long-ish update
considering i’ve been
missing in action the
past few weeks
(this book-writing stuff is fucking time consuming).
so…
here goes:
a few weeks ago
we had some visitors
in town.
mark, jeffra and mckenna
came down from fresno
for a little fun.
the girls
worked on expelling
some energy,
then they got to
go on a short
horsey ride.
then we took them
to a place
where the
horseys weren’t
real, but were
equally fun.
the next day maddy
got a push
in a toy
that i’ve since learned
has been recalled.
(luckily the handle didn’t come off of ours).
and the next day
we had a few
friends over
for some food and beer.
…….
one day while
picking maddy up
from daycare,
i learned that
she was capable of
pedaling a tricycle,
so we went right out
and bought one.
for some reason,
she was more interested
in doing this:
later she did some running.
maddy had been
talking the horseys
so much that
it was obvious
we had to go back
and visit them.
then it was time
for the playground.
and finally, the swings.
(she says this to me a lot).
…….
the next weekend
we were asked
to take part in
a portion of the
10 year reunion activities
at scripps college.
i hadn’t been
out there since
liz
graduated in 2000.
i knew it would
be a tough day for
me, but i also
knew that it would
be awesome for
maddy to see
her where her mom
went to college.
we made our way
out to claremont,
maddy singing me her
abc song
the entire way.
(i loved every second of it).
we arrived a
little earlier than
i expected, so we
got a chance to walk
around the campus a bit.
i walked maddy through
the gate i walked
through the first time
i ever came out
to claremont to visit
liz.
i held maddy’s hand
as we walked
along the sidewalk,
pointing out
the dorm her mom
lived in as
a first-year student.
we stopped briefly
so she could work
on her balancing act,
then we continued our tour.
i pointed to the
rooms in which
liz
spent her sophomore,
junior and senior years,
telling maddy about
the great times
we had there together.
soon it was time
for brunch.
we met up with
some familiar faces,
catching up
with those i hadn’t
spoken to in years,
and laughing with those
i see more often.
maddy rubbed strawberries
all over the fancy
dress she was wearing
for the occasion.
i just shook my head.
after brunch
we joined some of
liz’s
classmates for a
walk through the grass,
headed toward the
rose garden.
with maddy walking
ahead of me,
i continued the conversation
that we had
started earlier.
“maddy. your mom used to pick roses from this garden and put them in a vase before each visit*, as if i’d notice…”
i paused, then
finished the sentence.
“i guess i did.”
behind me i heard
a chuckle.
it was
liz’s
friend, aislinn
who happened to
overhear my conversation
with madeline.
i did my best
to hold back the tears
as i laughed about
what i’d just said.
maddy did what
her mom used to do
then did a
little running.
soon we were standing
near another
entrance to campus,
the one i used
most often when i
came out for a visit.
on the walls
near this entrance
are the names of the
graduates from years past.
with the help
of her classmates,
we were directed
to the wall where
liz’s
class wrote their names.
i immediately found
liz’s
name and pointed it
out to maddy.
we took some time
to get a photo
with the ladies
then continued
our walk through
the campus.
maddy wanted to
get her feet wet
so i let her do so.
she ended up with
some pom-poms
and she did her
own cheer.
still more walking
and finally a
stop at a koi pond
to watch the fish
and check out the flowers.
i bought maddy
a squirrel
and she immediately
had him climbing a tree.
it was a
great day
that would have
been a lot different
if things had
been different.
(last week we were in mn…more about that soon).
*(at least while they were in bloom…this wasn’t the time to explain to madeline that rose bushes must be cut back in late winter/early spring).
81 Comments
Ok, how did you go from having this wee baby to a young girl riding a bloody horse!
Nuts. Cool, but nuts.
Love it Matt!! Great post as always and those pics….fucking stunning sir! Quite the lil cutie you’ve got growing up right before your eyes. Pretty frickin cool eh?
Keep up the great (and incredibly difficult) work! Looking forward to the book. Best wishes from MN~
Great post, Matt.
That’s such a beautiful campus… I’m glad you got to go and take the young’un.
So wonderful! You are still doing AWESOME with her…she is obviously one of the happiest children on the planet!
I feel so selfish weeping. Claremont is such a magical place. I cannot fathom what it is to watch your not so little girl retrace the steps and echo the motions of her mama. I wish things were different, but at least there is still magic.
Little girls and ponies, too cute.
It is amazing how fast they grow. My Georgia is about 2 weeks younger than Maddy and I’m astounded at how in two short years she’s learned to walk, talk and have specific preferences regarding EVERYTHING.
Maddy is so cute, Matt. And, I know you hear it all the time…but, you’re doing such a fantastic job raising her. Being a single parent is tough. I was a single mom for 4 years before I got remarried and it can be really tough. It looks like Brooke has been a really great bright spot for you two, though. I’m so happy for all three of you.
(I’m now going to show my 2 year old the video of M on the horses. She’s afraid of our local carousel. Maybe seeing another two year old on one will encourage her to go for it next time.
)
Thanks for the update Matt. I’ve been in withdrawels. Don’t think I can take that long in between posts anymore!!
Wow, she is getting so big. My daughter has that same tricycle
She loves pushing hers around too!
Woah, what a toothy grin! Martin said it perfectly in the first comment.
What lovely pictures and stories. I think it’s great that you involve people and places from Liz’ life in Maddie’s adventures. Good luck with the book
so is the book officially done??
Maddy is adorable!
Your Maddy is a doll, no matter how many strawberries she smears on herself, or how hateful her words may sound to you. She’s pretty cute, no matter what!
You guys have been busy! Looks like lots of fun! : )
A great rose story. It’s great that you can share all this with Madeline. Even though you don’t know me and I only know you through your blog, I wish the day could have been different too. That part sucks
And now for something far too girly…I love her little silver shoes!
“(this book-writing stuff is fucking time consuming)”
LOL yuuuup. Welcome to the life of an aspiring novelist — i.e., me.
What a beautiful place. And Maddy looks more like her mom every day. It must have been a trip for you and Liz’s friends to see mini-Liz there…
awesome, as always sir! That day was one of the best so far! McKenna loved that pony ride and watching them was a real treat! I will treasure that memory always…how cheezy was that?!
xoxo
Maddy is changing so much she is simply gorgeous – you are doing such a great job!! How awesome that you are always keeping her mothers memories alive for her. She will forever be grateful when she is old enough to understand.
Love the close-up with her mouth open. Beautiful girl!
Wasn’t the most amazing change to hear singing from the backseat rather then SCREAMING ha ha
She is growing up so quickly! I almost didn’t recognize her!
It sounds like you are keeping very busy.
I love the pics, she is growing up so fast and looks so pretty in all her adorable outfits. You are awesome and I look forward to the next update.
So great to see an update today. I figured the book was taking up all your time.
Can’t wait to hear more about your trip to MN.
So special you brought Maddy to Liz’s college. Even more special that you realized Liz picked those roses for your visits. So sweet. Your memories are so amazing. Maddy is lucky that you have so many wonderful stories to share with her.
You guys have been busy! That picture of Maddy standing in the rose garden is my favorite of her to date. She’s growing up so quickly and she’s just beautiful.
First: This? Yeah…instant tears. Thanks alot for that one. I’ve had a rotten day and now uve made it worse. Just kidding. lol “maddy. your mom used to pick roses from this garden and put them in a vase before each visit*, as if i’d notice…”
i paused, then
finished the sentence.
“i guess i did.”
Next…please make her stop being so damn adorable. I really can’t take it anymore. lol
Last…(see cuz I have this whole first, next, last thing goin here…u like that? Good. Cuz I thought hard about that one. lol) Anywho, last, I see riding lessons in her future. It’s the smile. I know it well.
Thanks for the update. Hope all is well w Brooke.
Nice pictures of Scripps. Now I know what I missed, since I didn’t go for my 15th reunion. I remember all the places you mentioned. However, in my haste as a student, I am sad to say I never stuck my feet in that fountain, or took the time to really look at the koi fish. Going with a toddler makes you enjoy the little things more.
As always thanks for the updates and for sharing your gorgeous Maddy with all of us. It’s always so nice to cherish the memories and continue to share with Maddy. She will definitely appreciate it when she’s older. Love, love her mani
thanks to Brooke 
Oh she’s so much like Liz, it takes my breath away. Gorgeous post and pics, as always, and nice to see you back.
Happy book writing.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so moved by a little girl holding a rose.
She’s growing up so fast! Beautiful pictures as usual. Good luck with the finishing touches on the book.
Her shoes are totally adorable!
Maddy is growing up so nicely. I so enjoy following your blog and seeing her. My granddaughter is now 6. Keep taking pictures and documenting her life because it flies by.
Beautiful girl and pictures, thanks for sharing! Good luck on all that book publishing stuff!
I love your photogrpahy. This is something that I am not gifted with. I’m realizing that I am need to put more effort into this, as time is passing by quickly. I remember when my kids were Maddy’s age. It was a delightful and wonderous time. They are 12, 16 and 19 now. Not alway delightful, not so wonderuous. LOL
I admire you commitment to walking your daughter through her mother’s past milestones. These photos, and memories, will serve her well.
That carousel looks really fast! I was getting a litte motion sick
Is that the one at Griffith Park? The Scripps campus looks really gorgeous. I should check it out sometime.
Thanks for the update Matt, I’ve been “missing” you guys! Madeline just keeps getting bigger and more beautiful…sigh…I guess that’s just what they do:)
I love that she picked a rose from the same rose garden that Liz used to pick roses from. Such awesome photos of her with her rose. Love hearing your stories still…they never get old.
*smiles* So good to see an update. I was checking everyday for anything new. I love all the pics and videos. She’s such a little lady now. Amazing!
Matt. I’ve been following your blog from afar (Tanzania) this past year.
Last week I turned on my cable TV (which comes from South Africa) to watch Oprah – and there you were. I guess it was the episode that you did last year. But it was nice to “meet” you in video. You did a great job on Oprah.
Hally
Great update. She is getting so cute! Liz had a friend Aislinn. I love that name!! D
she is truly gorgeous…. looks like a great day.
What a beautiful beautiful little girl! Matt you have the most precious gift that Liz could have ever left for you. That child looks SO much like her mother. I’m sure it’s like having a piece of Liz with you every single day! She’s simply beautiful
Very touching. Liz is smiling down on both of you always. Maddy is a very special girl to have such a caring dad as yourself.
Maddy grew up so much in the time you were gone writing your book!
I love that you noticed the roses without remembering until that moment. That comes full circle with Liz and Maddy I think. In my opinion, that was her (Liz) making sure that Maddy knew that story. I think Liz would have told her about it then, at that moment, too had the day been different. (I never knew Liz, but I know women – because I am one – and I would have made sure that somebody knew I went to all of that effort:))
Maddy is adorable and I love the things that you let her experience without stressing (strawberries on her dress! *shudders* that shit don’t come out!)
i’ve missed you.
Happy to see you’re putting the right hobbies in her path. : ) Atta’boy.
I’ve been reading this since (almost) day 1, hardly ever commenting.
I remember your first posts fretting over how the hell you were ever going to match her clothes and do her hair. You’re doing a pretty damn great job of it, Matt, whether with or without help.
Keep matching! You’re my all-time dad-hero-dude!
Awesome. Love the read. She is getting so damn big. Growing up so fast! Adorable!
somehow, through your posts… maddy stopped being a toddler and is now a little girl. she looks so beautiful, matt. you remind me of father of the bride. ever seen that movie? it’s written your name and maddy’s all over it.
i missed your posts.
Glad to “see” you again. I love to know how much “you get it”. Much love to both of you.
She looks so grown up.
Who wouldn’t smear raspberries over a pretty dress? Maybe she’ll be a fashion designer some day!
Love the carousel photos– how enchanting for Maddy!
That lotus photo is beautiful.
Thank you for the update. Maddy is growing up and more beautiful each day. You are still doing a great job, Dad!
I love that you share your memories of Liz with Maddie…even when they catch you by surprise!
Uh Oh, the horsey bug has come to your house!!! My oldest daughter started to become fascinated with horses at around the same age, and now at 18 she is graduating from high school with high honors, preparing to go to college to study Zoology and then go on to be an equine veterinarian. Her room and closet is filled with every imagineable horse figurine, stuffed animal, T shirt, poster, blanket, key chain, decorative item, and book and she has ridden since she was 7 years old and weighed about 40lbs!
If Maddy shows an interest in horses, feed it…you won’t regret it.
What a wonderful Life you have Matt.
I hope you’ll get over apologizing for being gone. Your life is way more important than our need to hear about it. Your daughter is beautiful, and you are doing an incredible job. I’m also glad you have a little help.
So nice to see the smiles and love of all things horses, roses & good friends!
As she gets older she is taking on more of your looks = ) Coming from a woman who everyone says looks like her mom until they see my dad.
I know you hear it a lot but I have to say it again. You’re an excellent parent. The opportunities you’ve already given Maddy are insane. She’s already cool, obviously, but that girl is going to be the shit in school. And I can’t even imagine how awesome she’ll be when she’s our age. Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re a role model of a parent. Just so you know.
She gets bigger by the day!! How wonderful of you to take Maddy to mom’s campus and meet all of her old college buddies. Looks like you’ve been having fun.
I love how she is feeding you your lines. Soon she will be directing the videos.
I know you’ve already seen it once, but: http://blogs.inlandsocal.com/iguide/2010/05/presale-for-yo-gabba-gabba-tou.html
You are an incredible man. I found your blog two years ago when I was on bed rest pregnant with twins. And have just rediscovered it, since I’ve been a little busy in the interim. You are an inspiration in so many ways. To fathers, parents, and me. I have started my own blog in hopes I can do something like you have, only for mothers of multiples. It is still pretty rough but in time…
And you live in my neighborhood! Maybe we’ll bump in to one another some day! I’ll be the crazy lady chasing three fast kids!
Keep up the good work! Can’t wait to read the book.
Andie
multiplemama.com
Asalamu Alaykom Mr. Matt,
Nice to see that you haven’t been to your website since I last checked up on you. I like to think of you as being engrossed in real life and leaving the blog world to fend for itself.
I could not find Liz’s name on the wall! I did see a Maddie. Was Maddy named after someone? I never asked before and now I am curious (yellow).
The pictures of Maddy now have such a dream-like quality to them as if you placed her in a storybook about a little princess who ran through a rose garden, dangled her feet amongst lilly pads and rode painted horses. Did you ever notice that the princesses often are without a mother?
Let me know if you want one of the next chapters to be riding in a horse-drawn cart past the pyramids. The invitation still stands
Ramadan starts around August 11 and is a great time to visit. Take care!
Her bangs are growing in quite nicely. That does not mean you need to get the scissors back out again!
She is getting so big! I think it is hysterical when they fall in love with something and want it constantly- at our house it is puppies- all the time!
She is just so beautiful as was this post.
Life is sometimes so painfully beautiful. Every time I read what you’ve written, and the pictures you’ve taken, I am very strongly reminded of that.
Done. I read you. Do you hate being told how amazing you are. That you’re so incredible? You are an inspiration? I hate it. I don’t want to be any of those things, however, I don’t mind “You are a bad ass!” so much. You? Has a nice ring to it doesn’t it?
I look forward to the book….well I don’t about looking forward to it, but I think you know what I mean.
Joanne
Oh my goodness, she is such a little doll! I can’t believe how grown up she is becoming! You are doing such a fantastic job with her! I imagine it can’t be easy for a dad to raise a little girl, but you are doing amazing! She always looks so well put together and what a happy child!! I can’t wait for the book..I imagine I will be crying as I do when I read your posts. The part about you noticing the roses Liz put out…omg!
Maddy is such a little girl now- no longer a baby. How ever did that happen? She’s adorable! And it sounds like y’all are happy and busy. That’s so wonderful! Can’t wait to read the book.
Her in the garden holding the rose: what a beautiful picture/moment. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Matt and Maddy,
I’ve been following you both for 2 years now but haven’t written you a note. I was at Scripps with Liz and have very fond memories of her. I don’t think I’ll ever forget her laugh.
I spent some time with one of the ladies in the photo with Maddy (the one with her feet in the fountain). She told me how special it was to have you both at reunion with all the Scrippsies.
I’ve loved following you both on your journey. Maybe one day I’ll stumble across you in LA and be one of the strangers who approaches you both.
Best,
Sarah L.
Ya gotta love a blog that features the “F” bomb in the first paragraph
Always enjoyable to catch up on your life and times.
How wonderful that you got to spend time at Liz’s alma-mater, and with her fellow alums. You are such a good daddy to Maddy! Although, I don’t have to say that – it is already so apparent.
Maddy is getting so grown up!
Hi Matt! I haven’t visited your blog in a few months. Glad to see that Maddys is getting more and more beautiful (if thats possible) as time goes on. She’s so smart and sweet! I love your movie clips and again thanks for sharing.
Maddie is simply beautiful
She looks so much like Liz it amazes me- what a sweet blessing.
Sometimes the best memories bring the most pain. Good for you pushing past the pain to enjoy a wonderful day with people who loved your wife, and for sharing your wonderful memories with Maddy.
Adorable.
What great shots. My three year old daughter has been riding horses and ponies (recreationally) since she was about 16 months old. I think every kid should get up on a horse whenever they can- the look of pure joy in Madeline’s eyes says it all.
I love this season for photography, your pictures are just great.
Thanks for sharing with us.