Eva Mendes celebrates her 41st birthday six months after giving birth

Eva Mendes and her handsome partner Ryan Gosling have kept a low profile since the birth of their baby daughter Esmerelda Amadar in September, but the dashing couple stepped out last week to celebrate the stunning new mum's 41st birthday. Eva, dressed in a monochrome patterned outfit, matching heels and a vibrant green coat draped over her shoulders, showed no signs of having had a baby just six months ago. The birthday girl was on top form for her special day, wearing a pair of oversized hoop earrings and her hair swept back into a classic high ponytail. A huge smile, a colourful bunch of tulips and various bags – presumably presents – were her final accessories.

Of course her beau and baby weren't far away – a casually dressed Ryan made his way to the Los Angeles venue alongside his gorgeous brunette, while a baby carrier was carried inside by a friend. Ryan and Eva – who are famously private and have kept their baby far from prying eyes since birth – continued to do so, draping a blanket over the baby carrier so their little bundle wouldn't be snapped by the paparazzi.

The festivities took place at a roller rink in a suburb of LA, which according to reports was decked out with large Hello Kitty and Happy Birthday balloons. Afterwards, guests could be seen leaving clutching decorations and birthday presents which were loaded into vehicles. Since having her baby, Eva has revealed that she and Ryan aim to protect their child from the media spotlight as much as possible.

She told fashion magazine Violet Grey: "Whether we like it or not, privacy is going to be very difficult for Esmeralda. I think it's unfair but that’s our reality. So Ryan and I decided early on to give her as much privacy as we could." Esmeralda is the first child for Eva and Ryan, 34, who have been together since meeting on the set of the movie The Place Beyond The Pines in 2011.