Weight loss challenge

I wrote last year how I wanted to lose weight before we started ttc #2. That didn't happen. Then again I only went 4 months of not being pregnant last year. When I was pregnant with Lucas I couldn't work out. I was on pelvic rest for a few weeks at the beginning and then I was too afraid to work out. I did light exercise when I was pregnant with Aidan and was afraid that was the cause for my cord failing. I knew that wasn't the case, but I still was too afraid. I don't know how much weight I gained during my pregnancy with Lucas. If I had to guess, I'd say it was around 40 lbs. I just didn't want to know. I knew if Dr. B was concerned she would talk to me and for once I wasn't focused on the scale. I lost about 28 lbs very quickly and am still hanging on to 12 lbs and I decided that it's time to get serious about losing weight.
I have about 50 lbs to lose to get to my ideal weight, but I'm taking it 10 lbs at a time. My girlfriends are doing a weight loss challenge with me. It's basically the biggest loser. We all are paying $25 to enter this challenge and whoever loses the most weight, percentage wise, will win the "fee" money. The 1st challenge is going to run from 5/11-10/5. I just picked a random date to end with and once this challenge is over, we'll start another one to help get us through the holidays without too much weight gain. I won't be losing too much at a time because I am breastfeeding (as if my 80 bazillion posts about breastfeeding had you confused ;-) ) and I don't want to cut out too many calories to effect my supply.
My main reason for wanting to start this challenge is to feel more confident. I want to take Lucas to the pool and I don't want to think that people are staring at the "fat chick with a cute baby." I want them to stare at the cute baby splashing around in the pool. Of course I'm my worst critic and I do know that not everyone judges me on my size, but I do. I constantly think that people are thinking wow, she's heavy. I also want to lose the weight so that when Lucas is older and more active, I want to be able to keep up with him. Then of course there is the fact that I want to get healthy before my next pregnancy. Yes, Chris and I have already decided on when we'll start ttc #3 (no mom, I'm not telling you. :-) ) and I want to wear smaller sized maternity clothes.
So wish me luck. Here's my starting picture. I know it's not the best of me, but my camera is mostly pointed at Lucas.

I love you Aidan Christopher and Lucas Alexander

Maggs