(working on a big post with info about the past week, but check this out in the meantime).
in a little more than a week we’ll be on a plane, heading off on our new adventure.
crazy, i know.
and as i’ve mentioned before, there’s another person coming with us…
her name is rachel monas, and she will be madeline’s nanny while we’re in india.
i’ve had more than a few people ask more than a few questions about this mystery woman, so i figured i’d let her tell you more about herself.
in her own words:
matt asked me to write a short paragraph describing “what the world should know about me” for his friends, family and blog readers. no pressure. my name is rachel carolyn monas, i am a los angeles native, and i’m turning 24-years old the day after we arrive in bangalore. my job will be to make sure that matt works on his book & updates his blog/twitter. i’ll also be madeline and matt’s official photographer during the trip. my most important job, of course, is to guard and keep safe the little beauty we all love…i’ll even tweet pictures of her.
a little background on how this came to be…i met matt at the troubador (during an iron & wine show). we became friends and soon after he mentioned this crazy idea of world travel and i crazily said i’d quit my job and join him and madeline. so here we are, i had my last day of work at the santa monica museum of art a few weeks ago, and i’m spending the the rest of my time packing and preparing for this adventure. i’m so excited for this. i’ve been a nanny before for lots of different families and i absolutely love it. i’ve also travel nanny-ed before…i took a trip around the mediterranean with a family the summer after my college year abroad in paris. i feel very lucky to get to have an experience like this. matt is the best and maddy is more sweet and adorable every time i hang out with her. i know this is going to be an amazing trip.
follow rachel on twitter
and yes, as rachel mentioned, i will be blogging from india.
(perhaps) more than usual, in order to ensure everyone knows we’re doing fine.
124 Comments
I am now following Rachel on twitter !!!!
I can’t believe that you are leaving in just a few days !!
oh how sweet! it’s so hard to find people you can trust your children with …yay for finding someone good!
Well, she sounds fine and all… but really, you should fire her and take me!
J/K… sounds like such an awesome adventure.
luchy
Have a great trip Matt. Looking forward to pictures and stories. Share some long plane ride tips, too, if you don’t mind. We have one coming soon.
Nice to meet ya, Rachel, you lucky woman! Hanging out with Maddy all day and taking pictures… Pretty sweet gig!
Thanks for tellin’ us about her despite the fact that it IS none of our goddamn business.
FABULOUS!!! Save travels you guys. And although we will still be hearing from you often (I hope!)…we’ll miss you here in the states.
Will follow on Twitter and check your blog often. Enjoy yourselves !
Awesome, awesome, awesome! Sounds like you two are in very capable hands
THATS MY GIRL xoxoxoxooxox gonna miss her like nobodys business. you better take care of my girl taking care of your girl, matt.
This is an amazing experience for Rachel. Can’t wait to continue to read your blog, follow u on twitter and see pictures while in India. Thanks for sharing!
Well, thank GOD you vetted her with us. Although we would have appreciated a little more notice.
Hey Rachel! So nice to “meet” you! Take good care of them for all of us stranger/friends who will be reading while you’re gone. Can’t wait to see your pics!!! :0)
That is going to be one amazing adventure! I look forward to seeing the photos and reading about your time there.
It was great to meet you last week at the 5K. I look forward to reading about the success of the gala!
Have a fabulous, wonderful, exciting trip! Following Rachel on Twitter now, so I can keep up with you guys.
WOW is it really just a few days away…???
Rachel seems like a wonderful person, and I am sure she will have sooooo much fun. I look forward to reading your blog while you are traveling. So hopefully you guys can keep all of us informed. Have fun and travel safe.
awesome.
Wow! She sounds awesome Matt! I can’t wait to see how your adventure turns out!
Excellent choice Matt… nothing but the best for OUR Maddy!
Keep on Keeping on!
Rachel sounds like a darling… Its good to know you’ll have a friend looking after our Maddy, only the best for the little angel.
I will be sending her a gift from South Africa one of these days, I’m just not sure how or when but it’ll come.
Lots of love!!!
What an amazing trip you are going on. Can not wait to hear all about your adventures. =D
That is so exciting – I’m glad that you’re going, I think it will be good for you. And I’m glad that you have help going with you too. Rachel seems great and you guys are going to have a great trip!
Hi Matt, I’ve been following you forever and I ran across a guy (via blog) who might benefit from hearing from you. His wife died the other day after their newborn daughter was delivered by emergency C-section. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and right after that found out she was pregnant. The baby is beautiful. Since you went through something similar, I thought you could make a huge difference by letting him know you know how he feels? Just a thought. I know you’re a busy man what with moving to INDIA!! Wow. Good luck with all of your endeavors – book, etc.
Here is their blog if you get a chance:
http://bandssullivan.blogspot.com
You know, when I saw the picture of Rachel feeding Maddy in your Flickr photos, I thought to myself, “She looks so sweet and interested in what Maddy is doing here. I wonder if she is ‘The Nanny’”. I’m so smart.
What a gran adventure this will be for all of you! And WOW! I can’t believe you leave in about a week! WOW!
Do you already have housing set up there? I can’t wait to see how awesome this is going to be!
Safe travels family!
I am so glad you found the perfect nanny to accompany you. I am really happy to hear you will still Blog. We would all miss you too much if you didn’t. I can’t wait to see all the awesome pics!
Oh, I also meant to add– you made it through another 25th. You’re amazing and strong. I’m sorry that this is such a hard day each month. It’s amazing to see all of the good that you are doing in the name of your sweet Liz. She’s so proud of you.
Excellent! I am sure India will be amazing. What an experience. Hope all three of you have an incredible trip. Safe travels!
*hums Happy Trails*
So nice to meet you, Rachel, and I know that you’ll take excellent care of our beautiful little Maddy, and let her Daddy be free to do his writing! We’ll all look forward to your photos, and blogs while you’re in India!! I know you must be very excited! I’ll definitely be following you on twitter,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Following her on twitter
She looks like a wonderful choice for you and Maddy!
I’m so excited for all of you. Can’t wait to read and see through photos your adventure in India! You should start eating lots of curry now to coat your intestines.
Have a FANTASTIC time!!
How lucky Maddy is to get to go on such wonderful adventures! You’re a great dad.
Thanks Matt for sharing that with us. As K8 mentioned you didn’t have too, but it’s probably harder keeping it hidden. We’ve all become so involved in your day to day life that it’s hard not to wonder, who this person would be.
Rachel, so nice to meet you and hope you have a wonderful experience over in India. Sounds like you are just perfect to tag along and help Matt take care of Miss Maddy.
Im so glad to hear you will be bloging from India. I was afraid that you wouldnt and wasnt sure what we would do with out updates on little Maddie. Enjoy your trip!
Have a safe and happy time!
Now am following Rachel. Ahh! I am so excited for all 3 of you!
Hi Rachel,
I firmly believe realy cool kids are the sum of their parts and you sound like you are going to add some amazing “girl power” to Maddy’s tapestry.
Good luck to you all on your big adventure.
Be safe.
Be safe and have a totally amazing awesome adventure!
YAY!! For you and Maddy! She seems Awesome!
Can you believe that there are 2 life changing events coming up in your life Soon!!
1. Leaving your job on Thurs.
2.Going to India with your best Girl!!
So happy for you all!!!
Good Luck in India and can not wait to here all about it via blog/twitter and soon A BOOK!! Your a BAD ASS DAD!!!
Looks like you found a great Friend and Nanny to help too!!
Awesome. How exciting!!!
Do keep us posted during the trip and looking forward to hearing all about the next great adventure in India.
Hey Matt! I have been following you since Maddy was around 2 months old. Before it was cool, ha!
I wanted to wish you luck first of all. Next I wanted to share a link with you, a person who’s going through something similar to you. http://www.bandssullivan.blogspot.com.
Have a great time traveling and be safe!
Yay–I’m following too–but the best news is that you will still be blogging while in India. I was so concerned that I would lose touch with my Maddy fix! My 3-year old Zienna LOVES to look at the photos and videos of Maddy. Good luck and can’t wait to hear about the details of your trip!
I am sooo jealous of Rachel! What an awesome gig she has! I think Rachel should start a blog too….her adventures are going to be much different that yours! Enjoy India, I would love to go one day! Nice to meet you Rachel!
I spent time in India in college, its amazing and I’m jealous that your going! Have an amazing time!
matt, you are awesome!
and of course so is maddy..and rachel sounds awesome too.
i hope i meet you someday! and at the very least, am able to go on great adventures and see different things. that is such a great gift you are giving to maddy.
When I was living in NE China- my then 8th grade daughter came and saw me for a spell. She was very very blond like your Maddy- the Chinese just loved her, treated her like a princess. It was that blond head! And you know from Liz being in India with you, that her blondness got lots of looks and was always a good topic of discussion
You really need to take a tiara and wand, just so Maddy can get in the right frame of mind!
Wishing you safe travels!
Matt – Thanks for sharing.
K8′s right.
It was none of our business… but dang, we were all curious.
Awesome gig Rachel. Enjoy.
good luck with the beginning of another adventure! Cant wait to “hear” how its going.
Awesome!
Can’t wait to see you all in a few weeks…yay for M&M (& Rachel) in India!! w00t w00t!
-jen in bangalore
Sounds like you are in good hands. Travel safe. Be well. Be happy.
Peace.
Well. That is simply fabulous. Have a beautiful trip!
Wow, just scrolled up and realized someone already left you that same link. What a small world! Sorry, ignore my comment.
I can’t wait to keep up with your adventure. You’re living life, Matt. Proud of you and I’ve never even met you.
Ah, that’s great Matt. Hard to believe the time is here. Have a great time and good luck with the writing! What an adventure!
Hi Matt and Maddy!! I`m from Guatemala, Central America. I just want you to know how much I admire you, I think you`re doing a great job raising Maddy! I am really touched by your story,and pray a lot for you. God bless you.
Matt you enjoy your trip, and what an awesome nanny you have! Can’t wait to see your updates from India!
Have fun packing (I know it’s your favorite thing to do….or not
). You will have a amazing adventure. Enjoy & safe travels to you all.
Have wonderful travels, Matt & Maddy & Rachel!
Matt & Maddy, I’m so excited for the two of you as you begin this new adventure.
We’ll all be thinking about you back home and wishing you all well!
Love to you all,
Sarah S
What? No social security number and references?!? Inquiring minds want to know!
Glad this “big” 25th is over. So excited, for all three of you, for what’s ahead… एक अच्छी यात्रा है
WOW! What a dream dream dream experience for all of you!
I reallllly hate to say I’m jealous of Rachel (but I am!!!!) I am a lifelong babysitter (and still do it at 25!) and have travel nannied as well, but never to anywhere as wonderful as India (or for as long). And, since I am a law school grad who is unemployed can I just say this sounds like an ah-ma-zing job! I just love Rachel already because she seems to love Maddy and I can’t believe she just quit her job to go with you guys…what a great person!
Also, I adore the comment from who I am assuming is Rachel’s mom. So something my mom would say! I just couldn’t be happier for everyone!
Have a wonderful trip and Rachel I know you will take good care of our little Maddie….I say ‘our’ because all of the world that follow the darling Matt and his beautiful child feel they are part of our own family. He is the most perfect Daddy and we all…his worlwide family…think he is the best too.
Be safe the three of you and happy travelling.
Wendy in Oz.
hi – my husband is originally from bangalore. how long will you be there? hope you have yet another exciting indian adventure. enjoy those delicious curries – nothing here is quite like that south indian spice! looking forward to the pics of you guys in india.
Matt, I was a nanny throughout college and for a few years after. I know how special the relationships were that I had with the children I took care of. It will be so amazing for Rachel, and for you. Congrats on finding the perfect person to accompany you and to take care of Maddy. I am so happy for you and so excited to begin hearing updates from India!
How exciting! I can’t wait to read about your adventures in India.
Rachel ~ It is very nice to “meet” you!
Best of luck to you three! Sounds like you have a good person keeping an eye on everything. I just know that Lizs spirit and energy will follow you along like a sparkling glare of tinkerbells fairy dust.
enjoy and be safe and write when you can!
And maybe, send us a postcard! Or pick a winner a week that gets a post card from yo.
*the only issue? we’d have to give you our address. lol. that’s okay. I trust you** what, the hell, I haven’t even won yet!
Wow…how exciting. Ya’ll have a safe trip, blast while ya’ll are there, and take lots of pictures to share…much love and blessings from ga~erin
killer!!! following rachel on twitter and wish you all happy and safe travels.
may the muse be with you my friend.
Matt:
I want to wish the best to you and Madeline. I will be waiting to read your blog telling us of your adventure. You have been lucky to find such a great nanny for Maddy. Take care of yourself and your sweet beautiful Maddy.
Safe travels to all 3 of you!
Rachel sounds wonderful – I’m sure Maddy will be in capable, loving hands while you’re writing your heart out. We’ll miss you!!
i haven’t posted since the new layout- i don’t like change. but here you are going to india on us! hope it’s an adventure of a lifetime and looks like maddie will be in good hands. safe and HEALTHY travels.
i’m curious, is maddie a good eater? what will she eat there? or do you need a shipment of some gerber puffs? let me know- i’ll be happy to send some toddler snacks!
Wow that’s wonderful! I wish I had Rachel’s job, she is so lucky! Have a safe, safe trip and look forward to hearing updates
Have a safe trip!!
Nice to meet you Rachel! I hope y’all have an incredible time while in India.
Nice to finally meet Rachel-lucky girl! I wish I was going. Have a safe trip that’s one heck of a long flight. Can’t wait to hear about all your adventures. Have fun and be safe
Safe travel to you all. It’s lovely to see you many people love you and Maddy Matt!
Oh yes! This trio is the perfect solution – I am so pleased and thrilled for all of you! What a wonderful opportunity for you, Rachel, and isn’t it awesome how prepared you are for the responsibility?? Everything leading up to here fell right into place. Really nice to get to meet you and know you better(although I have paid attention to you on Rachel Ray, news interviews, etc). You are definitely part of the best team for this exciting ride Not only for India, but for the book journey. You are so sparkly, and sweet. Perfect, I tell you (smile)
I don’t Twitter…so I follow you, Matt, on your web page. Will there be a link or way to follow Rachel also? Not sure how – but definitely want the whole information/picture during your travels.
Take care, travel safely, and enjoy every absolute moment.
I’ve been so worried about how to occupy my 15 month old Maeve on our 4 hour flight in November.
But you have to go aaaallll the way to India. Makes me feel better about my trip – haha.
Any tips on how to stay sane?
Will people scowl at me if I have an in flight cocktail?
what an amazing team!
The mom in me couldn’t help but notice your knife block in the kitchen picture, move it! Now that Maddy is mobile that is trouble.
Have a safe trip!
I can’t wait to see what India holds for all of you!
Awesome! I “love” her nanny already. I hope you guys have a wonderful and safe trip, and I can’t wait to see the pictures! Oh, and on a side note, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Garden of Awesome t-shirt. I wear it alot (hm, maybe I should get another?) and I always get a lot of compliments on it. Then it gives me a chance to tell them about you guys, and direct them to your blog, and the place where they too can be a flower in the garden of awesome.
Matt, Maddy and Rachel! Have a wonderful safe trip and looking forward to hearing of your adventures!
Good Luck! now following Rachel!
This is so wonderful, everything is falling into place for you all. Have a safe trip.
There should be a way to turn this font green to fully get the point of how jealoussssssssss I am.
This kind of trip for some is the trip of a lifetime and you are so blessed to be able to have made lots of them.
**stuffing green monster in closet**
Have a fantastic, safe, wonderful and wonder filled trip !
(Rachel you are one lucky chickie ! I woulda had to arm wrestle you or something if I had known there was an opportunity like that ! LOL Have a great time ! Watch that baby like a hawk ! (Matt too
))
Amazing, I can tell Rachel thinks of Maddy as her family, so sweet.
Hi Matt,
Just discovered your blog – I can only think of one word for it – inspiring.
I promptly added it to my blogroll (http://leftandrightblend.blogspot.com)
I am from India and even I am jealous of your upcoming trip. First, because I have not gone in over a year and second, because you do and see much more as an outsider. It will be a great trip. Have fun!
This is so awesome!! So excited for the 3 of you!
Steph
I miss the current picture reel across the top:(
What a lucky lady! Good for Rachel!
Buen viaje!
Buena suerte!
ENJOY this unique experience!
xoxoxox
Sol
I can’t believe you quit your job!!! That’s awesome and one of the coolest things ever. Have fun!
Rachel, what a cool opportunity! I hope you all have a great time.
Rachel – you have a very important job on your hands! There’s a whole world out here who love those two!! Take care…
Good luck to all of you! I hope your trip to India is awesome!
Cant wait to read all about your travels. After India you must come to South Africa! Glad you have a nice person to help you out.
peace, goodness, blessings and safety as you all have one very unique adventure!!
Hi there- haven’t posted in ages….had to wish you safe travels though!!
And wow! Rachel – lucky, lucky gal (and the type-A in me – holy moly QUIT ya job too! yikes, couldn’t but wish I could do a big whim like that!) Sounds like you’ll have some wonderful adventures!
I am also a non-twitter follower…I signed up…but uh, yeah- PLEASE post to the blog…b/c it feels wrong to have a twitter account…what’s next – pop music?!
Safe, safe travels, lot’s of pictures and happy trails!
I added your blog to my website. If I can get one more person to the Liz Foundation nothing would make me happier
Have a great trip!!! Be Blessed..can not wait to continue my reading knowing you are in India!
Wishing all 3 of you safe travels in India!! What an experience you will have!! As a former nanny myself, and now Mom of 2, what a great opportunity you have Rachel!! I look forward to the blog and picture updates!! I am now following Rachel on Twitter too
Have an awesome time…and YEAH for making it through another “25th” Matt and Maddy!! You two are amazing 
Very exciting! Now following Rachel on Twitter too. She seems like a good fit for both of you. Have a great time in India!
I’m so excited for you guys. If you find yourself loving this adventure do you have the flexibility to stay longer, or travel to other places? I hope it’s everything you’re hoping for and more! Take care of each other.
What an amazing opportunity for everyone. I’m anxious to read more about your adventrue. Bless you all and safe travels!
That’s awesome! I just added Rachel to my Twitter. I am relieved to hear that we will get updates and photos while you are away. Have fun and stay safe!
Wishing you all 3 safe travels, and a ton of new awesome adventures with your best girl Maddy. Can’t wait to read your book, can’t wait to read your new posts from India, please please keep us posted, can’t wait to see Miss. sunshine in India, how cool is that! She will be so big when she comes back. I feel like if i’m not going to see you for a while and we have not even met, I feel like I will miss you both, but you will continue to blog, right? Hugs. Be blessed.
Wishing you and Maddy a wonderful trip!
All the best to you, Maddy, and Rachel! May the writing flow, and may you learn and play and grow together. I’ll let you know if Samir and I come to India in the next couple months. We’re highly considering it so I can meet his fam. Love, Amy
Have a fabulous trip! God be with you all!
Emma
How long are you guys in India?
Have a fun adventure, and keep in touch!
Asalamu Alaykom,
Sounds like you have a much better person than me to be your nanny since I would TOTALLY freak at being responsible for the one you love best.
Some packing advice:
Pack a few objects which keep you connected to your core. I brought my 80s rainbow sheets which for some reason are still intact. They make me happy. Pack some happiness.
BANDANAS! I said that on your very first trip and I’ll say it again—they work for everything (hankercheif, washcloth, emergency diaper, reusable toilet paper, hat…)
Q-tips. These ones suck.
Baby powder.
It was hard finding baking soda…
MAGIC JACK! But then, I think you are bringing it, right?
I like having little cheap, colorful plastic cups and plates (think poolside).
Wish I had more SPF lotion for my face (good thing about being covered—only need it there).
Also, I’m wishing for that kind of salve lotion for my heels. They are taking a beating.
OK….enough
Mr. Boo says, “I hope you have a nice trip. We can visit you in India.”
Ummm…actually I think there’s more chance of you coming here. But, “yes,” inshahallah have a wonderful escape.
That’s really cool and even kind of epic that you guys meet at an Iron and Wine show.
question…are you guys going out?? she seems nice.
@anonymous
no.
i’m not going out with her.
she is maddy’s nanny.
Oh she seems great!! … and I love the new blog look (a lot easier to read) I hope that you all have a wonderful trip and I cannot wait to see the pictures from india!!
@anonymous
Geez! What an absurd question!
Congrats on finding someone to take care of Maddy and keep things in check while you guys are in India! I hope your trip is awesome and you accomplish everything and more while you are there. Good Luck!
PS Maddy is so adorable!!
Matt,
I found your blog exactly one week ago and was captivated by your story and your precious Maddy. I went back to the beginning of your blog and read it all. It was like reading a good book, that I just couldn’t put down, so imagine my excitement when I heard you would be writing a book! I wish you, Maddy, and Rachel the best on your new adventure, and know I will be here reading!
Lori
She seems super sweet! I’m glad that Madeline will have someone cool to hang out with while you’re working.
I sincerely hope you guys have an awesome trip. Can’t wait to read all about it!
Music note: Check out Blind Pilot (if you haven’t already). They have a good, solid, hippie-folk sound. Really satisfying lyrically, too.
Wow–Rachel is one of my best friends from high school! VERY cool Matt, you made a great choice =)
“Friends”,
Have a safe trip and a great time in India !
All my love to Maddy.
Kisses from Rio de Janeiro.
any fan of iron and wine has to be ok in the book of ok people! i hope you guys have an amazing journey! cannot wait to see how it progresses. all the best to maddy, matt & rachel!
I have just watched your story on Oprah. You have inspired me. (I am in the UK so hence the delay!)
I never comment on things however, I look forward to sitting down and catching up on your blog…..with a box of tissues and a glass of wine no doubt!
Caroline Meringolo, UK