we’re back
in los angeles after
a little over a month
in various places,
and we’re settling into
our routine.
what have we been doing?
a lot.
we’ve had lots
of play time
some cleaning
and a lot
of talking…
maddy is back at
daycare, which has
been good for her,
but it has been
tough for me.
last week, when i
arrived to pick her
up, she looked
at me from her little chair,
her chest up against
the table, tomato sauce
all over her
face and sweatshirt,
a couple
of noodles hanging from
the right corner
of her mouth, and a
huge, pursed-lip smile on
her face.
she dropped her
fork and yelled,
“daddy! daddy!”
it was such
a great feeling,
because while we
were in mn, the bahamas
and mexico, she
learned that she
could get my attention by
yelling, “matt! matt!”
(because that’s how almost everyone else addresses me)
and i’ve spent the
last few weeks
trying to convince
her that she has been
calling me by the
wrong name
(it seems that i’ve succeeded for now).
i hunched down,
trying to get to
her level as
she tried to push
herself away from
the table, the chair
tipping backwards.
i put my hand on the
back to keep her
from falling over, and helped
slide the chair out from
under the table.
maddy swung her
legs in my direction,
and that’s
when i noticed that
she was wearing
a pair of camouflage pants.
i dressed her that
morning, as i do
every morning,
and i know
that i didn’t
put her in
those pants.
in fact, i buy
most of her
clothes, and i know
that she doesn’t even
own a pair of
camouflage pants.
when she stood up,
it was even more obvious
they weren’t hers,
because they were
way too big for her,
the cuffs rolled up
and the waistband loose
around her waist.
i looked at
one of the daycare
employees and said,
“uh…i don’t think these are her pants.”
he looked at
me with
a perplexed look and said,
“are you sure?”
yeah.
i was pretty sure.
i looked at
all of the kids
sitting around the table,
trying to find
the kid
with jeans that
were a little too short.
and there he was…
maddy’s best buddy,
the little boy
i’m convinced she’ll
be dating when they
hit their teen years
(i can only hope they’ll hold off that long),
the bottom
of maddy’s jeans
falling just below
the middle of his thighs.
pointing at the little
guy, i said,
“i think i found them.”
the daycare guy
laughed a bit,
and offered up an
idea of how the
pants were switched,
something about nap time,
or diaper-changing time
or something like that,
but i wasn’t
really listening…
i was too busy laughing.
speaking of clothes,
this kid of mine
is really getting into them.
she loves hoodies,
yelling at me
to “zip it!” and to
put her hood on,
and she refuses to
take them off
at nap/bed time.
she gets really excited
about wearing shoes,
and every morning she
chooses her
pair for the day.
she even lets
me put clips in her
hair, though
they rarely stay in
longer than 20 minutes.
and me?
well, my final,
and most important
deadline for the
book is coming up
at the beginning of
april, so
i’m working my
ass off to get
it done.
to quote a friend
of mine,
“this writing shit is hard.”
but it’s coming
along quite well,
and i’m excited to
be done.
this weekend…
we spent the
weekend waiting out
the rain,
only to
be rewarded with this:
and the next day
went on a hike
to enjoy
the kind of
los angeles day
we rarely see
(one with clear, smog-free skies).
madeline passed out
when we reached
the bottom of
the hill,
i got a couple
of photos of
her, but this one:
brought back a memory of
this one:
(taken on sept. 14, 2008).
she’s wearing the same glasses
(they now fit a lot better)
and she just happened
to be wearing
green in both photos.
it was a reminder of
just how
far she has come.
and maybe
how far we’ve come.
and tonight,
at the
bottom of a
pair of pajama pants,
were a pair of
shoes that are
a couple of
sizes too big
(she insisted on wearing them),
she sat at her
piano and played me some music.
watching her,
i was
thankful for where
we are.
128 Comments
I almost had to do a double-take on that first picture of Maddy… she is getting so big!
She is getting so big!! Where does all this time go? And why does it go by so quickly?? I can’t wait to read your book. Thank you so much for sharing Maddy and all her changes with us!!
Hey, Matt
Maaaaaan, she is so big, so smart and sooo pretty… you’re quite a lucky dad and I’m glad you’re doing fine.
I just love seeing her videos! She cracks me up! What a dollface!
Before long she is going to be needing a larger Piano. Hard to believe how big she is getting. You are still doing an awesome job with her.
Cant wait to read your book!!!
… it was a reminder of
just how
far she has come.
and maybe
how far we’ve come.
Too right. It’s not been easy, but you’ve come a long way — all credit to you both. Just keep on goin’.
Best wishes from freezing London.
Thanks for sharing so much with us Matt. It’s a joy to see Maddy bustling about !
Excellent update dude.
Loving the trouser swapping story, and that ‘Daddy’ is back.
Keep it real, and good luck with the deadline.
I would totally wear that outfit Maddy’s wearing in the first couple photos. If it came in big girl size.
Great pics – she is getting so big!! Turning into a little lady! I can imagine writing is difficult but I think you’re not bad at it judging from your blog!
Everytime I read your posts it makes me smile or cry depending, you are doing such a fantastic job with Madeline, she is so adorable and she is thriving so much, keep on doing whatever you are because it’s working! Again can’t wait to read your book. Take care
She is growing so fast, beautiful to watch the changes as she turns into a “young lady”.
When will your book be available for purchase?
My son will only wear “Zip its.” He has an array of hoodies and he picks each morning which one he will wear. He has to zip it all the way up to the top, and it’s a nightmare trying to get them off of him. Unless he’s hot.. then he’s more than happy to get it off.
Maddie is just the cutest little girl. I’ve never met any of you, but boy she looks like the photos of her mom.
There’s nothing quite like the greeting you get when you pick your kid up from day care, right? She’s gorgeous. You are doing an amazing job.
I love hearing you in the background of these videos!
Seriously, what an awesome dad.
You’re supportive, attentive,
and most importantly- it sounds like you’re having a LOT of fun. Not enough parents actually take time to PLAY with their kids anymore, but its clear that’s not the case for you.
PLAY ON
I also had to do a double take on that first picture, when did she get so big? Beautiful as always!
She may look like Liz but she is definitely your kid. Obsessed with hoodies and shoes? Yeah, that’s all you.
Keep up the great writing, I can’t wait for your book to come out!
Wow! I can’t believe how big she is getting. She is adorable! Love the rainbow pictures.
I am so happy for you to be at this lovely place in your life. This will be another watershed year for you and thank you, so much, for taking me along on your awesome journey. Your book is going to the top – as are you two! Keep on Matt.
Isn’t it strange when you can have actual conversations with your child? I remember the first days of those fun simple conversations.
She is getting so big & she is such a beautiful little girl.
Oh my gosh!! She’s just gorgeous as ever!! Love the music she plays!
You guys are doing great!! Good luck with the last of your book!
What a cute age! I love that you can have conversations with her now. More talking videos please! I also love that she loves hoodies. Good taste. She looks so cute in her dark jeans and little mocs. Also so cute asking for your help down from the chair. Cute all around. She so’s happy. (Did someone knit that blanket that is on your chair? It’s very beautiful. I’ve noticed it before.)Congrats on being close to finishing the book! I’ve been reading the blog since last summer and have read all of it. You really have come a long way in the last 2 years. You seem to have turned a corner since India, at least on the blog.
Oh my Maddie is looking like such a big girl now, it’s so hard to belive. I have a little one turning 2 on Valentine’s Day and i just can’t believe how fast they grow. I love checking your blog each day to see how you and Maddie are doing and she is one lucky girl to have such a great daddy who takes her so many wonderful places. You are doing a great job. Can’t wait for the book.
Those glasses are freaking AWESOME. I think I require a pair immediately. Also, the “zip it” thing? CRACKING ME UP. Loves her.
How fun it is to watch her in those videos! Thank you for sharing her and both of your journeys with all of us!! Can’t wait to read your book!
““this writing shit is hard.””
Indeed.
But LOL about the pants. I’m glad you had a good sense of humor about it; I’m sure those daycare peeps get a lot of parents who freak out.
I definitely had to stare in awe at the first picture. She’s soo big now! And getting more and more beautiful. Thanks for sharing your pictures and lives with us…definitely looking forward to reading your book!
Great photos as always! It’s amazing to see how quickly Maddy is growing up. Good luck with the book deadline.
Jade
What a lovely post!
Wow, Maddy is growing up so fast! Isn’t it great to have conversations with her? It only gets better! She has such a cute personality and great style
Can’t wait to read your book. You’ve done a great job, Matt!
beautiful. there certainly has been a lot of progress in your lives. so good to see you embrace it and keep facing forward with continued grace.
I’m so jealous of all of Maddy’s words! I’m up for even a bad word right now.
Just more words!
Maddy is adorable – glad to see you guys are back at your routine. And secretly laughing a little at what your clothing budget is going to be in a few years.
She is so incredibly cute! You are doing such a great job with her; there is no denying it. Thank you for taking the time to share your lives with all of us.
Gosh she’s growing so fast. I love hearing her talk, it’s so cute. I think all parents go through the “I’m not Matt, I’m daddy” issue, because kids really do pick up what they hear. Which makes me surprised you don’t have Maddie on video yet saying “fuck”. LOL
Glad to know you two are doing great, Maddy is a gorgeous reflection of her mother and you are a great dad! Stay true Matt, we all love ya!
I did double take!!! suddenly she is a not a baby. but still gorgeous!
Maddy is so darling! We are envious of the apparent sunshine in your pictures…..we couldn’t get the standard poodle out the front door due to the snow drifts this morning. Girls are so fun when they are little! My 9 year old asked me to buy her deodarent recently..really..I wasn’t ready for that! Ha.
Best,
Steph in MN
Maddy looks so happy! It is apparent that you are doing a fantastic job with her. I am amazed at how much she speaks — is she an early talker???
Matt, it is so wonderful to see how Madeline is growing and changing and how time seems to be healing you as well. Thank you for the update. Can’t wait for the book to come out!
Ahhhh the old not wearing the same clothes you dropped them off in. I remember those days. I can’t wait to read that book. keep up the good work, Aaron in Duluth
Fantastic post,,as always, Matt! It’s very plain to see what a great pair you two are, and all of the fun, and love, that you share with each other. I love the pics of her cleaning! Can hardly wait for your book!!!
Oh, how I have missed your regular posting!
And to see what a little lady Maddy is becoming…I loved this post and am so happy you both seem so content.
You are an awesome Daddy Matt.
Just awesome.
xoxo
Eleanor
Awesome photos.
I love the video, she looks like she especially likes turning ( with her big shoes!) from playing to the camera. That’s the most fun part sometimes for kids, just the moving in general. It’s so cute to watch! =)
Wow, that first photo…I can’t believe how big she is!!! She is growing so quick and learning so fast. You are doing an astounding job with her, Matt. You should be very proud of where you both are. Congrats on being a rad dad! Much love from the M-O.
Her hair is getting so long. She is such a beautiful little girl.
Maddy is sooo cute…., I dont know why I smile when I see her picture
Maddy is so cute, I was smiling when I see her picture…
wow, she is getting so big and even more adorable!!!!!
glad to hear (and see) that you both are doing well!
loved the videos of her talking away
oh my goodness! Maddy has grown up soo much! love the videos. Can’t wait to read your book!
So beautiful. She is precious. I LOVE her outfits!!
Such beautiful writing! Y’all HAVE come along way!! What a great feeling that is! She is just getting more and more beautiful, too!!!
She is huge…in a good way! I can’t believe how clearly she can talk…very impressive. I have those same pajama pants…hahaa. Her sneaks are pretty legit too. So glad you guys are doing well…can’t wait for the book.
Matt – She is unbelievable. So beautiful and, like Mary above said, ” I had to do a double take.” Time does “zip it” by.
Hey Matt – I’m a lurker and am finally speaking up – this post seemed more “at peace” than many in the past – I hope writing your book is allowing you a good release. Give a shout when you head down south to Atlanta on your book tour.
OMG! Where did your baby go? That’s a full blown toddler if ever I saw one!
Oh wow, she is getting so big and so beautiful! That first picture is just stunning. I continue to be in awe of your talent as a photographer. I would love a coffee table book of your pics.
Absolutely LOVE the story of the switched pants.
She’s adorable! I absolutely love the videos. So damn cute. Good luck with the writing.
Excellent pics btw!!!
looks like you may have a girly-girl on your hands if she already loves clothes & shoes.
She is as adorable as always.
She is really growing up so fast! It’s amazing how much they change over the course of a year or so. She is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing the pants story, that was too funny!
Your daughter is adorable and I love reading about your adventures. I can’t wait for the book!
Wow Maddy is getting so big! Cant wait for your book!
You’re doing a beautiful job of raising such a happy little girl…
Maddy is so stinkin’ adorable. It’s amazing how much she’s grown up. All that talkin’! Just curious…what’s the name of the song playing in the first video?
I haven’t commented in a while and I’m sorry.
Maddy is just growing up to be a beautiful young lady-toddler! It’s crazy how much more mature that she looks.
You’re doing a great job and reading your posts always assure us that you are still having a good time doing it!
Take Care…
I LOVE the video of Maddie talking, and I especially love the photos of the post-rain LA rainbow and sky. I lived in LA for about six years, and those rare days of smoglessness were my favorite. I can’t believe how bright that rainbow was, though!
She’s grown so fast. Love the photos with her in the sunglasses. And seeing her talking… wow! Well done Matt. She’s certainly full of love and life and happiness.
growing and talking and looking like her mama more and more every day it seems. what a gift life can be. amazing. looking forward to seeing that book in my hands. just sayin…
My favorite blog posts are the ones where you talk about your day to day activities. (Like this one)
The golden sunglasses picture comparison was my favorite part. Oh and the piano/xylophone concert at the end.
Very cute. Love it.
She is getting so tall!!!
Love the sun glass pictures, both of her sleeping and of her during the hike.
The pant story made me laugh out loud! That is too funny that the daycare did not notice the fit on them.
Holy shit, she’s what, 13 or 14 in that first picture!
Growing so so fast.
Listen to her chatting away!! She’s getting so big…
You have the coolest kid ever (with the shades to prove it)! You are doing a remarkable job, and I can’t wait to read your book!
glad things are going well.
lydia’s been calling me ‘lara’ lately too.
really bugs me out!
You’ve both come a long way and you’re doing just fine…more than fine…you’re doing awesome!
I love little Maddy to pieces. Such a sweetheart!!! Still can’t wait for that book…
she is beautiful and getting SO BIG. and her talking, OMG.
my daughter (now 5) started getting really into clothes right before she turned 2, and it’s never let up. at around 2, she started FIGHTING with me about clothes. and i pretty much let her wear whatever she wants. but on things like wearing her coat to bed or wearing her swimsuit to school in winter, i tried to hold my ground. she’s a little more reasonable now, but she definitely puts together some seriously awesome outfits.
i don’t know why, but this post made me really think about how proud liz would be of you guys.
She’s talking SO much! wow.
Where is Madeline and who is this grown up hipster girl you are taking pictures of?;)
she is gorgeous and so big. you both have come a long way and liz would be so proud of the two of you. that’s great that’s she’s helping you clean
and loves to pick out her shoes. ms. fashonista 
thanks for sharing the pictures. she always puts a smile on my face. and waiting patiently for the book. take care of yourself and maddy… enjoy every minute of every day…
Love it! She is growing so much! She is a very cool little girl!
i could watch the both of you talking forever.
she’s amazing.
Thanks for the great post, Matt! seeing those two photos of her is amazing…she’s grown up so much lately. I have a daughter who’s almost 3-it’s so wonderful to see them go from babies to “little people”. =) I’m very excited for your book!
Maddy’s looking so big!! That kid is such a trooper, she goes just everywhere with you.
Maddy is growing so fast. She has come a long way, and so have you. I’ve sensed a lot of peace from your writings and your commentary since you made that trip to India. I’m so happy to see that some healing has happened.
How exciting about your book! April already? Wow. I can’t wait to read it!
As always your post makes a tough day end pretty well.
Matt – this is the first I’ve commented on your blog, though I have been following it since Maddy was born. Today’s post, for some reason, motivated me to tell you how amazing I think you are and what a good job you have done raising your beautiful daughter. Maddy is growing so fast…and talking!! I didn’t know Liz, but from your vivid descriptions of her personality and the pictures you’ve posted I feel like I can just see her peeking out through Maddy’s face. I wish you the best of luck in the future and next time you swing through the Windy City I’d love to grab a drink or two somewhere.
Take care,
Kristen
Maddy is getting so big!! And becoming quite the musician! Also, speaking of “zip it,” have you ever read the Froggy books by Jonathan London? Froggy does a lot of things (gets dressed, bakes a cake, goes to the doctor, learns to swim (one of our favorites!) and more), and they usually make some kinds of sounds! “Froggy gets dressed” includes “Zip…zap…zup.” Lots of fun sounds that Maddy might like to read with you! My son still loves them!
wow, she’s definitely not a baby anymore!
I’m in Spain and I will probably never meet you, but I love you both. I’m glad to see things are looking up. I hope I can get hold of your book! x
I can’t wait for the book!
Wow is Maddy getting big!! She is more and more beautiful each day. I can’t get over how many words she has, talk about a smart little girl! It is so great to see you both in a happy place and I know you hear it all the time but it is so true and evident from these videos that you are one amazing father! Much love to you and Maddy.
ooooh smog. i remember the feeling in my lungs. nice to have a clear day and nice you are settling in back at home. I ws thinking, she might be smart enough, at daycare, so say to her buddy, “hey, let’s switch up our pants!” Heh heh.
Wow! Hard to believe that is the same girl I held on my lap in a bar and gave a bottle to.
Book deadline? Does that mean a trip to meet with the publisher in NY? Bloggy meetup?
I love that – “again daddy again” – this age is very precious!!
What a cutie! Your writings of the adventures you have with your daughter are consistently touching, funny, and amazing. That you talk about both the good and the bad and still maintain a healthy and positive lifestyle for your little girl is what makes this blog special.
*smiling* She’s adorable.
And just so grown up. Crazy how fast the time is passing. =) Can’t wait to read that book. I know I’m gonna need tissues to get through it. I got money set aside for it already! God bless both of you! *hugs*
again, my heart overflows…. each and every time. keep up the amazing work.
AWWWW… I just love that kid!
Wow, she has gotten so big! And she is so unutterably adorable. I love her in the videos best because it’s so fun to listen to her and see all the expressions flit across her face. What a doll! So glad to be checking in tonight and being treated with this lovely update. You two sound good.
She is just so sweet and her little voice is precious. I can’t believe they will be 2 next month…mine on the 12th. Can’t wait to read the book!
Take care,
Debbie
Wow….you were so right…you both have come such a long way from where you began…almost 2 years ago!! It’s hard to believe she will be two next month!! She is absolutely gorgeous and getting so big…the videos were priceless of her
Way to go Matt and Maddy…you two rock!! You are such an amazing daddy….can’t wait to read your book 
Shannon
My husband and I were in LA as part of our honeymoon. We were lucky enough to experience the smog-free skies
I love the clothes mix-up story. I’m pleased it didn’t take too long to find Madeline’s correct outfit!
She is getting sooo big!
My oldest son used to call my late husband and me by our first names all the time. Like you said, it is what he heard us call each other, so he did likewise. Such a precious time in your life, the bitter and sweet. You seem to be handling it with much grace. Kudos to you for saturating your daughter with love even through your pain. Peace
She’s so adorable, I loved the photo when she was a baby and now how she’s such toddler.
“… it was a reminder of
just how
far she has come.
and maybe
how far we’ve come.”
Good for you.
Peace.
She is growing up so quickly!
I think I’m going to show the cleaning photos to my kids tonight. Maybe then they can start cleaning the low, hard to reach spots in the house.
Never a dull moment. She’s growing up beautifully!
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful daughter with us. I check this site every day for my Matt and Maddy fix. My heart just about bursts when I read your posts and view your photographs. Hard to describe, but I am sure I am not the only person who feels this way.
I can’t believe this video, she is so adorable!
I totally agree with the other poster here – you seem more at peace in this post.
Best of luck with you and your family.
She’s getting so big. Weird that she can say picture. I’m not sure she’s even been around a camera.
She is adorable and I know you are proud. Hard to believe she’s getting so big! My daughter is a month older, and we’re coming up on her 2nd birthday – kinda wild. I know you are probably hating that realization as much as I am…
@Zakary – You know, I think you are right! lol
I love the way you dress that gorgeous little girl. She has the BEST clothes!!
She is too sweet. Love the clothes you pick for her, such a hipster beauty she is already. Hilarious bout the pants switcharoo, you better watch out! You are doing amazing, just wanted to tell you!
What? she’s talking? slow her down!!! she’s growing up soooo fast! I hope to catch up wuth you guys soon-damn flu….
i love her instant praise while playing her piano and xylophone. very cool!
I think of Liz every single day. But hearing Maddy talk has me a total mess today and missing Liz so very deeply.
wow she’s grown so much. this post made me smile.
You are such a great father! Liz would be very very proud, but I’m sure you know that. I am a mother myself [and I have a Maddie too] – it is so inspirational to read your story.
much love!
I can’t keep up with a pair of sunglasses through one summer…and you have one of you daughter a year and a half apart?? Man, you are good!
The videos are just TOO cute!
She is truly her mother’s daughter. . .
she is absolutely adorable. makes me really wish i had a daughter.
Madeline is growing into such a wonderful little girl Matt.. You are doing great dude!
What a great update!! I love the videos, she is getting so Big!! I thought it was hilarious when I read the exchange of pants!!! So Awesome! Kids will be kids!!
She is so adorable Matt and you are doing a great job!!! I can’t wait to read that book that you have been working your ass off on!!!
I love it. You 2 make an awesome team.
Thanks for sharing she is beautiful. It is nice to see it from another perspective! I am so thankful for the others out there.
Where did you get that awesome piano? I would love to get that for my daughter who is 23 months old
She loves music!