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Dads

Meet Matt, the new kid on the block

I’m so honored to introduce you to Matt Logelin, dad to baby Madeline. Thank you Chrissy for bringing Matt to Storked, where I first “met” him!

If you’ve never met Matt, you might want to read his story first, on his site.

I had to figure out some semblance of order for the dads you’re meeting this week on Single Mom Seeking — while I’m off in New York City. They’re comin’ at you in chronological order, based on their kids’ ages. Matt beats everyone by a landslide, since he has been raising baby Madeline solo since the day she was born.

When I asked Matt to write my guest blog for Single Mom Seeking, he wrote back that he was having a “tough day.” His third wedding anniversary would have been on August 13.

==================================

us.12 years, 58 days.

that’s how long my forever lasted.

that forever ended for me on march 25, 2008, the day after our newest forever started.

7.5 months.march 24, 2008.

the happiest day of our lives.

madeline elizabeth.

born small,

but huge in so many ways.

excitement, happiness, certainty.

27 hours later,

my wife,

her mother,

was gone.

they saw each other once.

introduction...she never held her.

she was never held by her.

how will we do this without her?

4+ months since

liz died and i’m doing my best.

my only focus?

our daughter.

madeline is thriving in every way.

thanks to gina lee for another great photo session!the tears still come daily,

but more often than not,

these days,

the tears are followed

by smiles.

big ones.

madeline smiling at me,

me smiling right back at her.

the pain will forever be present,

but the future,

it looks bright.


Matt & Madeline in NYC from Lauren Farmer on Vimeo.

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Discussion

34 comments for “Meet Matt, the new kid on the block”

  1. I’ve read Matt’s story before but each and every time I hear about Mat & Madeline and I am awed.

    His blog is honest and real — He is doing a fantastic job as a father to darling Madeline.

    Thanks for introducing him here…

    Posted by liz | August 14, 2008, 8:04 am
  2. My heart goes out to you, Matt. I can’t imagine how tough it is for you emotionally, and also physically day to day raising your daughter solo. I’m a single dad, but only half time and my kids are older. Plus, the pain of divorce is not like the death of a loved one. I’m in awe. Your daughter is extremely cute - her eyes sparkle.

    Posted by dadshouse | August 14, 2008, 8:26 am
  3. Gosh!!!! I just read his story! How terrible heartbreaking for everyone!!!

    Both mom and baby are beautiful!!!

    Posted by laurakim123 | August 14, 2008, 8:41 am
  4. I’ve followed Matt’s blog for months now and every time I see that picture of Liz seeing Maddie for the first time, I tear up. Matt’s an unbelievable father and will do Liz proud–already has I am sure.

    Posted by pinkvanillacupcakes | August 14, 2008, 9:37 am
  5. Liz was beautiful and Madeline is following nicely in her footsteps of beauty.

    You are doing a fabulous job Matt and keep writing!!!

    Cheers!

    Posted by jill in ohio | August 14, 2008, 9:45 am
  6. good job matt…. I have only met matt on a few occassions, but I do call him a friend and what you see is what you get.. real.. :)

    ~g

    Posted by ~gina | August 14, 2008, 9:45 am
  7. Regular reader of Matt’s blog. He is an amazing person. If I ever write my own dictionary, I’ll be putting a picture of Matt next to the word “devotion”. Seeing it is beautiful.

    Posted by K Nelson (Illinois) | August 14, 2008, 9:48 am
  8. We love our Matt & Madeline. While nobody can ever take Liz’s place in either of their hearts, there are thousands of us faithful blog readers who have collectively wrapped our arms around these two, and let them into ours.

    Posted by Julie in the Ohiya. | August 14, 2008, 9:48 am
  9. More beautiful words were never spoken, err typed. Your devotion to Madeline is a testimony to the love shared between you & Liz.

    My thoughts, my prayers, my hope for your futures, are with you both always.

    Posted by Marissa in the MI | August 14, 2008, 9:57 am
  10. Matt, I told you awhile back, that I always knew you would be an excellent father, and you are proving me right! Every day, the first thing I do is read your blog, and hope that you have posted pics of Madeline, along with all your other awsome pics! She is sooooo cute! The pic of her on your lap is precious. Keep up the good work!

    Posted by Bridgette Guillaume | August 14, 2008, 10:04 am
  11. Nothing like a good cry to start the day. I hope someday I will meet my forever someone too!I love reading your blog, Matt. Thanks for sharing your life (and photography!) with us. Liz is keeping a close watch over you and Maddie. :)

    Posted by Single Mom in New England | August 14, 2008, 10:07 am
  12. In my eyes, mom, baby, *and dad* are beautiful.

    Posted by Debra MacLaughlan-Dumes | August 14, 2008, 10:36 am
  13. I check your blog each day and love reading the updates. I don’t usually comment but just read that your wedding anniversary is August 13th. My son turned 1, yesterday, August 13th. This has been the best and hardest year of my life and I didn’t have to do it grieving my soul mate. I think of you often and wish you the best of luck. Happy Anniversary!

    Posted by Tracy | August 14, 2008, 10:36 am
  14. Matt the world is an ironic place. August 13th is the anniversarry of Stacy’s accident…

    Posted by Vinnie Sorce | August 14, 2008, 11:04 am
  15. Wow Matt, you continue to amaze me no matter who it is you are writing for. This was really beautiful. The pics that Gina has taken are just great, can’t wait to see the rest of them. As always thinking of you and sending you hugs from the MN….

    Posted by Kris in the MN | August 14, 2008, 11:14 am
  16. rachel thanks for having matt over! as many other readers can attest, not only is his story is touching, but the words and pictures he puts out there to illustrate it are mighty awesome.

    have fun in nyc!

    Posted by leigh in the sav | August 14, 2008, 11:24 am
  17. That is simply the most divine picture of Maddy n’Daddy.

    Posted by Xbox4NappyRash | August 14, 2008, 11:50 am
  18. Recently found Matt and Madeline, what a story. And another great, honest, heartfelt post from him.

    Love the video Matt, especially where you stroke Maddy’s face/eyes and she drifts off

    xoxo

    Posted by Tash | August 14, 2008, 11:56 am
  19. This was beautifully written and touching. Thank you for sharing.

    Posted by The Exception | August 14, 2008, 12:05 pm
  20. Yes.

    Posted by Jody Reale | August 14, 2008, 1:49 pm
  21. Matt, thanks for sharing your life and photos with us. Liz is keeping a close eye on you two, every day! I love reading your blog.

    Posted by Single Mom in New England | August 14, 2008, 1:50 pm
  22. Crap, got me crying again. I love the simplicity of your writing, it is beautiful. Just like your wife and daughter.

    Posted by Kathy | August 14, 2008, 3:22 pm
  23. Thank you Matt for sharing your love of Liz and your little mini love Madeline with us. You have made a lot of people open their eyes to cherish each and every day. Keep lovin that little bundle.

    Posted by Jen | August 14, 2008, 3:52 pm
  24. Ok, this is not at all what I was expecting from a male guest blogger. I was expecting jokes and other male stuff, but this was incredible. A deeply touching story that almost moved me to tears.

    Matt, as others have said, your daughter is beautiful and you are doing an awesome job of raising her. I can see my ex giving our daughter to his mom or my parents if something were to happen to me, but of course you are two entirely different men and you are to be commended.

    I look forward to reading more from you.

    Posted by Legal Editor Mom | August 14, 2008, 6:51 pm
  25. Beautiful~ linked through Blogher. Beyond words. Sending all the love in the world to Matt and his beautiful baby

    Posted by Susan | August 15, 2008, 4:59 am
  26. Am an avid Matt blog reader… I love how he writes. And it always sticks with me. He’s such a good father..

    Posted by Kim | August 15, 2008, 5:05 am
  27. As always, I love reading Matt’s tales of his and Madeline’s daily journeys. And it always makes me cry and say a prayer for Liz and those she left behind. Matt is an unbelievable father and I can’t imagine what pain he’s enduring and I hope that Maddie continues to help brighten every day a little more for him.

    Posted by Shannon | August 15, 2008, 5:26 am
  28. Wow, an anniversary. I’m sorry that you two couldn’t celebrate it together.

    Your love for her shines through your writing. Your love for Madeline shines through your writing and the video.

    Posted by Judy | August 15, 2008, 7:43 am
  29. well crap. I read Matt’s blog daily and know his story already…yet this still made me cry. I don’t think I can blame my post-pregnancy hormones anymore…it’s just a sad, yet inspirational situation that Matt writes beautifully about.

    Posted by Trafty in MN | August 15, 2008, 9:25 am
  30. I’m crying again. I am already a reader of Matt’s blog and I continue to be awed and amazed by his ability to put his heart into words.

    Matt - you are truly one of a kind. I am sorry you couldn’t continue your ‘forver’ with Liz…but am positive that your ‘forver’ with Madeline is a ’special’ worthy of the record books. Keeping you both in my prayers.

    Posted by ExtraordinaryMommy | August 15, 2008, 12:30 pm
  31. I’ve read most of Matt’s blog and I am so proud of him. He is amazing and Madeline is too beautiful.

    Posted by Bunnie | August 16, 2008, 11:03 pm
  32. Matt,
    My instinct is to offer a hand, an ear, a word of advice or encouragement. Everything that comes to mind just seems so inadequate. My wish is that you find the hope, help, wisdom, and courage you need on your journey. The testimony of your love for your wife is awe inspiring and we should all be so lucky to love and be loved like that.

    Posted by Crazy Computer Dad | August 17, 2008, 3:32 pm
  33. Hi Rachel,

    I found Matt’s blog on the HM site and have been reading it. Yes, it almost always makes me cry a little.

    See you at the SPS group tonight :-)

    Gaea

    Posted by Gaea | August 25, 2008, 1:37 pm
  34. Matt: You can’t change the past. But you were given a gift - a pretty pink one. I feel so compelled to tell you that everything’s going to be alright, but I’m sure you know that because you will make it so for you and for Madeline. That’s what we mommys and daddys do. We make it so. The key to that is not wordly possessions or physical beauty or anything like that - it’s love. It’s simple. LOVE. May you wake every morning and give thanks that you have a chance to watch a beautiful little girl grow. You’ll see magic and wonder if you pay attention each and every day. Cyber hugs to you both.

    Posted by Teresa | October 18, 2008, 12:44 pm

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