two saturdays ago,
a whole bunch
of people
came together to
celebrate madeline’s
first birthday.
her actual birthday was
on march 24,
but this was the
first time we could
get (almost) everyone together
many of our
family members flew in
(two even drove from the mn)
and a lot
of madeline’s friends
showed up.
here is what
you missed:
first.
the night before
the party,
as the tom
grandpas brought
beer and soda
to the refrigerator
in the garage,
the grandpa tom
who claims to
have had pet skunks
as a kid,
felt what he
thought was a cat
pass between
his feet,
only to realize it wasn’t.
the other grandpa
tom came into
to the house to
report what happened.
“you have a skunk in your garage and your dad is trying to chase him out.”
my reaction?
“where’s my camera?”
i ran to the
garage to find
my dad talking in
his very excited voice,
“the son of a bitch was right between my legs!“
i got one
good photo
before the
crepuscular bastard
retreated to the
bush in my backyard
that he calls
his home.
the next day
maddy traveled from grandparent
to grandparent
as we all worked hard
to get the house
ready for the party.
the inside of the
house has not
looked this good
in over a year.
we had a lot
of help from our
friend, jayneoni,
who arranged for
gift bags for
all of maddy’s friends
as well as the
ice cream, snacks.
she also had
a cake coming to us, but
the delivery person
got into a car accident
on the way
to our house.
(the driver was fine and we were able to get a replacement cake).
it was a fish-themed
party, so there were
even (somewhat) live
goldfish that the
kids got to take
home with them.
there were a lot
of adults,
including my friends,
liz’s
friends and stranger friends.
but…
michele said,
“i’ve never seen so many kids at a one-year old’s birthday party!”
awesome.
my dad did the
cooking as the
rest of us
did the socializing.
eventually everyone
got their fill
of grilled meat and it
was time to let
madeline tear into
her cake.
now.
if you know me,
you know that
messy kids
with dirty little faces
freak me out.
i sort of have
an ocd about cleanliness.
i, along with
miriani, gentle ben
and the bastard
kept a running list
of the “bathroom offenders”
(aka non-hand washers)
at the office.
liz
once asked me
if i was bulimic
because she observed that
i would rush
to the restroom
after every meal.
(i was just going to wash my hands because i couldn’t stand to have food on them).
anyway.
i was really dreading
the whole,
“let your baby smash cake in her face and smear frosting all over herself” thing,
but it’s a rite
of passage,
right?
so i allowed
for it to happen.
things started well…
she grabbed the
candle from the
cake, getting a little
frosting on her arm.
ok.
good enough?
no, apparently not.
i helped her
get a little bit
of frosting
near her mouth.
now her face
was covered.
surely this must be
over, right?
nope.
she dug in
and then the cake
started to fly.
eventually we were
both covered in cake
for some reason
no one wanted
a piece of cake.
madeline was damn
proud of herself
after the destruction,
and despite the
mess i was
pretty proud of
her.
the cake is ruined
so this shit
has to be over now.
i’m dreaming of soap,
warm water and
a wash cloth
as some asshole
hands madeline
a cupcake with
green frosting.
it was something
she had no
intention of eating,
and i knew it.
she did this to me:
and this:
and this:
i was not happy.
(that’s sarcasm, people).
i handed her off
to grandma candee
who got her
cleaned up.
eventually i got
cleaned up and
we said goodbye to
the last of the guests.
as the party was
winding down,
i noticed a few
text messages
from katie k. regarding
the new pet goldfish
she picked up
when she, adam and dylan
left the party.
it went like this:
3:57pm – “buying fish food at petco right now. adam cursing your name as we speak. great party. thanks for having us.”
5:34pm – “fish is dead. back to petco to return food.”
i guess things didn’t
end well for some
of the fish, but
it was an
amazing day
for the humans.
in that backyard
that sold
liz
on the house,
we celebrated all
that is good
in our lives
even though we
were missing
the one person
who would have
had the biggest smile.
251 Comments
what a day! big smiles and cuddles from melbourne, australia. oh my god, i saw the best robot tshirt for maddie on etsy.com and immediately thought of you both, and thought i should send that to matt – only to realise shortly afterward, i don’t know matt’s address. as though you being my friend and me sending you a gift is completely rational and normal!
happy birthday to maddie, and to you matt – congratulations on this wonderful…and hard…first year. xx
Sounds like a great party! I have to say the green frosting looks great on you. You look a bit Shrekish.
It looks like everyone had a wonderful time, green icing and all!
She is adorable. Congrats (again) on making it the first year!
The video of you two made me smile. Thank you for sharing,
Hi Matt and Madeline,
I am new to your site, for the last two nights I have been up until 3 a.m reading your blogs. I have cried and I have laughed, but mostly I am awed. Your story has touched my heart in a way I can’t even explain. The happiness in Madeline’s eyes says it all ……. Matt you have done an amazing job! She is happy, healthy and loved, the two of you are amazing. God bless you both. Happy 1st Birthday Madeline!
Best party ever, and best dad ever
Thank you so much for sharing her party with us. Love her outfit! Sending fish home as party favors…that rocks.
Too. much. cuteness.
What a wonderful day!
You are a fantastic Daddy and you’ve done a great job with her. She’s a gem. I love your blog!
Bri
(Mommy-To-Liv)
You are awesome, Matt. Happy Birthday, Maddie!!
I love that you are OCD about cleanliness, but you would never know it….seeming as over half your pictures of Maddy are her in alleys, elevators, dirt, and deserts!
Way to keep your ‘issue’ on the DL… 
Great photos! and, I hope that skunks home isn’t still in your backyard bush! Ek!
What a memorable day it must have been! So happy for you both. You are doing such a great job with Madeline. Congratulations!
Looked like a fun day! Your backyard looks wonderful and is so pretty! I’ll trade you your neighborhood “pet” for mine. We have to deal with wild pigs (wildschwein) here. No joke.
Pig on a poke anyone???
Cheers to you Matt on doing a kick ass job this past year for your little girl!
Super looking party, loving the gold fish idea. I got Max a tropical tank for ‘his’ first. And, as a final note, that was some quality handing off, way to get out of the child clean up!
What a precious way to celebrate your little girl’s birthday. Some messes are good. Living room floors covered with styrofoam peanuts and giggling kids are on my list, right next to 1-year-old cake-face.
What a perfect 1st birthday party!
hey – we’ve missed you! Love the pictures of the birthday mess and it looks like everyone had a good time, which is important. That Madeline, she gets cuter everyday!
You are a fantastic father, and you’re doing a wonderful job with Madeline.
Congratulations on making it through your first year, and here’s to many, many more!
Poor fish…
As messy as those cake pictures are and as OCD as I am (like you), the cake pictures are adorable and you’re right about the right of passage thing. Liz would be so proud of you and y’all’s family. You’re doing a terrific job! Maddy is precious as always!!
Love, Mere
Great pictures of the big day! I love that she enjoyed the icing – and shared her enjoyment with her fabulous father! Looks like a great time. Hugs to both of you!
Looks like it was a great party! First birthdays are so much fun! They just get better. Next year she may not get as messy with cake, but you’ll have wrapping paper out the wazoo to clean up. : ) Kudos to Maddy for getting messy with the cake!
thank you so much for sharing these pictures and your story, Matt. Just adorable. I’m so glad all of your friends and family got to celebrate Maddy’s birthday together.
loved the video , what a great way to start my morning with a smile…had already peeked at the pics on ur flickr…awesome!
Yep, the green frosting is the best! Maybe it is a dad thing because my husband is a little ocd when it comes to the kids, their bodies and food too.
Looks like it was a great party and Maddy had tons of fun smashing her cake!
I can’t even imagine how hard this first year has been for you, but you did it. You are an amazing daddy and I am sure maddy is very proud of you! Happy first birthday Maddy!!!
Looks like tons of fun! My one year old would be perfect for you (you can have him if you want, j/k). He barely got any cake anywhere. It was so anticlimactic. Maddy did an awesome job:) Looks like quite a little artist!
Great post, I feel like I was there! You guys are in my thoughts constantly, I’m glad you had fun, and so, so sorry Liz wasn’t here for it.
sounds and looks like you all had a wonderful day! Way to go Daddy for allowing the messy face!!! LOL
I just finished reading your entire blog. You are a fantastic writer, but they does not compare to your qualities as a dad. My husband and I just had our first child in January. My heart ached for you when reading those first three month posts. I felt like I was right there with you as I remember my Ryan doing the same things that Maddy did. I am sure that Liz has her huge smile on when watching over you. From the permanent smile on Maddy’s face, you are doing a fantastic job! Congratulations on Maddie’s and your first year. You have achieved so many wonderful things in the wake of horrific tragedy. You both will be in my thoughts and prayers.
what fun … but i can’t stop giggling about this sentence (and my apparent interpretation …)
felt what he thought was a cat pass between his feet, only to realize it wasn’t the other grandpa ….
ok … so you had a period between it and wasn’t … but ignore that period for a second … i think it’s funnier the way that i read it.
You are, and have been, the best Daddy in the world to that little girl. She will be so proud of you one day. This year hs been so painful for you, but you have managed to put her first every single moment. Liz is no doubt cheering you on and proud of you. Keep going Matt – you are an inspiration, as is your little angel.
Hugs to the birthday girl – so, so sad about her beautiful little friend 
x
Tricia and Family (N. Virginia)
Haha i would have been freaking out with the green icing too!!! She is adorable, you are doing an amazing job. Congrats on the first year.. Keep your head up for her!
I’m so with you on needing to run and wash my hands after every meal – I hate having food on my hands. And here I was thinking I was the only one! Clearly Madeline did not inherit this trait from you though Matt!
She looked so cute at her party Matt, I wish her Mum could have been there to see her.
Great pics and awesome story! It looks like everyone had a blast. I loved the skunk episode. It reminded me of the time my sister worked late one night and as she walked up to her darkened doorway, she reached down to swat at the cat and scare it out of the way. It HISSED at her and that is when she realized she has just smacked a possum.! Scared her silly lol!
Love the video! Great 1st birthday party.
Love the grandps stories!!!!! grandparents are the greatest!!!!!!congratulations on survivng the first year of life while coping with grief….you did it with love, tears, and a whole cyber family of love. watch out for year two with walking, more teething,and lots of fun. Madeline is absolutey gorgeous…her personality is showing through now. i enjoy watching and reading what the two of you are doing.
Looks like you all had fun. I’m a bad mommy; we skipped the cake smushing this year. She got a lonely scoop of ice cream for her birthday.
What a great birthday!! I absolutely love how proud Maddy was of herself in that video. Freaking awesome! Love it!
So much fun!!!!! She looks like the happiest baby ever! You are doing a great job.
What an Awesome Day!! You are such a Good Daddy!! I love that picture of her smacking your face with green frosting!! So Funny!!
I am so happy that you have great friends, Stranger friends and family to celebrate your Maddy’s 1st bday!!
It look like a blast!!
What a great party!
Looks like an excellent party Matt!
You look good in green!
Wish we could have come to celebrate Maddy and enjoyed a Pacifico and some cake, great party Matt and great job!
As the song says, ‘Don’t Blink’….. She will be grown before you know it…..
It looks wonderful. Maddy is so adorable. Looks like a memorable first birthday for all.
what a great celebration… certainly a memorable first birthday!
Love your backyard! What a fun time-
My grandson turns a year on May 16th- I think I will talk my daughter into cupcakes with no icing.
I’m a recent subscriber to your blog and your Twitter (is that how you’d say that?). You are amazing, Matt, and an inspiration to many.
Madeline is adorable – and such a happy baby. You’ve done a fantastic job with her!
Looks like a fabulous time was had by all. So happy the family could be there with you to celebrate Maddy’s big birthday. BTW, I keep showing everyone that comes to my house the Oprah segment. They did an amazing job and it is nice to be able to show people why I am so engrossed in your story.
I was wondering when we were going to get a report on the birthday! Looks like a great party in a great backyard. Happy first birthday Madeline!!
I was doing great until that very last phrase…then tears. Happy birthday to Madeline!! She is soooo lucky to have a dad like you!!!! I don’t know Liz, but I am sure she is proud.
Hey Matt! Looks like the party was a huge success! Great job. Glad you sucked it up and let Maddy cover you in cake. The pics are priceless!! :0)
What a good sport you were! Love the bath time picture. The faces are all the same and SO happy!
It looks like Maddie had a fantastic birthday!
The text messages are hilarious! So glad you had such a nice time. Great job, Daddy!
Jan
Hooray, for smashed cake!! Maddy looked like she had a great time. Sorry you got so messy Matt, but it was worth it just for the pictures. Damn goldfish never last too long. Take care you two!!
Hola Matt and Maddie
What a great day!
I WISH FOR MANY MORE Beautiful DAYS TO COME
Have a nice weekend
besos y abrazos
Sol
Beautiful! What a fantastic party…good on you for going with the whole frosting thing. Maddy looks like she thoroughly enjoyed every messy minute.
Love all the pictures and the video of Madeline with her cake. So cute!! You did a great job celebrating her first birthday – look how far you’ve come? Lots to celebrate…even with all the missing….
What a great post and awesome photo’s!!
Love love love the GREEN frosting!!
Happiest of First Birthday, Madeline!!
happy birthday madeline!!
these pictures are great. you are such a good father/person.
Her smile WAS the biggest, even if you saw it on your daughter’s face. Amazing.
(Here by way of Suburban Bliss and reading archives kept me up most of the night. Just want to say you are awesome – and it has nothing to do with being marginally famous and everything to do with loving your daughter the way you do. God bless you.)
Woops – wanted to include this: Your girls’ smiles are uncannily alike: http://www.mattlogelin.com/archives/2008/05/08/wednesday-2/
Dearest Matt~ I’ve been a “follower” of your blog since day 1 when you made it “public” and of course had tears of sadness, some of anger and many,many smiles seeing the photos of Maddy (& of course “the ‘Bot”) though after seeing this mornings photos all I can say is “you looking glowing in green” and Little Miss Mini is the cutest arm candy in town! I agree you look rather “shrekish”, though ever the proud Daddy! Thankfully it wasn’t blue frosting because I’ve never thought of you as the “smurf” type.. Much like myself, it looked as though Grandma Candee could give a rats rear if she was sportin the icing..She knows the medicinal qualities of such a priceless “facial”
You can tell every one had a wonderful time at the par-tay, most especially Maddy!
Continued strength and many more days of frosting “facials” to you~
Caden’s “Mimi” in Nor Cal
happiness, sadness, love..So much more in one year.
Thank you for sharing your life.
You are so awesome for sharing. Great party. I had to laugh at some of the pictures that show your hands, Matt, you do have a food phobia. Very funny.
Wonderful story – loved the cake smashing pictures, especially the narration that accompanied each picture. I giggled. Happy 1st birthday, Madeline!
What a lovely party for the birthday girl! Having so many friends and family around for this special celebration is wonderful. And Matt, green is a beautiful color on you! I think that your OCD may lessen (or I suppose it ust might intensify) over the next couple of years. Kids find amazing shit to get into – and get you into as well! So happy to hear from you guys! You have been missed.
Loved every picture of the smeared icing everywhere. I am like you, can’t stand things on hands or body that is food related. My kids run away from me when I have wipes or a wash cloth in my hand, they know my plan with it! You backyard is gorgeous! I can see why it sold Liz. Your last sentence brought tears to my eyes…it was so perfect in how she would have been. Great job on the party!
Oh boy, the mess certainly doesn’t stop at their first birthday! Wait till she wants to make mud pies! Looks like a great party, can’t wait to hear about your trip to Hawaii!!!
Great blog. I laughed, I cried. A masterpiece… :-*)
1st birthday’s are fun…
Thanks for sharing and what a happy girl with her cake.
Goldfish as party favors, that rocks!
You did a great job with your cake Madeline!!! The cake part totally freaked me out as well, but just as you said Matt, it’s a rite of passage! Glad to see all of the smiles and hear the laughter! I’m sure Liz had a lot of chuckles from heaven above as she watched this big celebration! Hugs from Lindsey and Baby Chase in the STL
See, I am a fan of the cake mess, but I didn’t even let Patrick go that far. Did the green frosting come off? He had blue and he looked like a smurf the rest of the day!
Happy Birthday to Madeline!
(BTW, I too am a hand washer. Sometimes I even wash mid-meal, though not at a restaurant [unless it's REALLY bad]).
What a party! Maddy is very lucky to have such a wonderful dad (you’re heard that billions of times so it must be true!).
I can’t get over how utterly happy everybody was! Great job on the celebration!
You have made lemonade for your daughter and your wife
I was wondering how a little girl and her daddy could get so covered (coming from another clean-freak). way to encourage her playful exploration.
peace, goodness and more joyful moments!
Wonderful video! It made me smile. What a great father you are. God bless you! What a hard year this has been for y’all, but what a great way to end it. You both looked so happy. I know Liz was smiling down on y’all!!
Wonderful party! My 4 yr old came up as I was playing the video of Maddy and asked if it was her birthday and I said yes and he proceeded to sing her “happy birthday.”
What an incredibly wonderful birthday party! You are such a great dad.
Thanks for the great post Matt. The yard is gorgeous. You have a lovely family (all of them including friends and stranger friends). Maddy is lucky she has this huge net of people in her life.
Looks like the party of the year!
Glad you guys had such a good time.
Thanks for sharing the day with us. Maddie is beautiful as always… but I guess you don’t need me to tell you that.
What a wonderful party! You deserve kudos for withstanding the frosting onslaught, Maddie is beautiful. I just know Liz is so proud of you both.
I’ve spent the last week going back to the beginning and reading all of your blog posts (yes, I am one of those people who watches Oprah every day) and I am amazed at all the wonderful experiences you have provided for Madeline in the last year. You are a talented writer, photographer, and most importantly daddy. Happy belated birthday to Madeline!
“you have a skunk in your garage and your dad is trying to chase him out.”
That made me laugh so much. It seems like such a Wild E. Coyote moment waiting to happen.
Onto the party. I am so happy Maddy had a blast with her cake. Kuddos to her for getting you all covered. I am surprised the bakery didn’t give you a small cake for her to destroy. Just for the record, I would have eaten a piece of that cake
Maddy is just too cute. Is she walking yet? Wait until that milestone comes
As a few others have shared here, I only found your blog a few days ago. I’ve read every word and cried with you, laughed with you, and felt your love for your beautiful daughter, and your wonderful wife.
Maddy is precious, beautiful, and a very lucky little girl. She has the best Daddy in the world. She will succeed in everything she does in life because of your love and devotion.
Happy Birthday, Madeline!
what a hit, matt! i’m suprised maddie didn’t get her own ‘smash’ cake, but rather got the ‘big’ cake. very cute- she looks so happy and it’s great to see you smile. do i see robots on her dress? btw, LOVED the sari looking dress at the wedding. gorgeous!
To darn cute! Looks like a great party! Great job Dad, keep up the good work!
guess you’re not a big fan of crab legs…
glad you had a great party. never knew that cake smearing on the parent was a rite of passage. guess i failed that one.
must go retrieve young child off the top of the coffee table. have a great weekend!!!
(((hugs)))
What a wonderful first birthday for your daughter. It looked fabulous. I just started reading your blog and I love it. The love you have for your daughter is just wonderful. I’m a daddy’s girl and I think there’s nothing cooler than a dad and his daughter having a great relationship. Look forward to more reading!
Hey guys! I haven’t commented for some time now, but I am following you everyday! (not literally….still in ND!) HA! I hope to be able meet up with you someday when your back in the cities for a visit. Anyway, the party looked like a blast. Good to see you so full of smiles Matt. They say, “You can’t have a rainbow without the rain”. You’ve had your fair share of rain, but Maddie is the most beautiful rainbow I’ve ever seen.
For my daughter’s 1st birthday we put her in her highchair (diaper only) rolled her outside and let her go. We had Chocolate cake with white icing. This way we just sprayed Good times, well done!
Matt- I never saw the cake smashing at any other 1st birthday parties other than my brother and sister’s. I thought my mom was clever enough to think of that on her own, haha. Looks like it was a beautiful day for a party!
P.S. Someone might see your cup cake facial, steal your idea, and become a billionaire. Watch. It’ll happen. haha
Thank you for writing again! I know it must be hard celebrating 1 year with your little girl without
liz
but you did a great job and were a great sport!! Only wishing I could’ve seen it in person!!
Asalamu Alaykom,
Your backyard looked great! So did Maddie and Grandma Candee. You? Not so much. LOL! The green was not your scene, man!
That thing about washing up after eating is the norm for most cultures. No napkins at the table; you eat with your hands then wash up.
Glad the day went well. Bet the skunk came around just to make sure you were really living in THE NOW. Nothing makes you feel immediacy like a skunk!
And really? Now is good. Alhumdulillah.
LOL about the skunk! Lucky no one got sprayed!
The party looked like it was a lot of fun. Maddy looked pretty clean, compared to my girls, lol. When my now 7 yr old, turned one, she was so covered, she had cake in her ears!! And my 3 yr old, had chocolate cupcakes for her 1st b.d. That was a horrible mess!
I’m like you, though, I don’t like the mess & it gets cleaned up, very quickly!
Looks like the 1st birthday was a success. Maddy has to be the happiest little girl ever. Does she ever just get pissed?
You know Maddy knows you are the coolest dad, but when she looks back at the green frosting all over your face she is going to laugh so hard at you!!
**I am also a clean freak about certain things and you made me laugh about the people who make the “list” at your work. I have the same list and it is because of that list that something suddenly comes up when it is potluck day at my work!!
Have a great weekend!!
What a sweet vid. And that text is hilarious.
Happy happy party!
Now it has begun. From this birthday on she will be sticking or trying to stick her fingers in cake.. no matter if it’s hers or not!
I think it’s great that you did let her get all covered in frosting and that you even let her cover you too. Most parents would never let themselves get a frosting facial, but all of us already knew you weren’t like most parents. Looks like everyone had a wonderful time and hey, now you know that green is definitely a good color on you!
Welcome back Matt and Maddy…I’ve missed you! That cake smashing was priceless. Nothing like your kid to help you get over a phobia. And the fish being dead…CLASSIC. BTW- I’d be cursing you too.
I LOVE IT!! The video is priceless and definitely something you can show her when she gets older. I think it is great that you got into it with her. You both celebrated a great first year together and this was the perfect way. I can’t wait for my daughter’s 1st birthday in a few months, although I think I can wait for her to grow up! Way to have some fun and celebrate a special day! If you are ever in the Texas, come to Houston so Maddy and my Mia can play!!
What a great DAY!!!!! She looks like she had a blast! Way to go dad!!!
Pretty day for a little cupcake face…
sweet!
What a wonderful party! She is surrounded by so much love. On a side note, I saw your pic from grocery shopping. Have you thought about a grocery cart cover? My 1 year old granddaughter got “hoof and mouth”, some illness from the grocery cart handle. Took awhile to overcome. I had never heard of it, but now my daughter swears by her cover whenever we shop or eat out when she sits in a restaurant high chair. Being a bit “ocd” you may want to look into it. Never occured to me to think about all the germs on those carts. Just me sayin…
Maddy is such a happy baby, I love that about her! Seems like you guys had a terrific time, how cool. The pictures are awesome, she had the time of her life rubbing that icing on your face. What a lovely, great, adorable relationship you and Maddy have together. You both rock!
Hugs
Wow! It looks like it was an amazing party! Go you Daddy on getting into the ‘fun’ despite your OCD tendencies
You are doing an amazing job Matt! And I love the last shot of Maddie with Grandma in the mirror – you can tell she is part of an amazing family!
For my oldest son’s 1st party, we only gave him a little piece of cake to get messy with…..we have another 1st birthday coming up for son #2 – I think I will go with your idea and give him the whole cake to have at! Maybe will bake that one myself though….that way it won’t be any great loss (taste wise, IFYKWIM).
HAHA Love the cake photos!!!! That’s awesome!! My daughter will be one very shortly and seeing the pics of Maddy’s birthday made me very anxious for her to get to one!! Looks like she had a great party thanks to her great family!!!
There is one proud mama looking over you two!
Ello Matt and Maddy!
I was there and that video still made me laugh so hard. She’s awseome that daughter of yours and so are you for letting her give you that green facial. The fish….I am laughing thinking about your mom giving them more water “to make them feel better” and chunks were coming off…ew. lol It was a such a great day (that Jayneoni plans a good party!), let’s have more!
xoxoxoxo,
Tricia and Bella
ps. Bella is happy that there is a pic of her on your blog..even if her mommy looks a bit crazy lol
Happy (belated) First Birthday Maddy and Matt. I think the parents should get a present and party simply for surviving that first year. And YOU, you deserve father of the year award. Seriously. You are one great daddy!!
What a wonderful first birthday!! And I really think green is your color!
Absolutely adroable!
Liz smiled the smiles of all smiles watching you two. Probaly just a bit more than when Madeline got her LV purse! you are the best matt!
My grandpa use to send the kids home with kittens, yes kittens, gives you something to think about for next year
Talk about pissed of parents – perfect asshole move.
Happy late Birthday to Madeline!! Love the bathroom pic. Her face is priceless.
the green frosting was nast!! I loved her outfit!
Ahhhhhh What a wonderful party! Looks like the best birthday ever! You are an amazing daddy! and Maddy is so lucky to have you! Love all the photos! Thanks for sharing! Makes it feel like I was there too! hehe!
~Abigail
Beautiful!! You definitely have a way of writing, Matt. I can just picture Liz standing in the backyard during Madeline’s party. I bet she is so proud of both of you.
Oh Matt, I am right there with you on hating things that are messy to touch my hands…my family makes fun of me cause I eat bananas cut up with a fork & I cant stand to touch newspaper…& chicken wings, forget it, a fork is a must
Maddy will treasure those photos someday though….you were a great sport.
Matt–I’ve been following your blog since I saw your story in the Minneapolis Star Tribune (I live in Mounds View). I have OCD about my kids having food on their hands too!! At least I know I’m not the only one (my husband thinks I’m insane). The next time you make it back to MN let me know–my daughters (Isabella age 4 and Miranda 18 months) would love to come to have you & Maddy come over and play. I always have plenty of napkins/washclothes/baby wipes to keep everyone’s hands clean–I’m convinced my husband gives them popsicles just to torture me!
Wow, you did well with all the green icing. For my kids’ first we secured them in a chair with cake and everyone stepped away. Maddy seems to be a hilarious little girl.
One year down…a lifetime to go.
A good daddy puts aside his fears to make a new memory for his daughter!
=)
You are nothing short of a GREAT Daddy!
You made me giggle before my morning tea! =)
And THAT is HARD to do! LOL!
Wow, laughing and crying. That last line really got me.
It looks like it was an amazing birthday party. She’s a LUCKY girl! Some of us were deprived of parties like that when we were children, lol.
Those open mouth baby kisses (with Grandma Candee) made me long for another baby! I remember those!
Your post was beautiful.
PS-I love the phrase “crepuscular bastard” (English teacher).
I’m sorry about the other anniversary you had as well.
That Maddy is a girl after my own heart…I love cake! Thanks for the birthday party report!
What an awesome party Matt. Your yard looks so beautiful. Im laughing out loud at work right now. Most fun Ive had here in days. Maddy face is priceless (ok….yours too). Also loved the grovery store post as well. Have a great weekend!
OCD (pseudo)…really? I, too, was surprised by this new revelation! I would think all the dirt, leaves and sticks would have you in a constant state of anxiety
Who the hell gives their kid a whole cake to destroy (ahem, explore)!!! That is one lucky little girl.
love the party pics!
love that you are back!
and loooove the backyard!
your lovely liz has excellent taste!
That video is fantastic! I have a feeling whether you like it or not…. the “cake” will become a tradition on Maddy’s birthdays!
Congrats little M on your 1st! Wow, looked like alot of messy fun. My kid would’ve loved being there! And to you daddy M, from here on…time really flies! Comme un clin d’oeil…So enjoy the moments, even the messy ones.
What a fun party! The pics are great!
You look a little green around the gills there, you feeling ok?
Sounds like a fabulous time! I have always wanted to smush frosting on someones face, but I don’t believe I have ever had the pleasure. Happy almost summer, hope you survived the heat wave this past weekend without too many casualties.
What a fantastic 1st birthday party! I love the cake pics. My son was so stuffed from his grandmother sneaking him so much food at his party that he didn’t touch the cake.
And, I’m sure Liz still had the biggest smile of anyone there.
Maddy is absolutely adorable! I can’t believe how grown-up she looks. The video is wonderful! It looks like you had such a great time at the party, and goldfish as favors are a great idea! Liz would be very proud of you both!
That looks like it was a great party. I loved the frosting pictures. Madeline really is adorable.
That is so freakin cute. You know you’re a devoted Daddy when you let your daughter do that to your face!
I’m glad that you two and all of your family and friends were able to celebrate such a wonderful first birthday party =) Liz would have been so happy to spend it with you, but I’m sure she’d be proud of how happy you managed to make it – and how much cake you managed to get on both of you!
ok…that picture of Maddy slapping you with that green frosting has GOT to be the best picture I have seen on your blog…EVER! That belongs in a 8 x 10 frame!!!! Glad the party was such a success!!!
Matt your sister is sssooo incredibly proud of you. She takes after you with the big sugar high. You will be trying to give her fruit and veggies, but all she will want is candy. Just like Mommy and Daddy. I really enjoyed you getting a little frosting on your face. Now you are Shrek!!!! I love you both very much.
aw, what a fun party! Maddy looks adorable with all that cake on her, and her face in the picture of her looking into the mirror is priceless! Such a happy baby girl!
What an awesome party! I’m so glad to see a new update from you after all your travels. I’m hoping you’re going to share soon what they were all about.
)
What a perfect day for everyone!
Liz was there and I know she had her big smile in tow.
Beautiful pictures, looks like it was a fantastic party! I am sure Liz was smiling that day!
Matt, I have been following your blog for quite some time now, and even saw you on Oprah, but have never left a comment until now.
Madeline is absolutely adorable and I’m glad she had great time at her first birthday party. You were very brave to let her paint you with green icing. Not sure that I could have handled that! LOL
Anyway, just wanted to let you know that I think you’re doing a great job with Madeline. I’ve enjoyed watching her grow over the past year. She gives me a glimpse at what life with a daughter would have been like.
Looks like a great party! The cake mess, although messy and kinda gross, looks like a blast!
Damn, I knew I should not have talked Ben out of chucking the cupcake at you … . A little more cake would not have hurt.
The party was a blast, and Madeline left a big, pre-cake thumbprint on my glasses as payment for allowing me to hold her for a bit.
That cake got enjoyed to the fullest!! Way to go Maddy! I have never thought to let the kids dive into the cake hands first. Maybe I’ll try that at my little guys 1st birthday in a couple of weeks. It sure makes for great photos! And, fun had by all (except maybe you Matt!).
Happy 1st Birthday Maddy!
I love cake photos. Especially the one of you. Hilarious– you’re a good sport. Maddy’s a beautiful 1-year old.
What a really great day!! She is just adorable, prescious.
Looks like everybody had a wonderful time.
Where were the pictures on the top of your blog taken.
Have a great weekend.
Thank you for the party recap. It looks like Madeline had a wonderful time, and how great of all the friends and family to come from near and far for her big day. I know it is not how it was supposed to be, but you are making the most of it, as you have every day up until now.
*I wish I could remember the exact words (but I suffer from parental brain and I don’t) but I heard a very nice definition about the word ‘survivor’ the other day, and I immediately thought of you. You truly epitomize that term to the fullest extent.
Great party and photos Dad, she is just gorgeous. We did fish for my sons 1st bday too, we got similiar calls about fish dying and upset parents and kids, oops, seemed like a fun idea, lol
It’s always amazing to see you and your sweet girl making it through the impossible…and even though she is obviosuly missing in all the happy pictures, it is awesome to see Liz’s mega-watt smile on the face of your beautiful daughter. That makes you a lucky man, indeed.
Wow, that’s the most incredible party I’ve ever seen! Makes me want to throw my next cake around. =) The pictures are fabulous!
Maddie looks gorgeous. And you look pretty great too, Matt, especially with green all over your face. ;D
Madeline’s dress is adorable, I was surprised there was no robot cake, that would rock
Glad to see she had lots of fun, not too many Dad’s would let their baby smear green icing on their face, it’s great to be a kid at heart! Your pictures are making me excited to plan my daughter’s 1st bday in August, thanks for sharing those beautiful memories 
I read in a book somewhere that when your baby has her first birthday, you should congratulate yourself too because it’s your “daddy birthday”. Congratulations on your first “Daddy Birthday” and many more to come!
Maddie is so cute! I love all the frosting – what’s a first birthday without it? Happy Birthday Maddie!
Sounds like the party was a big hit! Love the cake video and all the pictures as usual!
Enjoy the weekend!!
Be blessed!
I am POSITIVE she is smiling from heaven. It’s closer than you think.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who is OCD about my kids’ face and hands being clean and non-sticky!
Beautiful pictures, beautiful party. Thanks for sharing with us!
Madeline is so adorable even covered in icing! Looks like the party was amazing. Great job Matt, and I have to say I feel very proud of you to let the ocd take a backseat and let Maddy dig into that cake. love the photos and video as always.
Glad Maddie had a wonderful Party and it looks as if things went very well. I am sure Liz is always smiling down on you and Maddie. She would be very proud of you for taking such good care of her precious Daughter
Sounds like it was an awesome party! I’m surprised non of your mom friends suggested giving Maddy her own little cake or cupcake to smash, it worked out in the end.
Happy Birthday again!
What an awesome backyard you have, I can see the appeal.
Looks like a fabulous first birthday! I’m sure Liz would have loved it…. you did it up right – green frosting and all!
Happy Birthday Madeline!
That last statement got me all choked up there.
I wanted to tell you, Matt, that I was noticing yesterday when perusing your pictures from the wedding in Hawaii, that there is a noticeable (good) difference in your appearance lately. You look rested…happy….not the same face you wore a few short months ago. It’s not meant to be a backhanded compliment. More meant to point out to you that you are healing on the inside, and it is showing on the outside.
Madeline is adorable and gorgeous as always.
You’re a great dad. You inspire me to be a better mom. And you look absolutely smashing with bright green frosting on your beard.
Amazing!!! Looks like everyone had a blast! Great memories! I feel you for the OCD…lol… I am the same way… you just let it go a lil bit when you have kids LOL
I love how casual ya’ll were about the cake. good memories for her first. It might need to be a tradition. (but then have a backup cake to eat perhaps) Priceless photos.
She looked adorable (as always)! You’ve done an amazing job! I hope you guys have another play-date sometime. My 15-month old would have a blast with Maddie!
i’ve been reading your blog for awhile matt & madeline, but this is my first post. what a beautiful birthday and beautiful memories you have made. matt, you are giving your daughter an amazing gift by recording her life, as well as your own with your photographs and blog. my prayers and blessings are with you both. on a daily basis you remind me of all there is to be grateful for. i’m not gonna lie, i cry every once in awhile when i read your entries. but mostly it’s because i know you both are going to be ok & shine. i never knew liz, but as a mother myself – i know that she would be proud of the way you are raising madeline. happy belated birthday madeline. kick #1 booty. dance, sing and make many messes. we all know life is too short to be anything but who you are. bless you both & rock on.
Looks like a fun first birthday party for sure!!
What a great sport you are letting Maddie paint you with green icing…priceless
Glad you had such a fun day with your friends and family….and I am sure that Liz was there celebrating every moment with the biggest smile ever!! Congrats again for making it through this year…you are an amazing Dad, with a gorgeous little girl….now the fun really begins 
Happy birthday (again) sweet Madeline 
Shannon
Ha! I’m a bit of clean freak too, but my husband is worse than I am. At least when it comes to himself anyway. He’s always getting up after eating to go wash his hands too! We don’t have any kids yet, but I’m interested to see what he’ll be like with them.
The party looks like it was a blast! You are SUCH an AWESOME daddy
Aww, it looks like it was so much fun! I’m glad you all had a great time! Happy belated birthday to the big birthday girl!
Just a heads up that I’m going to alert PETA, fish killer. Seriously, though, that’s a good idea about keeping a list of non-hand washers.
Loved this post….made me laugh!! On Oprah you mentioned Maddy crapped on your hand…..wow….with your OCD that must have totally freaked you out!! LOL The grandpa’s and the skunks had me laughing my ass off! My family and I are from Durango Colorado and I know all about the skunk problems! So glad the party was awesome….I almost made it through one of your posts without crying….until your last sentence. I wish so badly for you she could have been there…..but in my opinion…she was…..
bathroom offenders – that’s classic. and at least it wasn’t guacamole on your face – that’s what i first thought when i saw the pic.
#3 forever!!
Great party! You are an amazing dad. I love the part of the video where Madeline is waving her hands and throwing cake! Priceless. Congrats on making it through the first year! I know Liz is smiling down on you.
What a wonderful birthday celebration for Madeline! I am sure Liz was smiling down upon you all. Keep up the amazing work in raising your precious daughter!!
Great entry! Loved the skunk pic, cake/cupcake story, and the text msg had me lol.
funny how these little people are better than paxil for treating our OCD…remember those days when we were afforded the luxury of a few personal neurosis?
those were the days.
i love the shot of gramma and auntie sharing a cute look in the mirror with Madeline- but honest reaction-
jumpin Jesus this little girl has more toiletries than I do.
Your a rock star at ensuring this perfect little darling is decked out to the nines.
What a wonderful beautiful party you had for Madeline. You Matt are the number ONE father in all the world. I love being part of your blog and look forward to reading your messages every week. I have a new grandchild due in London, UK in October. This will make number three. I will be there with my Baby who is having a Baby and you will be in my thoughts.
Hugs to you both and big green sloppy birthday kisses. Melbourne, Australia.
Not sure what to say except how lucky you are to have Maddie in your life. My heart absolutely aches for Heather & Mike. Your little one is changing in her looks everyday. I assume you had friends in India send the wedding outfit for M. I did not realize that you were not into your M being dirty. I had no idea that the cupcake was just a bit too much for you. Although you guys are always clean, I thought there was this messy side of you. I am sure you are experiencing lots of messes with mealtime. It is never to early to hand baby utensils over to Maddie. She so wants to be a an advanced toddler! Thanks for updating. It just was a bit too long, but I understand your busy travel schedule.
Happy 1st Bday Maddie.
Hope you had a great Birthday with your daddy and family.
Good Job Dad! That is exactly how the birthday party and first cake should go. I devoted an entire scrapbook to my daughters first birthday cake, complete with a photo of her trying to dive into it face first. It’s the best experience!!!
Your post made me laugh and cry. What a wonderful celebration you had for your girl.
What a fabulous party!! My husband & I are laughing our a$$es off!
hugs from buffalo!
love the green mud mask*
It looks like you had a great time with friends and family. That’s what you and Maddy needed on her birthday.
And dude…green is NOT your color. Heh.
What a perfect celebration. You did a great job…and even might have had a little fun with the green icing.
Happy Birthday!
I am sure she was watching and smiling the entire time! I’m so glad you all had a fun time celebrating your precious baby’s birthday. Thanks for sharing her with us!!
What a fun looking party.
Those cake smashing pics are some of my favorites! What great cake smashing skills
I learned of you blog thanks to the “unconventional, unforgettable dads” show. I couldn’t be happier that I actually followed through on the thought I had while watching that show “I have to read that blog.” You along with all of your “followers” are amazing and Madeline is just plain awesome. I’ve spent the past couple nights staying up late because I couldn’t stop reading and now I’m a little sad that I’ve caught up! Happy (belated) Birthday Maddy!
Would never have pegged you as someone with a clean OCD. Aren’t you the guy who lets your sweet daughter eat sticks?
Happy 13-month birthday today, Madeline!
What a party! The one with you in green frosting while she’s in white is one of my fave pics of you two ever!
First birthdays are the best. Though not sure I pegged you as a total clean freak, but good Daddy for getting dirty for the baby!!
Maddy sure does have lots of bath products for a baby! Doesn’t that purple shit from Johnson&Johnson make your baby smell divine?
Matt,
I am glad you all had a wonderful birthday celebration for Madeline.
I am right with you with the messy hands thing…I was so grossed out watching Madeline, but seeing her smile took that feeling right away. You did well letting her enjoy her cake and holding her after
You are way better than me. I was so grateful my little girl didn’t want to touch her cake at her first birthday
Awesome pictures! Happy Happy Day Madeline!
Hi Matt,
saw you on Oprah…didn’t have the courage to post here ’til now. my beautiful husband Sean died suddenly on Jan 31st. We’ve been together since college. no kids. April 11th was my 42nd birthday. You inspire me though I’m not sure how I’ll make it without a Madeline of my own…
She looks just her Mommy. It looks like you had a wonderful day.
We went to Petsmart to buy a home for our goldfish because Paul said, “He deserves a chance to live.” Well, $125 and on very nice five gallon aquarium later, our fish went belly up. He lasted a day and a half. But no big deal, we wanted to get Connor a fish tank anyway. So now there are two fancy goldfish who call the tank home – and Connor loves it. Thanks Matt and Maddy!
Oh, and I hope Maddy has recovered from the trauma of Connor hurling all over. Luckily it landed at Maddy’s feet instead of on her. He is no worse for the wear – and still trying to pull leaves off of bushes. They say boys will be boys!
What a beautiful/fun day for a special little girl! It looks like you guys had a blast, and I know Liz was looking down watching all of you.
P.S.
I think green is your color Matt. Lol.
A new Australian reader here.. happy birthday, Maddy! Great party!
What a great day! Thanks for stepping out of your box and letting Maddie get messy. It certainly is a rite of passage. I loved the pics that come from it! Thanks for always keeping us updated. We enjoy hearing how you and Maddie are doing!
Wow… Matt, I have never met you or your lovely daughter or Liz, but just looking at the pictures on your site, I am stunned at how much the baby looks like her momma. What a beautiful legacy to a beautiful woman.
Happy birthday, little one. May your life be filled with joy, peace and remembrance.
I too can not stand dirty faces, hands, feet….well…entire bodies really. I went through the same stuggle when mine little fella turned 1. One good thing….you know Liz was laughing the whole time!!! Congrats on once full year of child bliss!!
Looks like it was great fun! You looked like the Grinch!
(P.S. most parents just give the child a piece of cake to mess up, not the whole cake!)
AMAZING… you’re amazing! The blog is amazing. The photography is amazing. The writing is amazing. I love it!
Happy Belated Birthday!
@Erin in the LA: So glad to hear he is ok…I have been worried about him. I guess the leaf wasn’t poisonous, fantastic! A party just wouldn’t be a party without someone hurling..
Hi Matt, I have been reading you blog since I read your story in People. I just wanted to say I think you are the most awesome dad! Like so many when I read your blog I laugh and I cry. I look forward to your entries to see what new adventure you and Maddy are embarking on.
You have a beautiful daughter and I’m sure Liz is very proud of the two of you.
It looks like Maddy had a wonderful birthday party!
HAHAHAHA I love the photo of you with green frosting all over your face and the one of her just trying to reach your face with more green frosting! Yes getting cake all over themselves is a right of passage on their first birthday. My daughter was COVERED in it. She was just in her diaper. When her grandparents went to clean her up, they found cake in almost every area of her body. She has managed to get it in her diaper…LOL
It looks like you all created a very special party for a very special little girl!! I can’t believe she is one already!
Just know that liz was there….and she was loving the fact that you were covered in frosting! lol *HUGS*
Matt the cake debacle was seriously one of the funniest things I have ever seen. That girl knows how to rake in some cake!
I have the same OCD thing about washing my hands after eating.
Many a time have people thought I was up to something when in fact it was just me wanting to get food off of my hands. Also, I am not a fan of people touching me if they haven’t washed their hands since eating.
Well, congrats on dealing with the cake and the mess!
Happy Birthday!
Ha! I’m so not a fan of food on my hands either, those pictures gave me the willies.
Just started reading your blog this week – it’s heartwarming. You’re a strong man and you can tell how much you love your daughter.
Amazing post, congratulations on your milestone. I’m sure Liz was smiling down on you that day.
The skunk would have been the BEST bday present fo my daughter, she is obsessed with them ever since our dog got sprayed when we were camping years ago. She has been dying to see one in person.
Looks like Maddy had a great bday party! Happy birthday!
I bet you’ve seen this by now… but yet another reason I REFUSE to twit.
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/family/articles/2009/04/25/tweet_tweet_baby/
Looks like a great day!. The best lessons of parenting involve getting a little messy yourself. Sending you all lots of frosting smooches!
And PS…no more live animals in the goodie bags!
Great party Matt! Great Pics! hey what is wrong with people that can not keep a goldfish alive? you are from Mn, you know they are only gold carp, easy fish to keep alive! Mine are old, like over 5!
Great party, adorable daddy and maddy as always!
Beauitul back yard first of all.
Absolutely love the video. Not just because of the awesome cake smashing but because of your interaction with Maddie. All the sweet kisses on her face that you don’t even notice you are giving. You are such a great Daddy. She is one lucky girl!
What a fun party! Looks like everyone had a good time, congrats on making it through the 1st year!!
@Jeffra — Thanks. It was a lantana bush, which is poisonous, but since he threw it right up, he was fine. But I now have poison control on speed dial. Thanks! Hope all three of you are doing well. I hope to see you in our neck of the woods again soon.
The green frosting all of your face tops them all. hehe Looks like it was an awesome time.
What a fantastic 1st birthday party for Madeline!!! She looked adorable in her party outfit. I love the facial Madeline gave you.
Looks like everyone had a wonderful time. Great job, Dad! I know Liz would have been so proud of you for pulling off such a great celebration for her beautiful girl!
Okay Matt, I loved the green icing face to funny! As one of your new readers I don’t want to be to assertive but as a speech language pathologist you do not want to create any weird feeding aversions for Miss Madeline. She needs to make a mess while eating it is part of it! I have hard time with too. Usually my daughter, Adalynn eats naked and then takes a bath! Looks like a great party!
Funny that Andrea is a Speech/Language Pathologist, as am I, and had some of the same thoughts as me! Someday I’ll share a pic of my little boy eating spaghetti for the first time. AND am I EVER OCD about cleanliness…. enjoyed THIS post as much as the others I have read. I, too, am a new reader and your story touches me deeply as a mother of two and step-mother of another! Thanks for sharing your stories!
You know, I think I could tell you how beautiful and photogenic and wonderful your daughter is. She really is.
But I think the most remarkable thing is how HAPPY she is.
Matt.
You are raising such a happy daughter.
I think that is so important, and such a distinct marker of what an incredible father you are. She is so happy, and it’s because of you.
Pretty damn awesome! I’m turning 30 next week, maybe I’ll steal Madeline’s cake smashing/ goldfish giving ideas- I think they work for all ages
so here i am, a college freshmen, with classes to wake up for in 3 hours, and i’m reading all about the amazing life you and your precious daughter have. and i’m looking at pictures from the birthday party and then i’m thinking “oh yea, i’m listening to music”, so for a split second my attention goes to the song playing and the line i hear: “there’s this kid you gotta meet…got spirit and heart…up for anything, can hang with anyone…” that would be my p.o.v. for the song, and the next is strikingly like yours: i’m in love with someone who is as pretty as a flower, her life gives me power so i’m buying her a ring…i’m her biggest fan and i’m teaching her how to sing.”
a somewhat (he talks about murdering someone and stealing…) perfect song for the moment. keep it up (though i know you probably don’t plan on stopping).
That big smile was all over Maddy’s face. Thanks for sharing all those wonderful birthday memories with us.
The green frosting is a good look for you!
Happy Birthday Maddie!
What great pics, too!
What a great party, even though a few of the fish didn’t make it. I just love the picture of you with the green frosting… classic!
The gold fish story reminds me of a time when we went to a friends wedding and they had goldfish in a vase as a center piece. Needless to say after an hour or so people were stealing the vases with live goldfish from tables to replace the dead fish at their table. Kind of funny. Looks like it was a great birthday party.
Looks like a fun Birthday. Love the green face.
I started reading your blog recently because we are connected through one of those “six degrees” situations. I had my son last year on May 18. It makes me really emotional to read your blog but Madeline is so beautiful and you are so wonderful with her. I hope my baby’s birthday next month is as much fun!
Congratulations on your first year of parenthood, Matt. And I’m sure Liz was there watching you guys, with the biggest smile on her face
So glad that Madeline had a great 1st birthday party. She won’t remember it but you will forever and you have the pictures too! The text from your friend regarding the gold fish made me laugh! Great memories. Thanks for sharing!
It looks like every one had a great time. Love all the icing! Can’t do it any other way! The pictures are great
http://sprucehill.typepad.com/
I am the same way, re: messy kids, OCDness. Break out the baby wipes asap!
Matt, I have been following you blog for about a month. My heart jumps for joy for you and your beautiful daughter and at the same time it breaks a little every time I read your posts.
I think of the three you often and send you prayers and cyber hugs! Happy Be-lated B-day to Madeline. You are doing all the right things!
Sending belated Birthday wishes to Maddie. I bet she was spoiled! I have to say she is amazingly cute (must be the big blue eyes) and I wish my daughter could have playtime with her (she’ll be 1 on May 12th) but we live in cold Canada
.
I wish you both a fantastic year to come and will be following Madeline’s life and yours for many years to come. Saw you on Oprah and started reading your blog…finally caught up! What a story. One day Madeline will thank you for all the memories on this blog (some of which you might of forgotten if you hadn’t written them down).
Lots of love from the Kennedy’s…ohhh daughter’s up. Gotta go!!!
Happy belated birthday to Maddie! The photos from her party are priceless.
Keep up the great work, Dad. Don’t forget, though, she has lots of dirty days ahead of her.
What a great day! Liz would have been so proud & way to throw caution to the wind and let her smash a cake up!! I remember when my twin girls turned one last April I spent hours and hours making matching pink mini-cakes with fondant icing, hot pink sparkles and brown piping. 8 hours of work for 5 minutes of pure baby joy x2. Worth every minute of prep! 2 weeks ago when they turned 2.. different story.
Big ((HUGS))
I just finished reading this blog (from the beginning too) and this was a great ending (one of the few posts that did not have me wedging my head between my dual monitors at work so my coworkers wouldn’t notice I was *weeping*) Congratulations on making it through a year – your resolve amazes me so much. I hate that you ever had to write all this in the first place, but I think the world is better because you’ve shared it.
Also, excellent use of wildlife terminology: “crepuscular bastard” I haven’t heard that term (ok crepuscular, we didn’t add bastard) since my conservation bio grad school days!! AWESOME
What a GREAT party!! LOVE LOVE LOVE the green face picture. Seriously made me laugh.
Thanks for that.
Bless your heart…you are doing awesome!