a few months ago
i got a call
from my bud, chrissy
who writes the storked! blog
over at glamour,
asking if we
wanted to join her
and her son, jack
on a free disney cruise.
while, i’m not
really a cruise
kind of guy, but
i agreed to go,
because i figured maddy
would love it,
and yeah.
it was free.
besides, i thought it
was pretty cool that
this was the
first cruise for
both of us.
oh.
and did i mention
it was free?
(i think i’ve now satisfied the fcc ).
all i had to
take care of was the
flight, food (when not on the ship),
and booze.
sounded like
a pretty good deal
to me, especially because
we were going to
escape the cold
of mn for sunny
orlando and
the bahamas.
so last wednesday
we went to
the airport,
round trip flight #30
for maddy,
and i watched
as one of my
dreams was finally realized.
as we waited
for our flight,
madeline colored
and i told her
that we were going
on an airplane,
and the next
day we’d be
on a boat.
she repeated,
“aaaaa boat.”
“aaaaa boat.”
“aaaaa boat.”
“aaaaa boat.”
over and over again,
and thanks to
aj, all i
could think about
was this song
(totally nsfw, nsfc, & nsfpwnsh)
anyway.
we got on the
flight and soon
enough we were in orlando.
met up with
chrissy and jack
and made our
way to the hotel
where we’d spend
a night before
heading out for
our cruise.
orlando was cold.
i mean, really cold.
in the thirties.
not what i expected,
but it was
still warmer than mn.
we got settled in,
the went out for
a late lunch.
maddy lost a shoe
somewhere along
the way, which sucked.
she usually yells, “uh oh”
when her shoe
pops off, but this
time she was
a little distracted
and failed to let
me know.
oh well.
after lunch
we all headed to
epcot and froze our
asses off while we
wandered around the park.
it was weird.
i was here a
few years ago with
liz,
when she was working
for disney and was
on a business trip.
we spent a couple
of days at the parks,
and talked about
how much our future
children would someday
love her
because she could
get them into
the parks for free.
…
i picked out these
ears for maddy
but ultimately she
ended up with these:
we caught up with
our friends, danielle
and her husband, robert
and walked with them
for a bit
before saying goodbye
to chrissy and jack
for the night.
maddy ran around
and made lots
of friends at the
bar while danielle, robert
and i had a drink
and talked.
we watched the fireworks,
before deciding it
was too cold
to be outside.
that night maddy
did a lot
of coloring
while i enjoyed some room service.
thursday morning
we had breakfast
with some new friends,
and maddy went from scared
to skeptical
to acceptance
in fewer than 30 mins.
after breakfast we
jumped in a van
and headed to port canaveral.
the kids
talked to each
other and chrissy
and i caught up
on everything
since the last time
we really had
a chance to talk.
as we pulled up to the
port, maddy started in with,
“aaaaa boat”
“aaaaa boat”
all over again,
and i couldn’t
help but laugh.
liz
always talked about
how disney had
efficiency down to
a science, and
she was right.
the check-in process
was way smoother
than i expected,
especially because i
didn’t have any of
my documents with me
(they had been sent to los angeles and we were already in mn when they arrived).
and we were given
a keycard, to be used
to charge
anything on the boat
(and one of the islands).
we arrived in our
room and found
a fruit and cheese plate,
and a bottle of
champagne waiting
for us.
awesome.
we got suited up
for our mandatory
life boat drill,
then headed to
a welcome party.
the kids played on
the deck,
maddy did some dancing,
swept the floor
with her streamers,
then stood on
her head for like,
15 minutes.
after the party
we headed
back to our rooms
so we could
get ready for dinner.
maddy said goodbye
to land
and watched the
sunset from my arms.
we met up
with chrissy and jack
and went off to dinner.
maddy was exhausted
and fell asleep
during the 5 minutes
between ordering and
delivery of her food.
when the adult food
was delivered,
maddy was passed out
in my arms, so
our waiter offered to
cut my steak for me
then fed me
a couple of bites.
maddy woke up after
i had finished
my dessert and chrissy
and jack had
gone back to their room.
the waiter asked me
if he could bring
madeline another meal
to replace the
one she decided not
to eat when she
fell asleep.
that was awesome.
maddy ate the
second meal
then we went to
the theater
for some live entertainment.
maddy doesn’t weigh
quite enough to
keep her seat in place
she clapped along
to the program
and i thought long
and hard about
keeping my cynicism in
check for her.
(i did pretty well).
we were both
a little exhausted
after the performance,
we went back to
the room and
got a little bit of sleep.
friday morning we
woke up
to the sounds of
the boat docking.
first words out of
maddy’s mouth that morning?
you guessed it.
“aaaaa boat”
at least 12 times,
all without
so much as taking
a breath.
man this kid can talk.
we went out to
our deck
and took in the
beautiful sights.
apparently we were
in the bahamas,
docked at the island
of nassau.
pretty cool.
first trip here for
both of us.
i cleaned maddy
up and we
met up with
chrissy and jack
for some breakfast.
i didn’t bring a
stroller with me,
and madeline was less
than interested
in walking on her
own, so i got
a stroller
(available for free for everyone)
from guest services.
we got
off of the ship
and wandered around
nassau for a bit.
later, we hopped in
a cab and
went over to
the atlantis resort.
the kids enjoyed
what turned out to
be a small
part of the aquarium
before we went
out to the beach.
maddy apparently overheard
me when i told
chrissy how much
i wanted a
mobility scooter,
so when i turned
my head she
tried to steal
one for me.
(i love my kid).
maddy fell asleep
as we toured
the rest of the aquarium
and stayed asleep
as we had a
beer on the
steps in front of the fountain.
we made it back
to the ship
before they took off
without us,
got cleaned up
and went to dinner.
maddy enjoyed all
of the theatrics
that happened in
the dining room,
and again, i found
myself checking
my cynical side
at the door.
our kids threw crayons
and food all over
the floor, and
unlike some places
i’ve been,
the waiters didn’t
seem to give a shit.
they just kept smiling,
which is a nice
thing for a
couple of self-concious
single parents with
naughty children
to see.
madeline decided that
she didn’t want to
go to sleep
all that early on
friday night,
so i took her to
to the 9th deck
to take in some
of the activities.
she spent a bunch
of time on my shoulders
then finally got
down and started
drinking,
dancing,
and running.
we both had
a great night
staying up late
and laughing with
one another.
the next morning
we woke up to
grey skies and rain.
and that meant
we weren’t getting off
of the boat.
the crew announced that
the outdoor activities had
been cancelled, and
soon after printed
and distributed a new list of
indoor itineraries for everyone.
we spent the
day running around our cabin
and the
indoor play area
before getting tired
and passing out.
that night
we had another
amazing dinner
and afterwards,
for the first time
on the cruise,
we put the kids
in the day/evening care
facility so we
could have a drink
and watch the football game.
maddy didn’t even say
goodbye as i was
handed a pager
(to be used in case of an emergency or to let you know when they kid was ready to go).
we met up with
some new friends
and spent the night
laughing and talking
about what it’s like
to watch our
children grow up.
picked maddy up
at 10:30 and
we walked around the
ship for a bit
before going back
to our room and sleeping.
when we woke up
on sunday morning
we were already
docked at port canaveral.
we had time to
grab some breakfast
before exiting the
ship and making
our way
back to orlando.
had a nice lunch
at one of the hotels,
and watched as our
kids played with
crayons and cars
and ate popcorn.
(or as maddy put it, “cockcorn”).
the flight home
was lots of fun.
madeline was
overly tired, which
translates to active
as hell.
thanks once again
to our frequent trips,
we were upgraded to
first class,
which pissed off
some dude wearing
a shirt promoting a
las vegas strip club.
wanted to tell the asshole
the same thing
i always think in
my head when someone
complains about my
baby’s behavior
before we’ve even
gotten on the flight…
“she flies all the time, and she’s usually pretty good, but i’m gonna make sure she cries the entire flight, just to piss you off.”
but i didn’t
think he should be
the first person
to actually hear
those words come out
of my mouth
because he looked
like he beats the
shit out of people
every morning just
to feel something.
so i sat
down with her
and tried
to entertain her
with color wonder markers
(love those things, crayola did not pay me to say that, fcc),
and the few toys
we carried with us.
all she wanted
to do was
run up and down
the aisles, knock
on the cockpit door
and talk to
all of the
other passengers
(while i was left to imagine us getting pounced on my an air marshal).
all of the passengers
were more than
happy to engage her,
everyone but the asshole
we’d already encountered.
whatever.
working to our advantage
was the fact that
there were
two very loud
adults in the back
of the first class
section, who shared
their life stories
at volumes more
appropriate for a
loud club.
the flight attendant
and a passenger
told me they were
happy to have
madeline on the flight
because it helped
distract them
from the loud people.
that was nice.
and by the time
the flight landed,
i was exhausted and
my back was
killing me,
and everyone in
first class
(except for you know who)
complimented madeline’s
wonderful behavior
and told me i
was doing a
great job.
what a great
way to end the trip.
so now what?
we’re back in
minnesota until wednesday morning
(oh shit…that’s tomorrow)
when we head down
to mexico with
liz’s
family for our
yearly trip.
can’t wait to get
down there.
maddy will be playing
with the family and
i’ll be sitting
on a swing
at my favorite bar
in the world,
drinking a pacifico or
seven and working
on finishing up
my book.
i couldn’t think
of a more appropriate
place to be.
and this morning
i started planning
maddy’s second
birthday party.
the only thing
set in stone so
far is that on
march 19th
we’re heading
to paris,
a place i haven’t
seen in almost
11 years.
we may do
a bit of traveling from
there, but no
matter what,
i think she’s gonna
have a nice birthday.
165 Comments
Wow what a trip. I cant wait to plan our Disney vacation soon
You guys are quite the jet-setters, it’s awesome! I love seeing Maddy in jeans and the skull t-shirt but what’s up with that clown dress with the pink bow?
You and Maddy have the best adventures! Love the pic of her profile where she is running and dancing. Good luck with the book and enjoy your trips!
You seriously inspire me and I am not even a parent! Keep doing what you are doing because the smile that is always on Maddy’s face says you are doing it well!!!!
Wow, Disney does seem to have everything covered on that cruise!! Sounds like you guys had a great time!
And Paris in the spring!!!!
Wow. I’m so glad you went! Sounds like a blast.
drop by London if you have time… there’s loads to do here =)
Super jealous of your disney cruise, and what an ass about the dude on the plane.
Cant believe how long Maddy’s hair is!
Have fun in Paris.
If you end up in Atlanta at all, we should go get some drinks!
Hey! Glad to see you had fun on the Disney cruise. We r taking Isaac in December. Did you use flounders or the oceaneers club for maddie? Isaac is a month older so I’m curious what we will get to use. Thanks! And I’m jealous about Paris, my fabporite place in the world and can’t wait to bring Isaac there!
So much fun! I had to LOL when I saw the pics of the aquarium, All I can think of is Ricky Martin and She Bangs LOL LOL
@Kimberly in Albany
i played in the oceaneer”s club with madeline, and left her alone in flounder’s.
she had fun in both places, but i think the the oceaneer”s club requires parental supervision for children under a certain age (though i’m not sure what that age is).
So cool that your were in my city for a bit. Sorry it was so cold. Not at all normal for us. Maddy’s hair is getting so long all of a sudden, it seems. She’s one lucky little girl experiencing all these fun things with you!
geez, i wish my parents had taken me to paris for my second birthday. maddy is such a lucky girl! looks like the disney cruise was a blasty.
I was pretty sure I knew where you were when I saw the photos you tweeted. Awesome deal, Matt.
She’s going to love your pictures of her adventures.
Matt and Maddy! Well, sounds like a great time and somewhat relaxing (except the dude in first class). We have done Orlando twice and once supercold like you described. Paris sounds sweet and you gotta treat a girl right on her 2nd birthday!
Best,
Steph in MN
Maddy drinks just like her dad–with both hands and a long pull from the bottle!
As the Frenchies say…Zut Alors!! (ok, I seriously haven’t heard that many frenchies say that, but they did once…) I think you’re just making this trip so you can get that free glass of wine I offered you a while back, when you thought you might come through on your way back from India…even better, now we’ll up that ante to a bottle in proper celebration of Maddy’s 2ieme anniversaire (that’s another French lesson for ya!)
)
The harlequin dress is totally adorable as is the skull T-shirt!
I’m about as cynical as a person can be, but I fucking LOVE Disney. No, I do. Stop laughing. I do.
Matt, I hope you enjoy your trip. I know you will take lots of pics. My dad always said that a girl’s 1st trip to Paris should be with her father because he is the only many who loves her unconditionally from the beginning of her life.
How was the Atlantis resort? I was supposed to go there for work about 6 years ago, but then plans changed. I’ve wanted to get back there ever since.
Sounds like the Disney cruise was fun – were there a lot of activities for toddlers? I’d like to do that with our kids sometime.
Looks like it was a fabulous trip. I had a friend who worked on a disney cruise ship for a few years, he loved it.
Wow, Paris for her birthday, what a lucky girl.
thanks for sharing, now I know it’s possible to take kids on a cruise! What a special girl to have her birthday in Paris! WoW! Way to go, dad!
Holy Moly Daddy! You are one busy pair! Glad you had a wonderful time.
loved the motor scooter heighst Maddy almost pulled off
It sounds like you and Maddy had an awesome time. It is always so nice to hear you guys are doing so well and having fun together. I can’t wait to hear the stories from Paris. Maddy sure is a lucky little girl! Can’t wait to buy your book!
This photo? http://www.flickr.com/photos/49503210657@N01/4265727743 Kicks @$$! Nicely done.
Glad y’all had a great time.
And yeah, she’s too adorable to really get upset with, no matter how hyper she is. (Screaming, on the other hand, might be a little more annoying…)
Also love that she passed out WITH A COOKIE in her hands. Hahaha!
That sounded like such an awesome cruise!! It looks like you and Maddy had a good time. And she’ll love a birthday in Paris. I can’t wait to see your pics from that!
Sounds like an amazing trip for both of you. Enjoy Mexico! Paris sounds like a perfect 2nd bday of a world wide traveler like Maddy.
awesome!! paris for a 2nd birthday!! Can you adopt me?!?
paris? sweet! if you end up in madrid, let me know…moving there feb. 19th.
and maddy looks exactly like you in the “showing off” picture. first time i’ve seen the real resemblance to you. she’s such a little liz!
Great post, and pics, Matt! Sounds like lots of fun! Can’t wait to see pics & hear stories about Mexico, and then Paris,,,,,,,,,,,,,,WOW
Maddy is getting so big, and check out all that hair. I hope you have a great time in Mexico!!
Love your post…Love EVERY post! I wanted to tell you that my daughter turned 2 on January 3rd. We had a Yo Gabba Gabba party and my cousin even made her a dress. I guess I should send you a picture for a laugh. Seriously, you gotta get someone to make Maddy a Gabba dress!
Loved your post and pics. Thanks for sharing with us!
Jackie
Houston, TX
what a fun (free) first cruise for you two!
and she gets to go to paris for her 2nd birthday, you sure know how to spoil a girl!
have a great time in mexico with the family!
Oh, I so totally guessed it on twitter!! Well I knew you were at Disney and told you to hop a Disney cruise to the Bahamas anyway to get out of cold cold Florida. Do I get a fucking prize or what?
Great Blog as always Matt.
Have fun in Mexico
Maddy is growing way to fast. I love the fact she loves traveling and she really dont seem to mind it. Anyway…..shes a beautiful lil girl and you are doing so good with her.
WOW Paris Im jealous
Take care and I look forward to next blog
So glad you made this post! What a fun time. I say it every time…Maddy is so lucky to have you. She is having so many spectacular experiences.
I love that you and Liz talked about how your future kids would love getting into these places for “free”, thanks to her. And look how the starts aligned….Maddy got in for “free”
“cockcorn” LOL!
Wow, what a wonderful trip! Sounds like such an amazing time.
And Mexico next, then Paris? Think you could adopt me?
I cannot believe Maddy’s already going to be 2.
Awesome Tigger ears!
She’s lookin good and getting SO big. Yay Maddy.
And wowza! Paris for her 2nd bday – what a lucky girl. When are you guys heading back here? There’s a direct flight from Paris CDG to the BLR.
Take care M&M…your friends in Bangalore.
what a great trip! Glad you’ve been having some fun.
Wow! That kid is quite the jetsetter. They should make a special passport for Madeline with all of the flying she’s been doing.
What a lovely way to spend a birthday – in Paris. I did that for my 23rd birthday and it was quite the lovely experience.
I commend you for keeping your cynicism in check on the Disney Cruise. Remarkable achievement.
The backwards Tigger hat is classic! She is such a doll baby!!
I have been lurking around here for awhile, but I don’t think I’ve ever commented. I just had to share that my oldest daughter (almost 3) pronounces it “top-porn” instead of popcorn.
You’re doing a really great job. And it always irritates me that people complain about children on flights from ORLANDO – you know, the happiest place on earth!
great. now i have that song stuck in my head. i takes forever to shake it. thanks.
glad you had a great trip, though.
Wow, how fun did that look. I am so happy for you and Madeline. It looks like you had a fantastic trip. Your little girl is going to be a seasonsed world traveler.
Enjoy Paris. I’ve only been once a LONG time ago but I loved it! Can’t wait for the Eiffel Tower shots!
you are so good to your beautiful girl. she has been to more places than i could ever dream of going to! great job to you.
p.s. – when does your book come out? i am dying to read it!
Great pics! Looks like you guys have a FUN time. Can’t wait for the Mexico pics. Have a great and safe flight tomorrow!
You’re pretty darn amazing Matt.
Maddy looks more grown up in every post! This just made me more excited to bring Bridget to Disney for her first trip in May. She’ll be almost 2 as well. My Dad and I are big Disney fans (my husband just a little less so, and my Mom is going just because Bridget is!) Thanks as always for sharing!
Where did you get that adorable dress with the diamond pattern? I love it!
Maddy actually looks like you in some of these photos, instead of Liz’s mini-me!
Paris! Whee! I have been there just once, for part of my honeymoon, 12 years ago August. So beautiful. Although I got the distinct feeling that the Parisians mostly hated us. Dirty stinking Americans.
I didn’t actually click the boat link, but it’s gotta point to Lonely Island, yes? Frickin’ love Andy Samberg.
HI Matt,
I just finished reading you blog from the very start, (I saw you on Oprah a about a week ago) oh my gosh I never been a big reader but you had me hung on your every word.
I got no housework done my baby was forced to sit on the bed while I spent hours and hours reading away… 4 days latter I have finished reading and my heart goes out to you.
I am mother of a 5 month old and my partner works so hard so I can stay home and look after our little girl, but this means that we dont see each other a lot and I often feel like I am a single parent by all means I am not but like you my family live in another state so my support network is limited to great friends. You have inspired me to ensure my little girl has the very best and by this I mean the very best life experices not clothes or toys etc.
Maddy is just adorable I hope that I can do half as good a job that you have done Liz would be proud of what a beautiful outgoing fun loving little girl you are raising…
Well my little one just woke up I look forward to reading more about the matt and maddy adventures
Paris before your second bday? I’d say that’s pretty remarkable. I envy Maddy’s passport!
you write alot.
WOW, you guys are busy. Sounds like an amazing trip. Your daughter is lucky to have such a wonderful daddy. =D
It is true, you are an amazing father… I cannot imagine though being in a constant state of travel. It being a way of life for you, I am sure that you cannot imagine it any other way.
I commend you for holding in your cynical remarks on the Disney Cruise…you actually had fun.
It is so odd reading your blog, bc I feel like I know you and Maddy, well at least what you write on here and you don’t know us. Well, I am sure you know some. Is March 19th her bday? That is mine so just asking. She is adorable. You’re kicking ass with this parenting thing.
Oh, and if so…you want to take me to Paris for my birthday too? I am good with kids….being a social worker and all. JK.
awesome post! Sorry Sunny Florida was not so warm
This artic freeze is not normal, I promise! I loved that the waiter fed you! Only on a disney cruise! I am glad to hear that your book is almost finished! I can’t wait to read it! 
And I am super jealous of all Maddy’s travels! You guys are beating me to Paris by just a few months, but I know she will have an awesome birthday there!
take care!
Aww…. sounds great!! All of it.
What an exciting adventure! Sounds like a splendid time was has by all!
I can’t wait to get back to Paris! I love it there! My husbands family is in France so we get to “stay” for free when we visit! I know you will love it in the Spring!
My little girl will be 2 on March 7th. I’m not going to tell her Maddie will be celebrating in Paris, or my Bella will expect the same (and be sorely disappointed).
Please tell me where you got the skull shirt!
I love your laid back life… you just go and go and go with this little girl and I think it’s awesome she is experiencing the world and doesn’t even know it.
We were just talking about the Disney Cruise. I’m as grateful as always for your great details…love the idea of free strollers
Maddie is beautiful and funny…and those passengers were right…you are doing a great job. Paris! She will steal its heart.
I’ve said a 1000 times: “It should be a law that every girl goes to Paris.” Yet another way Mads is so lucky you’re her daddy.
ps – I’ve followed Sam’s blog about loosing Gary, and so, I dunno the word, proud? of the help you’ve given her. It sucks balls Liz isn’t here to see how much you’re awesomesauce to others in need.
Laughing at the fact the waiter ACTUALLY fed you!
And that was one AWESOME stroller they let you use for FREE!
The standing on her head picture is adorable!! What a lucky girl to go to Paris for her birthday too.
Wowzers! What an awesome trip! Maddy is growing so fast and it looks like she’s having a blast! You better take her back to all these places in about 10 years so she can have some memory other than pictures. And my gosh, she is Liz’s clone. So beautiful.
Mexico sounds amazing. Paris sounds amazing. It sounds like you and Maddy are doing amazingly well. I can’t wait for the book!
She’s getting SO big. Those pictures are all fantastic! I especially love all of the fantastic shots you took of Maddy while she was on your shoulders. Nice!
Disney = My secret guilty pleasure
It’s a good thing we can’t afford it or else we’d be somewhere Disney every other weekend.
My sister in law lives in Paris. I’m DYING to visit her. I’ll have to live vicariously through you and Maddy.
Have a fantastic time on your upcoming journeys!
I can’t wait to read your book!
Did you say “finishing up” your book? WOW! Hope you have a great trip to Mexico and then to Paris!
What an awesome trip!! Safe travels on your upcoming trips. Have fun!
I only live about 4 hours (by car) from Paris! Too bad That Guy I Married is going out of town on the 19th. It would rock to be able to celebrate Maddy’s day.
Wow…I wish that I could have just 1/4 of the traveling experience that Maddy has already! You two both deserve all of these great things that keep coming your way! Wishing you both safe travels on your next round of trips!
AWESOME!! Wow! Paris! amazing! fun…fun… love all the pictures… Maddy is getting so big and she’s as gorgeous as can be!
Disney Cruise.
Congratulations on surviving the inner sanctum of Hell.
(I’m taking my kids in March)
You and Maddy look SO much alike when you both have sleepy faces…crazy.
wow, Paris!?? when are you coming to Greece??
What an amazing trip! And I love the picture of her when she was running, just beautiful. She’s so pretty…she looks just like her Momma! What a wonderful job you are doing with her, all the memories you are making and places you are seeing…she’s very lucky to have you as a Daddy!
~Lindsay
My son has the same Tigger hat from Disney…it was a good choice, but we actually had a couple people stop us to take his picture because he apparently looked really cute. It was pretty odd.
My daughter and I went on a cruise to the Bahamas a few years ago and she was pretty naughty, her favorite activity was running on the long rows of upholstered seats in the buffet dining room like they were her own personal track…we went to meals at odd hours to accommodate this and the waiters didn’t care, they thought it was hilarious.
I’m quite impressed that your waiter cut your steak and fed you some.
Awesome. Not being quite heavy enough for the theatre seat is super cool.
Glad you got to go on that trip, and that you had an brilliant time. Hope Mexico is similar, and give us a wave on your way to Paris.
I have been reading your entries for a while now and I have to say they give me reason to use the internet again. I adore seeing ‘Maddy & Daddy’ and all your adventures. Your tales and photos bring a tear to my eye daily. Continue on your excellent adventure, and don’t ever waste a moment. (I learned this lesson the hard way also. Always tell your baby you love her, that’s the best way to honor and cherish Liz!) ~Lia
So round trip flight number 33 will be to Berlin, right? We’re covered in snow right now, but by April it should be the right time to enjoy all the outdoor cafes here and all the sites the city has to offer. I’ll even buy your first beer.
Tschuß! (start practicing your German)
Kathryn
oh nuts, we leave Paris on the 18th!
How awesome is that?? Although unfortunate not to personally know her mom, Maddy certainly is a lucky girl! I’m amazed at how incredible of a father you truly are! Paris for her 2nd birthday this is amazing, but how do you plan to top this year after year?
I’m sure you will have no problems coming up with something! Congratulations on the free cruise and have fun in Mexico! (So jealous!)
By the way, when are you hoping to have your book out? I can’t wait to get my hands on it! I’m even more excited that you’re making your way to Virginia as part of the book tour!
(Well, I’m hoping so!)
Maddy is the luckiest little girl to have a Daddy like you!!
INDIA
DISNEY CRUISE
PARIS for her 2nd Bday!!
and you live in CA!!
Can you adopt us!?!
Seriously your doing an awesome job at this single parenting thing!! I was a single parent for some time and it can be the hardest most rewarding job you ever do!!
Oh and lots of Awesome pictures, she is growing up so quick!! Love the Hat pictures and sleeping with the cookie~ I love falling a sleep with cookies too!! hahaha!
Thanks for sharing, Awesome post!!
I can’t believe how big Maddy is getting. She really looks like a little girl more than a baby now. Have fun in Mexico; we were just there in October and it was fantastic! Can’t wait for the book:)
What a fabulous trip! I adore Maddy’s skull t-shirt and think she needs this pink skull blanket to go with it.
Too bad you are going to miss the Minnesota heat wave…I hear it will be in the 30′s today. Oh. Boy.
love the update. Glad Maddy and you had fun on your disney cruise..what great memories you are making for her. have fun in Mexico..I am only slightly jealous.
Wow! I think the next book should be titled
Adventures of Maddy…. I would love for you to plan my daughters 6th birthday it is march 12
got any ideas??
She is just beautiful and in my thoughts you are doing a wonderful job!!
Wow! You guys are whirlwind travelers! Would you recommend the cruise to others? Sounds like a fun family trip to take. Maddy is such a little lady!
Looks like you both had a great time on the cruise. I am glad you both got to experience that. I loved all the pictures. Especially the one with her sleeping with the cookie in her hand. So sweet.
Another great trip. Good just checking the cynicism at the door. She’ll thank you for it someday.
I will say that I am beyond impressed on what a wonderful father you are and how Maddie is so worldly at such a young age. I am sure she will never have any fears to try something new as she gets older. I am from MN and a small town on the Western side of the state. I never traveled anywhere until 5 years after I got married and that was only to Hawaii, and I am scared to go anywhere because of the unknown.
Looks like you will be heading off somewhere warm just as Minnesota is starting to warm up. Supposed to be 30-35 today, heat wave compared to the -23 last week. Thanks for all the pictures and updates and letting us live vicariously through you and Maddie. Safe travels and have a great time in Mexico, MN will miss you.
What a wonderful trip! Sounds like you both had a good time. Loved the pictures! Maddy gets prettier all the time!
Sounds like you are some busy, busy people!! I really love the side eye picture of Maddy with Donald Duck. That was priceless!! The picture of her sleeping with the cookie is adorable too. Thanks for sharing and have fun in Mexico!! I am so jealous!
GAH! You were here at my Disney World and I didn’t know? For shame.
We’ve been on one Disney cruise and a few other lines, and Disney is BY FAR the best cruise for kids.
Sounds like fun
Yay for Paris!! I’m currently studying here in Paris! Its a pretty great place! What an awesome place for a 2nd b-day
Hi matt I use my handle as my name as I write it annoyomusly i was inspired by your post to write my own I have mentioned you
the trip spoken about here was a day trip that required a plane some busses etc
http://lifeofthedifferentlyabled.wordpress.com/2010/01/13/for-the-love-of-disney/
I invite you and your readers to come visit
WOW! Paris? Thats pretty awesome!!
Looks like a fun time! Maddy’s skull tshirt is awesome! Where did you get it? Looking forward to hearing about your Paris adventures.
I love the picture of Maddy in front of the Atlantis Aquarium. It almost looks like the shark is coming toward her hand. It made me smile.
I promise we aren’t always so cold in Orlando. Today it is quite nice and this weekend it will be in the 70s.
I want to go on a cruise with my kid now too – it looks like so much fun with such excellent service. Nothing like being somewhere totally kid-friendly.
Marvelous that you travelled with Jack and Chrissy – I believe that makes you Janet! Mrs. Roper would be envious of your daughter’s mumu-dress
)
That photo of your girl in the backwards Tigger hat looks a lot like you. (Oh god and the standing on her head photo is SO cute.)
LOVE your updates, thank you for sharing
I love how she fell asleep with a cookie in her hand.
Regarding the Disney Cruise, I went when I was 7 months pregnant with my oldest (so, ten years ago or so) and it was so friggin’ hot. And when we got off the boat in Nassau, I was crossing the street with the rest of them and out of nowhere a scooter comes and nearly drives right over me. So, I turned right around and got back on the boat. Being pregnant and overheated, I stayed in my room because it was impossible to get a seat at the pool! Hopefully your visit wasn’t as crowded as mine. As for me…never-again-ever.
I smiled from beginning to end imagining you guys on this trip. I’m so glad you had a great time! I think its cool, too, how you have the Disney connection with Liz but you had never been on a cruise, so that’s something special for you and Maddy. Of course it would have been better, MUCH better, if Liz was there with you, but do you know what I mean? Its like she was part of it because of Disney, but it was a new memory that is just yours and Maddy’s. I hope that makes sense.
Have fun in Mexico!
I am so glad to hear you had a great time, and I am so sorry you were also faced with the freezing weather in Orlando! we just got back form 2 weeks there, I wish I had known you would be there, I would have made it a point to see you 2! I hope Mexico is warmer, and an amazing trip to finish off your book. I can not believe she is going to be 2, it just doesn’t seem possible!
Your blog never fails to make me smile. It is undoubtedly the best thing I get to read all day (and I’m an editor — I have to read a LOT).
Sounds like you had a blast! We are planning on doing the Disney Cruise as soon as it comes to the west coast(2011!!!)
It never gets old seeing all the wonderful pictures of Maddy. And as usual, you are doing a great job!
Creep status aside, I haven’t posted in ages, but of course still read faithfully. It was great to catch up with you last night and hear about the latest surrealities of your life! I never fail to be amazed. : )
Have a great time in Mexico.
So glad yall had a great time !!!!!!!!!!!! Loved all of the pics !! My favorite was the pic of the waiter feeding you dinner !!
Your trip with chrissy and JD sounded fun. Thanks for another entertaining recap. And holy 2nd birthday in Paris! That kid is going to have big expectations for her 16th.
Awesome trips!!! Maddy is one lucky little girl! We’ve moved to England just a little over a month ago.. if you guys have the time, we’d love to meet up with you guys again, either in Paris or London. =)
I’m so very much in love with little Maddy! I can’t wait until she’s old enough to look back at these photographs and realized she had the best childhood a kid could ever have. You’re doing the best job, Matt. And have fun in Mexico! Hope that turns out wonderfull to you and Maddy.
I can’t even begin to read what you wrote, way more interested in the photos. I can assume a lot from the photos. You had a grand time and Maddie was a handful, and the waiter fed you your dinner one night. All in all an awesome cruise! I will read what you wrote later! Promise.
Maddie is so blessed to go to Disneyworld…our kids are 10.5, 8, 5.5, and 3, and they haven’t even been yet…mainly b/c we can’t afford it, but one day.
And you are a saint…truly…if I had been you…I would have said something to that person in first class…as I have plenty of patience with our 4 kids…but not jerks on airplanes.
ugh, I’m so jealous of your traveling!
looks like you guys had an awesome cruise, absolutely loving the photos as usual. Have a great time in Mexico, and holy shit, Paris for Maddy’s birthday?! what a lucky lady. <33
Sounds like a great trip. Love the photos as always. The best one is of Maddy pulling her suitcase in the airport!
And a birthday in Paris is pretty freaking awesome!
Wow, I think that’s so cool that you are taking her places and doing things that are firsts for yourself as well. Great photos. When I saw the one of her pulling her own suitcase, I thought that one day that will be her, going out on her own…crazy.
What jet setters! If you’re heading back to Akumal, I’m extraordinarily jealous. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. Plus I got to see Maddy screaming her lungs out
Have a fantastic time!!!
I’ve obviously been reading your blog since day one – but today I decided a few things – the first being – I wish that you were my dad – madeline just might be the coolest kid that I’ve never met – and three – have a great time in Paris – you happen to be leaving on my b-day so there is no way you won’t have a great time!
Keep up the amazing work Matt!
I know just how you felt about the guy on your flight. I had a similar experience when my daughter was about 2 or 3 and we were flying to Hawaii. A young couple next to us saw my daughter and the girl looks at her boyfriend and says “oh, no!” Of course, she was giggling but I just wanted to give her a piece of my mind. I didn’t, and my daughter behaved like an angel. People like that really get on my nerves!
I love your blog! Thank you for sharing your life the way you do.
Wow, amazing travels. I have to say can’t wait for the Paris pics. You’re giving your daughter such amazing experiences.
This whole post made me giggle. Love the pictures and just love your blog. Have fun in Mexico!
Looks like a grand ole’ time!
–Terrace Crawford
http://www.terracecrawford.com
http://www.twitter.com/terracecrawford
Wow! I’m envious of a 2 yr old. What a crazy, wonderful life you have, Ms. Maddy.
What a wonderful trip!
Maddy is growing up beautifully!
Wow is all I can think of when I see how much fun you and Maddy have together! Love seeing a Disney cruise through the eyes of you two; maybe someday but not sure if my 13, 11, and almost 7 year old will appreciate it as much, think I missed the boat with them. Cannot wait to see/read about Paris, amazing! Have a safe trip in Mexico, bring MN back some sun.
I was very sad to see you visited Orlando last week, because it NEVER gets that cold. The week before, my family and I went to Universal and the temps were beautiful. However, your Disney cruise looked amazing and has inspired me to convince my husband that we have to take one.
I love how you travel so many places with Maddy. She’s such a lucky little girl to have you as her Dad.
You need to hire that waiter as a Personal Assistant !
Glad you enjoyed the Bahamas, and have a great time in Mexico.
Happy New Year from snowy London.
It was nice meeting you, Maddy and Matt and dining beside you on the cruise. I plan on visiting your blog a bit to vicariously travel along with you. Do you take requests? I’m looking forward to you going to Mexico so I can hear of the legend they call warm weather.
Much blessings to you both!
Christine
Ahhhhh, Paris. One of my favorite cities that I’ve been to overseas (the others being Venice and Istanbul). But it took me until I was 16 to get there! Maddy’s a lucky girl to go for her 2nd birthday!
Awesome stuff with the Disney cruise. And, uh, yep, Florida’s been a Floridian’s definition of frigid lately. My friend at UF has been scraping ice off her car with a credit card.
Mmmmm… Pacifico… in Mexico. I’m jealous.
So glad you had such a wonderful trip. You both look so, so happy.
Have a great time in Mexico!
Thinking of you both, as always,
Much love,
Sarah
Hey Matt check out this Blog!
Hey Matt check out this Blog! I think if you helped them out with a post on your blog they would have a great chance at winning the $1million Chase is giving away! Being that our girls are about the same age as Gwendolyn this hits home. Thanks!
Maddy looks just like her momma!!!!!!!!!
We were in disney for the first time in march of ’09 w/are 14 yr.daughter and loved it!!
Take care ~Joi
Your shots are incredible. I LOVE the shot of her on your shoulders with her hands gripping your face-and the shots of her in the aquarium. fantastic job with the shots!
You are a gifted photographer. Thanks for sharing.
So you are finally coming to Europe with Maddy…now isn’t that a chance to meet you. (well only if you feel like meeting more strangers that read your blog, that is) Been reading your blog for over a year now and would it would be cool to meet you.
So if you plan on coming to Germany, we live in Nuremberg, I know it’s not really “close” to Paris (about 400 miles) but at least closer than LA or Minnesota.
Love the pic of Maddy entited “running”. Too precious!
Paris! What a treat for Maddy and well-deserved reward for you!! I can hardly wait to read my copy of your book. Hurry Matt!! Makes my heart smile to see you so happy and connected to life. Both of your families are fortunate to have you and Maddy and you make it all good! =o)
Love this post. Maddy is looking so much more grown up! I can’t beleive it. Almost a 2 year old! Darling! Paris? I’m Jealous. Can’t wait for your new adventures.
I hope Disney pays you… I’m with you on the “checking cynicism at the door” thing. Our visit to Disney culminated in my daughter saying when we reached the airport after the trip, “Mama, its so nice to be back in real life!” I couldn’t have agreed more.
Matt, you are a truly amazing daddy! Maddy’s such a lucky little girl.
I went to Paris around the same age with my parents, along with Morocco and many others, but unfortunately by the time I got the the age where I could remember those trips and moments, we’d started up a business in Colorado (Boulder), after moving from Belgium, and that took up more time than there was in a day, so the traveling stopped until I moved out on my own almost a year ago.
Anyway, just wanted to stop by again and let you know what a beautiful and lucky little girl you’re raising so spectacularly well
La Buena Vida.
You are the BEST daddy ever!
You are a wonderful father and I’m sure Liz is super proud of how you and Maddy are taking care of each other!!
Hey Matt!
I love your blog btw. But I was wondering where you got Madeline’s carry on bag? Mia and I travel a lot too and I would love for her to have one! What are you going to do when she turns two and needs to start buying her own seat in the plane?
I just watched your interview video when Maddy was 9 months old. I wish I were as brave as you…I have only had the guts to take Casey 2 hours from home. I guess I should learn from the master and get out and let my daughter explore the world!
Matt, I found your blog last week through a friend’s blogroll (Jeff and Kerry Mastera in Colorado). Gosh…I was up all night that first night (literally) reading your blog.
My family experienced something similar in earlier generations. My mom’s father lost his mother when he was 5 days old (complications of childbirth). History repeated again the next generation, and my mother lost her mom at age 3 weeks, again due to childbirth complications. My mom is over 70 years old and still wonders about her mother from time to time…what she was like, how life might have been if her mom had been around. We have been lucky and this has not happened again since. Anytime a mother dies in/after childbirth it’s one time too many.
I cannot begin to imagine what it’s been like for you, but your blog has made it easy to empathize. Your writing style, how you just put things out there…wow (can’t wait to read your book!). You have been through so much, and you are doing the best anyone could do. Madeline has the best daddy in the world, and it’s a shame Liz isn’t here to see what an awesome job you’re doing (though I can imagine her watching over you and Maddy, and I’m sure she’s pleased.
My family, fairly recently, had to deal with two tragedies: the suicide of a sibling and the murder/suicide of a parent/spouse (sibling died in 2004, parent/spouse in 2006). One of the most important things I learned: we don’t get over it, but we get through it. We have not gotten over what happened, but we have gotten through it, and with the passage of time it’s gotten a little easier. You will never get over what happened to Liz that fateful day in 2008. But you are getting through it, one day at a time, and you are making a wonderful life for Maddy.
In one of your blogs you said that Maddy lost the better of her two parents. I disagree. She lost a wonderful mother, and she still has a wonderful father. She is very lucky to have you. Keep up the good work, Matt. You, Liz and Madeline have touched the lives of so many people, and the world is richer for your presence, however brief (relatively) it might be. You and Madeline will be in my prayers.
Wow that sounds like you had a great time. I have always wanted to do the Disney cruise but havent. Its good to know that my youngest (17 months) would be ok now to see about my older teens.
Oh.. and I love the color wonder markers too!! Great invention.
As usual, great recap and pictures! Glad to hear you guys had a great time on the cruise.
Keep us posted on your Paris party planning! That sounds like quite the party. Can’t wait to see pics of Maddie in Europe.
Wow that sounded like such an amazing trip! I loved all of the photos.
Matt, loved the post. By the way, if you haven’t seen it, you should do a search on Youtube for “andy sandberg like a boss” (also nsfw, nsfc, and NSFprettymuchanythingelse).
Glad you had a good time!
I just wanted to comment that Maddy is absolutely beautiful and Liz would be so proud of you and her. You’re doing a fine job. She’s blessed to have you there to care for her so completely.
My lord, what an amazing post!
Hi!
I just wanted to say that you sound like you’re a great day. Your blog caught my eye since MY name is Liz and MY daughter is named Madeline (Maddy), too. I am a single parent as well and my daughter’s father can’t handle being a part of her life and lives across the ocean. She’s almost 4 (in april) and i’m taking her to Disney in february for the first time and contemplating a cruise at some later point. Your Maddy looks lucky indeed and it’s nice to see that i’m not alone as a single parent. I wish you the best and loved the story of Maddy in first class. I used frequent flier miles to fly to London to take my Maddy to see her paternal grandparents, who are lovely people. She too was a character, amusing everyone (but an exhausted me…)!
I wish you the best!
Regards,
Liz Bram
Dude! You were in Nassau… I totally would have gone over to Atlantis and stalked you guys if I’d known. Never commented before… don’t really see the point when you’re snooping in on other people’s lives, but I just wanted to say that most mornings on my way to work, I nearly run over a couple of cruise ship tourists (not as sport… I’m just always late for work), but I most certainly would not have run over you and Maddy had you been in my line of fire! Anyhoo… you guys are awesome… and now I’ll go back to silently snooping.
Wow. I don’t get over here nearly enough, but every time I do, you inspire and just amaze. What lucky women you have in your life. Maddie is so truly truly lucky. You both are. Liz is smiling down upon you, I am sure.
Oops, sorry, I hate that I spelled Maddy incorrectly in the previous comment. MADDY.
wow awesome..what do you do for a living ? I wish I was able to travel all year long !!
That sounded/looked like soo much fun. I always wanted to go on a cruise maybe one of these days!
Apples
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[...] } This post is inspired by two things: a recent post by perhaps most daddy in the blogosphere Matt Logelin and my day trip to Disney World in Orlando Florida on April 13, [...]
[...] Matt Logelin must be some sort of crazy voodoo magician, because holy Christ, traveling with a mobile child is an entirely new level of stress that I was wholly unprepared for. I mean, yes, I was logistically prepared, and I knew the fact that Cooper was busy cutting three molars may complicate matters, but what I didn’t expect? What I didn’t see coming? Was lining up for our flight and having Cooper running away from me. To the point where I couldn’t see him. In a busy international airport. And then I died. [...]