Amanda Maree Photography » Amanda Maree Photography - Brisbane Newborn Photographer

We’ve never known a warrior…
until the day you came…
We never knew what courage was…
You showed us all the same.
You fought with all your strength…
You overcame it all…
A warrior in battle…
A warrior so small.
You taught us how to love you…
no matter what went wrong…
You showed us despite the challenges…
that you were oh so strong.
Through my work in the NICU I meet some of the worlds teeniest population and boy oh boy, they show me daily just what it means to overcome hurdles, to fight no matter what is thrown at you….to get on the roller coaster and hold on for the highs and the lows.
Today’s little lady (and I don’t use that term lightly) was no exception to the rule. Born at the very cusp of life, so small and fragile, yet so strong in every way.
On her 132nd day of life, this sweet little love brought her family to the studio for her ‘newborn’ session and it was just as special as you can imagine.
I’ll let her mumma share their journey and I’ll sneak some pictures in throughout but please take a moment to share in the awe that is this amazing little miracle.
World…Meet Hermione.x.
Our journey to become parents has not been an easy one. After struggling with infertility and IVF, after 8 attempts and a challenging pregnancy, we were so excited to welcome our gorgeous rainbow baby Christopher. Life was full but great, and we were beyond happy. But it seems life had other plans for us, and when Christopher was just 5mths old we were surprised and slightly overwhelmed to find ourselves pregnant naturally!! Challenge accepted. And then of course things got truly complicated. We were first admitted at 22+6 weeks and had time to get magnesium sulfate and steroid shots, but unfortunately membranes ruptured (Hermione’s foot was sticking out!!) and I got an infection.  Under the amazing care of Dr Charlotte Mooring and Dr Lucy Cooke, our little fighter was on her way. She was born 40mins post water breaking in 2 pushes naturally.
Born at just 23+4 weeks on November 13th 2017, and weighing a mere 590 grams our roller coaster began.
Premature baby girl born at 23 weeks Premature baby girl born at 23 weeks
It has been a long road, and we all have the battle scars to prove it. No matter what hurdle we came across, we all fought hard.
Hermione came home after 103 days in hospital under the care of Luke Jardine (Dr Richard Mausling when Luke was away) and Dr Aaron Easterbrook.
She is still on oxygen and is being monitored by specialties including ophthalmology and ENT but she is such a strong little baby.
A true warrior princess.
Hermione Willow (named after her Papa William)….we could not love you more.
Newborn baby girl sleeping in cream iron bed with cream knit blanket and pink lace blanket and tieback on white wooden floor with NICU memorabiliaCan you believe this gorgeous chubby little lady, who is now a massive 3.6kg at 4mths old, used to wear and use these teeny tiny things in the photo.
This image speaks volumes to me, her keepsakes, her badges of honour from the journey that she has walked through the NICU this past 4mths. Every little piece tells a tale of where she’s come from, what she’s come through.
Newborn baby girl sleeping on pink blanket with pink tiebackNow if you look closely enough, this chubby healthy body holds battle wounds…IV line scars, damaged skin from tapes and tubes, and a massive wound across her ribs from life saving heart surgery. If that’s not proof of a warrior…then I don’t know what is?
Newborn baby girl sleeping in pink farmers basket on white wooden floor with white blanket and wrap with pink flowers and tieback Newborn baby girl sleeping in wooden crate with pink curly fur and wrap and tieback Newborn baby girl sleeping in wooden crate with pink curly fur and wrap and bonnet Newborn baby girl sleeping on cream fur wrapped in pink felt with pink tieback Newborn baby girl sleeping in oval wooden bowl with cream felt and fluff in pink wrap with pink bonnet Newborn baby girl sleeping in oval wooden bowl with cream felt and fluff in pink wrap with pink tieback Newborn baby girl sleeping on pink blanket wrapped in white lace blanket and white knit bonnet Newborn baby girl sleeping in round wooden bowl with white blanket and wrap and pink knit layer with pink flowers and tieback Newborn baby girl sleeping in vintage pram with blue wrap and lace being pushed by toddler brother Rita and Will, when I first met sweet Hermione at Christmas in the NICU I hoped more than anything that her fighting spirit would continue and she would be safely home in your arms soon. True to her nature she showed everyone and did just that!
My heart just exploded when you got in touch to say she had been discharged and she was ready for her session. I feel so blessed to photograph beautiful babies but this little miracle was something else, and I am so glad you felt safe to bring your precious love to me. Just because she’s 4mths old, shouldn’t mean you should miss out on a newborn session and I am so glad we could make it happen today.
Christopher, thank you for being so patient whilst 5 adults jumped around like crazy people in an effort to bring out your cheeky smile. (Even though you waited until you were out of the studio and the camera was long packed away before you gave it to us!!)
Hermione….what a privilege to watch you grow, see you overcome so much, and come out the other side with that fighting spirit that got you here today.
World…don’t be complacent…you are witnessing a miracle right here.

 

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  • Gen - Just amazing. I’m welling up. She is beautiful and so strong.ReplyCancel

Hold him a little longer…

Rock him a little more…

Tell him another story…

{You’ve only told him four}…

Let him sleep on your shoulder…

Rejoice in his happy smile…

He is only a little boy…

For such a little while.

Discovering a new family…watching them grow and learn together…is such a blessing. I was lucky enough to photograph this gorgeous little guys cousins each when they first arrived earthside, so when his aunty got in touch to tell me he was on his way I was overjoyed.

Today I had the most lovely little guy in the studio….why is that boys are always soooo beautiful! This little man had the most divine eyelashes, gorgeous skin and smoochie lips.

I’m sure you’ll all agree….

World….Meet Jack.x.

Newborn baby boy sleeping on grey spot blanket with cream wrap Newborn baby boy sleeping on grey spot blanket with cream wrap and bonnet(Spotty grey blanket from A Little Life Photography Props) Newborn baby boy sleeping in wooden bowl with grey blanket and wrap and fur on white wooden floor(Knit wrap from Love That Prop) Newborn baby boy wrapped in grey wrap with grey layer and curly felt in cream bucket Newborn baby boy sleeping on shelf with soft toys wearing bear bonnetI absolutely adore that Jack brought his little friends with him today for his session….how special to see him grow now over the next few years with his little mates by his side….he will never be this teeny tiny and snuggly again. Each little animal was hand picked as gifts for sweet Jack by those who love him….so special. Newborn baby boy sleeping in oval wooden bowl with cream blanket and grey wrap and curly felt on wooden floorwith grey Newborn baby boy sleeping on cream blanket with grey wrap and knit bonnet(Cream blanket from A Little Life Photography Props and bonnet from Little Doe) Newborn baby boy sleeping in wooden crate with grey knit wrap and blanket on wooden floorEeeeeep that sweet little smirk… Newborn baby boy sleeping in wooden crate with grey knit wrap and blanket on wooden floor holding grey felt heart and wearing grey pom pom beanie Newborn baby boy sleeping in wooden crate with grey knit wrap and blanket on wooden floor holding grey felt heart and wearing grey pom pom beanieHow beyond lovely is this teeny tiny felt heart from Little Jar Big Dreams….so much love…and of course this adorable pom pom beanie from Earthborn Photography Props and knit wrap from Love That Prop the perfect set up. Newborn baby boy sleeping in white felt bowl with grey knit layer and grey wrap and grey bonnet on white wooden floor Newborn baby boy sleeping in white felt bowl with grey knit layer and grey wrap on white wooden floorNow mumma asked for a beautiful gallery to match sweet Jack’s nursery…grey’s and aqua’s…I think we definitely managed that…there’s just something about this colour combination on little boys I could not love more. Newborn baby boy sleeping on cream blanket with aqua wrap and bonnet Newborn baby boy sleeping in farmers basket with teal and grey blankets wearing aqua knit romper and bonnet on handmade knit grey aqua and white blanket on wooden floorLast but not least…does it get any cuter? This super cute little knit romper and bonnet from Little Doe could not have gone more perfectly with his stunning blanket that was made especially for Jack…and these colours…swoon.

Lisa and Kieran….I am so glad you found me and I had the opportunity to photograph your little man today and capture some beautiful memories for your new family.

Jack you were an absolutely dream to have in the studio…please come back and snuggle me any time!

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Never we imagined….

our blessings they would grow….

After so much heartache….

So much pain to show.

But you, my love, you blessed us….

a gift from those above….

A teeny tiny princess….

A darling little dove.

In 2016 I met the most divine family and photographed the sweetest rainbow after the hugest heartbreak and loss.

Aleece and Chris opened their vulnerable hearts to me and shared their beautiful family.

Losing gorgeous twin girls and courageous twin boys, extensive fertility treatment and finally realizing the joy of an amazing rainbow in sweet Oliver they began to work towards healing their broken hearts….

But their angels watching down on the from heaven had other plans and have gifted them with a complete surprise natural pregnancy…..

The sweetest pot of gold arrived safely into their arms and of course their hearts.

(You can read their brave journey here and see sweet Oliver’s session)

‘Miracle’s Do Happen’

In the mean time….

World….Meet Emelia.x.

Newborn baby girl sleeping in basket with yellow knit wraps and tieback with sibling brother in rainbow settingAfter the storm…there is a rainbow of hope…after the rainbow…a pot of gold has arrived!

Gorgeous rainbow Oliver and sweet pot of gold Emelia watched over by their siblings represented by butterflies.

I adore this stunning flower crown by Gumnutandbloom…it just radiates happiness and joy!

Newborn baby girl sleeping in cream felt basket on cream fur with cream knit romper and blankets with white floral crownOh em gee…how divine is this knit romper custom made especially for Emelia from Poppy’s Props…she just looks so serene…and perfectly paired with a Gumnutandbloom tieback.

Newborn baby girl sleeping in farmers basket with mustard blankets and wrap and tieback on wooden floorAleece had the most magical maternity session and I wanted to include a set up that reminded them of that day and the lovely mustard dress she was wearing. I’m always blown away by the fact that mere days earlier this little love was curled up under her mumma’s heart in her tummy.

Newborn baby girl sleeping on pink blanker with pink knit wrap and bow tieback Newborn baby girl sleeping on white blanket with pink knit pants and pillow and tiebackWhen mumma mentioned dusty pinks I just knew I had to cut up this sweater I had hanging around…the cutest pants and pillow evolved and I think Emelia approved!

Newborn baby girl sleeping in white wooden bed with dusty pink blanket and lace doily on white fur with pink and white tiebackAnd how stunning is this vintage doily a family friend gave me…meant to be for today’s session, I’d say. She was the most divine little love.

Newborn baby girl wrapped in pink blanket sleeping in flower nest laying in leaves

Newborn baby girl sleeping in cream iron bed with pink and purple wraps and felts wearing pink knit romper and tieback with pink potted flowers on cream fur Newborn baby girl sleeping in cream iron bed with pink and purple wraps and felts wearing pink knit romper and tieback with pink potted flowers on cream furA little flower sent earthside from her siblings up in heaven….

(Tieback from Princess & The Pea Props and curly felt from Flovelies)

Newborn baby girl sleeping in round wooden bowl on white wooden floor with purple blanket and wrap and knit layer and tieback Newborn baby girl sleeping in round wooden bowl on white wooden floor with purple blanket and wrap and knit layer and bonnetA vintage inspired session filled with dusty pinks and purples…pure magic.

(Bonnet from Little Doe, tieback from Princess and The Pea Props, and blanket from A Little Life Photography Props)

Newborn baby girl sleeping in vintage pram with cream felt and lace doily and cream lace tieback with sibling brother on cream feltDoes it get any prouder???? This little guy could not have loved his new little sister any more and I know it shows right here!!

Newborn baby girl wrapped in pink blanket with pink knit bear bonnet sitting on shelf with two pink bears and two blue bearsAnd of course we had to recreate this set up which I did with Oliver and his sweet angel siblings…I just know Emelia felt their love enveloping her today.

Aleece and Chris…the day I heard the news of Emelia my heart literally exploded…she has been born into the most deserving and loving family that I can ever imagine.

Thank you for choosing me again and for trusting me with your beautiful loves and to share in your journey.

Ollie….please stay the cutie pie you were today forever…I could have kept you!!

Emelia….welcome earthside…you will know nothing but love.x.

 

 

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Our hearts were full, our home more so

With two dear darling boys….

With trucks and blocks and diggers….

And many other toys….

And then one day with greatest joy…

We learned of a surprise…

Our family it was growing…

Now right before our eyes…

Gifted with a little girl…

For us to hold and love…

The sweetest little princess…

Sent from up above.

Not that long ago, I got the most lovely message from a colleague of mine. She has supported me and my little business along the way so you can imagine the joy I got when I read the following message….

“I never thought I would be asking you this, even though I have always absolutely adored your photo’s, I was sad I had missed out on a session with my older two.

But guess what, we are expecting a baby girl, can we book her in?”

Heck yes!!! A surprise third baby, and a little princess after two darling boys, I could not imagine anything more lovely! And so we set about creating a beautiful session for the most divine little one. Very kindly, big brothers Luca & Matteo brought their sweet new baby sister to the studio despite horrendous weather and the depressing fact they had to stay home from school (yes, they would have rather gone to school…good boys!).

World….Meet Sarah.x.

Newborn baby girl on mauve blanket with mauve wrap and bonnetHello little one…. Newborn baby girl sleeping on mauve blanket with mauve wrap and tiebackGorgeous tieback from Princess & The Pea Props Newborn baby girl sleeping in purple crochet basket with purple wrap and tieback and owl toy on white wooden floor

How divine is this crochet basket from Addy & Gus Designs teamed with a stunning tieback from Princess & The Pea and little owl from Earthborn Photography Props Newborn baby girl sleeping in farmers basket with lavender blanket and wraps and bonnet on wooden floor Newborn baby girl sleeping in wooden drawer with purple flowers and wraps and tiebackAnother beautiful tieback from Princess & The Pea Props Newborn baby girl sleeping in white wooden bed with pink wrap and purple quilt and blanket and tiebackAnd this perfect lavender tieback from A Gumnutandbloom went perfectly with Sarah’s session! Newborn baby girl sleeping in white wooden bed with pink wrap and purple quilt and blanket and tieback with sibling brothers Newborn girl wrapped in pink blanket with purple flower tieback on cream fur with sibling brothersBy far the sweetest brother’s ever…it may have taken some bribery to get them into the studio but boy oh boy once they were in there they totally hammed it up. Their love for their baby sister was so divine.

Now as you can see mumma wanted a beautiful lavender and mauve gallery but of course we had to mix it up a little and what’s a gallery without some sunshine yellow!

Newborn baby girl sleeping in white felt bowl with yellow felt wearing yellow spot romper and tieback on white wooden floow Newborn baby girl sleeping in round cane basket with yellow blanket and wraps and yellow flower haloAnother one of my favourite stunning tiebacks from Gumnutandbloom…

And some beautiful warm oranges…. Newborn baby girl sleeping on apricot blanket with apricot wrap and tiebackTieback from Little Doe Designs. Newborn baby girl sleeping on apricot blanket with apricot wrap and tieback in oval wooden bowl on white wooden floor Newborn baby girl in wooden log bowl with orange wrap and blanket and curly felt with gumnit tieback holding photo of deceased grandmotherAnd last but not least…Sarah with a very special photo of her grandmother who is watching down on her from heaven.x.

(Flower halo from Gumnutandbloom)

Sarah…I’m so glad you decided to join this beautiful family, you are everything they never knew they were missing.

Luca and Matteo, thank you for showing me what wonderful big brother’s you are!

Stefanie and Dominik…congratulations on welcoming the most darling little love into your family, I feel so blessed that you chose me to capture your sweet girl.

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You’ve joined our family, filled our hearts

with happiness and joy…

We’ve welcomed you into our arms

our darling little boy.

I can not think of a better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than capturing the purest form of love…a dear new baby.

Today, the studio was filled with so much love and joy it was infectious.

I first photographed this divine little family two years ago when their first born Isabella was a new baby and was so excited to hear they were adding to their clan.

Another surprise gender family and another family rewarded with a pigeon pair, could they get any luckier?

I work with Erin and have adored watching her little family grow over the years.

World…Meet Samuel.x.

Newborn baby sleeping in wooden log bowl on wooden floor with cream wrap and felt and felt heart Newborn baby sleeping in wooden log bowl on wooden floor with cream wrap and felt and felt heartHow divine is this little felt heart for Valentine’s Day from Little Jar Big Dreams? Newborn baby boy sleeping wrapped in yellow wrap on cream fur with sibling sister in mustard dress Newborn baby boy sleeping in mustard wrap with mustard blanket in wooden bowl on white wooden floorNow anyone who know’s me knows I would have squealed a little when mumma mentioned yellow!!

Newborn baby boy sleeping in farmers basket with brown curly fur and green wrap and bonnet on wooden floor with leaves Newborn baby boy sleeping in farmers basket with brown curly fur and green wrap on wooden floor with leavesAnd how lush is this olive green….I love it when mumma’s aren’t afraid of colour. Little Samuel seriously pulled off every colour we put him in!

Newborn baby boy sleeping in round wooden bowl on wooden floor with green blanket and romperJust kickin back in this adorable little romper my mumma actually had made for me!

Newborn baby boy sleeping on grey blanket with grey wrap and pom pom beanieEeeeeep I love this pom pom beanie from Earthborn Photography Props!

Newborn baby boy sleeping in round wooden bowl on white wooden floor with dark grey wrap and felt and bonnet Newborn baby boy sleeping in round wooden bowl on white wooden floor with dark grey wrap and felt Newborn baby boy sleeping on blue blanket with blue knit bonnet Newborn baby boy sleeping in round cane basket on wooden floor with navy blanket and wraps Newborn baby boy sleeping on white wooden bed with blue blankets and bonnet and bears with sibling sister in blue dressSuch a special day today and I feel so blessed to be able to capture all the love this family has for each other.

Isabella you are truly the sweetest big sister and I know you will have the most lovely bond with your new little brother.

Samuel, I forgive you for covering me in more than love….lucky your cuddles made up for it!!!

Erin and Adam…congratulations on the sweetest new addition and thank you for choosing me again and trusting me with your special memories.x.

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