Newborn & Family Photos with 8-day-old Rose

Doris was born in 1917. Just over one hundred years later, on what would’ve been Doris’ 102nd birthday, her great granddaughter was born. Rose, weighing an impressive 9lb 9.5oz, was welcomed into a family that was told only 18 months ago that there was less than 5% chance of them having another child.

Mum Charley and dad Mark have a six-year-old son, Artie. I first met Charley through the amazing dog grooming salon that she co-founded with best friend and future sister-in-law Sarah-Jane. I’m lucky enough to have photographed both Charley and Sarah-Jane previously, so I was especially excited to meet Charley’s new arrival!

Charley told me that Artie had wanted a brother or sister for years, and that she and Mark had also hoped for another baby for a long time. After the devastating news that their chances of a natural conception were low, they pinned their hopes on IVF instead, which offered them a 40-50% chance of success.

Through research, they came across a clinic in the Czech Republic which was not only cheaper than the UK options, but boasted a higher success rate, too. They booked in and Charley and her mum stayed over there for two and a half weeks during the treatment, returning home with their fingers firmly crossed.

Happily, the news was positive, but the couple tried not to get their hopes up, as they knew that the first few months could be risky.

Charley experienced a lot of nausea early on in the pregnancy, and Artie was worried about her, asking questions about whether she was ill. The couple told him that the reason she was ill was because they might be having a baby. Straight away, Artie replied that the baby would be his sister, and that she would be called Rose.

Another scan at 16 weeks confirmed all was well, and that the delighted couple would indeed be welcoming a little girl into their family.

Charley and Mark liked the name Rose, but wanted to look at other options, too. Nevertheless, Artie continued to talk about his new sister called Rose, and the more they heard the name the more mum and dad loved it.

In fact, Artie couldn’t wait to meet her. He decided to make space for her in his room (although mum and dad knew he’d change his mind about that quickly!) and helped his parents prepare for her arrival.

“We’re going to need nappies,” Artie announced shortly after finding out the news. On their next trip to the supermarket, he insisted they buy some straight away.

He also helped pick out some clothes for her, including a red velvet dress (pictured below) that the couple loved so much they bought it in two sizes so Rose doesn’t grow out of it too quickly!

Artie was just as amazing during our newborn shoot, making sure that Rose was safe, warm and well-looked after throughout, and giving her plenty of cuddles and kisses, too. It’s almost as if he spent the past six years of his life getting ready to meet her.

And when you think about Rose being born on her great grandmother’s birthday, and how certain Artie was that she would be a girl, it does feel a bit like fate, doesn’t it!

After our shoot, Charley said:

“Sarah has once again captured our family beautifully, we are over the moon with our photographs! Sarah is so lovely, and really good at interacting with our six year old who can be a bit stubborn and lively! She captured his pride and love for his new sister so amazingly well! The studio was so calm and warm and we felt really confident that Rose was in the best hands. The photos are stunning and we are so pleased that she has beautifully captured such a special time in our lives. About 18 months ago, we were given very low odds of ever having another baby, so to have such amazing pictures of our little miracle and her doting brother absolutely means the world to us. I am so glad that Mark and I are in them, too. I was sure I wouldn’t want any with us in them, but we’re so glad that you changed our minds! Thank you so much, Sarah, we will be back!”

Charley, Newborn Photography Client from Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire

If you’re interested in newborn portraits or family photography in and around Bicester and/or Oxfordshire, please get in contact:

Sarah Plater LMPA is a qualified, certified professional newborn and family portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire.