Chester Thomas Knows...

Xmas 2010

2010-12-26T14:25:00.000-08:00

Some summer/early fall pictures

2010-09-27T11:00:00.001-07:00

Cutie kissy-face above.

Baseball and chocolate- Chester's 2 favorite things :)

A chef in the making.

Riding the bike with dad.

And a picture of Lucia!

Summer so far...

2010-07-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

Just a few quick pics to share :)

new pics

2010-05-20T20:47:00.000-07:00

Chester and Grandpa Frank skipping stones

2010-05-19T09:31:00.001-07:00

Bermuda and back again...

2010-03-24T17:33:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been awhile. I lost my camera for a bit in the hectic move. But I recovered it in time for our trip to Bermuda last week and here are some amazing shots of the Forbes-Ferrel's in action in Bermuda, one in NYC at Amy ans Sam's roof top terrace over looking central park and the whole of NYC, and then some shots of us back in Maine.

More from the Ferrels...

2009-11-28T11:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-25T16:19:00.000-08:00

Wow- and to think last year at this time he was but 3 weeks old!

Thanks to all our loving family and friends, near and far, and most certainly for our Chester Thomas who is the most wonderful person in the world!

And for your viewing pleasure, here is a video of the kid walking:)

Walking Developments

2009-11-23T17:02:00.000-08:00

So, the kid has been able to walk for at least a few weeks now, but was unsteady and unsure enough that he still scooted as his main form of transportation. Well today he just up and walked clear cross the house and has since been a walking machine! He likes to carry items from one location to another and he laughs while he walks- so proud of himself :) He seems to also be down to 1 nap a day. So I guess he's really growing and developing-Crazy!

Sleeping Beauty

2009-11-18T13:26:00.000-08:00

More cutie pics of a 1 year old.

2009-11-10T08:24:00.001-08:00

Chester's 1st Birthday Extravaganza Weekend.

2009-11-08T11:42:00.001-08:00

Halloween Then, Halloween Now.

2009-11-03T05:06:00.000-08:00

That was Then!

This is Now...

cutest pictures ever

2009-10-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?

Chester in CT

2009-10-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

Hanging with Zizi.
Just a little boy next to some big teeth!

Yup, there are some fish!
Chester with his hands in the sting ray pool.
After a little bit of a bump in the road of the travel plans due to a sick baby, we have recovered and are enjoying our weekend in CT. My sister Lauren came up as a surprise for my mom and we all got to spend the weekend together! Today, we took Chester to the Mystic Aquarium and he had a wonderful time. He pet a sting ray and saw the sea lion show as well as checked out myriad fish before taking a nice aquarium nap in the ergo. It was awesome! Here are some pics of our adventures~ Chester at the aquarium, in the sink taking a bath, and hanging with zizi. enjoy.

Ice cream and bath robes

2009-10-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

We made coconut milk ice cream for a gathering at the farm the other day and guess who got to lick the mixer- yup CTFF. He obviously loved it and was so psyched that he got coconut milk all over his face, including on his eyelashes. We then put him in the tub to wash off and when he came out, he got to wear his bath robe, which was too cute not to take a billion photos of. Here are the few best shots- Enjoy!

Special one for the Noni!

2009-09-29T07:49:00.000-07:00

Old Pics, New Pics, Red Pics, Blue Pics.

2009-09-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

We climbed Magunitcook (or something like that). Here we are on "Maiden's Edge" (or something like that!

Dad and Chester chillin in the kitchen.
Naked babies are awesome.
This is Chester at the beach for the first time ever over this past summer.

We were bad posters all summer, but I am playing catch up, so here are a few pictures for your thorough enjoyment! Starting with the new, they go back in time.

Chester is on the radio!

2009-09-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

Chester and I did a radio show interview on home birth with our midwives, Chris Yentes and Julie Havener of First Light Midwives (www.firstlightmidwives.com). Here is the link if you want to check it out~

http://www.designerhealthnet.com/

Enjoy :)

He's already 10 months old!

2009-09-18T07:35:00.001-07:00

Forbes-Ferrel Wedding (45 photos), by Gina Forbes

2009-09-11T17:42:00.001-07:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

Honeymoon fun

2009-08-05T17:18:00.000-07:00

For the week after our wedding, we went to Lovejoy Pond and spent time at the cabin. When we got back to Monroe, we found the Monroe Falls- a good sized water fall and swimming hole just a few miles from our house. Here are some pics of our family having fun!

nursing bride!

2009-08-05T17:08:00.000-07:00

Jammin' out this weekend.

2009-06-22T16:53:00.001-07:00

June in Maine.

2009-06-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

Chester takes a dip in Lovejoy Pond.

2009-06-11T09:37:00.001-07:00

Chester and the Chopper

2009-06-09T16:06:00.000-07:00

A helicopter landed at the school next door. It was loud and cool. I (matt) went to check it out because it was so loud and i was so curious. It was a special treat for the school children from the army base in Bangor, a real military, medical first responder. it was huge! I went and got the fam. Here are some pics!

Ferrel fun

2009-06-06T06:08:00.001-07:00

the outdoor adventures of naked baby.

2009-05-13T18:22:00.001-07:00

Yum yum.

2009-05-13T18:13:00.001-07:00

A peek at our gardens.

2009-05-02T15:10:00.001-07:00

So much is growing! Our gardens are looking great and something new pops up every day. Wanted you to get a good look at the luxurious life we live in Monroe :)

Chester with the Chickens and more.

2009-05-02T15:05:00.000-07:00

Chester is getting lessons in country living...We hung out with the chickens of Rolling Acres Farm last week and got some fresh eggs from them today. We also managed to help Liz do some transplanting and greenhouse tending. Chester's also getting cooking lessons from Pa. Please don't mind the bad pictures of me- It's Chester you want to see after all, haha.

more pics.

2009-04-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

nice day.

2009-04-28T17:09:00.000-07:00

Easter Chester Bunny.

2009-04-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

To keep all of you Chester addicts satisfied- here are some pics from our Easter in CT and the week we spent there! Plus, Chester got to meet his new friend Adam for the very first time!!! Love the pic of the dads and their sons (who both look a lot like their respective dads).

He's 5 whole months old!

2009-04-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

Today is Chester's 5 month old birthday. I can't believe 5 months have passed since he's been born. And each day I love him more and more.

I can only imagine how much I will love him when he is 5 years old, or 15, or...

The spring is bringing good things our way! I am excited to announce that our good friends in JP, Isaac and Cathy had their baby yesterday at 12:50 AM!!! It's a little boy- Adam Bruce Canney. He is beautiful and seeing his picture brought tears to my eyes. A new friend for Chester and more love in the world!!! Congratulations Canneys!!!

Liz is up here now farming with Rolling Acres Farm, owned by our friends Josh and Ning. Ning is one of the moms that I hang out with regularly. They have two kids- Nate who is 4 and Awn In who is just over 1. It is a blessing to have Liz just a few miles away. She is a sister and best friend and her presence is breathing new life into me.

We are going out more and seeing all the people who are coming out now that winter is gone. We went to a drum circle at the town hall on Sat night. Chester fell asleep as the loud drums beat away. And we made some new connections there also. I met a woman who has 9 kids and is a reiki master. She said she would gladly teach me reiki sometime and I am psyched about that.

Matt and I are talking with our landlord Noah about staying here next year, too. I think it's going to work out great. While Matt and I had been talking about moving to Belfast, I think this will work out better for us all. No moving, cheaper rent, and we can dive deeper into the community. Plus, it's still a quicker drive to Bangor for Matt. And, now that we have survived our first winter here, we can prepare better for it this time around :)

Matt's been spending time outside in the garden working on clearing out the debris of the winter. It's looking great and it is really inspiring to me. We are motivated to garden together as much as we can this spring and summer. I am guessing Chester will like to play in the garden also!

So, here are some pics of what our house is looking like in Monroe. Notice the little buds peaking out of the ground and the swollen, rushing stream. Everything is so fertile here!

So, Chester's first five months have come and gone and there is so much to look forward to in the next five months and beyond!!!

We're still here!

2009-03-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

So sorry we are slacking on the blog posts... I know some of you need your Chester pics to keep you satisfied. Well here are some new ones to brighten your day. I will be taking more and posting again soon. I promise :)

2009-02-27T13:50:00.000-08:00

Thanks Sarah!

2009-02-25T15:02:00.000-08:00

Sarah Watson came for a visit to meet Chester and brought him a hand-made scarf and matching hat - so cute!!! We had a great time catching up :)

Life in Monroe

2009-02-22T12:22:00.001-08:00

While I am at it- here are some pics from Monroe, before our CT adventure!

Road Trip to CT

2009-02-22T12:03:00.000-08:00

Chester and I decided (ok, well I decided and Chester came along) to make a week of it in CT while Matt finishes mid-term week. The result is a lot of happy people in CT, as you can see. We miss you, Matt/Dad! Can't wait to see you soon...

Great Noni makes Chester smile.

2009-02-20T13:21:00.000-08:00

February is moustache-uary

2009-02-13T09:27:00.000-08:00

To a small group of college students in Maine, this month is being celebrated by wearing moustaches. By small group, I mean Matt and Ian Ferrel :)

Pop-Pop Weekend

2009-02-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

No words necessary- cuteness says all.

2009-02-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

On a roll...

2009-01-29T13:43:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day. I had my morning with the moms, which is just so refreshing. It's wonderful to be around Ning and Cretia and see other women in the community mothering the way I believe in. It's also great to have adult conversation about motherhood. We have a lot of values in common in regards to child rearing- breastfeeding, natural/attachment parenting, co-sleeping, elimination communication (more on this in another post), etc... I enjoy seeing how these things have gone for them and to watch their intuitive mothering, also. I feel it enforces how I feel about raising Chester and gives me support for my own intuitive mothering style. We can also vent about the challenges of doing life this way and bounce ideas off of each other.

To continue on the good day streak, I came home and played with Chester while doing yoga (soooo good for me). I got him laughing...well, his version of laughing, anyway, which is kind of like panting with a big smile on his face- really really cute. Then Matt took him for a bit while I had a great phone conversation with Erin Sweeney (miss you) and when Matt went back to school, played with Chester some more until he fell asleep. He is now in the wrap, all cozy and sleepy as I get stuff done. Folded laundry and everything!

So, while I am at it, here are new pictures for all of you to get your Chester fix. The pics are Chester on his lambie, which was taken during the above mentioned yoga session and a pic of the onesies Matt hand-made for our little bunny.

Ok, so hungry. Snack time for momma.

___

So, I saved a draft of this post as I went and made Miso soup for dinner and what do you know??? Grandma Lisa walked in the door for a visit. It was truly a good day :)

New(er) Chester Pictures, as promised.

2009-01-28T10:25:00.000-08:00

Chester Bunny in his cute glory.

Chester and Dad by the fire on a cold Maine day.

Chester with Grandma Lisa.

Chester with Great Noni.

It's been awhile...

2009-01-21T17:10:00.001-08:00

Sorry we have been lazy on the posts...

Well, lazy isn't exactly the word. Since being back up in Maine, Matt has started school again and we are back to the ol' Monroe routine. He has 4 classes instead of 5 this semester AND Friday's off, which is awesome. So far, so good on that end of things.

Monroe is treating me well, too. I have really come to appreciate our slow, domestic, cozy life up here. I have made some good friends up here that I have gotten to see since being back. I have a weekly Thursday arrangement with the 2 other moms nearby- Lucretia and Ning. It's really great to have moms and babies around to befriend and be with. The company is wonderful.

Other than that, we have been (of course) playing with our beloved and growing son. He's almost 3 months old already (12 weeks this Thursday)! I can't believe it!!! He is totally going through a growth spurt. He's eating very often and getting some good sleep in. He likes to play a lot more now and is becoming ever more social each day. It's so fun to see.

We are keeping warm by our fire. It's been -20 up here recently, and we are supposed to get another foot of snow today! That brings the snow total up to mid-thigh, probably. I actually love the Maine winter so far. It's cold and snowy, but it's just as beautiful. Plus, I don't get out much anyway, so who cares!

Matt, Chester and I managed to go out snowshoeing in our back yard last weekend, too. We have a bunch of snow mobile trails running through our back acreage. It's incredible out there. Lots of animal tracks too. We have TONS of wild turkeys back there. Matt counted 20 just the other day all poking around right outside our house and by the pond. Pretty funny.

I have had several requests for new pics. Well, they are coming, I promise. I just have to get the photos into my computer...Easier said then done :) It's just never quite the top priority these days!

Well, lots of love to you family and friends. Back to my sleeping baby and some ALACE work...

2 month stats

2009-01-13T10:24:00.000-08:00

Well, another visit to our D.O. to confirm what we already know- Chester is awesome and super healthy :)

At 2 months, he is 11 lbs 5 ozs and the cutest thing ever. The doc noted how strong he is and how aware and alert he is. So, basically, my baby is the bestest most cutest, snugliest, lovable baby to ever exist.

Oh man- I am obviously SO in deep wonder and amazement at Chester. I love him more every second.

On a more practical note- we are back in Monroe, happily settling into our quiet life after lots of holiday traveling. I am happy to just chill out, but Matt started school again today, so we are back to the old grind, too. I will post some more pics when I get a second (haha).

Until then...

Thoughts on his first Xmas

2008-12-28T15:25:00.000-08:00

Wow. There is nothing like a family to make being a mom easier and more enjoyable. Today, Chester woke up at 7:30 or so and, guess what- I woke up at 9! My mom took him for a little bit while I got to catch up on sleep. And then I got a 2 hour nap with the little guy this afternoon. This is the meaning of Bliss.

Meanwhile, the rest of the extended family is falling in love with the little guy. Even though we are far away, it's so great for him to see the people who love him and for him to know that he has a huge fan-base.

We are getting ready to head up to JP in a few days, which is both great and mildly overwhelming. There are SO many people I want to see. But, I have to really be mindful of my and Chester's level of energy. Matt and I are both missing the comforts of city life- Thai food on every corner, friends that you don't have to drive a half hour to see and the joys of walking to the coffee shop. City life might be in our future one day, but for now, little Monroe it is. Everything has its time and place and its own unique beauty.

I save other thoughts for another day...

Chester with people we love.

2008-12-27T07:48:00.001-08:00

Cutie Pie Chester Bunny

2008-12-26T20:21:00.001-08:00

These are just a few we have uploaded so far. Many many holiday pictures to come! Happy holidays and lots of love to all our family and friends.

Milestones and more.

2008-12-14T14:50:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I swear that Chester gave me a real smile yesterday. I was holding him on my lap and nothing else was going on. He was staring at me as I made little faces at him and talked to him about how great he is and then, BAM- the smile.

I have seen him smile before in reaction to gas or a dream or something. But, this one was different. It looked different and it seemed to be in response to nothing other than my stimulation. After seeing it, I decided to dedicate my life to making him smile, that's how great it was.

Matt's almost done for the semester. One more project and two finals to go. Plus, Liz gets here on Tuesday night. This is going to be a really, really good week :)

Ok, and, as promised, a pic of the cradle Isaac and Chris made for Chester. Forgive the not-so-great pic, but it's the only one I have on my computer right now. k, that's all.

2008-12-10T11:35:00.000-08:00

What a great weekend we had with Noni and Grandpa Tom. They are so incredibly smitten with the little guy and I am smitten with having two extra pairs of hands around to help. Chester falls asleep almost instantly when my mom holds him and my house hasn't looked cleaner in ages. Gotta love grandparents. So, as promised, new pics with Noni Leslie and Grandpa Tom are here.

Uncle Chris Canney came to visit this weekend too. He brought an amazing gift that him and Uncle Isaac made for baby Chester. It's a beautiful "crib." I put crib in quotes because it's not the traditional kind most people think of when you say crib. It's low to the ground and on a rocker. It's absolutely beautiful and we will post some pics as soon as we get them (they are on my parent's camera). I finally feel good about putting Chester down for short periods of time because it's so beautiful and made with such love. Otherwise, I can't bear to put him down:) Thanks Canneys. We love you!

This week is Matt's last week of school before finals week and it's hectic and stressful for him. But we keep the end in sight and remind ourselves that soon it will be the holiday break. I am looking forward to having him in the house full time and having some grown-up company. I love my little man, but the two of us can get a little strung out when we are alone so much. Good to switch it up a bit!

On another note, I got the ergo carrier (Thanks to my Noni Jen for a wonderful Xmas present). I am wearing Chester in it today and it's super comfortable. I also have a ring sling- good for quick ease, but bad for the posture- and a Maya wrap- awesome and comfortable, but takes forever to wrap and get set up. The ergo is a good combo of the two- easy and comfortable. Highly recommended for any baby carriers.

New Stats

2008-12-05T09:26:00.000-08:00

Chester had his first visit to the doctor yesterday at exactly one month old! I can't believe it's already been a whole month. We go to a family practice in Belfast- his doc is an osteopath (we love osteopaths for their holistic p.o.v). Anyway, Chester is super healthy and growing well. Here are the new stats:

For comparison, here are birth stats first:
weight: 8lbs 6 oz
height: 19.5"
head circ: 13.75"

At one month old:
weight: 9lbs 10 oz
height 22.5"
head circ: 14"

Well, I am off, awaiting my parents who are visiting this weekend (yay!). I am sure we will have some new pics to post soon of Chester with Noni Leslie and Grandpa Tom.

Feeling Normal

2008-12-01T11:16:00.001-08:00

Yay! I feel like a normal person again. Trust me, I am still tired, but normal tired, not sick tired. Chester and I are chilling alone today while Matt is at school and we are doing great. With him in the sling, my two hands are free and he loves just being with me, doing whatever it is I am doing and/or sleeping :)

We had a big day out to the co-op yesterday and then to our neighbor Vicky and Kenny's for a second thanksgiving dinner. Chester was dressed in a gorgeous sweater that my Aunt Sue knit him! Above are some cutely pictures of our sleepy baby to satisfy our family and friends.

I keep wanting to call folks to say hi, but my days escape me as hours of staring and nursing my baby boy pass. I feel like I want to call everyone I know, especially all the mothers that I have known or worked with, to just share my love for this world and for all the women that give birth and mother their children. It is an incredible thing beyond words. Motherhood has already made me really appreciate things in a different way. It feels like my love for Chester has opened me up to loving everything and everyone more deeply. Looking out the window of my bedroom, just seeing the hills in the distance, I feel so much love for nature, for mother earth and the beauty and intensity that is life. Music touches me in new ways. I look at grown men and think about how they are the son of a mother.

Well, off to go nap with my sleeping guy.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T11:19:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of Chester's first Thanksgiving. We went to Matt's Uncle Lincoln's house in Belfast, which is only about 25 minutes from here. The whole Ferrel crew was there and Chester got to meet a lot of family.

Picture 1 is Grandma Lisa with Chester. Pictures 2 and 3 are Uncle Ian with Chester Bunny, where one of them are making a funny face in each picture. And Picture 4 is Chester wearing his hat that Matt's Aunt Susan made for him from a variety of wools, including Buffalo hair. Chester wasn't so sure about wearing any hat at all, but he still looks pretty good in it!

It was a wonderful day full of thanks. Some things I am thankful for:
My healthy, beautiful baby boy.
My loving family- Matt, my parents and sister, Matt's family...
All the love and support from our beautiful friends near and far.
The fact that for the first time in 3 weeks I feel like a normal person and my breasts don't hurt like crazy!

Morning bliss.

2008-11-24T14:05:00.000-08:00

I mean, how cute, right? Nothing better than a sleeping baby snuggled with dad! This means I get some good snooze time myself :)

Chester's First Snow and my musings...

2008-11-22T10:24:00.000-08:00

It's snowing up here today...It's the first snow fall of the season and Chester's first, though we are no where near ready to go outside in this weather. My only urge is to stay snuggled inside with my little man!

We are having a nice day. Matt is home and that makes life a whole lot easier for me because being alone with a two week old pretty much sucks. I am totally confident that I can take care of my Chester, but that means all my needs get put on back burner until someone else is here to make sure I get fed and taken care of, too. Word to the wise: if you are expecting now or in the future, plan for a lot of postpartum support. Even if you end up not needing it, it's way better to have the support in place than to be left without it.

Besides Matt being awesome and doing his best to be in school full time and be a stellar dad and partner, I have been supported by a myriad of friends and family. My parents doted on the three of us the first week postpartum and then Matt's mom came to spend the week after that. Plus, my midwife Chris and her daughter Lucretia have done a lot for me. Lucretia is my age and has a one year old son named Ming who is super adorable. It makes for a really nice set up to have a mom-friend 2 miles down the road and one who's ideals are so closely aligned with mine. And, Chris is just awesome, too. Yesterday Chris and Lucretia brought me tons of food to eat while Matt was at school and then kept me company for a few hours. Today, my doula Lisa came by bringing with her my favorite carrot ginger soup. She visited and helped clean up a bit around the house. The help is very very appreciated!

Breastfeeding is going better, but not perfect. It's like this process that is both completely natural and in my experience so far, so NOT easy. It's just not easy! It takes time and patience to be able to learn the body rhythms of another being and to sync them with yours. It works, though, and it's really amazing to see Chester's double chin growing already. He's filling out. It's pretty cool that something completely free and renewable from my body is able to nourish my son. I just can't wait until it's a little easier.

And now Chester is asleep in his sling and I am just taking this time to write and to rest. I can't even begin to tell all of you how crazy this parenthood thing is. Awesome and crazy. I can't imagine a time without Chester being here (ok, well I can...) but life changes so much that it feels like it's been this way forever. It is the most amazing thing ever to be able to hold and touch and love this little being who, in my opinion, is just the most incredible person ever to exist.

He's squirming and I am off to watch him squirm.

Pictures of our guy.

2008-11-20T14:42:00.000-08:00

Welcome Chester Thomas!

2008-11-20T09:15:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a wonderful, crazy, intense 2 weeks it has been. Chester Thomas Forbes-Ferrel was born on Thursday, November 6th at 10:45 PM. He was 8lbs, 6 ozs and it was the most incredible birth experience. I labored for 6-7 hours total. It was a fast birth and I look back on it so fondly. I can say now that it was actually fun--hard, no doubt, but awesome in and of itself. I was very much looking forward to giving birth and it was such a sweet experience to have. I was able to catch Chester myself as he was born in the water in our living room. Matt was in the tub with me and our midwives and doula were there supporting me (though they only arrived an hour before he was born). It was a great way to welcome our baby love. I am working on writing my birth story for anyone who wants more details. There are so many wonderful moments to share about Chester's birth...

And, there are so many wonderful moments to share about his life. We have had many challenges already in the first two weeks. Matt had strep throat the first week. I got a really bad case of mastitis with a 103 degree fever, which made breastfeeding really painful. Our family was mostly bed-ridden for the first while. But, Chester is incredibly healthy, growing and changing each day. He is this amazing spirit who has arrived at the perfect time and place in this life. I feel like we know each other's souls deeply and I can't wait for you all to be able to share in his joyful, calm, deep, and wise energy.

I am calling this blog "Chester Thomas Knows" because each day that my mom was here (my parents stayed with us for the first week), she sang Chester a song that goes "Chester Thomas knows we love him. Chester knows, Chester knows..." It's become his little theme song and there are so many things this little guy knows! We want to share his life and development with our family and friends and so I figured this was a good way to do it! Plus, we can post pictures here for your viewing pleasure.

More to come. Stay tuned!