good, now I do have something to look forward to on my birthday, two of my favorite things.. Oprah and Madeline!
Matt&Maddy,
Also, big congrats on the dad award! That’s sweet and you should be very darn proud of yourself. It all shows in that little girl’s smiles. Keep it up Mr. Superstar and the Little Lady……
Congrats on Oprah! I can’t wait
A few others commented that perhaps your writing a book? HBG? If so, I can’t wait for that!!!!
Wow – the photos of you two leaving the hospital are pretty powerful – you have come a long way. Despite all of your pain – look at how happy and healthy your daughter is. You are dad of the year in my book.
And I dream of the day that I will have the fashion sense that you have. That little girl is the best dressed baby I think I’ve ever seen – and I have two girls my self. This makes me very embarrassed. In fact – will you teach me how to dress myself?
(doing great, papa logelin.)
Matt, I think you are doing such a wonderful job. I already have Oprah set to record! Maddy is lucky to have you as a dad.
Matt, what an amazing honor– both to be on Oprah and to be Dad of the Month. <3
Congratulations, you deserve it!
Can’t wait to see the Oprah episode. It’s so neat to see those recent photos of you and Madeline … you should be so proud of this past year and all that you’ve overcome.
Woot! Many congrads
I’m telling ya, it gets better and better! All the things Madeline will achieve just in the next few months alone will blow your mind.
Never doubt you deserve any kudos because you do. You are doing an amazing job. Can’t wait to tune in next Monday.
Congrats!
I have never commented before. Today, I just had to say, that I think you are awesome Matt….in a very innoculous way. You would trade anything for this “awareness” you have been able to bring to the rest of us fortunate ones, but still you are making such an incredible impact. Only because you are YOU can any of this be possible. YOU make me proud to be a parent and a partner to my husband. Everyday I count my blessings because of you…thank you. I would wish you luck with Madeline, but you don’t need it…not because of all your friends and stranger friends…because Liz knew when she picked you, you were it. Now that’s something to be proud of!!!!
Wow, congrats on the Dad of the Month!! You definitely deserve it!
Look forward to watching the Oprah show!
Your photos are just beyond amazing, everytime you add new ones I am in awe with them!!!!! so many great ones to frame. You sure do deserve the “dad of the month” award, I bet Madeline agrees too
I never watch Oprah, but I will next monday….
Hip Hip Hooray!!
Cant wait to see you and Maddy on Oprah, I really hope it opens up amazing doors for you and Maddy and your foundation! Congrats to you Matt and your beautiful Maddy!! So happy for you two~
You definitely deserve father of the month..or year
As always love the pictures! She is looking more and more like her mommy~
Oh shit. I am a blubbering tearful mess over here after looking back at some of your pictures from a year ago.Your amazing strength and courage in the face of all of this is beyond me, and so completely moving.
You are absolutely deserving of an award for being a phenomenal father and a phenomenal husband as well. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself, and for being exactly who you are. Liz and Madeline both are, and always will be, so extremely lucky.
Near the end of the iParenting article, Matt, you are quoted as saying that something is “not being very manly.”
What you have accomplished and how you have conducted yourself in the past twelve months is, in my book, just about as manly as it gets.
Congrats!!!! But I think you should be the 2008 DAD! not dad of the month
Nothing will ever replace Maddy’s first year. And the way you have just put yourself out there, for all of us to share and watch…you have accomplished the unthinkable day by day.
Hats off to you.
Congrats, best dad!
I’m certainly proud of you and I don’t even know you. But you’ve done an outstanding job of stepping up to the plate. All Madeline knows is she’s happy, healthy, secure and loved.
And statistics show that girls well loved by their fathers (well, in the proper ways) are miles ahead of most girls in self esteem as they reach adulthood.
Maddy may be unlucky to have lost her mom, but she was triple blessed with her dad. I mean that, sincerely. You also have documented your love for Liz in a way most don’t. And Maddy will have all of that to help her get to know her mom who loved her so much.
I think everybody has tragedy in their lives; what matters is how those who are left deal with it.
I read every post, but rarely comment. Just wanted to let you know how amazed I am by your strength and raw honesty. You are so deserving of these moments, and I am simply amazed that you were able to take those pictures on “coming home” day….I cannot even fathom how hard that must have been.
She looks amazing matt! Congrats on the honor too
I’ve been reading for almost a year now (since the StarTrib article), and I think I joked once or twice in comments months ago about Oprah being a possibility….but wow, I was just joking. I am so pleased because I know how much attention it’ll bring to the foundation. You know what I really love? That even with Oprah, People, etc., I know you’ll still remain the Matt you are now – just a Minnesota boy who loves his wife and daughter. (And Tuesday new-music releases and cameras and meals with friends…) Big hugs to you Matt! I’m so proud I feel like I’m your mom or something!
“Dad of the Month” is pretty awesome! Congrats! You really deserve the honor! I think “Father of the Year” is next! Can’t wait to see you and Miss M on Oprah! I am sure I will bawl just like I did when I watched Rachel Ray, LoL. I am so proud of you and Madeline both!
Wow! I cannot wait for Oprah, and will check out iParenting right now. What wonderful acknowledgements of your amazing work. I have so enjoyed being part of your journey and thank you again for sharing your life with us. It is such a gift, and has made me a better person. And I know I’m not alone (not by a long shot)!
I’ve been following your site for months now and I have been so blown away by you and Maddie and everything you have been through this past year. I look at those pictures from one year ago and see so much grief; the pictures from now – one year later – still show grief…. but it’s now shadowed by the love and happiness you so obviously have being Maddie’s dad. Liz would be so proud.
matt, you deserve it all. once again, and i know you hear it all the time….u are an inspiration to many. who cares if u just gave maddy a bath after a few weeks, according to me and so many who have embraced you, you are the dad of the month. that title should belong to you, forever.
The word ‘proud’ is mentioned 13 times already. Oh well. Can you be proud of someone you’ve never met? If not then I instead feel a little meh. And excited.
I wrote in to Oprah twice about you! I am so happy that the show will be airing next week. You are an amazing person and inspire us all!
I (heart) Maddy and her Daddy!!!
You are doing a freaking amazing job.
You are strong, you are a great father.
Stopping in to say hey, congrats on everything, you deserve it! Can’t wait for Oprah! Sending lots of love and peace always…
I don’t think any of us are surprised that you are dad of the month – that honor has been yours since Maddy’s birth! Congratulations for the recognition, but more importantly, congratulations on the past year – you have done an AMAZING job! I love the pics from then vs. now – they tell their own story. So proud of you!
Matt, I’m just so proud of you. Seriously. I’ve been following you for a year now, and your whole outlook has changed. And I’m so happy for that. I know things are still hard for you, but man, you can do it … We knew it all along, but now YOU know it and believe it, and it’s just been such a beautiful change to watch unfold.
I can’t wait to see you on Oprah, and the best daddy article was a great one.
That is so rad that you got Dad of the Month! I think you really deserve it, so congratulations! You HAVE come a long way, and you inspire me.
Hi Matt.
I’ve been reading your blog since January, but never posted a comment. I’ve wanted to thank you, comment, or e-mail several times before, but somehow always felt like I would be intruding in on your life. Haha!
This time however, I have to chime in with the rest of your family and friends. Congratulations on “Father of the Month”! You more than deserve it! Madeline is a beautiful little girl and you’ve done an amazing job with her! Thank you so much for sharing her, yourself, Liz, and your story with us.
Shelby
Congrats, you deserve it all!
What a long way you two have come, can’t wait to see what the future holds
Amazing! Great article. You are doing a beautiful job with Madeline.
How very awesome Matt!!! Congrats
you have come so incredibly far! we’re so proud of you matt!!!
WOW!! Congratulations…..you absolutely 100% deserve it!! I actually made my husband read the post tonight to prove to him that not everyone bathes their baby every night! LOL I love looking at the old pictures and the recent ones….your smile has changed…there is not so much pain in your eyes now. I know that every day still sucks bad, but you do look happier and that is something!
Congratulations Matt on your Dad of the Month honor. You have been doing such a great job for Madeline. She is really a beautiful baby who looks so much like her mother especially in that picture of her on the train. You have come a long way in a year. You had done what most men could of never done.by being Mom and Dad. Beside losing Liz you had a premature baby to take care of. Your Blog has made people look at life in a different light. Maybe not to take things for granted and to be happy for the little things in life, (and for us nervous mothers, we learned eating sand will not kill you nor will going to bed dirty or in your clothes!!! lol) I look forward to seeing you and Maddy on Oprah on Monday. Next time you are in Chicago would love to meet up with you and Maddy.
Congratulations!! That is really exciting.
I can’t believe how much your sweet little girl has grown. She’s looking so much like a toddler, it’s unbelievable. Maddy is just beautiful!
Dad of the month, SWEET! That is awesome!!! You both have come so far in one year! you are doing just an amazing job with her!
Congrats Matt and Maddy!! You have come a very long way and have overcome a lot this past year…for this you should be proud!! WTG on the “Dad of the month”…you TOTALLY deserve it!! I can’t wait to see you guys on Oprah…I will PVR it for sure
I can’t believe I have been following your story for over a year now…and you continue to amaze me with your strength and positive attitude….I have laughed along with your stories (love the snack trap cup video….didn’t work worth shit for us either!!), cried along with your memories and beautiful pictures of Liz, and smiled at all the milestones you two have hit together!! Thanks again for being you….what a beautiful little girl Liz has left you…I can’t believe how much those latest pictures of her look like Liz….you are doing a fantastic job…keep up the great work 
Shannon, Caitlyn and Alex in Canada
Matt,
Congratulations! From what I’ve read here and in the newspapers, and seeing that beautiful little girl, you definitely deserve this honor. I am in awe of all that you have been through and how amazing you are doing! All of my best to both you and Maddy.
((aw))–I *really* could hug you right now. You are a wonderful, wonderful daddy to a beautiful, beautiful little girl.
I’ll be watching on Monday.
(Tears in eyes) Matt you fucking ROCK!!!
So, so deserving!!
Congrats!!
You SHOULD be proud of how far you’ve come!! It’s amazing, the transformation you have made and how open you are with the whole world with that transformation. I thought *I* was parent of the year (just ask my kids!) but I suppose you deserve it this time.
Honestly, you really do. I can’t even express in words how remarkable it has been to watch you this past year grow, change, heal and live. Maddy is a lucky little girl. The bond the two of you have is really very special. It’s been a blessing to journey with you through this and I look forward to seeing what’s next for you and Maddy.
Congrats on being named parent of the year and on Oprah! WOOT! I’m setting my DVR now! What an awesome opportunity to share your life and the foundation and to honor Liz.
I should have read the article first…. It’s perfect! You’re awesome.
Matt, it warms my heart to see how far you’ve come in the last year. You’re an AMAZING father from what I’ve read, and you really do deserve this honor. I’m sure Liz is looking down on you and your beautiful little girl… and is in awe of the amazing man/father/person that you are.
You’ve come such a long way, stranger/friend. My gosh do I love that last picture…
Awesome news, Matt & Maddy-Girl!!! Congrats.
I just found your blog a week ago and I’m addicted. Madeline gets more beautiful every day.
You soooooooooooooo deserve the title! Really you are one of the best Dads/parents I have ever known. I really do not know many men who can cherish each and EVERY milestone, outfit, moment etc of their child. It is so beautiful to see your appreciation and sentiment. Children are a gift, an incredibly sacred pleasure, so innocent and AWESOME. And you, YOU are an inspiration to us all. You and Madeline truely make my heart smile!
Can’t wait to see you on Oprah, how cool is that. I love Oprah – I barely ever get to watch her these days, but I promise we will have it on Monday!!
congratulations xx
You are AWESOME – you deserve “Dad of the Year” or something even better than what I can think up!
hi there Matt.
Too bad us in Malaysia would still be seeing the old Oprah programme this Monday (like, 8 months old).
can’t wait for your slot to reach our shores!
do post a taped version for your overseas fans to catch-up on will ya!
Masya-Allah, madeline’s turning BEAUTIFUL each day… thanks to YOU the most devoted father ever. You two are SO lucky to have each other!
Any chance you could find out when it screens in Australia??? Big ask I know, but would love it if you could let me know!
Congrats on the award too. You’re amazing.
Congrats on the award. Can’t wait to see Oprah on Monday.
I wonder how her ratings wiil jump with all your online friends watching.
i fall more in love with Maddie each day. she is seriously a pint sized Liz. in the second picture of the two of you, WOW. you should post pics of Liz at one year / Maddie now and i bet they would look exactly alike!! i cannot wait to watch Oprah!!!
Congratulations Matt!…You deserve so much more!
Wishing you both all the happiness in the world!
Besos y abrazos
Sol
matt, you totally deserve the respect and honor you are getting. I am so proud of you. You always stay humble and real. And this is AFTER Rachel, Salma, Oprah…and who knows who else is in your future?? Looking at your photos was great: Then and now. . . your facial expressions changing from overwhelmed to overjoyed; madeline growing from tiny preemie to happy, healthy toddler; your world moving from two to…(how many million is that now, anyway?!). Thank you for taking all of us on this wonderful, awful, astonishing journey with you. Congrats on your strength, gentle nature, and perseverance that brought you to this moment and place. It’s all good.
I figure all the ‘things’ are real..ha. And if she was covered with dirt and leaves, then, for sure you did good to give her a bath…LOL! Count on you to know when! Reading your list and then looking again at my most recent favorite-photo-set (maddy as a mousepad) just cracks me up. I enjoy your drollness and it always lifts my spirits. I think you are going to thoroughly love madelines’ *Terrific Twos* – she simply sparkles. Special thanks, matt, for the heads-up on Oprah time: DVR is set and I am too!
@em – your post was very observant and right on! funny, funny stuff.
Matt, I am crying over the picture of you and Maddie on the train. I look forward to reading your blog everyday. You truly are an amazing person. Your deserve this recognition because you took the reins and did what you had to do at such a difficult time. I am in awe of all of the traveling, socializing, and parenting you do. You have an amazing outlook on life…not to mention an amazingly beautiful daughter. Keep up the good work and if you’re ever in NJ would love to have you for dinner with our family.
congrats on both accords!!!
I am not a huge Oprah fan, but I will watch to see you 2!
and the pictures Matt, I know we have seen them before, but the comparison, the light is back in your eyes again! I know this hasbeen a rough year, but you are doing an amazing job!
You are a great dad, but really, you have to STOP dropping the F-bomb when you talk. One of the these days, dear sweet Maddy is going to repeat what you say, and boy, will you be embarrassed. “Little pitchers have big ears”
I cant wait to see Oprah! Congrats on your award – as far as I’m concerned you are dad of the month every month, Maddy is so lucky to have you.
Matt,
You deserve it all and more!
Jill
You certainly have come so far… That picture of you holding madeline in her car seat the day you took her home gave me the chills. I admire your strength and I turn to your blog to remind me that even on my hardest days, kids are still just kids and need us to be our best. Thanks for helping me be a better mom today.
btw your daughter is beautiful!!!!! Love all the pics too!
Wow! Congratulations! You def deserve dad of the month…you are a great dad and are doing awesome in raising Maddie! Can’t wait to see you both on Oprah! Bleeding with fingernail cutting…BTDT!! Sometimes I just bite them to trim them off..he thinks it’s funny and I don’t cut him.
Congrats on the award! I don’t usually watch Oprah, but I’ll have to DVR it!!! Mady is doing wonderful as we can all see by the pictures!!!!
Congrats on Oprah and the Daddy award! You’re doing such a great job with Madeline and you deserve so much praise!
Congratulations on both!!!!!!!
i can’t wait to see you guys on oprah! i know, you hear it every day, but you are doing a great job with that little girl…kudos.
CONGRATULATIONS Matt!!!! Such great news and your so deserving of it!!! Can’t wait to see you guys on Oprah! How awesome is that!!!
Hi there! I have been following you for a while now and am so excited to see you on Oprah! Congrats on your da da of the month! You are awesome for you all that you do with that little bundle!
Congrats! Oprah… totally Tivoing it.
I’m going to guess that you didn’t take away the dirt covered leaves away from her.
$5 (CAD) says that Oprah has all time high ratings on the 13th.
Gosh isn’t it amazing how big they get? Congrats on Dad of the Month and your debut on Oprah. You rock!!
Congratulations
We’re all so very happy for you
Matt
You are stronger that you believe!
And you are a great dad, for sure!
Congratulations for the title, but for Maddy you are the “Dad of the year!!”
=)
Congrats Matt! You are an amazing father, you deserve it. Can’t wait for Oprah. Maddy is so adorable, isn’t it amazing how much they grow in a year?
Congratulations Matt! You deserve every bit of the praise for being such a great dad! Keep up the great work!
CONGRATS!!! Can’t wait to see ya on Oprah!!!
We online friends love ya
You crack me up
You are great! You deserve it!!!
And looking at the difference between last year and this year gave me chills. Madeline is Such a beauty!! You both have come a long way and you should be very proud of yourself!
Christine D.
Looks like you’re really turning a corner! Smiles all around and congratulations!
Wow, just wow!
Noone is more deserving! Can’t wait til the Oprah show airs =)
Congratulations! You unquestionably deserve this award, like one commentor said “you have accomplished the unthinkable”. Thank you for sharing this past year of your life with us. You are truly an Awesome, Great, Exceptional father. Maddy is so so lucky to have you in her life. You are both blessed to have each other. What a beautiful bonding you have created with your daughter. You should be very proud of what you have become, I am very much…Hugs
Congratulations to you! You deserve it and then some. Liz would be so proud of you both! You are an amazing Daddy and Madeline is so lucky to have you!!!
what an amazing year. WOW.
That’s Awesome, You Deserve It!! Love Your Fatherly Humor!!
she’s so gorgeous!
I was just on the Oprah website to see if she had posted a teaser or anything…I really can’t wait to see it! I still have your Rachel Ray appearance saved on my DVR.
Before I realized the first pic was from her hospital discharge, I thought it was from your pedi visit and was thinking, “wow, she still fits in a carrier”…I need coffee apparently!
I’m so proud of you Matt…!
I just can’t believe how adorable she is. Every picture seems cuter than the last! I just want to gobble her up!
Yup, dad of the year….congratulations
If you think you’ve got a lot of readers/visitors now, just wait until the Oprah episode. That woman sells out books that have been in print 60 years.
aw- she’s the apple pie and ice cream of her daddy’s eye.
When i first started reading- I couldn’t tell if the whirling dervish nature of your existence was an attempt to run- stay one step ahead of the hurt..but here ya are.. world (continental) traveler a yeah later.. winning awards and making guest appearances and all that jazz..
still i wonder if the celebrity status can keep up with ya.
I hope the title of best dad can penetrate you somewhat- it isn’t all fanfare blowing smoke up yer ass..people out there really *are* learning and being inspired to be better people thanks to you and your wee muffin.
be well…
Matt, you are such an amazing human being! You are doing a fabulous job!!!
Congrats on Dad of the Month!!! You totally deserve it and what a great article to go with it. You are doing a wonderful job and I can’t wait to watch you and Madeline on Oprah!
Congrats, and maybe your parents should also get an award for raising such a remarkable human being kudos to them!!!
Personally, I think you should have been Dad of the Year, but that’s just my opinion.
Seeing your pictures is always like seeing family to me, that’s far away and I haven’t seen for awhile. It doesn’t seem possible that we’ve actually never met!
I cried happy tears through Rachel Ray, I’m scared of what Oprah may do. LOL
How AWESOME is that!!
Congratulations on BOTH!!
I will set my DVR to record Oprah on Monday so I don’t miss it.
Your daughter is beautiful!!
Take care
You are awesome, enough said.
You are doing a great job! She is gorgeous and I think she looks just like Liz. (Never met Liz other than your blog but even some of Maddy’s expressions remind me of pics you have posted of Liz.) Congrats on the award and thanks for sharing your journey with us!
everything except the not bathing her for weeks is fine. I gave myself a pat on the back for making it a year with my baby. yours is so well deserved as well. good for you.
The picture of you being wheeled out of the hospital brought tears to my eyes.
You are an amazing dad- you deserve this honor!
Congrats! I can’t wait to see Oprah on Monday. You’re honestly doing so great as a father. Liz is so, so proud of you.
Wow wow wow! Congrats Matt! You are an awesome dad! I will set my dvr to record the show! and congrats on the dad of the month award! How amazing! Now hello….quick question…..What were the stats on Madeline’s one year check up???? Hello you can’t leave us hanging like that!
Happy Thursday to you!
~Abigail
I can’t wait to watch Oprah, even marked it on the calendar!
Look how far you’ve come through this pain, Matt! Im proud of you! What a good person you are!
Oh those before and after pictures made me cry. Just look at her! Hells yeah, you’re doing an awesome job. Congrats on the award.
L O V E
Y O U
B O T H ! <3
Matt –
Good morning. Congratulations, you are truly deserving. I am sure Madeline was a hit at the Oprah show, all of their producers are nice folks. Madeline is healthy and beautiful, you are doing a great job.
Yolanda
dude! i’m leaving for Brazil on Monday! ah!! someone put it on youtube for me please! I’m happy for you Matt, Daddy of the Month and a stint on Oprah, you are now the coolest Dad in the world. 15 years from now Maddie is going to be the coolest kid in school because *she* was on Oprah and Rachel Ray! Awesomeness. Have a great day!
Hugs from NJ,
erica and Landon
you deserve to be dad of the month! shit dad of the year is well deserved. Congrats!
I am so inspired by your strength and courage. You are doing the most awesome job raising Madeline and they couldn’t have picked a better person for dad of the month. Keep up the great wrok.
You know, my husband is a pretty great dad to our two little ones, but he could still take some lessons from you! Just tell me how much you charge!
What an incredible person you are! You’ve taught me two things: 1. True love really exists and 2. It is possible to have the happiest, most well adjusted kid in the world—Maddie is an angel and you can daddy hangs the moon! Keep up the fantastic work!!!
Yay Matt & Maddy!! So excited to watch the episode! Congrats!
Congrats to you Dad of the Month!!!!! You are doing such a fantastic job with that little lady. The love I see when she looks at you is priceless. I set my Tivo for Monday, although I am not a fan of Oprah, I am excited to see you and Maddy!
CONGRATS!! I love reading about you guys. My little girl Mackenzie is almost the same age, its funny all the different stages kids have.
You really have come so far…so proud of both of you!
Congrats Matt! I just set the Tivo for Oprah on Monday. Looking forward to seeing Maddy woo the audience once again.
it’s going to be awhile before she can read what i write…
Proud… is an understatement.
Can’t wait to see you guys on Oprah!
Matt, I have never commented and I don’t really know why. I have been a follower from way back, I think like the 2nd or 3rd blog posting. I guess at first I just didn’t want to seem like a stalker and after Liz passed away I felt like anything I would have said wasn’t even adequate if that makes sense. I have prayed for you, for sweet Maddy girl for over a year now. I have cried sooo many tears reading your posts, laughed harder than I could imagine, shared your story countless times. Heck I have even shared your life with our pastor and friends at church lol. You more than deserve this award. Madeline is so lucky that you are her father. You are raising her to be a rich, loving, kind, sweet and honest girl. One day she will thank you for all that you have done for her. Enjoy this award and what lies ahead. I truly believe that this is JUST the beginning for you my friend. The doors are just starting to open and I can’t wait to watch and see where it leads you. Stay strong, and know that you have a family of 7 (yes I have 5 kids) here in Missouri praying, cheering, laughing, crying but most of all admiring your strength and we all think you are a HERO!
Awesome job Matt. Too bad this didn’t happen a week ago you could’ve posted it on April Fools day and people wouldn’t know what to think! J/k. You are doing an absolutely awespectabulous job with Maddy. Having lost my mom when I was 4, believe me I know what a single dad goes through and you are to be commended.
BTW – see if Oprah will have you back for one of her favorite things shows and bring me along so I can get some really cool but more importantly, free stuff!! lol.
Again, great job!!
Can’t wait to see you on Oprah on Monday…that’s just sooo exciting!
PS….As Maddy grows, I am just astounded at how much she looks like Liz. I’d love it (and I’m sure others would too) if you were able to find any photos of Liz as a baby and post them with some Maddy photos as a comparison. I’m betting they looked a lot alike!
Are you going to post the Dr’s office info soon?
forgot to say congrats on Dad of the year! You totally deserve it, you’ve done a fabulous job with your sweet angel!
Congratulations Matt! Maddy is so lucky to have such a great dad who loves her and is dedicated to her as much as you are. You deserve this recognition and celebrate!! It is a great feeling knowing that you are doing a good job and everyone else thinks so too! By the way, pie and ice cream is a great dinner!
I can’t wait to see you on Oprah!
What a beautiful baby girl! It’s amazing how much she’s grown in the last year; you must be so proud!
I am sure your and Liz’s parents are very proud of you today. They raised a wonderful son. Your dad must have been a wonderful role model on how to be a man and father.
So, so proud of you! Congratulations, Matt!
amazing matt. just amazing! can madeline get any more beautiful!? can’t wait to see the show! bravo dada!
Wow! You truly are an amazing man! And not because you got an award or that you are on Oprah, but because you do the right thing in spite of it all. Madeline is so lucky to have you!
Can’t wait to see you two on Oprah!
Love
You two look great together.
Best. Dad. Ever.
O.K…I now officially know that the platinum “super dad” card is being express shipped to your house. I trust you took my advice and cut up the “slacker” card yesterday
The Iparent acticle was wonderful. Even though I’ve been reading for quite a while I never get tired of re-hearing your story. I know the details, but i’m still in awe of the path your life has taken. You really couldn’t make this shit up!!!
Congratulations Matt, you certainly deserve Father of the Month, Father of the decade is more like it. Can’t wait to see you on Oprah. Take Care:)
wow oprah and dad of the month, your rock star you! congrats I will defiantly be watching the TV on the 13th!!
love the pics as usual! thanks for sharing them
Damn, Matt, this post had me in tears. The picture of you in the wheel chair is worth a thousand words. I actually think you should get Dad of the Year or Decade because not many dads (or moms for that matter) could shine the way you have!
You ARE an amazing father, so you deserve the nod. I’m going to read the article now. It will be great to see you on Oprah.
Congratulations, Matt! Great article! I set the dvr last night for Oprah, can’t wait to see it. It’s amazing to see how tiny Maddie was compared to now. I know it’s been said over and over but she really is the cutest thing!
Congrats!!
beautiful.
Congratulations!!! You’re doing such a great job with beautiful Maddy! I can’t wait to see the Oprah episode. =D
Matt –
Congrats! You ARE an amazing Dad and you deserve it! I’ve been following your blog for almost a year now, and it’s always fun to see what new adventure you and Madeline have in store.
I look forward to watching the story on Oprah! Rock-on.
I love how it’s now “madeline and matt” as opposed to vice versa.
I give it 12 months before it starts being “Madeline, featuring Matt”
Congrats! Better check to website server before Monday
You know how Oprah show will crash your site 
You have come a long way, and you are doing GREAT!
I have my DVR set!
Congrats, Matt!!!!
In my opinion, you should be dad of the year
Hey Matt Congrats to you!!! You Deserve every bit of the fame coming your way
Matt, Congrats on all of your accomplishments! You deserve every bit of it and I’m so proud of you! It should be Dad of the Year! XO
You’re doing a fabulous job with her. It is obvious by the happiness showing on both of your faces. Congratulations on both. I hope these new developments bring good things your way.
Congrats Matt and Maddie is beautiful, healthy and looks really happy so you are a WONDERFUL Dad.
Can’t wait to see you on Oprah!
congrats Matt! I am definetly DVR-ing The big O. Yes, you two have come a LONG way!
I bet the fake one is: *took the dirt-covered leaves from her hand before she put them in her mouth. Who are you kidding? You let her eat them.
So happy to see where you started and where you are now. It is amazing to watch things grow – a tiny, premature baby grow into a beautiful little girl about to walk and watch a grieving huband turn into Dad of the Month – perhaps, of the year in my opinion.
All my best always.
Congratulations Matt! I enjoyed seeing the photos of last year compared to this year. What a difference a year makes! You are doing a wonderful job and totally deserve Dad of the Month. I can’t wait to see you guys on Oprah! Take care…
I’m watching Oprah right now and just saw
the promo spot for Monday’s show. There was you and beautiful little Madeline on my T.V.! I can’t wait, I’m sure it’s going to be a great piece. Congrats to you and your family on such a big honor and amazing opportunity to share your story for Madeline and Liz. You should be very proud of yourself and all that you’ve done and will do!
Just saw the Oprah commercial for next Mon with you two on it. Looking forward to seeing it!
Get ready for another server crash
I cannot wait to see you on Oprah. WHat a hell of a daddy!
You two are so darling! She is such a cutie….you are doing a great job. For example, last night I said to my 9 year old at 1 in the morning, “The next time you throw up just set it next to your bed and don’t tip it over,” after I’d been in there for the 11th time. And she did it! Nice parenting :0)
All the Best!
flippin’ fantastic recap!
cheers! keep ‘holding on’, you are on the ride of your life!
(LOVE that last photo!)
Many blessings,
L
She gets more beautiful everyday…she looks more and more like her Mama everyday too! Love you two! Glad to hear all is going well! XOXOXO
Wow, the pictures from a year ago are quite the blast backward! I’m trying to remember when I started reading. What the first post I read was. Wow time flies.
You are doing an amazing job with Maddy, Liz must be so proud of you. You are proving what a great guy she married.
Saw the Oprah commercial for Monday! Can’t wait to see the interview!
Matt, I have followed for many months, but never commented. You ARE doing a fabulous job. Parenting is never easy and you always make it “look” easy. Madeline is so lucky to have you as her daddy. You deserve these honors. Now off to tivo Oprah….I can’t miss it.
@auntie angels fan, I am so sorry for the loss of Nick. Too many dying to young. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and fans.
hooray for matt and maddy! it seems like maddy has grown so much, so quickly these past few months…and, actually, it seems like you have too matt – can parents have growth spurts too? you both are in my thoughts/prayers every day. keep doing what you do! and congrats on getting me to dvr oprah for the first time in…well, ever.
Wow! Matt, you always impress. Madeline is getting dangerously cute. I can’t believe I’ve read your blog for a year — you guys are both looking great and have some awesome days ahead, I’m sure!
My favorite show. Sweet that you two are on it. Such a cute baby.
Congratulations! First Rachael, then Oprah, next Dr Phil! (no don’t do that). Seriously, it’s great that so many good things are happening for both of you now.
take care
The DVR is set and I will be watching! Congrats on the award…definitely deserved! Own your awesomeness
Dude, the kid is gonna grow up thinking it’s normal to hang out with people like Oprah and Salma Hayek. Of course, at this point, that is normal for her. As if your new reality weren’t surreal enough….
Seriously, though, I hope Oprah helps propel the Liz Logelin Foundation to heights none of you would have imagined a few months ago. Liz deserves nothing less, though; her legacy will be as big as her life.
Welcome back to Los Angeles, guero y guerita.
j.
Matt: So glad you made it to now !!!!! Take care, Love Dot K
Congratulations Matt! Not only for being named dad of the month, but for coming so far in such a short period of time. We’ve all known that you are a wonderful dad for some time now. Those pictures of your Maddy brought tears of joy. She is such a beautiful and truly happy child. Keep doing whatever your doing. Can’t wait to see you guys on Oprah!
i would have to guess that she is 29 inches tall and about 19 to 20 pounds
you know matt i would have to say that you are doing a great job with your daughter,speaking from exsperience i have 2 boys myself and their dads have nothing to do with them at all they won’t even pay child support,so i think that what you have and are doing for your daughter is totally awesome and i have been fallowing your post for awhile now and you never seece to amaze me with things you do with and for your daughter,god bless you and madeline
Can’t wait to see you guys on Oprah on Monday!
I wrote once, but I again wanted to say congratulations to you. You just amaze me from day-to-day. I think that you said how some would just crawl up in a cave after a situation like this, and I have to say that this is def what I would have done. I can’t possibly imagine having to go through the hand that you have been dealt.
And dad of the month is the least that you deserve…
Isn’t it amazing? What a difference a year makes! You go from scared shitless and completely clueless to semi-confident with a dash of uncertainty mixed in. It changes from wishing you could bring the nurses home with you to take care of this being you know nothing about- to believing that no one else in the world can take care of and knows your little one like you do. It’s an amazing transformation. So much changes in just one short year.
I will surely be watching Oprah this Monday , I can’t wait for the world to meet this amazing and strong dad madeline was blessed with , you make us mom’s proud and I think we all hope if anything happened to us to leave our children without us that our husbands could manage as well as you have , really you give me hope .
not everyday but every few days K.
ok and if that is true about the baths , ok she is gonna need more baths
Keep up the great work and watch out for all the buzz Oprah will bring to your blog.
chris
Raising a child is extremely difficult…but as children grow older, they only get more and more fun. You have definitely come a long way through a very difficult period…kudos to you and congrats on all of your accolades.
The honest smiles and pure joy on your faces one year later melt my heart. The look of true and pure happiness on a child and her daddy will never cease to amaze me. You are quite the duo and have really shown us all what it is to love. I have just recently started following your blog, and have been so deeply touched. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous daughter and powerful story with us all.
I just have started following your blog…about a month ago…and I have to say, you are such an inspiration! I can’t wait to watch you guys on Oprah and to keep following your life!
How exciting on both counts! Can’t wait to see the Oprah episode. You are an inspiration.
ohhh, reporting from louisville. just saw you on a preview for monday’s oprah. can’t wait. i’ve been reading your blog for about 6 months now and you never cease to amaze me
Just started reading your blog…..I will be watching Oprah on Monday…. Great blog, you are a great Father
What the the cause of Heather’s Mattie death? I have tried to read other blogs to find out…
Also….we need to know your Maddie’s weight and length…
Congratulations on Dad of the month! You deserve it 110% you do a amazing job with Maddy!
Can’t wait to see you and that beautiful little girl of yours on Oprah Monday afternoon.
Was delighted to see a lovely photo of you & Maddy in the St. Paul Pioneer Press this morning. I think it was page 11A — the online link is http://www.twincities.com/ci_12118347?IADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities.com
Looking forward to “seeing” you on Oprah! Wishing you a wonderful Easter!
You have come so far together. And I’m positive that Liz has been there every step of the way, just in a different way.
I am so DVRing this Oprah episode. Can’t wait!
I had the honor of being an audience member when the episode of Oprah in which you were a guest was taped. I will forever be touched by your story. Your blog is amazing – I love your honesty and candor – Maddy is a very blessed child to have you for a father!
Well done Matt – a child’s first birthday is such a huge milestone for parents and family in even the most “normal” situations. Well done you and happy birthday gorgeous girl.
Hi Matt,
I have not blogged before,but I have been keeping up to date
with everything ever since I saw your story in an australian magazine.
it really touched my heart and I want you to know that I think
you are an amazing Father.
Unfortunately I will probably never see that episode of Oprah as we don’t get current episodes which is a shame.
Keep up the great work you do Matt, Madeline is a beautiful little girl.
I read your story in People mag. I have been reading your blog ever since… My son is 9 months and I had a ‘hard’ c-section. It is crazy how fast your whole world can change. On top of being an AMAZING father – you are a wonderful photographer. Thank you so much for sharing your story so honestly. I am excited to watch the show today – I feel like a friend is going to meet Oprah and I get to watch!
Congrats Matt, you did great on Oprah and are doing such a wonderful job w/ your daughter, thank you for sharing your story with all of us, shows how much you love your daughter and your wife to let us be a part of this process.
the warmth of both of your smiles, makes my day. What a wonderful transformation you have had and congratulations on being a wonderful father. There needs to be more fathers just like you! I know there isn’t a day you don’t look at precious Maddy and see your wife. She’s helping you out from heaven too. Take care
Hi, just saw the Oprah show with you. Your daughter is so beautiful. Looks so much like her mom. She will give you a run for your money with the boys when she’s a teenager. It looks like your doing a good job. My son is 15 and before you know it Madeline will be that age. Enjoy her now, even though it has it hard times.
I saw you on Oprah today. What a great job you did. I am sure almost all of your “followers” watched as I did. You are an amazing person. If the world was full of Matt’s, what a wonderful place this would be.
Hello! Watched O today and saw your story and wanted to let you know how proud we are of you. My husband and I have 3yr son and 1yr daughter (born on 3/24/08 also). Ella was born via emergecy c-section (both where) it crossed my mind what if something happen? what did I leave behind for them? what would my husband do? Thank you for sharing your story and being so open with your life. You have a great heart. Maddy is so cute. Her and Ell have the same hairdo. Please dont ever forget to Love Life
Hi Matt and Maddy,
I saw your story on Oprah and I wanted to tell you what a great job you are doing. Your little one is so sweet. I know her mommie is looking down on both of you and smiling. It does show you that people are kind and they do care. Just stop sometimes and take a breath and take a little time for yourself too. Maddy needs you to do that. She looks like a beautiful little girl and so sweet was your story. I wish you both the best. Just know that you are never alone. So many people are here for you. God Bless you both.
Take care,
Janelle Fisher
The pictures are SO touching and speak volumes
Wow Matt, were to start after reading all the amazing things you write and then all the amazing things people who’s heart and lives you have touched and the way they write to you is overwhelming. I am from Mexico and got married 3 weeks ago and moved to Phoenix, Arizona. I am watching the show on you and I have no words to describe what I felt when I saw your story. I just wanna say that I look up to you. I admire you for sharing your story with the whole world. May God bless you and your little girl! You are in my heart
Not only are you a remarkable human being who has endured more than I can imagine, you are a giant indie rock fan! Caught your Arcade Fire shirt on Oprah this afternoon, and now the Bonnie Prince Billy comment. I’m sure you already know this, but Will Oldham appears in one of the funniest videos I’d ever seen. http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/451fba17e0/cant-tell-me-nothin-from-zach-galifianakis
If you haven’t seen it, I hope it brings you and Maddy some joy today.
The show was great. Because of your story I found the sad story of your ( And Madelines friend) Maddy. They must have needed two angels in heaven to take them both. I sent a small donation via paypal because of you to the family. Hard times will be a head for them, I hope they can do something nice with the money and that because of you they will have a little less to worry about. You both are blessed. Thanks for making me think today….many more are worse off then I am. I am out of work right now but got more fullfillment out of giving back and hearing you share your story today then any paycheck could give me. I bought a website called cheerupyourlife.com and have not done anything with it yet. Maybe your story and blog will inspire me. I have wanted to use it to just post stories, hints, tips etc.. to cheer up peoples life… but am not even sure where to start! So many deaths, Divorces, jobloss, hardship.. I just want it to be a place to share stories about all of those things. If you have any ideas I would love to hear them.
Take Care and Cheers!
Tracy
wow-I can’t imagine what you were feeling that day leaving the hospital alone. It is amazing though, what the human spirit can endure. You are doing an amazing job as a Dad and a real person. You are real and that is why I think you have so many followers:) You got one more after today! Madeline is just adorable-I know you think so too- you are the DAD-you have too! But she REALLY, REALLY is!!!! those Blue eyes like her Momma-they peirce the soul!
Congratulations, it’s amazing how much you’ve both grown in one year. I saw you on Oprah today and thought you did an amazing job on the show and are truly an amazing dad. My favorite part was seeing you and Madeline at the end of the show, your both so damn cute
Most of all, Madeline is sure lucky to have a dad like you!
Just watched you on Oprah, and after reading for over six months, I always wondered what you sounded like!
Hang in there Matt. I think, aside from the comments, you don’t have a firm grasp on just exactly how many people you inspire to be better fathers.
I know this past year must be the greatest joys (Maddie) and the most difficult one since your wife’s passing. Your appearance on Oprah was touching. You’ve done what you had to do and I’m 100% sure your wife would have been proud. Can’t wait to watch Maddie grow…
Matt-I just watched your story on Oprah, and I wanted to let you know that you are a wonderful human being and daddy. Take care and god bless
PS. Think letting Maddy watch Tim and Eric is such a good idea?? That show is crazy! ha ha ha.. My husband and I would probably let our 6 month old too, but its alittle too past his bedtime!!
I saw you on Oprah today, along with a world full of others…
Simply, your soul inspires mine.
Matt (&Madeline),
I watched you on Oprah today after I got home from work (I teach high school English). I was so moved that I begged my husband to watch the episode with me — and, yes, begged is the word as watching Oprah is not his thing.
He was so drawn into every father’s story, especially yours, since we can relate in age — we are in our mid-thirties, currently childless but want babies, and have been together for several years now and can’t imagine life without each other in it. He was also deeply touched by your story. It’s amazing that what we could never imagine we could ever live through or make it through emotionally, we somehow just trudge on and survive despite everything.
Having your beautiful and precious daughter helps — we both loved the Minnie Mouse dress at the end — that’s one for the picture frames and one that both sets of grandparents need to have a copy of if they don’t already!
Your journey has been amazing so far and I’m so glad you’ve blogged and shared it with the world. I look forward to reading your prior posts now that I’ve found it.
Keep on’ keepin’ on…
I wish the best of life and happiness to both of you.
Jen Breaux
Jacksonville, FL
Matt,
You were the best (most “Real”) guest I have ever seen on Oprah!! Of course I may be a bit biased being from MN and knowing a true down to Earth person when I hear and see one!
I haven’t been to your site in awhile and was surprised to see you on the show today, how fun for your family and friends from all around.
Your daughter is beautiful, keep smiling!
Marti
me and my mother watched this and went to look at your site you are amazing!
Matt,
Saw you on Oprah yesterday – you are a wonderful father. I can totally relate to the single parent bit. I have been a widow for 6 years now and our kids were 15 and 5 when my husband passed. I work hard everyday at giving them a happy life even though they do not have their dad here in their life physically. Hardest part now is that my son (now 11) is struggling with remembering his dad since he was only 5 when he passed. We look at pictures and talk about him all the time but he still gets sad that he cannot remember a lot of things about his dad.
You are a great dad!!!
Susan
I really hope the apple pie one is real
Congratulations to you. Your daughter is one lucky kid!
I was really moved by your piece on Oprah. I have a 14 month old boy. I am so inspired by how well you both are doing. Your daughter is fortunate that you have taken the time to document your journey together. What a gift!
I can’t believe how much Madeline looks like Liz; her beautiful smile and big eyes. It must be so comforting to look at Madeline everyday and see Liz. You are both an inspiration. Madeline is so lucky to have such an amazingly dedicated and loving Dad. I’m sure Liz is SO beyond proud of how far you’ve both come.
Congratulations! You are a great Dad!
You are an amazing dad and truly an inspiration! Your baby girl is lucky to have you! May God bless you both.
Aw, those first pics are darling, I must’ve missed those before. I haven’t had a chance to say how excited I was to see you guys on Oprah. Don’t normally watch and it was a fluke that I flipped through and caught her mentioning you’d be on. What a treat
You’d done a tremendous thing this year.
Saw you on Oprah and decided to check out your page. However, every time I read a posting I can’t help but cry tears of sadness and tears of happiness. You love that baby girl with all your heart and she is so lucky to have you as her poppa.
She looks like the happiest girl in the world….
Congratulations Matt! I watched the Oprah piece and despite having followed your blog for a while now, I was still brought to tears by your words and your incredible devotion to Liz & Maddie. You’re a wonderful father and Maddie is the result.
You deserve it! You are such an insperation to parents everywhere. Just looking at all of your photos (even without words) you can see and, feel the love and passion you have for Madeline… You are both lucky!
I already couldn’t remember Maddy looking so small back then! You two have come a long way
Matt — Just caught your wonderful Oprah segment (I’m an American living in Sydney & there’s a bit of a delay in air dates). What an inspiration you are to parents around the world! I wish you & your beautiful Maddy all the best…and I will be excited to see what’s to come for both of you.
I’m finally reading all your posts, it’s taking me a little while to get through..
But I am still so glad I caught the show yesterday. You have really given me a sense of being so thankful of what I have. You are such an inspiration. Not to mention how many times I have already said your little girl is pure gold!
Best Wishes