Welcoming Remy - Christy & Natana's journey to parenthood

Pregnant woman in white bra and jeans stands by window in minimalist setting.
GIF of mother's hand gently stroking her pregnant belly
Intimate maternity photo of couple in casual wear by window.

Natana and I found out we were expecting our pēpi on Matariki weekend, which quickly became a beautiful new beginning to celebrate for us and our whānau. Our baby was the first grandchild for both families so the excitement and love surrounding us and our impending arrival was very special. My pregnancy was relatively easy, aside from very normal first trimester nausea and fatigue. As my body grew so did the love we shared for each other and the baby we were so excited to meet.

New parents in beige and white clothing share a tender moment with their sleeping newborn baby against white wall.
Couple in casual clothing gaze lovingly at their sleeping newborn baby dressed in white.
Parents sharing an intimate moment kissing their newborn baby's head against neutral background.
Father in tan t-shirt holds sleeping newborn baby close while standing against white wall.
Close-up of peaceful sleeping newborn baby's face with soft natural lighting.

I went into early labour on the morning of Friday the 24th of February and began the very long and complex journey to meeting our pēpi. I laboured with family by my side at home, then moved to the birth centre once my midwife had visited to check how I was going. She broke my waters not long after, things intensified, and we soon realised that baby was sitting posterior. The pain was excruciating so we made the decision to move to the hospital to get more support with pain relief and progressing the labour. With an epidural to subside the pain and then ventouse to help with delivery we got to meet our beautiful baby shortly after. My sister got the job of telling us on the morning of Saturday 25th of February that we had a beautiful healthy baby girl to join our whānau. We were so happy and absolutely exhausted all in one!

Natana and I named our gorgeous little pēpi Remy Leigh Atarangi, and have been completely besotted with her since.


Father in beige t-shirt tenderly cradles newborn baby against minimalist white background.
Close-up of sleeping baby resting on father's shoulder in natural light setting.
Father in tan shirt gently kisses his sleeping newborn baby's head.
Close-up portrait of sleeping newborn baby in white ribbed outfit.
Sleeping newborn baby wrapped in white ribbed swaddle blanket against light background.
Extreme close-up of closed eyelashes and soft skin in natural light.
Close-up macro shot of a baby's palm showing delicate skin lines and creases.
Peaceful newborn sleeping soundly in white ribbed outfit on light background.
Black and white portrait of sleeping infant in ribbed onesie against white backdrop.
Parents sharing intimate moment with newborn baby on white bedding in bright room.
Intimate nursing moment between mother and newborn in soft natural lighting.
Alert newborn making expressive face while wrapped in knitted blanket.
Sleeping newborn cradled in hands against white knitted blanket background.
Alert newborn with bright eyes looking up while being held in white knit wrap.
Couple in beige and white clothing sharing an intimate moment against a light background.

All of these were captured in my natural light studio located in the heart of Hamilton.