Little Aoife may have been a tiny dot when she arrived, but her name carries strength. Her mum, Amie shared that they first chose the name Arabella. But when they saw her, so small and delicate, it did not feel right. Aoife fit her perfectly. It means beautiful princess warrior. And that is exactly how she came into the world.

Her birth wasn't a calm story they had hoped for. But she was delivered safely, she did not need neonatal intensive care and that alone felt like a miracle. The experience like this makes you hold your baby tighter and breathe a little slower.

I really loved the part when Amie and Aaron told me how they announced the pregnancy to their family and friends.

My amazing clients gathered their loved ones for the Easter bunny treasure hunt. Everyone was searching for little bunny figurines and the final bunny was the one that mattered most. It was hatching out of an egg. Inside was a date. The due date.

I can picture the moment it clicked. The pause. The wide eyes. The happy tears. That kind of surprise stays with you forever.

It’s so amazing to know that before little Aoife was even here, she was already celebrated in the sweetest way.

When I asked Amie what’s the best thing about being a parent, she replied “Everything, the highs and lows as you learn and grow more as a parent and a person.”

That really resonates with me…

Parenthood is not just soft blankets and sleepy cuddles. It is also leaving the house with a newborn and a four year old and forgetting the nappies. It is getting halfway around a country park before realizing your mistake. It is hills and gates and trying to push a pram while managing a tired child. It is almost watching the pram roll because you forgot the brake. It is feeling frazzled and exhausted.

And then choosing to laugh.

Amie told me she had to laugh because sometimes you could cry at the hard moments, but that does not help you get through them. Laughter does.

That is motherhood. That is strength.

Amie admits that her little girl Aoife looks just like her dad and so does their older son, Albie. You can see it in their features straight away. There is something special about a father seeing his own features in his children. I can only imagine how proud he must feel.

Time is already moving fast for them. Amie shared how surprised she is at how quickly it all passes. How quickly the children grow and change. One minute they are a tiny dot at 4 pounds 9. The next, they are filling your arms in a whole new way.

During their family session, I could feel their unconditional love and adoration for each other. There was a quiet understanding that they had been through something hard. And they came out the other side with their beautiful princess warrior.

I’m so honoured that they chose me to witness those moments and capture their feelings in my cosy Cheltenham studio.

Amie and Aaron, thank you for sharing this chapter with me. From the Easter surprise to the princess warrior in your arms, your story is full of love and strength.

One day Aoife will look at these images, she will hear about the bunny hunt and she will know that she was loved and celebrated from the very beginning.

And to anyone reading this and thinking of creative ways to share big news round Easter time, I think this is rather a lovely one. Moments like this become the stories your children grow up hearing again and again. They are part of your baby’s identity and they matter more than you think.

If you ever want your story told in a way that feels true to you, I would love to welcome you into my studio based in Cheltenham or visit you at home and create something beautiful together.

These early days are so special, but they pass in the blink of an eye. Having those moments photographed means you can hold onto this chapter forever, just as it felt.

If you live in or around Cheltenham and are expecting or have recently welcomed your baby into the world, I would be honoured to capture this special time for your family. You can find all the details and book your newborn session here.

I cannot wait to hear your story.

Love,

Magda x

Magda O Photography

Cheltenham maternity, newborn and family photographer