so of course she wanted to jump in the puddle (who wouldn’t). i told her she could, but if she did, she may get wet, and that if she got wet, she may hate her life (an expression i use often to explain the potential consequences of her actions). three jumps and some wet pants later, maddy said, “daddy, i’m soaking wet and i don’t hate my life.”
Ha, love this kid! And her rain boots, for that matter.
Now… it’s Sunday… so where is this big news?!
So cute!
What is your big news? You have left us hanging!!!
laughing that you posted.
@heather – the best part is that i actually posted this before you called me out…
Love this girl!
haha, she’s so funny. life is good with a dad like you.
Way to teach her how to truly recognize the joy of picking the wetter path.
Love her. Love the life she is living. You and Brooke are doing an amazing job…and it’s so clear that you are both doing an incredible job of keeping Liz real and alive for her.
Hi, Matt. Have read here often, but never a commenter. Loved this post – just exactly the kind of thing my own four year-old daughter would say (and does). Ya gotta love it.
Every one needs to jump in the rain at least once! Great pictures.
Puddle jumpin’ pro!!!
AWESOME shot!
and yes, I,too, would like to know your big news
Great shots, of your best girl! You were awesome on Ricki today!!!
Absolutely love these photos. So cute! There’s nothing like jumping in a good puddle!
I follow you on IG and you post some amazing photos. That said, these are my absolute favorite that you’ve ever post! They scream happy childhood….not “I hate my life.” Haha, I love that though and totally plan to steal it when my daughter gets to be old enough to understand.
P.S. Heather, you need to call him out more often!
You must send these pictures into The Muddy Puddles Project. Inspired by their son who recently passed away from cancer but always talked about jumping in muddy puddles.
http://www.superty.org/
Awesome shot! Looks like a blast!
That first picture is awesome…she’s just determined to get as wet as possible, isn’t she?
Saw you on Ricki Lake, you did a great job. Loved all of it. Even got a little lump in my throat for all you’ve been through and how well you’re doing.
Hey Matt. Love the hair flying up. Maddie is so intent on . . . jumping! Makes me want to go out and jump. And it reminds me of my boys (now 24 and 20) running full out and sliding in our muddy driveway – on their tummies! “The days are long, but the years are short.” So true!
What I want to say “thank you” for is that rare ability you have to allow others into your private emotional space, and yet still maintain room for yourself. Maddie’s so cool. My own amazing daughter is 12 (still heads straight for the puddles, I have to tell you), and I’ve started my own blog – reviewing Young Adult Literature. In about a second, Maddie will be checking out YA books – I loved those pics of her starting day care and finishing pre-school – so poignant. Feel free to post or share. And, thanks, always for the inspiration.
I apologize for misspelling Maddy’s name – wish comment boxes had editing feature …
Hi Matt, this is my first comment too! I’ve been reading your blog for a while and bought your book shortly after it was published…and of course I cried my eyes out even though I already knew the story from your blog. Just wanted to say I love your posts, feel much affection for your girl (I have a daughter similar in age), and am also wondering what your big news is?! And many thanks for your honesty in parenting – it’s so refreshing
.
Great answer! Kids are awesome!!
Checking back every day to see what your incredibly awesome news to share is. Don’t leave us hanging
Puddles and rainboots are just meant to be together. ….
sigh….I miss those magical days with my sons
Genius! While I may try that with the kids, I’ll ask that I’m granted to use that in my own personal situations.
“I chose to have a milkshake with that, I don’t hate my life!”
“I won’t be attending my high school reunion, I don’t hate my life!”
The possibilities are ENDLESS!!!
Thanks for the post. Very cute.
Jason
But where are this year’s Santa pictures??
Hi Matt! I just watched Oprah Winfrey show and i didnt even heard about this blog until now! I wanna wish you good luck and stay strong brotha!
Love from Sweden
I am reading your book and love hearing about all you have done to be a great dad to madeline. It was so sad what happened. Madeline sure looks great. YOU have done a great job with her. She doesn’t even look like she was a preemie
I do have a question for you though. WHY did you find it necessary to put so much bad language?? There are other words you could have put instead. Don’t you want your daughter to read your book someday?? You do not want her to use that language do you?? Anyway, I know that that Liz would have been a GREAT mother and that she is proud of you for being such a great dad!!!
MATT- WHAT A SAD STORY, BUT YOUR DOING A FANTASTIC JOB CARING AND LOVING LITTLE MADDY.. WE NEED MORE MEN LIKE YOU