.AHOY.

.ESTHER'S NAUTICAL PARTY.


I love anything nautical. Even though it's almost always a little boy party theme, I turned into a little girl's theme. And I had so much fun doing it.


.THE INVITE.

.THE DECOR.

(all seashells provided by the St. Lucian seas) 


I can't believe our baby girl will be {ONE} this month. She has given us the sweetest first year we could ever ask for. Esther has an amazing personality. Calm and excited. Lovey and sweet. Smart and patient. Can you tell she has every single one of us wrapped around her little chubby finger.?


.THE PARTY.

.THE BIRTHDAY GIRL.

.THE CUPCAKE.

.THE PRESENTS.

Everything was perfect. The weather, food, company and Esther. Perfect.

.TEAM BABY.

One thing that was a must before I attempt to get pregnant again was to be back at my pre- pregnancy weight. I did it with all my other pregnancies so this one will be no different. The hard part, Esther not taking a bottle, made me nurse her until she was 10 months old (which is 6 months longer than any of my other kids). So I didn't know if I could do it in time? Luckily I only had 7 lbs to lose, nursing must have helped me after all? I had 6 weeks from the time I stopped nursing to the day we left for our vacation. The vacation made for a great finish line. 

Well.... I did it. And actually the vacation helped push me right under my goal weight (I wasn't too fond of the Caribbean food). I couldn't be more proud of myself. It definitely was hard getting my butt in gear but I honestly would just think of my whole situation and the baby, and that would push me to try my very best. I love this baby that doesn't exist yet.

Jullian Michaels helped me. I don't watch the biggest loser but my friends told me about this video that I could do at home, while Esther was napping and all the other kids were at school. Plus is was only 30 minutes a day! That I love. I just don't have the time for anything longer. But don't get me wrong, those 30 minutes were sometimes brutal. I did the video 5 times a week and also watched (and sometimes ignored) my calorie intake. It feels good and I feel so ready!

PS. I look at pictures from the vaca and still feel like a fatty. Why can't I look like I'm 18 anymore? I am my biggest critic I guess.