thursday happened.
but before it happened,
we took one
last shot at
our morning ritual…
instead of apples,
that morning
she threw her shoes,
which is good, because
fall is here,
and there are
only a couple
of apples left
on the tree.
after our morning walk,
we took a
trip to
her daycare,
then i made one
last trip to work.
this day was 7+
years in the making.
can’t believe it.
i never imagined
it would happen
this way,
me, quitting a
job i didn’t hate,
to travel the
world and write
a book with
my daughter,
without my
wife.
i mean, i used
to joke with
aj that someday
we’d be neighbors,
stay-at-home dads,
watching our kids
play in the yard
as we enjoyed a
few beers on the
front porch,
while our smarter,
far more capable
wives shattered glass
ceilings and brought
home enough money
to keep us
eating well and
traveling frequently.
yeah.
that was the
life i expected,
the life i wanted.
we wanted.
but that we,
is only me,
and there i was,
7+ years later,
belongings packed,
the bastard’s trophy
passed to another
(office ritual…as one leaves, the trophy gets passed to another, and that person is almost always the next to go),
saying goodbye to
friends, facing an
unknown future.
peter and ben
helped me carry
my shit to
my car, then i
headed to maddy’s daycare
to pick her
up and bring her
back to the office
so everyone could
see her before
we leave.
she entertained,
ran barefoot through
the cubicles,
stole whiteboard markers
and helped me
delete all of the
not exactly work
related e-mails i’ve
gotten over the years.
but like every other
time, the transition
period is short,
’cause from goodbye
we drove straight
to the doctor’s office
for maddy’s 18-month
appointment.
we were running
a bit late,
so grandma broccoli
met us there.
we got inside
and maddy
took a seat
in her favorite spot
the nurse called us
back and while
my mom assisted,
the nurse took the
usual measurements…
head circumference:
height and weight:
pause.
the nurse confirmed
what i already knew…
maddy was bigger.
this trip she weighed
in at 23 pounds, 10 ounces
and was 31 1/4 tall.
48th percentile for both.
and her incredible
height brings her
to 53% of her
mother’s adult height
(that shit makes me laugh…i mean, to think that maddy would be almost to liz’s waist at 18 months is totally hilarious).
no one won the
contest, which sucks,
because i’m sure i
would have found
the winner something
totally awesome
in india.
better luck next time.
after the nurse left,
the doctor entered.
maddy’s usual doctor
just had a baby,
so we met with
a different one.
he came in
and immediately relayed
a couple of
messages from
the female dr. h.
(which is totally amazing because she’s been out of work for 2 months…i mean, how the hell did she know we were coming in that day? i love this place.)
then he got to work…
we talked about
language development,
and the doctor
got one hell of
a demonstration
of her skills
during the short
time we spent together.
we talked about
our upcoming trip,
and the doctor
confirmed what i
already believed…
the trip would be
great for her
(and probably better for me).
he confirmed the
other thing i
could only hope to hear…
maddy is doing great.
a total relief to
hear that…
this parenting thing
seemed easy when she
was young, and it
was easy to
appear successful
back then.
shit.
stick a bottle
in her mouth
every once in awhile,
change her diaper
every few days,
bathe her
once a month
and everything
was fine.
but now it’s harder
to hide my
parenting deficiencies
(and there are a lot of them).
luckily, madeline
does a pretty
great job of making
me look
like a pretty decent parent.
the doctor
left, and a regretful
nurse walked in,
fully aware of
the fact that she
was about to ruin
my child’s day.
a hep. a and flu shot,
and a needle with
a tb test,
and madeline was
screaming like janet leigh
in psycho.
the nurse gave her
a couple of stickers,
which did nothing
to quiet her,
until grandma
stuck one of the
stickers to madeline’s
bare stomach,
scooped her in
to her arms,
and rocked her
back-and-forth.
i usually do this
alone, so it was
kinda nice to
have a little
help this time.
we drove home,
and i played with
maddy until she
fell asleep,
then i ran a few errands
and brought dinner
home for my mom.
i spent the night
wondering if
i had fucked everything
up by quitting what
i quit,
and taking on
what i’ve taken on,
and running to
the place we’re running.
time will tell,
but for now,
i’ll go with
what the doctor said…
friday.
as if fate decided
to play some cruel
joke on me
for what the nurse
did to madeline the
day before,
the next morning
i found myself
sitting in a doctor’s
office, getting
shot up with
flu and typhoid vaccines.
shitty thing is,
i didn’t get a sticker
after my shots.
stupid travel clinic.
i headed back to
the house to
pick up maddy
and my mom…
but first, we worked
on our new morning
ritual.
it was mostly the same
as before,
but after dropping
maddy off at daycare,
i drove past
my old office
instead of pulling
into the parking structure.
it didn’t feel
as weird as i
thought it would.
i suppose it
won’t really hit me
until i’m sitting
in front of my laptop
in bangalore,
on some thursday
afternoon, working
on my book instead
of some work project.
yeah.
my life will
officially be fucking
weird at that moment.
i spent the day
running errands,
my mom in tow,
helping me more
than she knew.
i took a long afternoon
nap, sleeping until
it was time to
pick maddy up
from daycare.
we headed
back to
n. hollywood and
helped maddy
say goodbye to
all of her friends.
despite my attempts
to get her excited
for her
25th round-trip flight,
she apparently has
no idea that she’s
gonna be in
a new place
starting monday.
but her
friends will miss
her for the
next two months.
the good news is
that they’ll see
her again
when we get back…
that night
my mom prepared dinner
for a few
of my friends,
all of whom
wanted to stop
by and say
goodbye…
rhonda, bob and anna first,
then elizabeth, george
and their kids.
maddy played with
the kids and the men,
then went to bed
with only a
few cries.
it was a wonderful night,
and i know
we’re gonna miss
these people
while we’re gone.
saturday
i was up way
too late the night before,
and thankfully
i got to
sleep in a bit
while my mom
spent the morning
with madeline.
i woke up in
time to get maddy
back to the
doctor to figure out
if she has tb.
luckily, she doesn’t
the rest of the
day was spent
cleaning our house
so the housesitter
doesn’t feel like
she lives in
some sort of hyrbid
record/baby-toy store.
in the evening
we hosted a party
at our house.
stupid fucking idea.
i mean, it’s
always great to have
people over to the house,
but the mess
the next morning
is never fun.
especially with all
the shit i have
to do before
we leave on
monday afternoon.
(the crazy thing is that my guests actually did a ton of cleaning before they left).
maddy spent the night
mostly avoiding
anya, amy, eileen, erin, allie, andrea, melanie, briana and chris,
and running
back-and-forth from
ken to greg to jason to peter,
and coming to me
or my mom
whenever she
hit her head on
the corner of the table.
things went on
well into the night,
but eventually everyone
left and i went to
sleep way too late.
i may miss these
people a little
bit while we’re gone.
at least some of them.
sunday.
my mom begrudgingly
(that’s sarcasm, folks)
woke up early with
madeline, while
i slept in.
soon enough we
were on our way
to the airport.
maddy cried as she
goodbye to her grandma,
and i told them
both that
we’d be together again
at the end
of november,
and before that
via skype.
from the airport
we went to santa monica
to do a little
last-minute travel
planning with nanny rachel.
madeline slept through
the entire conversation…
rachel and i remain
hopeful that
madeline will do more
sleeping than crying
when we get on
that flight.
when we got home
we spent the day
avoiding the task
at hand.
instead of packing
i made sure that
we played with all
of her toys,
and read all of
her favorite books.
i watched as
she banged out a
couple of avant-garde
tunes on
her piano.
these moments are
so fucking bittersweet
for me.
so much happiness
piled on top
of so much
something else.
i’d like to think
these feelings will
disappear over
time, but i know
damn well they won’t.
never better, just
less intolerable…
yeah.
i’ve said that
before, but
i’m sticking to
that assessment
of the situation.
…
our house sitter
moved most of
her stuff in tonight.
that should bring
some relief, but it
was really just
a reminder that
this crept up
way too fast,
and that i still need
to pack for
this trip.
the good news is
that she kept an
eye on maddy while
i took care of
some last minute
house work, and when
madeline went to
sleep at 8:00,
our house sitter helped
me clean the kitchen.
awesome.
it’s now 2:30am
and here i am,
12 hours from
flying to india
with my daughter
and a nanny,
but without
liz.
and i’m writing this,
still avoiding the task
at hand…
packing up our lives
for a 2-month
escape from this
reality, to take the
first step in confronting
our future reality.
first we take
on india.
from there?
everywhere else
i went with
liz.
creating a lifetime of
new experiences
in old places.
this and all future
trips are
partially for me,
so i can be
in those places
again, to make those
memories as vivid as
the day they
were created,
but these
trips are
mostly for madeline,
so she’ll know
everything about
her mom.
so in fewer than
12 hours,
we’ll start our
45-hour trip
(yes…45 fucking hours of travel, including layovers)
by going
from lax to tokyo.
after a short
layover in tokyo,
we’ll be on our
way to singapore,
where we’ll see
one of my best
friends in all
the world
(this is the friend who drinks with me and has been known to intentionally burn me with cigarettes, all while wearing a salwar kameez).
and after 19 hours
in singapore,
we’ll be on
our way to bangalore.
and then our
new life begins.
i hope this works…
(expect an update when i find internet access in singapore).
293 Comments
can’t wait to hear how it all goes matt.. good luck with maddy sleeping on the planes..
What an exciting, as well as nostalgic time in your life. Take care. I will be waiting for all your updates and pictures.
Also, parenting doesn’t come naturally to a lot of people. we just fly with it. Take pride in the fact that your daughter is doing well. She is a happy and well looked after little one.
Sounds like an extremely busy past couple of days, Matt. Have a wonderful trip, and a safe flight. I think that all of us feel like we’re going with you. I’m so excited to see and hear about all of your great adventures.
Stay safe, and well,,,,,,Matt, Maddy, and Rachel!
Good luck with your travels today! Have a great time!
Hi Matt,
I’ve been lurking on your blog for ages now and I’m so excited for you about this next chapter in your life. I think it’s amazing what you’re doing for Maddy and I’m really looking forward to reading your book.
Have a safe trip!
Holly
have a super, fantastic, awesome, amazing time!
wishing you so much love and luck for this huge adventure ahead for you both. i’ll be reading along.
sally in australia
Good luck and bon voyage, Matt – you and Maddie will be in my thoughts and prayers as you take on this next big chapter of your lives. I’ll be looking forward to updates as internet access permits!
I hope you have safe travels! Best of Luck to You, Maddy, and Rachel! I would advise you to take lots of pictures along your way but that’s a given, right? =)
Safe travels and peace of mind. I cannot think of anything better than sharing these places with your best girl.
You do Liz proud Matt.
i am in awe. you are an incredible dad and husband. i can’t wait to hear about your adventures. maddy will have an incredible time while you create the most amazing story for her. enjoy every minute of it!!!
I am in Mysore just south of Bangalore and will be in India for the next couple of months. Maybe we will run into each other on our separate adventures.
Matt, Maddie and Rachel: safe travels. heal. enjoy. All the best, Anja.
Good luck Matt. I hope this trip brings you peace and hapiness.
No f****ng way I am the 2nd one to post??
I CANNOT WAIT to hear about this trip. Wishing you guys much luck and love on this adventure!
Amanda
be safe – and happy!
Wishing you scream free flights and many happy new memories.
Good luck for all the flights! Singapore airport has awesome free internet access.
It is going to be an amazing adventure for you all. Good luck and all that jazz…
xo c
Good luck. What an adventure for Maddy. She will love to hear all those stories of the things her mom did in these places. You are doing something so amazing for her.
Good Luck!!!
It will be a great experience filled with new memories.
Can’t wait to read all about it,
Good luck & have a safe trip!!
i laughed out loud that you didn’t get a sticker when you got your shots
best of luck, Matt. you’re doing an amazing thing.
Good luck Matt. I hope this trip is a wondrous thing for y’all.
I am so excited FOR you!!! This is an incredible adventure and it will be amazing for you and Maddy!
Have a safe trip. Can’t wait to hear how the flight goes!
I am sending positive thoughts your way!
I am so proud of you and I’m sure Liz is amazed at all you are doing so that beautiful girl knows everything about her mom.
Take care and good luck!
Your story fascinates me. Truly. I can’t even imagine doing what you’re about to do. Good for you. Good luck!
Wishing you well from Virginia.
Godspeed my friend! Here’s to lots of sleep on the plane rides (for all 3 of you!) You are going to be making amazing memories in the next few months. As always, thank you so much for taking us “creeps” along with you. You are an amazing man and father. Liz is proud. Now go have an adventure!!!
Best of luck with your new adventure! I hope Maddy enjoys the 45 hour trip! Cannot wait to hear about the beginning of this next chapter of your life. Safe travels.
Best of luck! This will work. We all beleive in you.
Awsome matt…I look forward to reading your blogposts each time you update..good luck in india and all your flights look forward to reading how the trip goes
Just wanted to wish you the best of luck on this journey, can’t wait to read all about it!
have a safe trip..did you find the very important book ??
Hi Matt Following you on Twitter and will keep up with you. Good luck on the trip and enjoy. You are such a good day. Maddy is precious. Keep the pics coming.
Linda
That was such a good daddy. Sorry
How exciting and bitter sweet all at the same time. Can’t wait to hear that you arrived safe and sound without any troubles on the way.
Good Luck! May you find what you are looking for and more.
Happy travels you three! How exciting to be back in places that will help you recapture your memories and inspire your writing! Especially when you can share them with Maddy and Rachel which will intensify the experience and make it even more special and joyful!
I wish you well and a safe journey. Sending my love and prayers with you. It will go fast and soon you will be back home in your families’ arms.
Thinking about you and hoping all goes well. Can’t wait for updates and pictures of your trip!
Hope the flights aren’t too bad and hope you have a good time in Singapore (my hometown!). It’s pretty hot and humid there right now =)
Good luck and safe travels!! Looking forward to the updates from a world away.
Safe travels and the best of luck on this wonderful adventure you are setting out on!
P.S. This last pic of Maddy is gorgeous,,,,,but we’re not telling you anything that you don’t already know; are we?????!!!!!!
Travel safe.
I hope this trip brings you much happiness and peace.
What a long trip! But, it will be worth the effort. Best wishes! Safe journeys.
have a safe flight and I hope you enjoy making new memories as much as looking back on already existing beautiful memories
I hope you guys have an uneventful trip to India! I hope that Maddy is an excellent traveler for this waaaay to long trip!
I also hope that you get all you want to get accomplished done while in India!
Maddy is getting so big and is just beautiful as ever! Good luck and safe travels!
Can’t wait for an update from Singapore and hopefully your friend doesn’t burn you with cigarettes this time!
Good luck on this incredible journey. I know Maddy will probably be too young to really remember all of this… but you’re doing something amazing for her. This book is a gift to her (and to Liz). I wish you nothing but peace and happiness while you write and enjoy life in India with Maddy! love and hugs from NJ.
Wishing you safe travels and the best of everything when you arrive in India. I can’t wait to hear of your adventures!!
Have u ever tried taking the car seat in tow, she might feel comfortable and secure in her seat from home, in comparison to the big airline seat. Best of luck in india, can’t wait to read ur adventures with maddie
Good Luck Matt! Cant wait to hear how the travel goes, be safe!
hope everything went well……………and the writing flows in bangalore!!! Can’t wait for the updates.
“i’d like to think these feelings will disappear over time, but i know damn well they won’t. never better, just less intolerable…”
It’s true. My husband died 11 years ago. I have a great life now, content/happy with how things are and who I am. But you always carry that loss with you. It becomes a part of who you are.
Good luck! 45 hours of travel?!? Can’t wait to read your updates from India.
Best wishes on your big adventure! Keeping you guys in my thoughts and prayers.
So incredibly exicted for you and Maddy on this journey. Thanks for letting me in on it as you blog. Best wishes to you, your nanny, and Maddy as you travel.
have a wonderful and safe trip! We will be thinking of your guys!
Good Luck to you and Maddy and Rachel on your adventure. I think it is super exciting and cannot wait to read about your adventures. Take care and hope you have safe travels.
45 hours? Wow! What an adventure for you,Maddie, and Nanny Rachel!!! Best of luck/great wishes, and can’t wait to read your posts from India.
Sara in OKC
I am so excited for you! Good Luck with everything, I can’t wait to “hear’ all about it!
praying that ya’ll’s trip is awesome and safe! have a blast writing and i can’t wait to hear about all of ya’ll’s adventures!
much love and blessings~erin
Loved this post. I think what you are doing is fantastic and how you parents Maddy is amazing. Really, you are an awesome Dad. This post brought tears to my eyes…just thinking about Liz and how things should’ve been but also how you are so brave to go forward into the unknown, the way that you are. I cannot wait to hear about your adventures!!! Maddy will be fine. With you & Rachel there and all the new things and the outdoors- she will do just fine! Amazing adventure and she’ll be back with her toys and her usual surroundings and her daycare before you know it. Safe travels. Hopefully you can update via Twitter a little. I don’t think I can wait to hear how the jouney goes! I hope Maddy does okay on the flights!!!!! All the best,
Kristi in the MN
Good luck! Can’t wait to see how your adventure goes.
Hi Matt – This is my first time posting. I spent a few days and read through your entire blog after reading about your story through another blog. So impressed with how gracefully and truthfully you’ve handled such an unbelievably tragic event. As I told my husband your story, he kept saying he didn’t think he’d be doing as an amazing job as you are raising Maddy. Safe travels and I hope you get what you want/need out of this trip!
Wishing you safe travels, and a peaceful journey.
matt:
best to you & maddie. may india greet you with open arms and bright, warm sunshine!
*
Good luck matt! You are going to have an amazing trip.
Good luck on the 45 hour trip (blech). Maddy is growing so fast – you are doing something right. Can’t wait for the next post.
Wishing you a safe journey!!
Wow! You certainly have been busy! Have a great flight! I can’t wait to read about your many adventures.
“this parenting thing seemed easy when she was young”. Your on crack…I thought I’d lose my mind the first years with my daughters.
I’m reading this feeling very sad and emotional for all the people you’re leaving behind. At the same time I’m intrigued and excited to see Matt and Madeline take on India.
Safe travels!
Good luck Matt!! I hope you and Maddy have a safe trip. I look forward to hearing your updates!!
Best of luck!
All of it, just awesome. Can’t wait to read and see everything you will experience. Thanks for taking us on the ride!
Good luck with the journey Matt. Maddy will be so appreciative of these experiences when she is older – and the effort that you have made to connect her with her mum.
Looking forward to photos of India!
enjoy!
I purposely ran to your site this morning to see what was happening…were you really (really?) leaving, how Maddy was faring, how you were faring.
I wish you safe and happy travel. Take care of yourself and that precious little girl…:) And at the risk of sounding schmaltzy..go get ‘em Tiger!
Traveling mercies, Matt. You and Maddie will be great…enjoy every minute. Glad you have Rachel to help entertain and soothe Maddie on the flight. Blessings from Texas.
So excited for you both! What an awesome experience for you all. My thoughts will be with you in the coming weeks. This has to be hard for you, but also cathartic. Safe travels!!!
can’t wait to hear about all the new memories you and maddy make together!! BEST of luck on your new life, we are all rooting for you two!!
amazed at how much sweet maddy has grown and if you need to hear it again…you’re doing an amazing job with her!!
hoping the plane rides go great for you, maddy and rachel!! looking forward to the new post from your new home!
Hope all goes well with the traveling!
Sending good juju your way for safe and easy travel.
Stupid Travel Clinic, indeed.
I really wish you guys the best ofluck and I hope you have an amazing journey (once you’re past the 45 hours of travel…ick!), and I’m sure that bittersweet though some parts will be, you will have an awesome time. Let the beauty wash over you.
Best of luck to you during the trip! Hope you have lots of fun, and create many cherished memories with Mady. ::hugs::
Good luck, safe travels… hope Maddie doesn’t cry the whole flight. Can’t wait to hear an update. Its so evident how much you loved Liz, and I only wish more men could have that love for their wives… you are truly amazing Matt! Have a wonderful trip! Can’t wait to get my hands on that book!
I wish you and Maddy all the best! So exciting. Do not let that cigarette burning friend anywhere near Ms. Maddy!
Matt I am SUPER excited and cannot wait to hear updates and get pics!! Wishing you guys nothing but the best and a safe trip! 45 hrs?!?! Peace be w you and Nanny Rachel! Yikes! Take care and bon voyage!!
I have followed you since you made the first sad announcement on this crazy, wonderful blog, and I have watched as you and your daughter have evolved. You are part of our lives. I have cried with you and laughed as well, sent books and checks along the way, and thought about how, despite my view that the world is really a sad place, it is also full of good souls. Yesterday I made Indian food in your honor. Be well, enjoy the journey. We all want the best for you both.
Best wishes Matt on your incredible new adventure!
I am excited and nervous for you. I’m so glad you’ll have Nanny Rachel helping you all. Hugs.
I hope your travels are smooth, stress-free, and easy. I’ll be thinking about you buys. Can’t wait to hear all about your adventures.
Too bad no one won the contest.
Have a GREAT time on your trip!
Hope all goes well with the trip! Good luck with your writing!
Kudos to you for creating a lifetime of new experiences for Maddy, tying her world to her mommy’s. She is certainly a lucky girl. Have a wonderful time in India…and good luck on the plane!
safe travels Matt, Maddy and Nanny Rachel!!!
Urgh! I just realized how CLOSE my guess was! I said 23 lbs 6 oz and 31 1/2 lbs. *pouts*
Oh my! What an adventure for the two of you!!
Safe travels and happy trails and tales!
Godspeed to all three of you.
Best of luck Matt! I hope this trip gives you even more than you hoped for.
45 hours of travel? Wow!
Hi Matt! I just wanted to wish you and Maddy a safe and wonderful trip. Liz would be so incredibly proud of you.
Take care! and try to take some pics and post them from Singapore. I lived there for 3 years and loved it.
Lots of thoughts going out to you and that precious little girl.
Have lots of fun too! I can’t wait to read your book when it’s finished.
Good luck and safe travels! What a great gift–showing your daughter the world.
AWESOME! Can’t wait to see you and your entourage (
hehe) here in Bangalore. Fly safe!
Good luck with the trip!!! Can’t wait to hear about your adventures.
Safe travels, Matt! Best wishes on this new chapter in your life!
Good luck! Can’t wait to hear from you how it went!
Can’t wait to hear about your adventure. Safe travels!
I cannot wait to read of your adventures!! Hope the trip to India goes smoothly all around. Have an amazing time!
Whew! Be well–and I wish you happiness. I’m really looking forward to the reports from India–it’s a culture that facinates me.
Matt and Maddie,
Hope that the trip goes well for you and you find some unexpected peace. You will find that the next 2 months will fly by and maybe 2 months won’t be long enough.
I have loved reading your blog, you are doing such an incredible job!!! Most Sincerely, Carroll
Bon Voyage!
looking forward to the book and updates on your new life with Madeline!
I think what I love most about your blog, Matt, is that you show us that even in the face of overwhelming shitty life stuff, you continue to push the envelope and put one foot in front of the other. Like you said, never better just less intolerable… and life keep moving forward.
Best of luck and good travel vibes to the 3 of you!
Have a safe trip! Can’t wait to hear about it and see all the pictures! Take care,
Debbie
so excited for you guys! i know parts of these travels will be really hard but you are doing the right thing…you are pretty freaking amazing.
To paraphrase from pooh, “an adventure is going to happen.” I am looking forward to the posts and pictures from this new chapter in your life!
have a safe trip over! i cannot wait to hear about all your new adventures with that precious little girl of yours : )
Matt – have a refreshing trip. Hope you and the rest of the passengers still have some hearing left after your flights.
Write a lot and have some fun. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
(((hugs)))
Have a wonderful time – your journey is bound to be amazing! Looking forward to hearing your tales and seeing your pics. Take good care of you.
I was thinking of you and Maddy this weekend. I wondered where you’d be staying, what you’d do. Can’t wait for the updates as you can write them. Stay safe and enjoy.
Safe travels, Matt!
Wishing you, Maddy and Rachel a wonderful trip!
Will be thinking about you all (as always) over the next few days and hoping your flights are filled with a beautiful, sleeping child.
Much love,
Sarah
Wow, have a safe trip and can’t wait to hear more!
Safe travels to you…
Safe travels! What an exciting adventure
Bon Voyaggie guys! I wish you a peaceful and enlightened journey, or something sappy to that effect. I’m not huge on the whole “reglious” thing (to each their own) but I like to think Liz is right there, traveling with you the whole time. Although I do believe she got herself bumped up to 1st class for the LAX-HKG leg. ;-P
Good luck on the flight and the trip. Can’t wait for an update on the exciting adventure!
happy trails to you, maddy and rachel. here’s hoping the next 45 hours are as uneventful as possible.
you are so brave.
can’t wait to hear from you!
The best of wishes and happy travels to you and your favorite girl. Can not wait to read of your adventure and see how she grows.
So with this last minute packing, are you rushing to the airport? Curious, it’s an oddity to me because it takes over a week to get ready for any trip we take. Things tend to get over thought at our house.
How incredibly significant that this is Maddy’s 25th round trip flight…. bon voyage…
Safe travels, Matt! I can’t wait to hear about your and Maddie’s adventures in India.
New to the blog, absolutely love it. Feel like I’m right there. If you already have this stuff, ignore this but for my 2 year old I load up my Ipod touch with tv shows he loves. Max n Ruby, Super Why (you know the kind) and toddler games too. (so much easier to tote than a portable DVD player) That coupled with tons of snacks, & letting him run wild in the gate area. Some people hate letting your kids walk up and down the aisle when your on the plane but I don’t care. I feel sorry for my kid when we fly to the west coast from the east. I wish you the best!!
amazing. be safe. have fun. can’t wait to hear how the travel goes. I want to pre-order the book today.
Safe travels to all three of you!!!
<3
Take care on this next part of your journey…we’ll all be thinking about you, Maddy, and Rachel!
Can’t wait to hear about your travels! Be safe and good luck!
De-lurking to wish you luck & safe travels. Your daughter is beautiful and your parenting inspiring. I hope you find some peace in your new temporary home.
Good luck Matt and safe travels! I hope Maddy can have the best experience possible with the long flights and you to for that matter!! Looking forward to the next post. Take Care!
Safe travels Matt. I can’t wait to hear about Maddy’s adventures in India.
Safe Travels to you all! What an amazing adventure you are about to begin!
Take care!
That’s a big change for you and Maddy! I feel happy for you two
Have fun traveling around the world! singapore? hmm that’s in the same time zone as I’m in now! It’s a pretty (and really really clean) country. Enjoy your stay!
do try out their jackfruit! and bring tons of summer clothes ‘ause it’s realy hot there
The best of luck and joy for this trip.
I am so excited for you both. What a great experience for you! Enjoy it as much as you can and blog about as often. You are a great dad with an amazingly beautiful daughter!
Congrats
Matt…best of luck and SAFE travels!
Safe travels and I am sure Maddy will sleep some of the 45 hours!!!! Can not wait for the update and some pics.
Hi Matt. Another fabulous post!! I wanted to come by and wish you, Maddy and Rachel very safe travels. Can’t wait to read all about your adventure!!! Stay safe and good luck with your writing!!! :0)
I hope all is well, wherever you guys are.
Best of luck to you and Maddy (+ Nanny!) on your new adventure. I hope for a safe and sound journey, and it all goes well. Looking forward to hearing an update when you arrive.
I eagerly await this book, I will be first in line to purchase!!
Maybe it’s too late, but if not… get Maddy the Color Wonder markers! Great lifesaver for the plane!
Take care, be safe, enjoy Maddy as usual!
Hope all goes well and travel safe! Hope Maddy sleeps a lot for you!
travel well and safe…we, the internet, are waiting with baited breath to read about this new Chapter in your life.
Much luck and love…although you may find yourself questioning it…It really does seem (from my corner of the world) that you are exactly in the right place…right now for both you and Maddie.
What a bittersweet journey you are taking. I admire your strength–revisiting places you and Liz travelled together. Maddy is lucky to have such a wonderful father.
Wishing you all a wonderful trip!
Good luck Matt!!! What you’re doing is a great thing. I hope Madeline adjusts well to everything in India.
Safe travels. I’m sure you’ll both be fine. Can’t wait for an update!
Matt,
I will be thinking of you, Maddie, and Rachel as you travel. I am excited to hear all about your travels. I know this trip will be bittersweet but I am hoping for more of the sweet for you and your best girl.
Thank you for giving us this last update before your trip. Sounds like you guys had a busy weekend. I’m so happy you are doing this with such a positive energy. The Doctor is right this is going to be so so great for Maddy. I’m glad to hear she is doing well and growing so so fast. Congratulations on that! I’m sure Maddy will do just fine during the flight(s), she is an angel and will continue to be one. I’m thinking of you both constanly and praying that this adventure turns out to be what you wanted it to be and what you wished for and deserve. Only the best my friend. Hugs
Good luck! I think what your doing is so amazing and I look forward to updates!
Safe travels! From a selfish perspective, I am looking forward to reading about your stay in India as I have always wanted to go, but haven’t been able to save enough yet (stupid student loans). From a less selfish perspective, I am anxious to read how this trip does you right. Maddie is so lucky to have a father who loves her so much and literally goes to the ends of the earth for her.
45 hours! I can’t even imagine. Safe travels to you and Maddy and Rachel. Hugs to you all.
Cant wait to witness your journey via following your blog….blessings and prayer for a safe, and enlightening trip!
Heather in NC
Have a wonderful time and stay safe!
I can’t wait to hear the updates! I hope your travels go safely and smoothly and I wish you nothing but good times, happy memories and success with your book! May God bless you and your sweet girl in this new adventure!
Have a wonderful time.
Can’t wait to hear about your travels.
Can’t wait to see some amazing pictures.
Be safe. Be well. Best wishes.
Good luck Matt! Have a safe trip and an amazing experience!
up, up and away matt., how awesome…..what an experience and what an opportunity. Your awesomeness astounds me, sobers me and makes me treasure so much stuff so much more. ALl the luck in your travels and know we are thinking, praying, and jealous all the same. hugs!
Good luck, be safe & have the MOST amazing adventure…
AMAZING! i cant wait to read all about it. thinking of you and wishing you safe (long) travels.
Wishing you a wonderful and safe trip.
Cannot wait to hear all about it! Good luck you guys!!
Praying for a smooth trip.
I am wishing you the best as you embark on this new adventure. I hope that you guys have safe and fun travels and some sleep during the 45 hours (yikes!). This post was so touching. You are a great parent and you are doing so much for Madeline. I think you are more of a “natural” than you give yourself create for. You have risen from the worst experience and created this beautiful life for her. Thank you for sharing. As a mother, I am inspired by your experiences to provide my own daughter with wonderful adventures and memories. Your doing a great job! I will continue to tell you that on every post.
45 hours of traveling!? You really are crazy!
I know that it will be worth it though!
Safe travels and enjoy every moment! The 3 of you will be in my thoughts. I am so excited for you guys! Anxiously awaiting the first update from across the world…
traveling with you and confident that all the memories new and old will enrich you! your www. of creepy friends will hopefully help carry you thru difficult days on old paths. your incredible family will hold you up through everything as always!
PEACE!
it’s going to be amazing. praying for safe travels for you guys.
How exciting, wonderful and bittersweet all at the same time!
I wish you, Maddy and Rachel safe travels and tons of memories to come back to LA with!
Good Luck Matt. Maddie and Rachel. I hope your trip is very theraputic and you share your experiences with us while away.
I cant wait to read your book.
Take care
Sarah
Wow. This was such an amazing entry. I shouldn’t read your blog when I’m already emotional.
Tears and laughing all that the same time.
I laughed when you talked about how Maddy would be up to Liz’s waist at 18 months. That was so cute, what a vision. Maddy is growing so big and strong–all thanks to the awesome Daddy you are. Liz is so proud of you.
This adventure will be great. The trip there will probably be tough, but it will be worth it. I know some healing will take place in India-I just know it. You will also create some great memories with Maddy-she will be eternally grateful when she’s older that you did everything you could for her to know her Mommy.
My prayers are with you as you travel for the next few days. I can’t wait to hear an update from Singapore!
OMG The time is here… You are on a plane now headed to this new experience. Enjoy your time there. Can’t wait to see pictures and hear how Maddy’s 45 hour travel experience is… best of luck to you Matt !! I think I speak for most people following you- we are so very proud to be a part of this, very proud of you and can’t wait to read the book !!!
My thoughts & prayers are with you all during your travel and time there.
Matt and Maddy, I’m so proud of you. I can’t imagine leaving a life you know for a life of the unknown, writing in a foreign place, going against all you are used to, with your daily routine and your daily lives. But as you said, it’s not like you thought it would be. Best of luck as you travel and create a lifetime of experiences for you and Maddy together.
Travel safe and can’t wait to hear of your adventures!!!
Happy Trails. The feelings that are under there will come, and you will feel them.
Lucky you, in many ways. Too many would avoid, shove down, ignore.
Oh, and btw, every time someone compliments me on my boys, I shudder to think of all the parenting mistakes I have made, and continue to make. They do turn out to be lovely people, despite us, eh?
Can’t wait to keep reading…
Happy, happy trails to you all.
Wishing you all a great, but mostly SAFE, trip! I can’t wait to read all about it.
Wishing you all the best on this adventure. What a need experience for the two for you! Praying for a safe trip and a wonderful stay!
Wishing you safe travels, can’t wait to read the updates and I hope Maddy does well for you two on the plane.
safe travels, best of wishes on the next chapter of this amazing journey.
Safe travels, Matt & Maddy. So proud of you for taking this giant leap of faith. I know it will be turning point in your life…a good turning point. Take care, be safe. See you soon.
Wishing you safe travels & many happy adventures in India! I hope that it is everything that you want and need it to be. I never met Liz, but I know she would be so proud of you for the life you have made for yourself & Maddy in spite of your heartache. Can’t wait to hear all about your trip & see pictures of our beautiful Maddy (can we call her ours? I think we all want to claim her!) We’ll be praying for you guys.
Matt, it always feels kind of weird to say this, but I’m proud of you. I know writing the book will be an emotional rollercoaster, but you have truly learned to ride out the ups and downs. Looking forward to your updates.
My girl should be arriving around the time you return. (OMG! I’m not ready!!) I expect you’ll have to have some meetings with your publisher in NY, so we can introduce the girls. (Has Maddy learned about “gentle” yet?) Counting on you for the “lazy parenting tips.”
Have a safe trip! Here’s hoping Maddy sleeps and/or is quiet for your flights!
Wishing you all well and feeling so much excitement for you and what the next couple months hold for you. Enjoy & I’ll keep reading!
Have a safe trip! Looking forward to following you on your journey. Best of luck!!
How exciting and nerve-racking all at once! Enjoy this amazing experience with your daughter! You two will be in my thoughts and prayers, as usual, but even more so with a crazy 45 hr flight/travel time!! Can’t wait for the first Bangalore post!
Best of luck!!
Have a great trip and an easy flight!
Safe travels Matt, Maddy and Rachel! What an awesome adventure!
hope ya’ll are there safe and sound! can’t wait to hear more!
This sounds like a life changing trip for you and Madeline. Wishing you safe travels and hoping you find a kind of peace that you weren’t sure could exist again.
Best of luck, Matt …. to all 3 of you.
I’m excited for you and look forward to reading all about your time over there …. as well as reading THE book.
You’re in my thoughts,
Janine
Happy, easy, and safe travels for you and for Maddy. Best of luck writing your book.
I remember when I quit my job and started my own creative business, very far from the corporate world. The fact that I could structure my day so that my work was being done when the rest of the world was crowding the streets, was a luxury. Setting work hours in my studio was both a freedom and a challenge. You’ll love it though. Being there for your child and working at the same time and having someone to help you so you can have that flexibility is such a gift.
I’ve never met you guys, and you’re still going to be posting…but I feel sad that you are leaving! You will be missed.
thinking of you as you take on this incredible adventure. have you read “a field guide to getting lost”? be well matt.
Wow – 45 hour trip? That’s amazing! I think you’re so brave doing this and I think you’re going to do a great job at it too. Good luck and we’ll be here waiting to hear all about it!
Wishing you 3 all the best! Have a safe, amazing, awesome trip! Praying it will be just what you need. Enjoy!!
45 hours of travel??? You’re a crazy man, but I know you’ll love (hopefully) every minute of it. It’s going to be great! Just think like Obama…”yes, we can!” Good luck on the flights!
Safe travels, peace and blessings with you on your journey Matt and Madeline. Please check in often.
Happy Trails. I pray that your flight is even and event free. Best of luck on the writing. You will be fine.
So exciting! I was getting teary reading this post. So much going on. Many prayers for a safe trip and easy flights.
Hey Matt and Maddy,
I don’t comment much on your blog, but just wanted to wish you and Maddy the best of luck in your adventure. You’re doing such a wonderful thing for your daughter! I can’t wait to see all the updates from your trip!
Take care
I know this is in no way anywhere NEAR the life you wanted, but it is amazing, nonetheless.
I haven’t lost a spouse (well not to death, just your general ass-hat-ery of adultery), but I still marvel at all the ways my life has suprised me. I don’t know if I am “happy”, but a million happy moments find their way to me, always when I least expect it. I hope you find the same.
Best of luck to you —this is an extreme thing to do and I wish you a postive turn out. Keep us posted…
hope you have a wonderful and peaceful trip, Matt!! so excited for you and can’t wait to hear about all your adventures, now and for years to come. I’m also REALLY looking forward to this book, I know it will be awesome
thanks for sharing everything with all of us, you’re a big inspiration for me and many others!
No one guessed correctly??? Out of 646 comments?!
45 hours of travel…yup, you’re officially nuts. It’s going to go well with you and Rachel entertaining a seasoned traveler like Miss Maddy.
I just hope you finally packed…
In all seriousness, have a safe trip. I hope this trip brings the experiences you want as you begin this new chapter. It will be life changing and life affirming. You ARE doing the right thing, but you already knew that in your heart. It’s leading you where you should go and this will be wonderful time of exploration for you and Maddy. You ARE a great daddy, and you’re right, it gets harder as they get older. You’ll keep on growing with her.
Tell Maddy not to wear out Rachel all in the first week. The three of you will be in everyone’s hearts as this journey beings.
Praying for safe travels for you all and hope you get to share with us soon from there.
Looking forward to it!
You are doing such an amazing job. I think it’s incredible that you are going on this adventure with such purpose….sharpen memories, build for the future, teach Maddy about her mom, add a chapter (literally and otherwise). Safe travels.
happy and safe travels to you, maddy & rachel! i hope you have an awesome fucking trip–you deserve it. can’t wait to see what adventures await you on the other side of the world! <3
Matt and Maddy, I’m so excited for you guys and a little teary. I hope you have a wonderful time and it’s an excellent experience for you both. I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Have fun!!
Matt, so excited and happy for you, Maddy & Rachel. Bittersweet most definitely…but memories made with Maddy for Maddy! Can’t wait to hear more updates. Have a very safe flight! Enjoy the next 2 mos. Stay safe! XX
Good luck Matt and Madeline! I hope your trip and interesting, fun, entertaining, successful and safe.
All the best to you and Maddy in this adventure. So excited for the two of you… much love.
Oh my God! It’s so incredibly cool that you’re going to India and taking your baby. I wish I had the guts to do that. I’m a Nervous Nellie. After seeing you do it though, maybe I’ll have the nerve. We’ve always wanted to go to Russia.
We’ll be thinking of you and sending you good travel Ju-Ju!! Sleep, Maddy, Sleep!
Hope you three have a safe trip and a wonderful time in India.
Eat some Curry for me.
Good luck Matt!!
I hope Maddy lets you get some rest during your travels…..
I think you are a great father, I don’t see any deficiencies.
Hi! Am a regular reader from Singapore, really glad that you guys will be stopping over, albeit for only 19 hours.
Have a safe trip and may you find inspiration in the most unlikely of things.
God Bless ya and your family!
Matt- I’m sure this new adventure is scary, but I know this is a well-thought out journey and your calling for now. It will be a great, perhaps bittersweet, but new adventure for not just you, but for your best girl, Madeline! It’s a moment in time to get done what you need to get done- and we’re all dying to get a copy of this book! happy writing and travels! glad rachel will be a good companion.
as for the toddler phase, you are so right about a baby being easy compared to now!i feel your pain! my 17 month old son has become a new person i often can’t physically or mentally deal with. i hope it’s a phase! maddie is so healthy, happy, and gorgeous- so don’t be hard on yourself- you are doing a FABULOUS job! my husband would have probably failed solo by now, so again- you truly are doing a great job daddy! wishing you the best!!! as always! liz would be sooooo proud! i know just know it! take care.
If Maddy points to spiders and calls them her friends, you can blame me for that–on Saturday, she and I tried to find where one of them went in your “ball” tree. I had to take her back three times so we could try to find it again (no luck though).
Have a great trip and get that damn draft done!
Safe journey. What a wonderful idea to revisit those places.
safe travels!!
wow this is all so crazy exciting! Write fast, i can’t wait for that book!
Good Luck!!! Hope you guys have a safe trip
Matt – I’m so happy for you and inspired by you. You’re doing it. Sending all my best thoughts for safe travel and a quick adjustment to your new life.
Good luck and have a safe trip!
Good luck Matt and Maddy! Cant wait to follow this new journey…
all th every bes for your trip. Look forward to hearing how you get on
I am so excited for you both! Your adventures with Maddy are always so great to hear about. I think that it is so awesome you are taking her to the same places that you and Liz visited. She is such a lucky little girl to experience so much. Liz would be so proud of all that you two have done together!! Good luck in India and I hope your long trip is a good one. I’m sure Maddy will have a ball! Thanks for sharing with us, I really enjoy reading your blog and keeping up with you both. I hope that this trip is what you hope and more.
Safe travels. Best of luck on your adventure. I know it will be a success!
I’ve always thought escapism and running away are highly underrated, so I’m extra happy you’ve chosen this course, and P, B, and I wish you all the best for a safe, healthy, and satisfying adventure! Your trip makes me think of this quote:
“Traveling is not just seeing the new; it is also leaving behind. Not just opening doors; also closing them behind you, never to return. But the place you have left forever is always there for you to see whenever you shut your eyes.” (Jan Myrdal)
And these from Albert Camus, an all-around great travel companion:
“Travel…brings us back to ourselves.” “Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better.”
“Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.”
He’s even got tips for your book, though clearly you’ve known this instinctively all along:
“Those who write clearly have readers, those who write obscurely have commentators.”
What an incredible, life-changing adventure you two are about to experience. Wishing you safe travels!
Wishing the three of you safe, fun, and beautiful travels.
All the best on your next step!
So excited for you guys!! Have a safe trip and write soon.
Best wishes
Have a great trip! I am very excited for you guys just reading this blog entry!
why this made me tear up, i’ll never know. but i’ll be wishing you 3 Godspeed to India. and praying for safe travels everywhere you go. you’re doing a wonderful thing for Maddie and for yourself, even if you don’t see it yet. and it’s wonderful that life has provided you with a way to afford these trips with your favourite girl. have an exciting time. and not to mention lots of fun. can’t wait for another update and more pictures! God bless you, matt. take care of that lil angel! *hugs and love always*
Good luck and safe travels. You are doing a wonderful thing and Maddy is so lucky to have you as her dad. Can’t wait to hear from you again!
Here’s to making some memories…
and good luck!
All the best to you and Madeline on your journey across the world!
I love India. I spent two summers there when I was in high school. It’s not too often I meet Americans who think of it as a number one travel spot. I look forward to your updates while you’re there. I hope this journey is everything you’re hoping for.
Have a happy and safe trip. You will deserve a gold star after 45 hours traveling!
Bummer about the no one guessing right, I was close and sadly I think that was my original guess. Oh well. Better luck next time.
Best of luck and good health and safe peaceful travels for you three.
So happy to be able to follow this journey with you!
Take Care and Have Fun.
Hey Matt,
I´ve been reading your blog for quite some time now. I just wanted to tell you, being a very enthusiastic traveller my self, I just LOVE this next step of your life. I wish you, Madeline and the nanny a good, safe and happy trip. Enjoy!
be safe, m&m&rachel. xoxoxox
Best of luck!! Will be thinking of the you, Madeline and nanny Rachel while you travel. Can’t wait to see the pictures and hear about India!
Have a safe trip. Can’t wait to hear from you after you are settled!
Safe travels Matt, Maddie & Rachel. Can’t wait to hear about your adventures and to get your book!
Hi matey
You are one of the best daddies in the whole wide world (sorry, but i have to have some allegiance to my DP!). Madeline will love the trip!!!
I looked at the photos of Maddy and oh my, how she’s changing!! Its amazing watching kids’ faces change as they grow. She is beyond gorgeous.
I’m sending you my love and best, best wishes for your trip. May be next time, you’ll make a trip down under???
bon voyage! can’t wait to see the photos from India!
Safe travels and some happy, easy flight wishes being sent your way Matt & Maddie!! Looking forward to reading your updates!!
Wishing you many blessings as you start this adventure. I hope you get all the writing done that you want/need to do. But also hope the three of you have a wonderful time. All the creeps look forward to you returning stateside!
Safe Travels and Good Luck! I am so looking forward to reading all about your journeys! I love that purple dress with the white detail!! She looks so cute!! I am so happy for you both!!
Oh and….
I was so freaking Close! I guessed her weight even to the ounce!! But not her height :*( DAMN!
((((HUGS))))) for you and Maddy on your new Awesome future ahead!!
I’m so excited for you guys, I hope you’re having a great (quiet) flight. Can’t wait to hear how things are going!
Best of luck on your journey.
Can not wait to hear about the adventures and new experiences you get to share with Maddy!
Hope the 45 hour travel goes smoothly and as quick as it can!
P.S. Love the picture you have on the bottom of the screen
I’ve never posted before but have been reading your blog for a long time….Good luck in your travels and I hope you find some comfort along the way to guide you! Can’t wait to read your book!
Good luck! Safe travels:)
Happy travels to you both. I know this amazing trip will bring nothing but good things and I can’t wait to read all about it.
Wishing you all the best – and a safe, peaceful journey.
Looking forward to hearing all about it!
A new chapter. Lift the book, turn the pages. . . It’s been one hell of a read so far!
My best wishes go with you both.
All the best Matt and Madeline! Hoping the trip over goes smoothly (so fucking LONG!) and you both settle in nicely. I look forward to reading of your adventures there. Very exciting!
Have a safe trip Matt and Maddy. By the way, she looks so gorgeous in her lavender dress!!! Kisses to maddy………..good luck!!!!
Poo…I was off by 2 ounces and a half an inch!!!
She’s growing beautifully. By the way, did you know that if you double a little girl’s height at 18 months, that is her approximate adult height? That will put her at 62.5″ or 5 feet 2.5″ tall as an adult. I would say you could probably add an inch to that for good measure, since she was early and technically wouldn’t have been 18 months old for a little while longer.
Anyway, I hope that your trip over to India is safe and pleasant and that you have some wonderful experiences over there. Can’t wait to hear how things are going.
Your doing it. So proud of you both!
Best of Luck M&M! I hope your trip brings you much joy and a brain full of overflowing words to seep onto the pages!
45 hours. 45 whole hours.
safe travels to you and everyone’s favorite girl.
Safe travels Matt, Maddy and Rachel. I have been following your journey since day one, and it is so amazing to see how many obstacles you two have overcome and to see how far you both have come in 18 months!! This new chapter in your life is so exciting and bittersweet at the same time….this post, like many others, brought tears to my eyes to think about your new journey and how you are making memories as a famiy of two when it should have been three…you are an amazing Dad, and Maddy is one lucky little girl to have a father like you and to have such amazing travels learning first hand what an amazing and special woman her mother is/was.
I look forward to the updates, pictures and twitters from India!! Take care and have an amazing journey reliving old memories and making new ones with your best girl!!
Shannon in Victoria
Wishing you the best of luck and safe travels!
Hope you are surviving the 45 hour trip and are able to rest!! Have fun!
One of these days SOMEONE will win your contests again. I was pretty close:
23 pounds, 10 ounces vs. my guess of 23 pounds, 2 oz
and was 31 1/4 tall. vs my guess of 31.5 inches tall.
damn…. so close to getting her stats correct! got her exact weight but missed her height by a few mm’s…. I’m bummed!
I just did 36 hours from London to Perth, Australia with a 2yr old & a 7 month old – two words.. GOOD LUCK! its hard, but its over in 45 hours and its worth it!
Good luck Matt & Maddie.
What an exciting adventure!!
I am so excited for you and Maddy. I so admire you for listening to your heart and your gut and taking this leap. It will be amazing, I just know it, and I can’t wait to hear about everything!
Safe travels to you, Maddy and Rachel.
All the best and have lots of fun, you deserve it.
how is your beard back in full force already?! you’re a freak of nature, man
enjoy your travels!
You know, none of us are perfect parents. We all fuck up. Even if Liz had been there you’d be second guessing yourselves, because we all do it. You’re a wonderful father. And there is no point in wondering if a decision is the right decision, beacause it’s made, so you’re gonna do it, and if you decide later that it’s not the path you want to be on, then you’ll make another decision. Embrace the now, and tomorrow will take care of itself. Good luck with your trip, hope Maddy takes the travel ok. (She should be fine, she’s got more air time than my luggage!) Can’t wait to hear your new updates and see your new photos.
All the best to you on your travels!
Can’t wait to hear from you in the India.
Safe travels. I cant wait to read your book. I will be first in line at the bookstore to buy it. I have been reading your blog since I saw you on Oprah – so fairly new. but thank you and take care of yourselves
Thanks for the update and pictures, Matt! Good luck while you travel with the little one, it’s good you’ll have help with you. Stay healthy over there!
Have fun making new memories, as tough as it will be now… you will be glad you did it.
Inspiring Matthew.
Godspeed, and looking forward to reading all about your adventure.
I am so excited for you!
I hope and pray you all have a wonderful time, stay safe, and get a lot of writing done. I hope these new memories are fun to make – and with Maddy, I’m sure they will be!
Have a safe trip! Can’t wait to hear from you when you get over the jet lag!
Like Indiana Jones stepping off to the next block that has yet to appear under his foot…
You are brave for taking this leap of faith!
I’m sure you will find your ground –
and sure you will have a grand adventure.
Can’t wait to hear about it all!
Bon Voyage
(I guess you are somewhere en route right about now!)
God speed, brother.
Good luck!
Stay happy – write write write!
You are so brave to take a 45hr trip with a 1.5 yr old. I’m just going to Alberta from the east coast with my 7 month old and I’m scared shitless of how the flight will go. But you’ve taken so many flights with her that you’re a pro now! I hope you have a safe trip while you’re in India and i can’t wait to see the pictures and read the posts from there.
p.s. where do you buy maddy’s dresses?? they are absolutely adorable! especially the light purple one she’s wearing outside in the pics above.