Newborn photos with 11-day-old Luke

Lots and lots of thought has gone into this new arrival’s name.

He’s called Luke (due to his dad’s love of Star Wars), Stefan (after his dad), Edwin (after his great grandfather on his mother’s side), and then a double-barrelled surname to represent both sides of the family.

Mum Sam had expected to have a girl, so had originally picked out a few names with that in mind. When the couple found out they were actually having a boy, they had to rethink the shortlist completely.

Dad Stefan wanted to go for either Luke or Gandalf (after the character in Lord of the Rings – Stefan told me he’s watched all the films hundreds of times!), and Sam wasn’t keen on Gandalf, so opted for Luke instead!

He’s fondly referred to as Little Lucky Luke, as he’s a triple rainbow baby, which means he’s a much-longed for arrival.

He was born on a Sunday afternoon, and Sam was struggling with the pain.

Luke’s heartbeat started to fluctuate and a member of medical staff referred to ‘forceps’.

Sam knew she didn’t want that, so gave an extra push and Luke arrived just as eight nurses rushed into the room!

Sam’s experience raising kittens meant she knew how to help little ones latch on, but happily Luke knew exactly what to do!

He’s also been a great sleeper, only waking up a couple of times most nights before settling down fairly easily.

Sam’s mum, Sue, treated Sam’s sister to newborn photos when she had a new arrival ten years ago, so she offered to do the same for Sam now.

Sue also came along to watch and support – and agreed to get in one or two of the images, too!

Sam and Stefan met online six years ago and tell me they are a case of ‘opposites attract’.

Sam is loud and fiery, whereas is quiet and more laid back.

Stefan is from Romania originally, and moved here for work.

The family hope to visit Romania one day, so that Luke can get to know the country.

In the meantime, though, Sam and Stefan are focused on getting to know Luke: seeing who he looks like and finding out which traits he’s inherited from his mum and dad. 

Whoever he takes after in each regard, one thing is clear – he is absolutely perfect, just the way he is 🙂

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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).