12 Week Old Baby Steals the Show! Ainsley. Baby Portrait Session.

Adorable. That is the only word I can use for this delightful baby girl! Ainsley was about 12 weeks old when she came in for her baby portraits with her Mum and Dad and she absolutely stole the show (and my heart!!) along the way.

 The best part about baby portraits at this age is they are smiling and starting to interact beautifully and if all the planets align, they will drop off to sleep for some gorgeous sleepy poses as well. This baby girl gave us everything - awake and bubbly for her sets with Mum and Dad, then off for a quick 20 minute cat nap where she was oh so beautiful - just have a look at those eyelashes!

Then she woke up. Oh my goodness child! Could you be any more beautiful!

Apparently the answer is YES! I was quite sure that she would be all grumblebum after her nap (most of them take a while to wake up) but not our gorgeous girl! She turned her star power on with all her might and had Mum, Dad and I in heaven! I adore those little elbow dimples - how terribly cute are they?

She was so clever with her tummy time and the sweetest little doll!

Thank you Rachel and Jamie for sharing Ainsley with me, she is a delight!

Til next time,
Alicia xxx

His Daddy Is Defence Force - Baby Boy Newborn Portrait Session.

Patricia and Tom are part of the family here. They have been coming for many years and I have been honoured to photograph all 3 of their children as babies, for Easter, Christmas, their Family and Maternity portraits and soon the girls are coming in for Fairy Portraits. We are such old friends now that when these guys come in, we think about ordering in a pizza or two - we KNOW we are going to be chatting and laughing for hours.

In the lead up to baby number 3 - darling little Charlie, Tom and I were discussing how we could incorporate some of his Australian Defence Force items into little Charlie's newborn portraits. We had a few ideas about using Tom's dogtags, boots and hat...and then...we started talking about his camo pants, specifically the side pocket...we had an idea...but it was going to require a whole lot of co-operation from an exceptional baby. Our plan was set - I told Patricia and Tom that all they had to do now was bring me the perfect baby (I don't ask for much!!) - and somehow, they did.

This little man was a star, so squishy and sleepy. There are not too many baby's that could sleep through being put in the pocket of his Daddy's cams but it was a perfect, cosy fit for little Charlie and he did not stir once! Hi Mummy was on hand to keep him nice and safe as well but this little guy was as safe as a boy can be with his Daddy.

He was happy to pose just about anywhere for us, he truly was an amazing baby to work with...that may just have something to do with how amazing his Mum and Dad are too!

He even managed to crack out a gorgeous smile for us.

Thank you for sharing your family with me, Tom and Patricia, I always adore seeing you all and watching your family grow.

Til next time

Alicia xxx

7 Month Old Baby Boy - Lucian!

Every single new baby is special and has already been on an amazing journey. Most of our babies make it into the world right when they are expected to, with no major problems and are home being loved and cared for by their family within a few days of their arrival.

Some of our babies, for one reason or another need to arrive early and when they do it usually means that the road ahead will have a few little bumps and speedhumps ahead. Babies like Lucian.

Lucian arrived at just 31.5 weeks when his Mum Marie realised that he wasn't moving as much as he had been.  On the morning of her Baby Shower, Marie and Andrew (Dad) went to the hospital as they were worried, Marie just felt that something wasn't right. At the hospital they discovered that Lucian had a low heart rate and as they made preparations, his heart rate started to drop rapidly and they rushed Marie into theatre for an an emergency c-section. The issues with his heart meant that Lucian had to be transferred to Westmead by ambulance. On the way little Lucian had a seizure, a big one. When he arrived at Westmead, this little baby boy then suffered a Grade 3 brain haemorrhage.

Lucian was now a very sick baby boy. His Mum signed herself out of Nepean to go to Westmead and be with her little man. In the testing that took place, they could find no problem with his heart and no reason for his sudden drop. He had to come back to Nepean NICU to have the brain scans that he needed, they showed that his haemorrhage was very severe and that there was a definite possibility that Lucian may have to deal with some learning or physical issues because of the severity of his bleed.

He spent 6 weeks in total in the NICU, as anyone that has had a baby there knows, sometimes it was 1 step forward 2 steps back....and then he started to take 2 steps forward, 1 back, 2 steps forward, none back. Best of all, his scans were looking good. He came home.

At 7 months of age ( about 4 months corrected) I was so lucky to meet this gorgeous family. Nope. Lucky is not the word - it was a blessing. Marie and Andrew are two of the most beautiful people you will ever meet and the love they have for their little boy is the most gorgeous thing to witness, they brought tears to my eyes. The fun and love in their portrait session was amazing - you can feel it just oozing out from their portraits! And Lucian...oh, Lucian! He just sends me all gooey like a teenage girl! He is the biggest flirt, the most ridiculously GOOD ladies man (at only 7 months!!!) and so stinkin' rotten cute...he has me batting my eyelashes at him like you wouldn't believe. He has the most amazing personality, he smiles and laughs ALL the time, his eyes are the most incredible colour, his skin is perfect and he absolutely knows that he is pushing the Cuteness Radar, right. off. the. scale. He KNOWS it!

See that!!! Up there ^^^^! That's what he does - flirts like a wild man and then buries his head in his Mum's neck - just like that! Is it any wonder I am smitten???

He worked so hard on the day, he did fantastic work with his Mum and Dad and then he backed it up with about 4 different sets on his own and a couple of changes of outfit - not once did he cry, he just kept smiling and doing what comes naturally - being gorgeous!

I was chatting with his Mum today and she tells me he is sitting up on his own and very stable, he has even started crawling...Mum said he is more like a little froggy, his arms crawl and he does big jumps with his legs. He is saying Mummum and Dadda, his scans are clear and there is no sign of any brain injury or any effects from the tough time he went through.

I can't wait to see him at our Santa's Workshop sessions, I just know he will have grown and become even more sweet since I saw him last. I can't wait to see his Mum and Dad too, they are wonderful, sweet, lovely people and real troopers. Thank you for coming Marie and Andrew, it was a priviledge to work with you and your gorgeous boy.

Oh and here's a little video from their session, tell me how long it takes to wipe the silly smile off your face when you watch it :)

Til next time,

Alicia xxx

Cooper's Portrait Session at 4 months!

Honestly, this little man is so super happy and smiley but I guess that is only to be expected - his Mum is just as happy as he is. Cooper giggles all the time and has the most infectious big grin, you just can't help but feel good when he comes to play. His Mum wanted to capture this little guy over his first months and is coming to see us at 4 and 8 months, Santa's Workshop at about 11 months and Granddad's Garage when he will be all grown up and about 16 months old.

He came in for his 4 month portraits, well about 4 months ago because he was in again just a couple of weeks ago to have his 8 month old portrait session - time just flies and watching our babies grow sure does make you realise just how quickly it goes.

Isn't that the brightest big smile and gorgeous little face?

Cooper is such a bundle of fun and we adore seeing him and his Mum, they have really become such a part of our little family here!

Til next time,

Alicia xxx

Newborn Baby Boy - 10 Day Old Aston

We adore all of our families and Geoffrey, Kelly and Aston are really special to us. You see, Geoffrey's Dad is mates with my Father in Law...they both do excavations and have known each other for many years. Going back a couple of years Geoffrey and Kelly asked us to photograph their wedding day celebrations. Now, during our meetings, Kelly and I got talking and it turns out - I know her Mum and Dad...(who knew!!!) - from 20 years ago! Talk about 6 degree's of separation! It's alive and well right here!

Just before Christmas last year, Kelly called me to book in for our Santa's Workshop Sessions in 2013....hang on a second - that can only mean one thing! Yes, Kelly and Geoff were expecting a new baby boy and he was due to arrive in March! Honestly - I could barely wait to meet this little man.

Aston came in at 10 days new for his Newborn Portrait Session and he was simply divine. One of those babies that sleeps perfectly, hardly ever cries - yes, I can hear plenty of Mums cursing with jealousy...Kelly and Geoff are blessed with such a perfect little boy.

Kelly is super creative and she had decorated the baby's room in gorgeous bright colours and I was excited to see that she had brought along the letters that make up his name on his nursery wall. On top of that - Geoff had found the BEST little Tonka Tip Truck that they wanted to include in Astons portrait session. Oh yeah - this was exciting! Knowing the family (both sides) like I do, I was aware that Kelly's Mum and Dad have Tilt Trays and Trucks and Geoff's Dad has Tippers - I love working with props that have meaning for the family, it makes the images even more special.

So while we were preparing the set, I was looking for something that I could use to prop up the letters of Aston's name....Geoff who happens the be a carpenter had his work truck here and had a fantastic idea. The spirit level! You can see it there behind the letters and it fits in perfectly in every way!

I adore this little man with his Dad's hand on him, keeping him safe.

And here is Kelly and Geoffrey's gorgeous Wall Portrait display in their home. It looks absolutely beautiful and I am so proud to have played a part in the special milestone moments in their lives - my heart skips a beat every time I look at this.

Thank you Kelly and Geoff. While we are all about making memories for our clients (friends), you guys and all our clients, whether you know it or not, are also creating wonderful moments and memories for us here. Being able to share these special times with you means the world to Miss Mel and I. Your little man is so precious, thank you for being a part of our family and for allowing us to be a part of yours.

Til next time,
Alicia  xxx

17 Day old Newborn Baby Girl - Jessica!

Another gorgeous local family that have become our friends. Jenny, Mick, Maddie and their new baby girl Jessica came in for their newborn portraits and right from the start, we all got along like a house on fire. By the end of the session we were old friends and it was such a pleasure to get to know this fantastic family.

 

Maddie was such a good girl and at just 4 was so easy to work with - she even had idea's about how she should hold Jessica - too cute! And little Jessica, what can I say - simply beautiful! Gorgeous full lips, creamy skin and once she went to sleep she was happy for us to pose her any which way we pleased.

Jenny is just the best Mum - gorgeous, patient, relaxed with an awesome sense of humour - one of those fantastic women that just picks up motherhood like she wrote the manual.

Now I have to say that Mick earned himself huge brownie points when he took Maddie out for a treat while we finished with little Jessica - now that bit is appreciated, BUT - can you believe he came back with Cappuccino's all round AND iced doughnuts! I had already decided he was a good bloke but his stocks shot up enormously when he returned with gifts!! Ahhhhh coffeee....Bless you, Mick - it was exactly what we needed!

I always love our Storyboards and this one is simply stunning!

Jenny and Mick - I love that we were able to meet and spend time with you and your family. It really felt like we were catching up with old friends. Thank you for sharing your beautiful girls with us, we loved meeting you all. I adore Jessica's newborn portraits and your family portraits, every time I look at them I can't help but smile.

Til next time,
Alicia :)

Corbin - 11 Day Old Newborn Baby Boy.

I just love this family! Anita and Josh are two of the most genuine, kind and fantastic people I have had the pleasure of meeting and their kids are just adorable! I first photographed little Charlotte (who is nearly 2 1/2 now) when she was a baby and have enjoyed watching her grow over the past couple of years. One of our original "Darling Diva's" Charlotte has a huge personality and I always love spending time with her.

With the arrival of her new baby brother Corbin, I got to do just that when he came in for his newborn portrait session. Now Charlotte thinks Corbin is simply wonderful, but on this particular day...when I wanted her to lay down next to Corbin...Charlotte did not think that was a great idea! It was kinda like when magnets repel...if I moved him an inch towards her - she moved an inch away...and gave me THAT look! You just have to laugh at the stuff kids do!

Corbin is the sweetest little man, so peaceful and snuggly and he gave me gorgeous cuddles. He was just 11 days old when he came in and an absolute treasure to work with - sleepy and happy for us to pose him just about any way we wanted to.

Aren't they just the most gorgeous family? I love these guys to bits!

Thank you Anita and Josh for trusting me with your family's memories over the past few years. You guys are both beautiful and your kids are simply adorable. I love having you as a part of our little family here.

Cheers

Alicia xxx

8 Day Old Newborn Baby Girl.

Oh Lulu...such sweet perfection. She was just full of gorgeous girlishness and was so utterly glamorous at just 8 days of age.

I always love it when we have been a part of a new baby's life even before they were born. Lulu's Mum, Laura, had a beautiful Maternity Portrait with us just a few weeks before Lulu was due to arrive. When we have spent time with mum's beforehand it always adds a little something special to meeting the new baby, that only a few weeks before we were celebrating as a beautiful baby bump. The sense of anticipation here as the baby's due date gets closer is fantastic - Miss Mel and I have discussions on whether bub will be early or late, boy or girl (if it's a surprise!) and how much cuddling we plan to do.

The part I love the most is when my mum's ring me or on occasions send me a text - and it's only hours after the birth...I get so excited. I remember clearly being in the McDonalds drive through on one occasion and receiving the text message that twins had arrived....and me, unable to concentrate on my coffee order, telling the drive through girl that my new twins were here! And they are both boys and I absolutely love them already! LOL...the look on her face informed me that she though I was deranged and possibly dangerous.

Lulu's arrival was another of those moments. I was in the studio when Miss Mel received an email and a text message - complete with photos - of this gorgeous baby girl. Miss Mel poked her head in the door of the studio and I knew straight away that she had exciting news - she looked about to burst! And in typical sweet, lovely and completely professional Miss Mel fashion she said very politely "Laura's has had the baby - its a girl." Just music to my ears....and when I learned her name - I was in heaven!

8 days later there she was, in my arms and stealing my heart as they so often do. Her parents are such a wonderful couple and seeing them together as a family made me melt. She was such a good baby girl and once she had a full tummy she slept well and was so beautiful while she did it - she even gave me a little smile here and there....and like a true girly girl, she was very coy with those darling smiles

Laura and George, thank you for sharing your adorable Lulu with us. The 3 of you are the perfect little family and I loved being a part of your family's journey, meeting you has been very, very special.

Cheers
Alicia xx

Gorgeous Laylah's Baby Portrait at 6 weeks old.

Often you will have heard me say that the very best time to capture Newborn Portraits is in the first 14 days of life -  ideally before the 10 day old mark. Why do I say this? Firstly, babies are sooooo sleepy in those first few days, secondly they are used to being all curled up in mum's womb and thirdly, they are so tiny and they change dramatically in a very short space of time.

Those first two things make it so much easier to capture those darling squishy newborn images that we all love so much...but what if life gets in the way (as it does sometimes) and you have missed having your newborn portraits done in those first couple of weeks? Don't worry - just do it now! There is no time like the present to arrange to have gorgeous portraits of your new baby - no matter how many weeks old they are.

This gorgeous baby girl was one of those, where circumstances dictated that she wasn't able to come in until she was about 6 weeks old. When I was talking with her Mum, I explained that she may not be as inclined to sleep and at 6 weeks they have usually filled out quite a bit so some of the more squishy newborn poses may not be possible for her - their little tummies and chubby thighs can get in the way. But we would treat her like a newborn and she would let us know what worked for her and what did not.

The bonus at 6 weeks is that babies are able to focus  better and if they decide that they would like to be awake, they usually give some great eye contact - just like little Laylah did. She was awake to start with but with a full belly she soon decided that the easiest thing to do was to drop right off to sleep...and be absolutely adorable!

Love the eye contact little Laylah gave us.

I just adore her chubby cheeks and look at those gorgeous lips!

With her fantastic Mum and Dad.

This image looked fantastic as a 30" Wall Portrait for her Grandma.

Laylah's Mum and Dad are the sweetest young couple who simply adore their darling little girl - and Grandma Jackie is just a little bit sweet on her as well! And with good reason - not only is she beautiful, she is an absolute delight - a relaxed, happy baby girl.

Thank you for sharing your baby girl with me, Katherine and Wayde - I loved working with your family and simply adore Laylah's Baby Portraits...plus I got super cuddles with her!

Cheers
Alicia xxx