if you’ve been reading my site for awhile, you’ll remember some of the guest blogs i’ve written for my friend, chrissy coppa, over at glamour.com’s storked! blog..
you’ll also remember that her son, jd, and my madeline have become fast friends during our four trips to the nyc.
maybe too fast.
as i looked back at the photos, i thought, “hey! get your hands off of my daughter!” but then i remembered that it was madeline who made the first move, reaching out, holding his hand during brunch.
jeez…she is her mother’s daughter.
(remember, it was liz who picked me up at that gas station back in 1996).
oh…back to the point of this.
as our children got to know each other over the past few months, chrissy and i talked quite a bit.
we discussed the similarities and differences of our situations.
we talked about the best places to grab drinks and food in the nyc.
and we talked about writing, agents, publishers, editors, the pain of recounting the past, the catharsis of getting the feelings out, and ultimately, the end result.
after months of hard work, sleepless nights, restless days…
after months of reliving the difficult times and relishing the moments of overwhelming joy…
chrissy’s book, rattled!, hits bookstores today, april 14, 2009.
i’ve read it.
and i love it.
and not just because i count her as a friend.
i laughed.
and
i found comfort.
the circumstances by which we became single parents are vastly different, but i relate to a lot of her experiences.
ultimately i love her book because, just like this blog is a reflection of my love for my daughter, chrissy’s book is a reflection of her love for her favorite person in the whole world.
her son, jd.
if you want to preview the first seven pages of rattled!, plus the front and back covers, you can do so by clicking on the image of her book below. if you’d like to pick up a copy, click here.
i’m proud of what chrissy has accomplished.
i’m proud to call her a friend.
and i know that despite maddy’s persistent advances, jd will always be a gentleman.
his mom will ensure that.
83 Comments
heading over now to check it out………
Just read the preview and I will definitely buy this book. Thanks for the info!
Next time you’re around NYC, someone should organize a massive blogger playdate.
what? you mad at that lil boy?
funny..
lucky madeline
congrats to chrissy! i found your blog through hers the first time you guest wrote. i find her (and you) refreshingly honest. best of luck to her, i cant wait to read it!
This book looks great!
I’m really excited about Chrissy’s book too! I actually found your blog via her’s, all those months ago.
Many congratulations to Christine! Parenting always has been the hardest job for which there is just no training. And doing it on your own really is so much harder still.
The reviews on Christine’s product page are outstanding — there’s even one from the London Sunday Times, so it must be good.
Amongst all the reflections, this sentence caught my eye:
Christine chooses to live a life that honors what’s important to her—and finds strength she didn’t know she had in the process.
Those words spoke to me, Matt, as I am certain that they speak to you. The lives we lead can take unexpected and difficult turns, but in facing shocking loss and living through desperate times, our understanding of what is really important in life is sharpened beyond all recognition.
That can be painful — not least because sometimes you can wonder where the hell you were when all of your real life before was being played out. It’s not a perspective you’d ever set out to achieve, but once found it’s an enormous gift to take through life.
Hats off to Chrissy for sharing her story so that others can learn. Because finally, that’s why we’re here.
I’m so excited to read Chrissy’s book! Thanks for introducing her to us – glad you found a good friend in her!
Awesome Book. I am due with baby #5 and even found the first pages amusing. I will def. promote it on my daily pregnancy/parenting messageboards I am addicted to.
Thanks!
I just read the first few pages there. Even after reading so little, there is so much to relate to. It looks great! Congrats Chrissy, and congrats to you for having such a great friend
awwww… wish the book hits our shelves here sooner! =)
I will check it out–sounds like a good one!
Big congrats to her!
Read the preview pages and it looks really good! I think I’ll be picking this one up.
Matt, I saw you on Oprah yesterday. You have a new fan in me. You are truly an inspiration, and I just don’t even have enough words to say how much I look up to you. You make me want to be a better parent. I sat for a couple of hours last night and read your blog, I laughed and cried with you.
Your photos are amazing.
I will check out her book. It looks great!
Nicolle Weseman
Fort Worth, TX
Awwww, what a touching blog for your friend. How exciting to have a book published! I think I’ll pick this up… Sounds like a goodun’!
Hello,
I love this post. I did see you on the big show and I have seen you before. I just never got to your site. I found it today through another blogger. I can’t wait to read more.
I will have to go over and check it out! I love the picture og them holding hands,so cute!
http://sprucehill.typepad.com/
Seven pages and I’m hooked.
Love the book preview! Can’t wait to read the entire book.
I iwll have to order this book! It looks good!!! WTG Christine!
YAY! another new book to read! I can’t wait!! Thanks for the heads up and Congrats to Chrissy!!
I am so excited to go pick it up… do you think its tacky to go to the book store after my eye appointment before I return to work? No. Great! That’s my plan!!!
I love the pictures of Madeline and J.D. — Cute!!!
Cheers and congrats to Chrissy! I know you’re proud and she should be too!
I”ll have to check out the book!!!
Saw your Oprah episode today… loved it. You did a wonderful job.
I read the preview of the book and now I want to buy it!!
Thanks for letting us know about it Matt! You did great on Oprah, I DVRed it just to see you and maddy!
ok so the way she wrote about the whole peeing on the stick thing=awesome reality.
i will for sure be reading…thanks for the link.
Off to go check it out.
Just watched you on Oprah. You did a fabulous job. My 7yr old son had to watch it, too. (shooshing his little sister the whole time.) =D
Many congratulations to Chrissy, I am guessing you are next??
WOW, congrats chrissy, if matt says its good, i must check it out! when is your book coming out matt?
Love the cover- can’t wait to see the rest!
Read the first 7 pages and love it so far! It’s in stock at my local Barnes and Noble and I will pick it up later today!
Lisa
i just bought it…very excited to start reading!! i will have to wait 5-9 days for my shipment to be here, though…thanks for the info!
Fucking awesome.
At work, don’t care…so engrossed in the first six pages I was!
Now if I can only figure out how to buy online I’ll be okey dokey.
going over to check it out now.
but wanted to also say that i caught your oprah episode last night. you did an amazing job. you truly did. and i was glad maddy woke up in time for the very last segment.
Can’t wait to read it!!!
Missed Oprah but watched the clip online. Everytime I see you, I am amazed by what a great father you are.
We’ll be waiting for your book
I found your website months and months ago through Storked when Chrissy mentioned and linked you. I cant wait to get my own copy of Rattled, she is a great and cute writer over at Glamour!
Those babies… they are cuties!
Congrats to your friend Chrissy. What an accomplishment! The book looks great.
Can’t wait to read the book…!
By the way, You ROCKED on Oprah yesterday….told everyone I know to watch it!!
This book looks great!!!!
I found you through Chrissy’s blog last year in June during father’s day. I’ve followed you since and have been following Chrissy since 07. I bought her book and started reading, and I will be in NYC for her reading! She’s an amazing writer and a great inspiration to single mama’s out there!
I will place an order today! I love that Maddy is confident enough to make the first move…clearly you have done something right. HA
adding it to my list of books i want to read! Thanks for sharing!!
look at lil Maddy with no hair…wow she looks so little there!
Just wait til she can talk brotha-she’s gonna want to be calling JD.
You’re a great friend!
Yup, I can’t wait to pick up Chrissy’s book soon. In fact I found your blog through hers back the day you first guest blogged. Sadly I didn’t get to see you and Maddy on Oprah yesterday as I was still at work and don’t have a DVR (I feel like I live in the 20th Century when I say that!!), but hopefully it will be posted somewhere soon so I can catch it. I’m sure you both were wonderful!
I just love that precious picture of MADDY reaching out to him. Too cute.
Oh, this is such a cute little post. What a nice friend you are, Matt!
Look at Maddy’s first boyfriend
She is such a doll!
I just picked up my book this morning – can’t wait to crack it open! Congrats to Chrissy!
Hey Matt – this is OT from your entry, but I wasn’t sure how else to get in touch with you.
I’ve been reading your blog since just after Liz passed away. Like Maddy, my twin boys were born at 33 weeks (though almost seven years ago now). I’m in Portland, Oregon and doing the March for Babies walk (March of Dimes) on April 25th.
I want to write the names of babies that were born prematurely on my shirt, and I am hoping to write Maddy’s name (just first name). But I of course wanted to ask first.
Here is my link to my March for Babies page if you want to see it: http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?w=11027403&u=alison523
Thanks in advance.
(PS You were great on Oprah!)
I love that picture of the both of them! And your comment about JD being a gentleman. I really need to get off the computer to continue reading Chrissy’s book.
They are so precious! Looking forward to reading the book!
Wow. I’m definitely going to get this book. She is a great writer.
That was such a sweet post and review! I love both of your blogs, and I to found you through Chrissy blog.
Awesome!! Will definitely have to pick her book up….I’ve only read a few of her posts, but I really like her style!
**off to read the preview**
On my wat to get one and I’m so glad you and you daughter has a special friend.
Alright, the preview thing worked! It suckered me in. I must go and get the book now! Great intro, can’t wait to read the rest.
Oh and um, your gonna have your hands full anyway as cute as she is. You might as well get used to it now!
I am so glad that you and Chrissy developed this friendship if not, you would not have guess blogged for her at storked! and her followers, such as myself, would not have gotten to know you and Maddy.
Congrats to Chrissy! Simply awesome news!
Not sure if you are going to read this but, you said Maddy and you will be earning some more frequent flyer miles, where are you two going? If your coming back to Chicago your friends out here would love to meet you!!!! If your not coming to Chicago I hope your going somewhere warm!!! Your suitcase has more miles on it than my car!!!! lol.
Enjoy!!!
Rosann
P.S. Sophia still hasn’t taken a trip, once again in March her daddy backed out!!!!
@Rosann(Illinois)
i read every single comment that comes through. i figure that if people take the time to leave them, i should take the time to read them.
plus, i really appreciate all the comments that people leave for me.
thanks for taking the time.
oh…and to answer your question, we’re heading to hawaii and then on to cincinatti.
we’ll be visiting chicago sometime soon.
i think.
Wow…I am hooked….will have to go out and pick up Chrissy’s book tomorrow
Congrats to Chrissy….yeah…another amazing blog to follow 
Hopefully you will be the next one publishing a book 
Enjoy your trip to Hawaii….sooo jealous…that is one place I would love to go!! If you are ever up in Western Canada….we would love to meet you guys and have a playdate!! Safe travels and I look forward to more travelling updates and pictures!!
Shannon
Victoria, BC
Thanks for the preview! Heading to B&N after the gym to get my copy. I love getting a new great read.
Can’t wait to get my hands on your book! I will be buying copies for so many friends and family members ; ) You know you can’t keep it hush hush for very long Mr. Matt! ha!
Just bought it! Thanks!
The preview sealed the deal for me, just added it to my wish list on Amazon so I don’t forget. Can’t wait to read it, if the little ones will give me time.
Have fun in Hawaii, it’s been years since I lived there. I need to go back and show my sons where Mommy went to school and lived.
The book “Rattled” just arrived and I have read it halfway. I love it. It should do very well on the bookshelves, espcecially with someone as great as you promoting it. Love your blog, keep up the great job as a blogger and a dad.
Read the preview, ordered through Amazon… just waiting for it to arrive.
I too was pregnant after knowing the dad 3 months. Her emotions were so dead on, it brought back a lot of memories. While my “daddy” didn’t ditch me, we had some rocky times and eventually couldn’t resolve them. I can’t wait to read the rest of her book!
Hawaii, huh?? I’m really jealous now.
Just bought ‘Rattled’ off Amazon and I look forward to reading it!
The preview sounds amazing! Thanks!
WAIT! You’re coming to Cincinnati!?!?! You should meet up with some strangers….ehhhh friends! My twin 18 month olds would love to meet Maddy! Email me if you already have a meet up scheduled. If you’re taking it easy- I understand that too.
got the book.. excited to read it!
Thanks for sharing that! I’m going to go buy it, if they sell it here! If not I’ll get it online. I read all that was available and I liked it!
Why did I use so many exclamation points?
Looks good! Can’t wait to get it.
Matt,
I don’t normally watch Oprah, but earlier this week, I was watching the news while doing my hair for work, and an advertisement for Oprah came on. It caught my attention so I whipped out my iPhone and selected the DirecTV app to record downstairs (isn’t technology the bestest?).
You are an inspiration to all. You’re bookmarked, at the top and I look forward to reading more.
Best,
Jennifer
Thanks for sharing! I just purchased it on Kindle for my Iphone! I read the first 6 pages and had to buy it! What a tease those pages are! heehee!
Bought the book, read it, and love it. Thanks for suggesting it.
Maddy sure is growing up.. holding hands at the table with a boy (an older one at that, too). The look on his face is priceless! She is getting more and more beautiful everyday.
I was so glad to catch you on Oprah the other week. Was it intimidating to meet her? Has Barbara Walters called yet?
big ((HUGS))
Bought the book today!
Hope your trips are going well. I need something to read so hopefully we’ll get something soon from you.
Thanks for keeping the world entertained. You are a remarkable person.
Woot woot!
All I can say is wow..
I want you to know that when I seen your segment on Oprah
I just instantly cried because of your wife
I myself have a blood disorder that causes my blood to clot for no reason and I cannot have children do to this fact I just felt overwhelmed by your progress and I love this blog your wife was such a beautiful soul and your daughter is soo cute and i am so proud of you for what you have become and your blog is great and I plan on reading every post here on from here on out
Thanks for becoming an inspiration to so many
Great job, Chrissy! I like what I have read so far and am in the market for my next great read – I think that I have found it!! The quote in the beginning is wonderful. I have “stolen” it now to add to my life mantra. Amazing how these unbeliveable turns in life have brought you to where you are? Not to mention, sweatpants can be sexy too! Right? You tell JD to watch out for that Logelin girl!
Matt! Thanks for the book recommendation. I just finished the book last night and loved it. If you have anymore book recommendations, feel free to pass them along!
I ordered my copy yesterday, and one for a friend who is about 5 months along to being a fabulous single mother herself. Can’t wait to read it & share it, too!
Hey! Rattled is reviewed in the April 27, 2009 copy of In Touch magazine. Page 72 . It was given 4/5 stars!
I’ve had a gift card to Borders since Christmas and haven’t been able to bring myself to use it, even with going to the store multiple times and walking out empty-handed. Now I know why. Thank you.
I am halfway through the book right now…I’m loving it. Christine did a great job writing this book and her son will be blessed through it! Thanks for telling us about Rattled, Matt!