Newborn Photos with 9-day-old Gwendoline

Emma and Gareth had been planning a maternity photoshoot with me, but their baby had other ideas: Gwendoline was born well ahead of her due date, surprising mum and dad with an early arrival in June, a few days before our photoshoot was scheduled!

Perhaps she knew that she was the star and didn’t want to miss out on the photos. Maybe she was simply keen to prove her dad right: he guessed they were having a girl, while Emma was confident their baby would be a boy. Gwen’s arrival settled the debate!

Emma and Gareth met at a work do. Gareth approached Emma and asked about her taste in music. When Emma replied that she loved rock music, and in particular a band called System of a Down, Gareth fell in love immediately: “Will you marry me?” he asked.

Emma laughed at the question on that occasion but when Gareth asked again a couple of years later, she took it more seriously, and the couple married in 2018.

Now, after a quick labour (just three hours once in hospital) the new parents are quickly settling into family life, and getting into a feeding routine. Emma did a lot of research ahead of time, and started expressing her milk even before baby had arrived, which may have contributed to her milk supply coming in bigger volumes more quickly. That meant that Gwen was already back up to her birth weight within a week. It’s also meant that the whole family could get involved with feeding Gwen, giving them a lovely bonding opportunity while giving Emma a well-deserved break!

Gareth can’t wait to start taking Gwen on days out, such as to the zoo. He loves seeing the animals (particularly the penguins) and is looking forward to sharing his fascination with his daughter.

For Emma, the most exciting bit for her has been watching Gareth become such a good dad already. There’s nothing she loves more than seeing the two of them together and watching their bond grow. Gwen makes a lot of sweet little noises (as well as some hilarious expressions!) and her dad responds to her each time like they’re having a conversation, chatting away about the topics of the day.

I’m sure Emma will also enjoy the company when her little one is old enough to enjoy Emma’s absolute favourite type of TV programme: true crime. She loves searching for and picking out all the background details and watching the forensic teams piecing the clues together.

This little cardigan (above) is very, very special. Emma’s mum was given it when she had children, as a gift from her adoptive mother Rose. That means Emma wore it herself as a baby, and they both hoped it would one day be worn by Emma’s baby. Incredibly sadly, Emma’s mum is no longer here to meet her granddaughter, though she always longed to have one. This meant it was extra emotional when Emma’s dad met and held little Gwen, who they presented to him wearing a onesie that said: ‘Sent by Grandma to give Grandad cuddles’.

I’m certain that if Emma’s mum had had the joy of meeting little Gwen, she’d have been very proud indeed: of Emma and Gareth who have taken to parenthood so smoothly, and of her perfect, teeny tiny granddaughter, too. 🙂

Makeup by Kate Walker at Ruby Rouge.

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

Sarah Plater LMPA is an award-winning qualified, certified professional newborn and family portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire. She is the Master Photographers Association Newborn Photographer of the Year 2019 for the Central Region (covering Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire).