Mike started writing songs about Madeline the day she was born. Silly songs, ballads, chants, anthems, and lullabies. There are many melodies about Maddie.
As Maddie grew older, she loved it when her daddy would play his songs for her.
And she often wanted to help him along.
One day I asked Mike to play for Maddie so I could get a video of her watching him. She was totally into it the first few times. But something would happen (a dog bark, ringing phone, wrong note), and we’d stop recording and start again. Foolishly I deleted those videos, and this is the only one we have left. Mike’s voice is hoarse from being sick, and Maddie’s attention span is starting to run out, but I still can’t get over the way she looks at him when he sings (even when he messes up at the end).
If you can’t see the video above, click here.
We still sing her songs, to each other.
pamela says:
adorable pictures. I’m crying
.-= pamela´s last blog ..:this is me shrieking: =-.
Anne Y says:
Awwwwwww………..that made me cry .
.-= Anne Y´s last blog ..God Heals – A Poem =-.
Kate@UpsideBackwards says:
Oh my word, the picture of the hands! So beautiful. I’m glad you still sing her songs. Binky will love to share them too, and I’m sure she’ll get her own. Hugs to you all.
Kelly says:
just beautiful
hugs
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Dress-ups =-.
Cinthia says:
Awww… So special….
Rebecca Zhang says:
That brought tears to my eyes.
catherine lucas says:
Nice hand shot… Big hands next to little hands. How many times do we chuck things that we regret afterwards… Nobody could have foreseen that one day the pics would be of the uttermost importance, almost a life line… so to speak. They must be of the uttermost importance to you and Mike and the rest of the family
.-= catherine lucas´s last blog ..The Cotswolds Chronicles Part 2 =-.
cj says:
beautiful…..
Jessi says:
This gave me goosebumps! It’s so beautiful!
.-= Jessi´s last blog ..A Walk to Remember =-.
amanda says:
Love this so much. I find myself getting annoyed when my husband breaks out the guitar – but I shouldn’t, I know. I’ll work on it, because I know my daughter most likely loves it.
xo from CT,
Amanda
.-= amanda´s last blog ..star of the week! =-.
Anna Marie Hinnant says:
So sweet – I love Mike’s songs to her. Maddie and Binky are lucky kids to have such talented parents!
Kristen McD says:
She is absolutely enthralled… Amazing!
Erica says:
What precious, precious memories, I just love the photo of Daddy’s big hands right along side his precious daughter’s tiny hands. So moving, the picture brought tears to my eyes, then I watched the video and was really moved to tears. Precious, Heather, simply precious. What a fantastic Dad and what a special Dad-Daughter relationship. The love shines through this post.
Sending you my love dear sweet lady.
Erica
Janeen says:
agree with others, such a sweet post. Keep singing the songs to each other and Binky. I also believe that Maddie hears you….
.-= Janeen´s last blog ..5 weeks =-.
ClassyMommy says:
I love the photo of their hands side by side. So sweet and beautiful.
Kelly says:
The relationship between a girl and her Daddy is an amazing thing…I love Maddie’s tune.
Candice says:
The pics are sp precious, and the video… what can I say? Mike is very talented and Maddie was a lucky little girl. Hugs.
.-= Candice´s last blog ..ABC’s of Me! =-.
Midwest Mommy says:
It’s contagious just like Maddie. I can’t stop singing it now.
.-= Midwest Mommy´s last blog ..I’m blaming the lip gloss! =-.
charlane says:
So so sweet. How wonderful her song is!
.-= charlane´s last blog ..Working Hard =-.
missy says:
It looks like she is snapping her fingers to the beat. Keep singing those songs, and teach them to Binky, anlong with songs for Binky, this world needs more happy tunes. Love to you, Mike, Maddie, Binky and Rigby, from DE.
AnnD says:
She was so teeny and cute in that video! Vintage Maddie!
I got teary-eyed….she was so into her Daddy!
Deborah says:
So sweet. It’s almost as if she were trying to snap her fingers along to the song!
Tracy M says:
Awe she loved it so much…this seriously made me cry and ruin my cat makeup but it was worth it. *Hugs to you, Mike & Maddy*
monica says:
Melting. Love the pic of the hands at the piano. ONe to frame for sure. And I just looove the lyrics to the song hubby was singing. Absolutely precious!!!!
Laura says:
so beautiful
Nancy says:
I wanna know if mike has pants on. hehe.
Katy says:
YES! thank you, i was scrolling down to see if anyone mentioned that. i think he’s wearing boxer shorts; either way, it’s his house.
i think it’s absolutely adorable (and amazing) that maddie had mike to make songs for her and i’m sure binky will be mesmerized by mike’s music!
wow, that’s a lot of alliteration.
Jess L. says:
I myself find the “sweater, no pants” approach both toasty and liberating.
Bridget says:
Thank goodness I wasn’t the only one!
Very sweet post, but I couldn’t stop giggling at the pantless Mike. (Sorry, Mike!)
.-= Bridget´s last blog ..I’m no superman* =-.
Rachel Stoehr says:
So precious Heather, i also love the picture of their hands. Keep singing those songs, you and Mike are such talented, loving parents and Madeline and Blinky are just so lucky to have you. Sending you and Mike many hugs. Thank you for sharing these moments with us.
Manda says:
Love!
Jenn says:
AHhh Sweetheart!
Look how precious that little girl is. It absolutely breaks my heart to realize she was a so cruely taken from you. I know you hate it when we say we’re sorry but I just….I’m so profoiundly sorry.
Maddie is so beautiful….and I love the way she was kicking her little legs as she listened to the music. She did love music and the fact her daddy was the one singing to her probably made it even MORE special to her!!!
I’m glad to hear you both are still singing…music is so incredibly healing. I suspect music will contnue to be a common thread within your family and I wouldn’t be surprised if Binky and any other children you may have either biologically or through adoption.(if you chose to have any more after Binky that is) will love and appreciate all music….especially their daddy’s music!
Seeing Maddie again is a gift…. a beautiful, precious gift. Not only does it make me think of her but it also makes me think of Binky and wonder who she will be…well, of course besides the obvious…BEAUTIFUL and PERFECT…just like her big sister, Maddie!!!
cindy w says:
I don’t think I ever saw that picture of their hands on the keyboard before. It’s funny, because I took a similar one just a couple of days ago.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/poobou/4051302430/
I love that we both married musicians who invent songs for our babies. (Only Dave usually won’t put words to his, he thinks he can’t sing, so he just plays piano or guitar or whatever and leaves the singing to me.)
Love that video. So sweet. xoxo
.-= cindy w´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: living room edition =-.
Molly says:
My heart just swelled.
And, wow, I thought your husband was adorable before–but he can sing too! Hot!
Lisa says:
Beautiful post. I love the picture of their hands together on the keyboard, big and small, dad and daughter, just adorable.
Love and hugs
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Million Baby Crawl =-.
Tami says:
Aww this made me cry. It was so sweet. I am glad you have that to watch. Man I miss your little maddie and I didnt even know her. I miss her sweet smile and the way she looks at you with those big blue eyes. Hugs to both.
Casey says:
I absolutely love the picture of their hands together on the piano. How perfectly perfect. The video is wonderful! Love how she looks at Daddy with adoration and wonder.
Jaime says:
That is the most absolute sweetest thing ever!
Marian says:
I love the hands picture playing the piano! It is very touching & moving.
You can tell Maddy loved her daddy’s songs. The video made me cry. You two are amazing parents .
And wow, Mike has some sexy legs!! hehe!!
Big, huge hugs to you both!
Leslie says:
Here come the tears for today! That was so sweet. I don’t really know why, but I can’t stop coming here to share in the joy that was and always will be Maddie.
amy d says:
That was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen!
Tina says:
Mike has a great voice!!!!
Sending more thoughts and hugs your way today, and everyday.
You two really are wonderful parents.
mel says:
Such a sweet video. I love the 1st picture because of how she has her eyes locked on Mike.
Barbee says:
Just want to let you know I am thinking of you and constantly inspired with all you do.
Courtney says:
So very special, you are always in my prayers! God Bless.
.-= Courtney´s last blog ..I’m around… =-.
Jenn says:
Mike & Maddie’s hands on the piano together is simply beautiful. What a great picture.
Is it just me or does it seem like Maddie is trying to strum right along with her Daddy??
The video is awesome! The song is awesome! Maddie, as always, is awesome!
Love the way she is looking at her Daddy. Soo full of love.
Hugs, Jenn in CA
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..Not what I thought I would write about =-.
Trisha Vargas says:
Music is what feelings sound like. ~Author Unknown
(((HUGS))) from Florida
Miche says:
Mike should try making a children’s CD-he has such a great voice! That was so sweet to watch; thanks for sharing. (and if he ever does make a kids CD, let me know, I’ll buy one!)
.-= Miche´s last blog ..My Home Is Full Of Ghosts =-.
BeeBelle says:
Love the video, she looks like she is trying to snap her fingers along with the music!
Culpepper says:
Thank you for allowing all of us to see into your world. Beautiful photo’s (please blow up the hands photo and frame it) and wonderful video.
Heather@Triple Blessing says:
Precious! And now it’s stuck in my head
.-= Heather@Triple Blessing´s last blog ..My First Giveaway! =-.
Ms. Moon says:
I have never lost a child but I have lost dear ones and I think I must know a tiny bit of the feeling of “how can this life be not here and where is she?”
So alive, so alert, so beautiful.
I still grieve with you, even as I smile at the life you had in her.
.-= Ms. Moon´s last blog ..Michelle Put These Thoughts In My Head =-.
Mary says:
Wow. Maddie was incredibly loved, that is obvious. And this video shows how clearly she loved you guys back. Beautiful.
Jennie says:
I love the picture of Maddie helping her daddy play piano. It’s an absolutely beautiful picture.
Aunt Becky says:
I have something in BOTH eyes now.
.-= Aunt Becky´s last blog ..Aunt Becky Has Some Esplainin’ To Do =-.
Amy in Oregon says:
That reminds me of my dad, he used to sing songs to us with his guitar…he’d make up songs about each of us and sing us to sleep at night.
You and Mike gave Maddie the world, and I love it that you still sing to her.
Michelle Pixie says:
Priceless and such a beautiful song!
.-= Michelle Pixie´s last blog ..Letters =-.
Danny says:
So, so, so sweet, I love it. Thank God for video.
.-= Danny´s last blog ..Half-Birthday =-.
Shannon Kieta says:
Beautiful, beautiful man. You are a lucky, lucky lady. And now, Binky will carry on tradition of hearing Daddy sing. Maddie will still hear him too. Shannon
Maria says:
So beautiful.
Also, I love that Mike let you post a picture of him in his boxers. George would freak.
Also, one time George won “Mr. Hairylegs” on a cruise. I think Mike could give him a run for his money.
.-= Maria´s last blog ..time travel at the Citgo =-.
Amber says:
Such a sweet video. He has a great voice too. She was just looking at him with amazement as he sang to hear. You can just see the love between them. Thanks for sharing!
Leslie says:
I love the words to the song, love Mike’s voice, and I love the way Maddie kicks her little feet and stares at her daddy.
She’s so loved and so missed.
Rebecca says:
You both are such amazing talents. Binky will be very talented. Amazing family!!
Tara. says:
That’s so sweet. Mike is quite talented! I’m so glad you still have that video.
.-= Tara.´s last blog ..Snowed In. =-.
Jill says:
What on earth happened to Mike’s pants in photo #1?
Jamie says:
Once or twice it almost looked like she was mimicking his finger movements. She’s such a special girl, Heather.
.-= Jamie´s last blog .. =-.
Jenn says:
How PREVIOUS is that video??? Oh I just love it Heather!!! I hope you are feeling well.
Momma Uncensored says:
what a love.
.-= Momma Uncensored´s last blog ..damn straight =-.
Jennifer says:
Tears…look at Maddie lock onto Mike’s face while he’s singing. So sweet. He’s really talented! Binky has so much to look forward to…
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Saying goodbye… =-.
Kristi Dorson says:
The pictures and the video are simply adorable. Thank you for sharing their special moment with us.
.-= Kristi Dorson´s last blog ..a weight on my mind =-.
Ray says:
That photo with Mike’s hands and Maddie’s tiny ones on the piano is “AWESOME.” I think it’s beautiful that you still sing her songs to each other. Binky will love hearing them, and singing them one day, herself.
mythoughtsonthat says:
Just so sweet.
Faith….Hope….Love….Peace.
.-= mythoughtsonthat´s last blog ..I Wish I Knew =-.
Audrey says:
Beautiful.
Amber says:
Mike sounds awesome! What a talent! And what a precious video!
.-= Amber´s last blog ..old navy–take an extra 50% off =-.
Jen says:
Awww that was one of the sweetest things I have ever seen!! At one point, I swear Maddie looks like she is strumming a guitar : )
eliza says:
Boy he really can sing. So sweet. Lucky little babies.
Bridget says:
p.s. i really do like the hand picture…like everybody else.
.-= Bridget´s last blog ..I’m no superman* =-.
Amanda says:
What a cute video, and an amazing voice. I have to ask…Mike is wearing shorts in the first picture right?!
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Photo Friday – Colours =-.
Alana says:
Your daughters are so lucky to have such amazing parents. Madeline really is so in awe of Daddy’s singing and playing! Binky will be loving every minute of it too!
Cheryl says:
Your family is beautiful – those who are here with us, those who are to come, and those who are just waiting to see us again. Every child you bring into your lives is so lucky – Heather and Mike, you are wonderful, loving people and I wish you every happiness.
I cannot believe I feel so emotionally connected to people I’ve never met IRL!!!
Michelle W says:
That pictures is amazingly beautiful and the video is so sweet, what an amazing Daddy who so adores his little Maddie
Noelle says:
I love the photo of her hands on the keyboard. Although I’ve probably seen hundreds of pictures of Maddie by now, for some reason I was struck tonight by how tiny she is. And how amazing it is that such a tiny little person can command such a huge space in this world. She’s incredible.
.-= Noelle´s last blog ..Conversations with a 4-Year-Old: How Babies Are Made =-.
MelissaG says:
Cutest thing ever. I’ve been touched by your husbands songs on his blog too…great voice. So sorry it’s sad songs now.
Chrissy says:
You and Mike ARE such good parents to Maddie. What is sweeter than a father serenading his baby girl? And I love that you still sing the songs to each other. What a wonderful way to honor your daughter.
Krissa says:
(((Hugs)))
Domestic Extraordinaire says:
such a beautiful video.
.-= Domestic Extraordinaire´s last blog ..Learning about life from dead leaves =-.
Melanie B says:
There’s plenty of people that take their children for granted. You didn’t, and that meant something to her, to you. Daddies with their girls always make me melt!
.-= Melanie B´s last blog ..Giveaways For This Week =-.
Heather says:
What a beautiful gift to have…and to share. Thank you.
Tina says:
I know you love Halloween and I know this one will be especially dificult.
I still want to wish you a Happy Halloween and All Souls Day.
Sending hugs your way.
Laura says:
I was just coming on here to say the exact same thing that Tina just wrote…. I know how much you guys love Halloween and how special you made it for Maddie. I am so, so sorry that you don’t get to share today (and everyday) with your little angel.
I hope somehow you can find joy today by looking at those gorgeous pictures and videos of your little angel. Maddie was so full of joy and love because of you. What a lovely little soul that she always will be…. we will miss her always.
Hugs and prayers for your entire family.
Kylie says:
Whoa! What a beautiful beautiful beautiful song! Its clear she loves it… keep singing happy songs!!!
Tina says:
She was a beautiful, beautiful girl.
SM says:
I’ve been following your blog for a while. My thoughts are with you this halloween and all the holidays without Maddie.
Amy S. says:
Read yesterday’s blog yesterday but thinking of you & Mike today. I know it hurts and I’m sorry.
Ann says:
awww, great video, Maddie is radiant basking in Mike’s and your love.
I’m thinking of you tonight, on Hallowe’en, because I know how much you enjoyed it.
Kelly says:
LOVE that picture of the piano and hands! Amazing shot. Read everday, but don’t comment often. Prayers are still with you and your family.
JAR says:
The hand picture is one to treasure always.
.-= JAR´s last blog ..Princess Alexa Foundation Dress Up Drive =-.
AmazingGreis says:
What a sweet video!
.-= AmazingGreis´s last blog ..Happy Halloween – BFL Week 7 =-.
Brenda says:
I love the song. Maddie was the luckiest girl in the whole world to have two parents like you.
Two Makes Four says:
I LOVED this. What a precious girl and a loving family. Thanks for sharing.
.-= Two Makes Four´s last blog ..Daaa-Deee =-.
Adventures In Babywearing says:
This is precious. And I hope it’s ok I’m laughing wondering if he’s wearing pants in that first one… what awesome memories.
Steph
.-= Adventures In Babywearing´s last blog ..The First Of November =-.
Jodee says:
I love this video so sweet. So happy she had songs from her daddy!
.-= Jodee´s last blog ..Trick or Treat =-.
Becki says:
Heather,
I rarely post, but check your blog everyday. I, like many others, haven fallen in love with Maddie through your words, even though I’ve never met her. She is a part of my life, in a way. Every time I see a March of Dimes commercial, or even look at great photography, I think of Maddie.
So, all this to say, I dreamed of Maddie the other night. I can’t really remember what it was about…probably nonsense like most dreams are, but she was there, laughing and giggling.
I just wanted you to know this. I wanted you to know that there are thousands of us that think often of your family, that we dream of you, pray for you, cry with you, and rejoice with you when the fog seems a little less thick and hope shines through, if even just a little bit.
Tracy I says:
Absolutely beautiful!!
suzanne says:
You picked a good daddy for your girls.
Claire says:
Hugs to you. Anniversaries like this are so hard and bittersweet. I am glad Maddie’s one birthday on Earth was so wonderful. The photos are beautiful.
.-= Claire´s last blog ..Going Home =-.
Al_Pal says:
Awww, so lovely. The hands photo is so darling.
*HUGS*
preheatedoven says:
Such a beautiful song for a beautiful girl:) Happy 2nd b-day Maddie!
MrsP says:
This is beautiful. The love a Father towards his daughter is one of the most beautiful sights to see.
First time posting, I love your blog!!!