Look Magazine (July 7th 2008)

‘Our relationship is crazy!’

As Gwen Stefani, 38, prepares to have her second child with rocker hubby Gavin Rossdale, 42, she tells us she’s happier than ever.

[via nxdscrapbook]

Gwen Stefani

So, you’re ready to pop! We’ve got hot water and towels ready! Are you scared of becoming a mum for the second time?

No, I’m very happy now. I love being with my son Kingston and taking care of him. I can’t wait to do it all again.

Babies tend to strain relationships, so did it change your marriage to Gavin?

No, it’s good we have something together outside our crazy relationship! [Laughs] I feel we’re closer in many ways now we have a child. We’ve both become more romantic and caring for each other.

You recently had to look after Kingston while you were on tour. Was it hard juggling work and family?

Oh no! It was much harder on the last No Doubt tour when I was going on stage and performing while I was pregnant with Kingston. That was very hard for me. This time, it was awesome.

Do you feel guilty if you have to leave Kingston to go to work?

Sometimes I feel very stressed and think it’s insane to be having so much going on when all I want to do is relax and play with Kingston, but I’m in love with my fashion label. The simple reason I started L.A.M.B was to have something creative in my life other than music. I pinch myself every day, every second, when I think how far along things have come for me.

You’re a true fashion icon. Do you still enjoy dressing up?

I’ve always enjoyed being able to play with different looks. It’s the frustrated actress in me, I guess. I remember as a child dressing up all the time and imagining myself in films or in fashion magazines and posing and letting my head drift off into some fantasy world.

So can we expect you to take it easier when you have your new baby?

I never want to stop working. I don’t want to disappoint people and that pressure is kind of healthy. I never think that I’ve got it made. I have a good life. I’m happy, but you always worry about staying relevant and not living up to expectations. I’ve had my ups and downs, but it’s been more to do with things on a personal level. Work has always been my way out of despair or anguish because it focuses you and I’ve always drawn a lot of strength from the things I’ve achieved in my life.

Has having a family changed that drive?

I’ve already accomplished everything I originally wanted to. Most of my dreams have come true. What’s changed is that at this point in my life I also have the comfort that comes from knowing I have a family and that there’s a different meaning to my work. It’s a little more special now.

Gavin Rossdale

It must be hard having your marriage in the spotlight…

You know, my only responsibility is towards Gwen. My parents have both been married I think three times each [laughs], so I always said when I got married, I only wanted to get married one time – or else I don’t want to be married. What’s the point?

How do you and Gwen keep your marriage hot with babies bouncing around?

By looking after yourself. I always want to look nice for her and make an effort. That’s how I think you keep that really essential part of life alive. We went trick or treating at Halloween last year, it was really fun. Kingston was dressed up as a tiger, and Gwen was wearing a cat outfit. But all the mums looked like they were beaten into submission. I couldn’t believe it. When we left, I told Gwen how much I loved her because I always appreciate what an effort she makes, because she always looks amazing and she always has that time alone to come out looking fantastic.

How’s the second pregnancy been for Gwen?

It was difficult at first. She was really tired and suffering, which is kind of sad in a way. But right now she’s really blossoming and I’m just trying to be right there for her and help her get through it.

She’s really blooming at the moment. Do you know if you will have a boy or a girl?

Not yet. I just can’t wait. I’m so excited. Gwen just loves babies. She’s like “I don’t want Kingston to grow!”

What else do you love about her?

Her generosity, dedication and her honesty and sweetness – you know, that is Gwen in a nutshell. She’s also a product of the Western world where body scrutiny is more powerful than ever…

So you’re telling us Gwen Stefani is scared of getting fat?

Yeah. She’s just so dedicated. It’s very hard because everyone’s so judged the whole time, so she’s mindful of all that.

As well as having one child and another one on the way, you were recently revealed as the father of model Daisy Lowe, when you thought you were just her godfather. Do you have a relationship with Daisy?

No, not really. It’s too crazy – it’s too public. I hope there will be at some point. The mum’s [Pearl Lowe] just, like, nuts.

That’s a full-on claim…

Yeah. Every time I try and get in touch with Daisy, it becomes a public issue. It’s really sad. It just becomes so bitter and twisted.

So you’re not the absent father you’re made out to be?

No! I can’t keep going and having it thrown in my face when all I’ve done is comply and been really generous. I’m just waiting for the right time. And there will be a right time. My relationship with Daisy can only be private. That’s when it could blossom.