Newborn photoshoot with 13-day-old Theo

Mum Karlene was very much hoping her second child wouldn’t arrive before February.

She told me that February was the month with the lowest number of birthdays (whereas September has the highest) and wanted to introduce the first Aquarian to the family. She even picked out an Aquarius-themed song for his birth. ?

Karlene was also hoping she’d have a boy this time round (although she did think it would be funny to have another girl, therefore completely outnumbering her husband, Emre!).

Happily, Theo arrived on 8 February, and is the family’s Valentine’s baby – indeed, he’s already a heartthrob!

He joins big sister Olivia, who is two years old, to complete this family of four.

Karlene tells me that Olivia is quite a colourful character, and has inherited her dad’s stubborn streak!

Olivia loves to read, dance and organise things. She know what she wants and can be very particular and bossy about how things should be done.

Karlene tells me that they can’t imagine life without her – despite the extra grey hairs she’s caused – and she and Emre are looking forward to watching Theo and Olivia get to know each other and grow up together.

Happily, Karlene and Emre didn’t have to worry too much about how Olivia would react to Theo’s arrival.

She absolutely loves babies, and will say, “Shhhh, baby sleep!” whenever she sees one having a nap.

I last saw this family (and met Olivia) when she was just a tiny newborn (see the images here) so it was incredible to see her again, suddenly transformed from a baby into a walking, talking and very sweet little girl.

Karlene and Emre wanted to sweeten the deal of Theo’s arrival, so bought Olivia a bike as a surprise.

When Olivia met Theo, Karlene showed her the baby and the bike, too.

Olivia ignored the bike, looked at Theo and then ran off to her room. She soon came back with a baby doll for Theo to play with.

Then, when Theo was crying, Karlene and Emre told Olivia it was because Theo was hungry. So off Olivia went, returning with a brioche – a very caring big sister, indeed! 

Theo’s arrival will no doubt be the highlight of the year, but this family have plenty else planned, too, including a complete renovation of their family home.

In the meantime, though, they are perfectly content to spend the last few days of winter cuddling up together and welcoming little Theo into the fold.  ?

---

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

Sarah Plater AMPA is an award-winning qualified, certified professional newborn and family portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

She is the Master Photographers Association Young Families Portrait Photographer of the Year 2022 and Newborn Photographer of the Year 2019 for the Central Region (covering Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire).