4. Their Whole Lives Ahead of Them
On August 13, 2005, Matt and Liz pledged their eternal love to one another and wed surrounded by friends and family. The newlyweds were ecstatic to start the rest of their lives together and things seemed to be going great. Professionally, the couple was making strides in California with Matt as a project manager at Yahoo! and Liz working as a financial executive at Disney. Personally, the Logelins were over the moon and had just taken the big step of buying a house together. But the happy developments didn’t end there.
On August 13, 2005, Matt and Liz pledged their eternal love to one another and wed surrounded by friends and family. The newlyweds were ecstatic to start the rest of their lives together and things seemed to be going great. Professionally, the couple was making strides in California with Matt as a project manager at Yahoo! and Liz working as a financial executive at Disney. Personally, the Logelins were over the moon and had just taken the big step of buying a house together. But the happy developments didn’t end there.
6. Launching a Blog
Seeing that their friends and family back in Minnesota couldn’t be around for every exciting step along the way, the soon-to-be-parents started a pregnancy blog to keep their loved ones in the loop. There, they posted adorable photos and regular updates on Liz’s progress. One of Matt’s favorite photos of Liz was one in which the glowing future mother is seen pointing to her pregnant belly. The thrilled first-time parents had no idea, however, that in the months to come, that picture would become part of an unexpected, widespread sensation
Seeing that their friends and family back in Minnesota couldn’t be around for every exciting step along the way, the soon-to-be-parents started a pregnancy blog to keep their loved ones in the loop.
There, they posted adorable photos and regular updates on Liz’s progress. One of Matt’s favorite photos of Liz was one in which the glowing future mother is seen pointing to her pregnant belly. The thrilled first-time parents had no idea, however, that in the months to come, that picture would become part of an unexpected, widespread sensation
8. Rushed to the Delivery Room
It was seven weeks before Liz’s due date and suddenly she was rushed to the delivery room. Seeing that her pregnancy was classified as high-risk, the doctors weren’t taking any chances. Twice Liz was wheeled into to the delivery room and both times the baby changed its mind. Finally, it was actually time for the baby to make its entrance into the world. However, the baby was nearly two months premature and Liz had to undergo an emergency C-section operation. On March 24, 2008, Mat and Liz Logelin’s lives changed forever.
It was seven weeks before Liz’s due date and suddenly she was rushed to the delivery room. Seeing that her pregnancy was classified as high-risk, the doctors weren’t taking any chances. Twice Liz was wheeled into to the delivery room and both times the baby changed its mind. Finally, it was actually time for the baby to make its entrance into the world. However, the baby was nearly two months premature and Liz had to undergo an emergency C-section operation. On March 24, 2008, Mat and Liz Logelin’s lives changed forever.
10. Waiting to Hold the Little One
Liz couldn’t wait to hold her new daughter. However, doctors first ordered her to 24 more hours of bedrest. Once that time had passed, nurses prepped Liz to see the baby, who was healthy and alert. She was placed in a wheelchair, as new mothers are, and wheeled to the ward. Matt, who’d always wanted to have children, was there helping his wife as she took a practice walk around her room. It was a moment they had long been waiting for. Finally, the three of them would be able to have some much-needed bonding time. But then, tragedy struck.
Liz couldn’t wait to hold her new daughter. However, doctors first ordered her to 24 more hours of bedrest. Once that time had passed, nurses prepped Liz to see the baby, who was healthy and alert. She was placed in a wheelchair, as new mothers are, and wheeled to the ward. Matt, who’d always wanted to have children, was there helping his wife as she took a practice walk around her room. It was a moment they had long been waiting for. Finally, the three of them would be able to have some much-needed bonding time. But then, tragedy struck.
12. 27 Hours After Birth
“Suddenly there’s this ‘code blue,’ people rushing past me,” Matt painstakingly recalled. “All of a sudden it hit me,” he tearfully told The Guardian in 2011. “She was going to die, today, here in this hospital. And she was never going to hold her baby.” Only 27 hours after giving birth to Madeline, doctors determined that a deadly blood clot had traveled to Liz’s lung and caused a rare, fatal pulmonary embolism that had tragically taken Liz’s life at just 30-years-old. Devastated, Matt was left reeling.
“Suddenly there’s this ‘code blue,’ people rushing past me,” Matt painstakingly recalled. “All of a sudden it hit me,” he tearfully told The Guardian in 2011. “She was going to die, today, here in this hospital. And she was never going to hold her baby.” Only 27 hours after giving birth to Madeline, doctors determined that a deadly blood clot had traveled to Liz’s lung and caused a rare, fatal pulmonary embolism that had tragically taken Liz’s life at just 30-years-old. Devastated, Matt was left reeling.
14. A Bittersweet Realization
All of the sudden, Matt’s world was turned upside down. The 30-year-old simultaneously found himself to be a grief-stricken widower and an enamored new father. Additionally, he was floored by the thought of raising the newborn Maddy by himself. Although he was instantly smitten with the infant, he’d always imagined sharing the adventure of parenting alongside Liz. Left navigating the confusing onslaught of emotions, he had to cope with the despair of the untimely loss of his soulmate and the rapture of becoming a father.
All of the sudden, Matt’s world was turned upside down. The 30-year-old simultaneously found himself to be a grief-stricken widower and an enamored new father. Additionally, he was floored by the thought of raising the newborn Maddy by himself. Although he was instantly smitten with the infant, he’d always imagined sharing the adventure of parenting alongside Liz. Left navigating the confusing onslaught of emotions, he had to cope with the despair of the untimely loss of his soulmate and the rapture of becoming a father.
16. Agonizing Reminders
The first few weeks after Liz died had been agonizing for Matt. He couldn’t bring himself to remove her wedding ring from his pinky finger, and every Tuesday, when the clock struck 3:11 p.m. he was transported back to the fateful moment when his life was turned upside down. At times the unbearable weight of the world seemed too much. It was hard to bear being at home with so many reminders of Liz surrounding him. However, when he went out with Madeline, he found himself comforting strangers who were overcome by his response to where the baby’s mother was. “She passed away the day after the baby was born,” he’d say.
The first few weeks after Liz died had been agonizing for Matt. He couldn’t bring himself to remove her wedding ring from his pinky finger, and every Tuesday, when the clock struck 3:11 p.m. he was transported back to the fateful moment when his life was turned upside down. At times the unbearable weight of the world seemed too much. It was hard to bear being at home with so many reminders of Liz surrounding him. However, when he went out with Madeline, he found himself comforting strangers who were overcome by his response to where the baby’s mother was. “She passed away the day after the baby was born,” he’d say.
18. Extreme Highs and Lows
He also refashioned his and Liz’s pregnancy blog into a personal parenting blog and found some solace in the writing process. The single father poured his heart out into the desperately-needed outlet and soon something unexpected happened. His honest writing helped Matt fight off the urges to let the grief consume him and was able to find some relief. As a single parent and widower, he also sought out the support of other parents to related to and who could provide support during the trying time.
He also refashioned his and Liz’s pregnancy blog into a personal parenting blog and found some solace in the writing process. The single father poured his heart out into the desperately-needed outlet and soon something unexpected happened. His honest writing helped Matt fight off the urges to let the grief consume him and was able to find some relief. As a single parent and widower, he also sought out the support of other parents to related to and who could provide support during the trying time.
20. An Overwhelming Response
Matt thought the blog, which was now called “Matt, Liz and Madeline: Life and Death, All in a 27-Hour Period,” would be a meaningful virtual scrapbook for Madeline when she grew up. However, the forum also became a widespread Internet phenomenon. Matt was receiving useful advice on how to deal with things like diaper rash and nasal aspirators. He had also created a place for other parents in similar situations to related to one another. In addition, the forum was attracting tens of thousands of page views a day and about 1 million to 1.5 million visitors per month. But where would it take Matt?
Matt thought the blog, which was now called “Matt, Liz and Madeline: Life and Death, All in a 27-Hour Period,” would be a meaningful virtual scrapbook for Madeline when she grew up. However, the forum also became a widespread Internet phenomenon. Matt was receiving useful advice on how to deal with things like diaper rash and nasal aspirators. He had also created a place for other parents in similar situations to related to one another. In addition, the forum was attracting tens of thousands of page views a day and about 1 million to 1.5 million visitors per month. But where would it take Matt?
22. Unimaginable Care
People sent in items he didn’t even know he needed. Along with the toys, stuffed animal and baby clothes Matt received diaper bags, formula dividers, baby nail clippers and hair clips after he wrote of his fear of not dressing Maddy in the way Liz would have wanted. The Logelins soon received so many gifts that they filled the modest living room of their home. “I never imagined that people would care about us the way they do,” he said. With the help of some of his avid readers, Matt eventually set up a charity organization in Liz’s name and did something incredible with it.
People sent in items he didn’t even know he needed. Along with the toys, stuffed animal and baby clothes Matt received diaper bags, formula dividers, baby nail clippers and hair clips after he wrote of his fear of not dressing Maddy in the way Liz would have wanted. The Logelins soon received so many gifts that they filled the modest living room of their home. “I never imagined that people would care about us the way they do,” he said. With the help of some of his avid readers, Matt eventually set up a charity organization in Liz’s name and did something incredible with it.
24. Remembering Liz Around the World
Part of the Liz Logelin Foundation’s activity includes the Celebration of Hope gala, held on the weekend closest to Liz Logelin’s birthday on September 17. The gala features a number of auctions benefiting the foundation, as well as a traditional 5-K walk/run held close to her hometown in Minnesota. The organization also holds an event called 5K Walk/Run/Hope Around the World, in which people are encouraged to buy race packets, and walk/run in their own hometown. All the profits from this activity go directly to the Liz Logelin Foundation. Such a heartfelt tribute, considering Liz herself was a runner. But the story doesn’t end there.
Part of the Liz Logelin Foundation’s activity includes the Celebration of Hope gala, held on the weekend closest to Liz Logelin’s birthday on September 17. The gala features a number of auctions benefiting the foundation, as well as a traditional 5-K walk/run held close to her hometown in Minnesota. The organization also holds an event called 5K Walk/Run/Hope Around the World, in which people are encouraged to buy race packets, and walk/run in their own hometown. All the profits from this activity go directly to the Liz Logelin Foundation. Such a heartfelt tribute, considering Liz herself was a runner. But the story doesn’t end there.
26. The Year Milestone
Although Matt Logelin’s blog had become a rallying point for widows, widowers and empathetic parents alike, he had initially planned the end of the project after a year. However, its popularity, cathartic effects, and purpose as a scrapbook for Maddy meant otherwise. Matt was blown away by the response to his blog and all of the opportunities that it presented. Matt and Maddy were now also heavily invested in helping others in similar positions. But the two would soon start on a new path that would again change things in a big way.
Although Matt Logelin’s blog had become a rallying point for widows, widowers and empathetic parents alike, he had initially planned the end of the project after a year. However, its popularity, cathartic effects, and purpose as a scrapbook for Maddy meant otherwise. Matt was blown away by the response to his blog and all of the opportunities that it presented. Matt and Maddy were now also heavily invested in helping others in similar positions. But the two would soon start on a new path that would again change things in a big way.
28. Going Full Circle
In 2009, Matt decided to take leave from his job to pursue something unforgettable. With Maddy by his side, the two traveled to India where Matt wanted to take a couple of months to write a memoir. India was a location of particular significance as Matt and Liz had traveled there a year after their wedding. Passing on his and his late wife’s passion for travel, Matt found the time in India with his toddler invaluable. Their two months there gave him the time and space to pen his memoir Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss & Love. The book became an instant New York Times bestseller, and there was more good fortune in store.
In 2009, Matt decided to take leave from his job to pursue something unforgettable. With Maddy by his side, the two traveled to India where Matt wanted to take a couple of months to write a memoir. India was a location of particular significance as Matt and Liz had traveled there a year after their wedding. Passing on his and his late wife’s passion for travel, Matt found the time in India with his toddler invaluable. Their two months there gave him the time and space to pen his memoir Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss & Love. The book became an instant New York Times bestseller, and there was more good fortune in store.
30. Another Chance at Love
The same year that Matt Logelin’s book about his first year as a widower and single dad was published, it seemed that love was in the cards again for Matt. He started dating Brooke Gullikson, who volunteered with the Liz Logelin Foundation. The two had met the previous year at one of the organization’s annual fundraiser runs. It would take another year until Matt asked Brooke out on a date around Thanksgiving. Brooke said she knew nearly instantly that Matt was the one and she met Maddy by Christmas. Finally, things seemed to be looking up for the young widower.
The same year that Matt Logelin’s book about his first year as a widower and single dad was published, it seemed that love was in the cards again for Matt. He started dating Brooke Gullikson, who volunteered with the Liz Logelin Foundation. The two had met the previous year at one of the organization’s annual fundraiser runs. It would take another year until Matt asked Brooke out on a date around Thanksgiving. Brooke said she knew nearly instantly that Matt was the one and she met Maddy by Christmas. Finally, things seemed to be looking up for the young widower.
32. Mommy and Brookie (after page 28)
After Matt introduced Brooke to daughter Maddy, it was clear to the couple that things were getting serious. However, Brooke made a point not to take Liz’s place and would talk to Maddy about her mother often. When asked whether Maddy calls her mom, Brooke replied she simply calls her ‘Brookie.’ The quick transition from single woman to full-fledged mother-figure wasn’t easy for Brooke — especially the part where she had to install a car seat in her car. However, Brooke said she wouldn’t trade her relationship with the bright and sweet little girl for the world.
After Matt introduced Brooke to daughter Maddy, it was clear to the couple that things were getting serious. However, Brooke made a point not to take Liz’s place and would talk to Maddy about her mother often. When asked whether Maddy calls her mom, Brooke replied she simply calls her ‘Brookie.’ The quick transition from single woman to full-fledged mother-figure wasn’t easy for Brooke — especially the part where she had to install a car seat in her car. However, Brooke said she wouldn’t trade her relationship with the bright and sweet little girl for the world.
34. Going Their Separate Ways
With the word out about their budding romance, Brook conducted an interview with Parenting.com in which she opened up about her thoughts on being a “replacement mom.” By the summer of 2013, things between Matt and Brooke fizzled. Matt then took to Facebook to confirm in a now-deleted post that the two had gone their separate ways. Although thing didn’t work out with Brooke, life still had more surprises for Matt and love wouldn’t be lost on him.
With the word out about their budding romance, Brook conducted an interview with Parenting.com in which she opened up about her thoughts on being a “replacement mom.” By the summer of 2013, things between Matt and Brooke fizzled. Matt then took to Facebook to confirm in a now-deleted post that the two had gone their separate ways. Although thing didn’t work out with Brooke, life still had more surprises for Matt and love wouldn’t be lost on him.
36. Not an Octopus
After releasing his memoir, Two Kisses For Maddy, it was only a matter of time before Matt Logelin released another book. Luckily, things were a lot more cheerful this time! Logelin teamed up with his friend, creative director Sara Jensen, and together they authored the children’s book named Be Glad Your Dad…(Is Not an Octopus!). The book was written after the two friends realized they share the same parenting style. It is a humorous, G-rated version of the “would you rather” game, accompanied by adorable illustrations by Jared Chapman, and has been getting rave reviews. But that’s not all Matt Logelin’s been working on.
After releasing his memoir, Two Kisses For Maddy, it was only a matter of time before Matt Logelin released another book. Luckily, things were a lot more cheerful this time! Logelin teamed up with his friend, creative director Sara Jensen, and together they authored the children’s book named Be Glad Your Dad…(Is Not an Octopus!). The book was written after the two friends realized they share the same parenting style. It is a humorous, G-rated version of the “would you rather” game, accompanied by adorable illustrations by Jared Chapman, and has been getting rave reviews. But that’s not all Matt Logelin’s been working on.
38. Maddy Today
Maddy Logelin turned 10 years old on March 24, 2018. That date also marked 10 years since the tragic passing of her mother, Liz. In spite of the tragic circumstances of her past, her father and extended family have done everything to surround her with love and happiness. Matt has made the details of his blog less intimate as Maddy has grown older. “The minute Madeline says stop, that it. The plug gets pulled,” he always vowed. Over the years, Maddy has grown to know her mother through stories and pictures and has become all the more inquisitive.
Maddy Logelin turned 10 years old on March 24, 2018. That date also marked 10 years since the tragic passing of her mother, Liz. In spite of the tragic circumstances of her past, her father and extended family have done everything to surround her with love and happiness. Matt has made the details of his blog less intimate as Maddy has grown older. “The minute Madeline says stop, that it. The plug gets pulled,” he always vowed. Over the years, Maddy has grown to know her mother through stories and pictures and has become all the more inquisitive.
40. Maddy’s Own Charity Work
Having basically grown up with the foundation named after her mother, it only made sense that little Maddy got involved in its activities as soon as she got old enough. She attends all the organization’s events with her father and has even participated in several charity events. Maddy’s also tried to help raise money for people in need outside the foundation’s usual activity. After Hurricanes Harvey and Irma struck in 2017, the kindhearted little girl started selling cookies to raise money for the survivors.
Having basically grown up with the foundation named after her mother, it only made sense that little Maddy got involved in its activities as soon as she got old enough. She attends all the organization’s events with her father and has even participated in several charity events. Maddy’s also tried to help raise money for people in need outside the foundation’s usual activity. After Hurricanes Harvey and Irma struck in 2017, the kindhearted little girl started selling cookies to raise money for the survivors.
42. Father’s Day
An avid blogger and author, Matt Logelin isn’t afraid to voice his less than conventional opinions. One thing he objects to is Father’s Day. For him, Father’s Day was made up to sell greeting cards and ties and is hardly a big deal. Matt doesn’t have to wait until Father’s Day to spend quality time with his beloved little girl and to give her his full attention like many other fathers do. For him, it’s an everyday thing.
An avid blogger and author, Matt Logelin isn’t afraid to voice his less than conventional opinions. One thing he objects to is Father’s Day. For him, Father’s Day was made up to sell greeting cards and ties and is hardly a big deal. Matt doesn’t have to wait until Father’s Day to spend quality time with his beloved little girl and to give her his full attention like many other fathers do. For him, it’s an everyday thing.
44. A Secret Ceremony
Matt Logelin and Lizzie Molyneux had largely kept information about their relationship under wraps to protect their privacy and that of Maddy’s. However, inquisitive fans looking for more details on the couple happened to come across something astounding! The fans discovered a wedding website for Matt Logelin and Lizzie Molyneux. As it turns out, the hush-hush pair secretly wed in a nuptials ceremony in Palm Springs, California in February 2018. And while Matt Logelin might prefer to be discreet on his private life these days, his chronicles about Maddy have caught the eye of one particular A-lister.
Matt Logelin and Lizzie Molyneux had largely kept information about their relationship under wraps to protect their privacy and that of Maddy’s. However, inquisitive fans looking for more details on the couple happened to come across something astounding! The fans discovered a wedding website for Matt Logelin and Lizzie Molyneux. As it turns out, the hush-hush pair secretly wed in a nuptials ceremony in Palm Springs, California in February 2018. And while Matt Logelin might prefer to be discreet on his private life these days, his chronicles about Maddy have caught the eye of one particular A-lister.