Amanda Maree Photography » Amanda Maree Photography - Brisbane Newborn Photographer

“When I was born I needed some help…

My mumma’s were worried, by my bedside they knelt.

It was hard for my mumma’s not to cuddle & kiss…

Still I felt all their blessings & every good wish.

I am a fighter…little but strong…

& I knew in my heart I’d be home before long”

 

Sometimes, you have favourites, no matter what job you do, and this little one is a favourite of many! I mean, people tumble over each other to snuggle him and I’m sure if you read on you will see why!! I first met this teeny tiny guy fighting for his life in the NICU quite a long time ago and I have been busting for him to be strong enough to come to the studio so we could capture some magic! The journey to have this gorgeous boy safely at home in their arms was  like no other, so I’ll let his mumma’s share a little and I’ll add some images along the way….

Our Miracle Edward “Ted”

We began our IVF story in July 2015. After 11 IVF cycles (including 4 Overseas) our baby boy Edward arrived in December 2018. My obstetrician forced me to check in to Mater Mothers Hospital at only 16 weeks for full bed rest. All was going well until I had some complications and was bed-bound for the final few weeks, just before developing an infection. He was oblivious, but high fevers and signs of early labor meant it was time. Our little Edward had to make his grand entrance into this crazy world. He was born at 24 weeks 5 days and is now 15 weeks old (40 weeks gestation). Edward was born 740 grams, now weighing 3480 grams and doing well. He spent 98 days in the neonatal critical care unit. The first few weeks of his life were very difficult, emotionally and mentally draining for both of us. Edward spent significant time on a ventilator as his lungs weren’t developed enough for him to independently breathe. He moved onto NIPV, CPAP, High flow, Low flow and finally home on oxygen. Considering the lengthy time he spent in the NICU being regularly poked and prodded, overall he has been so lucky to come home as a healthy baby boy. Edward, like many of the micro premmies, has had so much thrown at him in his time in the NICU so he is the truest of fighters. He is our miracle baby boy. We now have this amazing family of specialised staff at the NICU and cherish their ongoing love and support. Amanda, we really appreciate your support in capturing these handsome images for our family. Welcome Edward!

World…Meet Teddy.x.

 

Premature baby sleeping in round wooden bowl with brown fluff wearing brown shorts on blue backdrop with teal frame and boxing glovesThis set up could not have been more perfect for Teddy and his journey…a true fighter in all senses of the word. From the moment he came into this world he has had to fight for every breath, for every milestone, for every success and he has done it with courage and bravery like the best of them.

So proud of you Teddy.x.

Newborn baby boy sleeping in wooden bed with grey blanket on wooden floor surrounded by neonatal intensive care memorabiliaA picture speaks a thousand words and what a journey this story shows…..

Newborn baby boy sleeping on grey blanket with grey knit layer and bonnet Newborn baby boy sleeping on grey blanket with grey knit layer and bonnet Newborn baby boy sleeping in farmers basket wearing blue and grey knit shorts with grey knit blanket and blue felt layer on white wooden floor Newborn baby boy sleeping in wooden crate with grey curly felt layer and wrap and knit bonnet on wooden floor Newborn baby boy sleeping in wooden crate with grey curly felt layer and wrap on wooden floorThose little fingers peeping out…those squishy cheeks and smoochy lips…as good as it gets!

Newborn baby boy sleeping on cream blanket with brown cap and bow tieUmmmm shut the front door…I don’t know that it gets and more dapper than this? His mumma’s brought this divine hat and bow tie and I may have squealed a little when we put them on!

Newborn baby boy sleeping wearing knit teddy bear romper and bonnet in cane basket with grey felt layer and blanket on white wooden floorI had this adorable little teddy bear outfit custom made especially for Teddy from one of my favourite vendors Poppy’s Props and oh lort…it was all kinds of divine!

Newborn baby boy sleeping in wooden crate with blue blanket and wrap and knit layer on wooden floorA gorgeous gallery filled with navy and grey to suit this little man’s nursery…. Newborn baby boy sleeping on cream blanket with blue knit bonnetI am sure you will agree…the most divine little face you ever did see!

Newborn baby boy sleeping in wooden bowl with teal felt wrapped in teal blanket with pink butterfly and button rainbow on blue back dropAnd this last little smile could not have been more perfect….the blessing of the most perfect rainbow after such a stormy path….a little pink butterfly watching over him in honour of his sweet sister who is watching down on him from heaven. Heart explode.x.

Annie & Nikki it was the greatest privilege to walk by your side through this journey over the past few months and to celebrate today in the studio just how far you’ve all come.

Teddy you are everything…so excited I got to squeeze in some extra cuddles today!

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Chubby toes and scrunchy nose

is just what you’re about…

Exploring things around you

there never was a doubt…

That you were born for bigger things

for bringing hope and love…

And watching you discover all,

our gift from up above.

 

How very lucky am I to watch this divine little love grow? Can you believe it’s been 7 months since sweet Elsie arrived earthside and was snuggled up here in the studio creating beautiful memories. All those gorgeous little details as a teeny tiny newborn are now even more delightful…those rose bud lips, milky skin and dimples that make your heart explode. It is such a privilege capturing her journey throughout her first year and a definite favourite of mine having newbies back in the studio to capture their milestones.

We had such a fun session today…lots of dancing, making silly faces and sneaky food treats. This age can be a little tricky as bubba’s are often very aware of strangers (even though I’m sure they remember me from their newborn sessions, lol!) so it can often take some time to warm up to the idea of being in the studio with my big black scary camera, hats and headbands on your head and multiple outfit changes…add to that usually teeth are wreaking havoc, nap time can be hit or miss and well, you know, 7mths can be just plain hard sometimes! But all that considered, Elsie was so very sweet and very patient with all my high fashion demands!! Can’t wait for you all to see just how much she has grown…..

World….Sweet Elsie is 7 Months!

Newborn baby girl sleeping on plum blanket with dusty pink lace doily and pants and tieback and same set up with 7 month old baby girlThis was definitely one of my favourite set ups of Elsie’s newborn sessions…I just loved the colour palette her mumma chose and these vintage doily’s are so divine.

Newborn baby girl in cream romper with pink flower tieback sleeping in cream vintage iron bed with cream curly felt and dusty pink vintage doily on cream fur and same set up with baby girl at 7 monthsLook at that sweet little toothy peg sneaking out? Newborn baby girl sleeping in round wooden bowl with mint green wrap and lace blanket and tieback and felt heart and same set up with baby girl at 7 months Newborn baby girl sleeping in wooden log bowl with dusty pink wrap and blanket and knit layer and tieback and same set up with baby at 7 monthsLook at how much she has grown…once snuggled into this log bowl and now sitting there cute as can be! Newborn baby girl wrapped in cream floral wrap with burgundy flower crown sleeping in cane rectangle basket with cream knit blanket and bunch of pink and burgundy flowers on whtie wooden floor and same set up with baby at 7 monthsAnd this was definitely my other favourite….could she get any sweeter? Newborn baby girl sleeping in farmers basket with burgundy blanket and wrap and knit layer and tieback on wooden floor with same set up with with 7 month old baby Newborn baby girl sleeping on cream blanket with lace wrap and flower tieback and same set up with baby at 7 monthsOh sweet girl….thank you for coming back to the studio today and allowing me to capture this special journey that is your first year. You are a true gift.x.

Have you thought about bringing your little newbie in for milestone sessions throughout their first year? Past newborn session clients watch your email next week, I’ll be sending out something special information in regards to first year milestone session you wont want to miss!

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To watch you grow and struggle…

A fight we know you’ll win…

To see you face these challenges…

time and time again…

You are our little warrior…

each battle overcome…

To be here in our arms…

we love you little one.

 

I know I say this all the time but I seriously witness true miracles every single day and today was no exception. To see this little fighter in the studio, now a healthy beautiful big girl was just mind blowing. Not that long ago her chances of survival were a worry, she was hooked up to machines, she was literally fighting for every breath. Yet today she rewarded us with her courage and her will…such an honour. I first met this sweet girl months ago in the NICU and was so excited when her mumma and papa decided to brave the big world of taking a vulnerable premature baby out of the house, on oxygen, mind you, all so we could capture special memories of her on her journey this small.

It breaks my heart that not only families in their situation have missed out on a traditional newborn session since their babies are born so early but when they finally are well enough to take home, leaving the house can be completely daunting. To see the look of trust and reassurance on mumma’s face when she arrived in the studio today and handed me her little love was such a treat. I always want clients to feel safe and relaxed with their little ones in my care, but this is a whole extra layer. I hope it makes coming out of the house and sharing your little ones with the world, even briefly for a session, all the more comforting.

We had the best session today with this sweet princess, she was so relaxed and laid back, snuggled up and just let us work our magic. We created a beautiful gallery of soft pinks, creams and whites with a few special set ups, including stars to fit with her nursery theme. I’ll let her mumma share a little of their journey…their story so far…and I’ll pop some gorgeous pictures in for good measure.

Our journey began in 2005 when Reece and I started seeing each other. He was new to Brisbane and started teaching at the same school as me. We soon became friends then room mates and the rest is history. We were never in a rush to start a family as we both worked with kids all day long however the time did come and we welcomed our little boy, Mason in 2013.
Mason was a handful to say the least so it took us a while to warm to the idea of giving him a sibling. Once we decided to take the plunge, we soon realised it wasn’t going to be as easy as I had Ashermans Syndrome caused by scraping of my lining after having Mason. This was then the beginning of many procedures, including two hysteroscopies and a course of IVF which we were unsuccessful with. Finally we decided to give acupuncture a go before calling it quits and we fell pregnant after two years of trying.

This pregnancy was a lot different to my last and I had lots of issues early on; varicose veins, hip problems, fluid retention but the one that forced me to visit Sunnybank Hospital at only 23 weeks was Braxton Hicks (well that’s what I thought they were). I very quickly found out that I was in preterm labour and was transferred to Mater Mothers Hospital. An ultrasound found a blood clot at the base of my cervix. I was told I needed to remain in hospital for a week until my next ultrasound to assess any changes…I didn’t see the week out.
My water broke two days later and at 24 weeks and 1 day, I started having contractions.
Our beautiful baby girl, Chloe, was born on the 22nd of September at 800 grams and 34 cm long, she was 16 weeks early.
Chloe spent the first 119 days of her life in the NICU with some amazing people supporting her. The first 4 weeks of her life were spent on a ventilator as her lungs weren’t developed enough for her to independently breathe. She then moved onto NIPV, CPAP, High flow, Low flow, back to High flow and finally home on oxygen. She received 3 blood transfusions while in hospital, had her eyes tested regularly (and got the all clear until we take her for a yearly check up next year), was poked and prodded regularly. Overall she had no major set backs.

Chloe is a true fighter and has endured more in her little life than many of us have as adults. We love our little princess dearly and pinch ourselves everyday as we know we are one lucky family to have her at home with us.

Thankyou Amanda for capturing this special moment for us, we really appreciate it.

World….Meet Chloe.x.

Newborn baby girl sleeping on white wooden bed with pink romper and blankets and wraps on pink fur Newborn baby girl sleeping on white wooden bed with pink romper and blankets and wraps on pink furNow considering this little love is actually 4.5kg and months old…we were so happy we could get her snuggled up on this adorable little bed set up. She just dosed right off and it was all things lovely! Newborn baby girl sleeping in pink crochet basket wearing pink romper with cream blanket on white wooden floorWho saw the live feed I did of this set up? Chloe was all smiles…until I picked my camera up, of course!! Cheeky miss! Newborn baby girl sleeping in round wooden bowl with pink blanket and wrap and tieback and pink flower mat on wooden floorWhen mumma asked for pinks I instantly wanted to use this stunning mat…it went perfectly with our set ups today. Newborn baby girl sleeping in white wooden bed with pink blanket and wraps on white wooden floor with pink starsA special image with stars to go with Chloe’s nursery theme… Newborn baby girl wrapped in pink blanket sleeping on white blanket with flower tieback Newborn baby girl sleeping in cream basket with cream wrap and knit bonnet on whtie wooden floorThere’s just something dreamy about a little bubba all in white…. Newborn baby girl sleeping wrapped in peach blanket with peach knit layer in pink farmers basket on white wooden floor with flowers Newborn baby girl sleeping in cream basket with cream felt layer and pink layer with pink wrap and flowers and tieback on white wooden floor Newborn baby girl sleeping in cream basket with cream felt layer and pink layer with pink wrap and flowers and tieback on white wooden floorSo sweetly nestled amongst the flowers…. Newborn baby girl wrapped in cream blanket with cream knit layer and tieback in wooden crate with hessian layer on wooden floor Newborn baby girl sleeping wrapped in gold blanket with golden head piece laying on golden butterfly wings“To watch you grow and flourish….from tiny, small and new…

And now your wings are boundless….your beauty it is true.”

I wanted to create a special image to celebrate Chloe’s magical transformation over the past few months from something so small and vulnerable to something truly strong and beautiful. My mumma made this golden butterfly…I hope it’s perfect.x.

Chloe it was an absolute honour not only to witness your journey through the NICU but to see you today so healthy and strong. It is the greatest gift.

Jasmin, Reece and Mason….thank you for sharing your gorgeous girl with me and for trusting me with the privilege.x.

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Who would have thought one tiny boy…

could work to heal our heart…

The love that he has brought with him…

present from the start.

Oh my goodness how divine is this gorgeous little (big) guy? I just love when clients return with new additions and this little man was no exception. Just last week I got the best surprise phone call….’you might not remember us, you photographed our baby four years ago….well guess what? We’ve had another baby…can you squeeze us in?’ And I am so glad I could!! It was so lovely to see this family again after so long, see how their teeny baby was now a big boy and meet their newest bubba. He was such a good boy in the studio I would have him back in a heartbeat….well, unless he was hungry (actually he was hangry lol!) Now I’ll let his mumma share his special journey and I’ll share some images along the way but just wait and see how divine this chubby little guy is!!

Our adventure together began in the UK in March 2001. I was on a working holiday visa and accepted a radiographer locum post in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. I knew no one there – so when I got an offer for an after work drink at the social club by a friendly work colleague – I never knew that accepting it would change my life forever! She would later become not only a friend and travel buddy, but my sister-in-law! She would introduce me to my future husband – who was her boyfriends brother at the time. We never knew it was going to be so right to have our lives together and that it all would work out so well! In 2003, after showing Steve our fabulous country we celebrated a magical New Year’s Eve down in Sydney where he popped the question…and I said YES! It was then an easy decision in 2006 to migrate back to Brisbane to get married, settle down, especially as I have most of my family here. We bought our home in 2009 and hoped to fill it with lots of children! But that part of our journey was not an easy one – we struggled, had heartbreak, loss and nearly gave up! Finally in 2014 our first miracle arrived, a son – Timothy! That’s when Amanda first captured some beautiful newborn memories for us! But we never dared hope to get so lucky again! The recent joy with our new baby Anthony has been bittersweet, as it follows the loss of my mother. Due to a promise to her during her final battle with cancer, was why we would try again to have a baby. I’m a spiritual person, I believe that I’d not only had an “ear to God” by mum to make it happen, but always a butterfly would appear in times of support or struggle during this pregnancy that I felt was her presence. It’s like her hands delivered him safe to us! Family was important to her and I’m grateful for not only her, but my family and friends who have loved and helped us over the years! Timothy and Anthony have a fabulous support network and parents who adore them! We feel very blessed with our two boys!

World….Meet Anthony.x. Newborn baby boy sleeping in white cane basket with blue felt wearing white vintage romper on white wooden floor with blue and white butterfliesThis image gave me all the feels….the butterflies in honour of his Nonna who tragically lost her battle just before he was born, the vintage outfit, worn by his family and passed down through the generations and baby blue to celebrate gorgeous Anthony’s new life…. Newborn baby boy sleeping on blue blanket with blue knit wrap Newborn baby boy sleeping on blue blanket with blue knit wrap and bonnetSo many smiles today….I did a similar set up with Anthony’s older brother Timothy four years ago with this gorgeous lace ladder wrap in a brown so I thought it would be special for the family to have a comparison image…. Newborn baby boy sleeping on cream blanket Newborn baby boy sleeping on cream blanket with grey wrap and knit bonnet Newborn baby boy sleeping in wooden crate with cream knit layer and blanket and bonnet on wooden floor with hessian layerMumma wanted a gorgeous gallery of blue’s, grey’s, creams and white’s…stunning right? Newborn baby boy sleeping on cream fur wrapped in grey blanket being held by sibling big brotherIs this not the sweetest little boy duo? The adoration Timothy had for his baby brother was so sweet to watch… Newborn baby boy sleeping on cream blanket with grey wrapEeeeep….the cute!! Newborn baby boy sleeping on wooden box with grey curly felt layer wrapped in knit wrap with sibling big brotherHow proud does Timothy look? Newborn baby boy sleeping being held by fatherAnd last but not least….safe in papa’s arms…

Antoinette and Steve thank you so much for trusting me time and again with your gorgeous family….

Timothy…thank you for being such a good big brother and being so patient with me in the studio (even if it did mean you had to get out 76 trains on the lounge room floor before you felt confidant to come and hang out with me in the studio!) It was so fab to see you so grown up!

Anthony….you are all kinds of lovely (even if you pooped in my knickers 😉 )

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Little dove we needed you

more than you’ll ever know

We wanted and we loved you

before that you did grow.

 

Sessions are always so much sweeter when it’s a babe that you have known and loved on already for such a long time. Today’s sweet girl has been around for a little while but thankfully, she escaped the NICU just in time to visit me for the most divine newborn session!! I was one of her very first NICU nurses…and shhhh, don’t tell anyone, but one of her favourite nurses too!! It’s been such a joy to watch her grow from strength to strength over the past few months. I’ll let her mumma share her story below and I’ll share some images throughout but check out this lovely little lady….

Ben and I had both wanted a family our whole life but had never found the right person to do that with until one day in 2014 we stumbled across each other and since that moment we have never looked back. We had many adventures in the first couple of years together, got married on 9th March 2018, then after our honeymoon got the best news that we were expecting our first bundle of joy on 8th February 2019. We fell pregnant much sooner than we thought but were over the moon with the news.

I had the dream pregnancy, I was feeling great and baby was developing perfectly. The pregnancy was going so well that 3 months before Ella’s due date I sent Ben on a fishing trip up north with the boys. Unfortunately 24 hours later I ended up in the Mater Mothers hospital in preterm labour. It was touch and go for a few days which gave my husband enough time to dump the boat on the side of the road and fly back to Brisbane.

At 16:52 on 21/11/2018 baby Ella was delivered by emergency cesarean and weighed a tiny 1300grams (2.8pounds), she was 11 weeks and 2 days early.
It was an extremely scary, unknown, confronting and heart wrenching time but she has proved to the world that she is a little fighter. She overcame one hurdle at a time from learning to breath unassisted, learning to hold her temperature, learning to feed through a tube and later from the breast, having her blood tested every second day, having her eyes and ears tested every week, tackling a double hernia operation when she was still so small and the list goes on…

After many long weeks in intensive care with the wonderful NICU doctors and nurses we were finally able to bring our precious Ella home. She now weighs a massive 3.2kg and is as healthy as ever.
It was a roller coaster of a 12 weeks but now we are finally able to be the loving parents we always wanted to be to our little miracle.

World…Meet Ella.x.

Newborn baby girl sleeping on grey blanket with white lace wrap and grey flower tieback Newborn baby girl sleeping on grey blanket with white lace wrap and white knit bonnetMumma chose a stunning gallery of natural neutrals…greys, whites, browns, creams and pinks…and will you just look at this adorable little lady…perfect in every set up! Newborn baby girl sleeping in farmers basket with pink blanket and wrap and bow tieback and flowers on white wooden floor Newborn baby girl sleeping in round cane basket with brown blanket and knit layer and wrap and tieback with bunny toy on wooden floorSweet Ella smiled up a storm all day long…as long as I didn’t have my camera around!!! But I did manage to sneak this one in without her looking! She brought this adorable little bunny with her and I’d say by the look of the set up…she likes him!! Newborn baby girl sleeping in grey lace basket with grey fluff and fur wearing grey romper and flower tieback and silver bracelet on white wooden floorOh em gee…how divine is this gorgeous bracelet with Ella’s name on it…I just love it when families bring special keepsakes. Newborn baby girl sleeping in grey lace basket with grey fluff and fur wearing grey romper and flower tieback and silver bracelet on white wooden floor Newborn baby girl sleeping on cream blanket with pink knit blanket and tieback with soft toysLook at Ella’s gorgeous little friends she brought with her and this stunning pink blanket made especially for her! Newborn baby girl sleeping in cream tin bucket with cream felt layer and wrap and knit bonnet on white wooden floor and flowers Newborn baby girl sleeping in round wooden bowl with purple blanket and wrap and tieback on wooden floorI shared a live of this set up…did you catch it? I just love this dusty purple colour… Newborn baby girl sleeping on cream blanket with brown lace knit wrap and bonnet Newborn baby girl sleeping on cream blanket with brown lace knit wrap and tiebackNow whenever I do this sort of pose, I always imagine that this is exactly what baby was curled up like just mere days earlier. Of course it’s a little different with Ella because she’s wasn’t snuggled up at term in her mumma’s tummy but still crazy to think that the little 1.3kg baby is now a chunky 3.2kg big girl!! Newborn baby girl sleeping in wooden crate with pink wrap and blanket and knit bonnet on hessian layer on wooden floor Newborn baby girl wrapped in plum wrap with rose tieback and rose sleeping on cream furThis is a special picture and I’d have to say, one of my favourite’s…a rose for little Ella Rose. Newborn baby girl sleeping on wooden bed with pink curly felt layer and knit layer wearing pink romper and knit bonnetThere is just something so gorgeous about babies in little onesies taking a nap! Papa loved this bed and mumma chose the colours and textures so it’s the perfect set up! Newborn baby girl sleeping in pink romper being held by fatherAnd last…but not least…just a teeny girl safe in her papa’s arms.

Charlotte and Ben…thank you sharing your gorgeous girl with me and for the privilege of not only allowing me to care for her in the NICU but also being able to capture special memories of you all during this extra special time.

Ella you are beyond cute…don’t ever change!

 

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