A north Dublin mum has turned her home into a winter wonderland in memory of the baby she tragically lost earlier this year.
Karen Connolly sadly lost her child when she was just eight weeks pregnant in August.
In tribute to her baby and also her brother Stephen, who died from cancer seven years ago, Karen decided to go all out at her North Strand home with beautiful Christmas decorations, including an "angel tree" in their memory.
The mum-of-two told Dublin Live: "My brother was 34 when he died from cancer and my baby loss was in August this year due to ectopic pregnancy.
"Like a lot of women, I was all alone and had to be isolated in the hospital while losing my baby."
Karen spent four days in Holles Street after having an emergency operation following the devastating news.
Throughout the heartbreaking ordeal, she could only communicate with her partner and daughters Maisie, 10, and Mollie, seven, through video calls.
"There were no visitors allowed I had to get a COVID test as soon as I went in," she said.
"That was on the 11th the emergency op was on the 12th.
"I then had to stay for two days with my partner and two kids at home. All we had was video chat."
After such a terrible year, Karen decided to spread some joy with the gorgeous decorations outside and inside her home and was inspired to include the special tribute to her lost baby by Maisie and Mollie.
"I didn’t know the sex of the baby as it was only about eight weeks gone so they call the baby angel."
And she also wanted to do something nice to pay back her family and neighbours who rallied around her following her tragic loss.
"They where all so kind. I could have opened a flower shop when I got home. They were so thoughtful.
"It's a great community and they come together when you need it most."
