Amanda Maree Photography » Amanda Maree Photography - Brisbane Newborn Photographer

To watch you grow a privilege…

one we hoped to have one day…

Our little blessed rainbow…

the joy you’ve brought our way.

 

Today I had sweet Ariella back in the studio for her one year milestone session….wait…where did that year go???? It was such a surprise to see just how much she’d grown and changed in that time. I’m sure you’ll all remember but I first had Ariella in the studio as a newborn, a divine rainbow for her mumma and papa, after the heartbreaking loss of their beautiful Freya. Ariella brought her gorgeous big sister Olivia, Freya’s twin with her to the session today and again we were all surrounded by love….I’m sure sent by Freya. I had the honour of caring for both Freya and Olivia in the NICU so you can imagine how blessed I feel to have welcomed Ariella and watch her grow this past year.

Now don’t get me wrong…it wasn’t all fluffy and lovely…one year olds can be particularly fickle when it comes to essential strangers so milestone sessions can go many ways. Ariella had the most gorgeous smile and sweet laid back personality but she was super wary once that big black camera came out. So there was lots of singing, dancing and tricks cracked out. I’m sure you’ll agree…all of Ariella’s little faces, smiles or not are just divine!

Happy first birthday sweet girl.

Ariella is One.x.

Newborn baby girl sleeping in pink crochet basket with pink wrap and tieback in rainbow backdrop and same set up as one year oldOh darling girl….could you be any more lovely….and just the blessing your family deserved.x.

Newborn baby girl sleeping in white wooden bed with dusty pink lace wrap and pillow and tieback and felt heart on white wooden floor and same set up as one year old Newborn baby girl sleeping on cream blanket with teal floral wrap with same set up as one year oldI adored this stunning wrap Ariella brought to her newborn session…those colours are stunning and it has her name on it!

Newborn baby girl sleeping in pink flower nest with green felt and peach wrap and tieback with pink butterfly on wooden floor and same set up as a one year oldThese are my favourites shots as they show just how much she grown!

Newborn baby girl sleeping in round cane basket with peach blanket and wrap and tieback on white wooden floor with doll and same set up as one year oldAll those sweet faces….nawwwww

Newborn baby girl sleeping in round cane basket with peach blanket and wrap and tieback on white wooden floor with doll and same set up as one year oldLook at this gorgeous doll…I’m sure they’ll be besties for years to come.

Newborn baby in farmers basket sleeping wrapped in pink wrap on pink blanket with hessian layer on wooden floor and same set up as one year old Newborn baby girl sleeping in cream tin bucket with pink and purple knit layer blanket pink wrap and pink bow tieback on white wooden floor and same set up as one year old Newborn baby girl sleeping in round wooden bowl with purple blanket and wrap and tieback on wooden floor and same set up as one year oldHappy happy first birthday gorgeous girl….thank you for the blessing of watching you grow this past year.x.

Back to Top EMAIL POSTFacebookPOSTTweetPOSTSubscribe
Write a Comment

Two times the cuddles, two times the joys…

Two times the love, for two little boys…

Two to fill our hearts with pride, two to make us smile…

Two to keep us busy and blessings all the while.

 

Today I had the most adorable little pair in the studio. I can’t help but giggle thinking about when I found out the exciting news that these two were on their way, you see their mumma and I work together. One day I bumped into her and she told me they had been trying for one little one to complete their family when the universe decided to give them a double blessing! Once the shock wore off, we were all excited for them to arrive and to have them in the studio to capture some gorgeous memories for the family. It feels like just yesterday I had their big brother in the studio and now he’s 3!!! Except, like the surprise news of their existence, they held to tradition and made a surprise early entry to the world a little sooner than expected. Born at just 34+2 weeks the boys decided they desperately wanted to visit mumma’s work  and hang out with all of mumma’s friends!! Thankfully, after a couple of weeks in the NICU they broke free and have been settling in at home growing big and strong ever since. They were absolutely adorable today and we had lots of fun in the studio with the whole family. Can’t wait to share some gorgeous pics…I know there are lots of people eagerly awaiting this special session!

World….Meet Edward & Arthur.x.

Newborn twin boys sleeping on blue blanket with blue wrap Newborn twin boys sleeping in wooden crate wrapped in tan wraps with tan blanket and tan knitting layer on white wooden floor holding felt hearts Newborn twin boys sleeping in wooden crate wrapped in tan wraps with tan blanket and tan knitting layer on white wooden floor holding felt hearts Newborn twin boys sleeping in wooden crate wrapped in tan wraps with tan blanket and tan knitting layer on white wooden floorThose adorable little smiles…don’t know that it gets any sweeter?

Newborn twin boys sleeping in round basket with olive blanket and wrap and bonnet on olive backdropWhen mumma gives you creative freedom with colours I had been busting to test out this stunning new olive backdrop….isn’t it divine?

Newborn twin boys sleeping in cane rectangle basket with mint blanket and wrap on white wooden floorI don’t think I could have gone wrong with any colour but I just adore these earthy tones with little boys. Newborn twin boys sleeping in wooden bed on wooden floor with brown blanket and knit layer Newborn twin boys sleeping in cane basket with cream grey and tan blankets and wraps on white wooden floor wearing knit rompers and bear bonnets Newborn twin boys sleeping in cane basket with cream grey and tan blankets and wraps on white wooden floor wearing knit rompers and bear bonnetsOh lordy….this was just as gorgeous in real life as it is right here, did you see our live feed of this set up? These boys, those outfits….eeeep!

Newborn twin boy wrapped in baby blue blanket in wooden bowl on white wooden floor with blue blanket Newborn twin boy wrapped in baby blue blanket in wooden bowl on white wooden floor with blue blanketI adore these side profiles…look at all those sweet details and that smile? Newborn twin boys wrapped in blue wraps sleeping with sibling six year old sister and three year old brother on cream furTalk about heart explode…how lucky are these parents????

Kelly and Pierre…always a joy spending time with your gorgeous family and your new additions are now exception!

Isabella and James you are the best big siblings two little guys could ask for. Thank you for following all my many instructions even if I did have to have a pig on my head in the process!

And Edward & Arthur thank you for being such good boys and for all the squishy snuggles!

Back to Top EMAIL POSTFacebookPOSTTweetPOSTSubscribe
Write a Comment

“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!

Back to Top EMAIL POSTFacebookPOSTTweetPOSTSubscribe
Write a Comment

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!

Back to Top EMAIL POSTFacebookPOSTTweetPOSTSubscribe
Write a Comment

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.

Back to Top EMAIL POSTFacebookPOSTTweetPOSTSubscribe
Write a Comment