Caren Barry

Photographer + Writer + Surface Designer

Portfolio

  • :: this photo was taken almost one year ago at about 20 weeks pregnant. It’s funny to think that the past me in this photo really had no idea just how much her life would change in the coming months... for the better of course. The overwhelming love for her new baby, new family, new life and the desire to become a better version of herself. But also the overwhelming desire for sleep. There’s not much I miss about my life before becoming a mama, but sleep... eight hours (ten when I’m feeling especially nostalgic) of uninterrupted sleep. That would be the best gift right now I think. . Today has been a tough one for me. Emilia has been so frustrated with teething and it’s felt like my entire day has revolved around trying to distract a screaming, tired, grumpy baby, without much success. I know feelings of failing her may sound extreme, but seeing her so sad is the worst. It has felt more challenging because in recent weeks my energy levels have been completely zapped (I unintentionally stopped taking my postnatal supplements so I’m wondering if this could this be the reason) so combining that with a baby that clearly needs me more has been doubly exhausting. . Not really sure where I’m going with this post, but I figured it would serve as a balance to all the positive snippets I’ve been sharing a lot of recently. Emilia is now sleeping peacefully, and tomorrow is a new day. 💛
  • :: one of my favourite places to head to when I’m in need of some inspiration or a little piece of countryside magic ✨💫
  • ad | gifted item :: well it appears that Emilia has been working on sprouting her first tooth! It’s so obvious now that this pesky little tooth has likely been the true cause of her broken sleep and unusual impatience. Nevertheless, Emilia is such a happy baby, so it’s been quite a pleasant surprise and I can’t wait to see those tiny baby teeth in her future smiles 😍... . Here she is, post nap, snuggled up with her jingly, rolling bear (in her beautiful @borncopenhagen bedding which was very kindly gifted), giving her mama all the gummy smiles and giggles imaginable. #emiliahannarose
  • :: happy Saturday, friends. James and I have been clearing out the home office/spare room ready for painting tomorrow and it’s reminded me how we are in desperate need of a good spring clean! . The rest of the house isn’t so much the problem – I organised all rooms (except the home office) whilst I was pregnant and motivated by my insane urge to nest. So it’s really just the usual seasonal declutter of our wardrobes, which I think is pretty good going considering we have moved house three times in as many years. But, our garage has inevitably become the go-to dumping zone for anything unwanted... (ahem, James this is mainly your approach 😆) it makes me shiver at the thought of how much stuff is in there! . I’m pleased it’s almost Spring and car-boot sales will be aplenty! I’m even looking forward to our very first car-boot sale experience. James on the other hand is just trying to stay calm at the idea of me decluttering again... apparently the garage is his domain and earlier he described my approach to decluttering as “you take no prisoners!” 🙈😂
  • :: so here is the wonderful bouquet of flowers I was describing to you yesterday. It’s bringing the perfect amount of beauty and joy into our home, I just can’t stop staring 💜✨ . This past week I’ve been attempting to improve Emilia’s sleep by encouraging positive sleep associations and a set pattern before naps and bedtime – which I’m beyond happy (and relieved) to say that today marks the second full day of successful sleep! We had our fair share of hiccups in the beginning but I’m amazed at how a few simple adjustments have made such a clear improvement! It’s funny how once you have a baby, naps become one of the most important things in your world – and you’re not the one getting them! . Joking aside, this experience made me realise how I’m still not believing in myself as much as I should... I feel like I’ve had an unusual amount of little wins this week and I’m trying my best to celebrate them ☺️
  • :: feeling pretty lucky that this year I have an extra special little Valentine to spend this day with ❤️ . James had today day off work and surprised me to a lovely lunch at @little_acre_kitchen, where the most beautiful bouquet of flowers from @hallandcoeventdesign (created by @meadowandbloom) was also waiting for me 😍 . We often enjoy lunches out together, but today being a complete surprise for me (I’m usually not great with surprises), my first Valentine’s day with Emilia and including all those thoughtful details, it felt much more special but in a simpler kind of way. Love you always @jamesjhume! . #emiliahannarose
  • :: I can’t believe we’ve already had 6 months of this beautiful little lady in our lives! ❤️✨ I wanted to share Emilia’s 5 month update before posting her up-to-date 6 month photo at the end of the week – I’m sure it’s only me that’s a little bothered by these updates being consistently late 😂 . At 5 months old, Emilia loves her toys... although she doesn’t have a favourite, she especially loves her wooden rattles which she can chew and throw musically around the room. Her crinkly fabric books are equally as entertaining and she thinks are perfect for rolling herself up in. She is fascinated by the textures of our woven baskets or rugs and simply cannot get enough of her own reflection – it’s enough to conjure the biggest of smiles after nappy changes (she’s definitely not a fan of laying still for those anymore!). . At 5 and a half months, it was clear that Emilia had one big milestone on her agenda; crawling. It’s taken her a few weeks of practicing, but she has perfected her own method of getting around the house; a mixture of pulling, commando crawling and propelling herself forwards from on all fours, resulting in a hilarious belly flop... sound affect included. Watching her squeak with delight in all her triumphs is the highlight of most of my days. . Goodness, I feel like I’m only just keeping up with this girl of mine... 😍 and it’ll come as no surprise that she mastered the art of wrapping her mama (and dada) around her little finger from her very first day with us. . #emiliahannarose #emiliahannarosemilestones
  • :: I can’t remember the last time I bought a beautiful bunch of flowers for our home! - Looks like I’ll have to rectify that tomorrow on my afternoon walk with Emilia 💛 . And since I’m clearly in dire need of some inspiration... What are your favourite seasonal flowers that bring a little extra joy in to your home?

 

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