Debbie Rowe has definitely stated that Prince, 12, and Paris Jackson, 11, the two children she carried for Michael Jackson, are biologically hers. There had been several reports earlier this week that the children were not Debbie’s and she was essentially a surrogate (she was Jackson’s wife at the time, and most people thought she was their biological mother). However Debbie and her lawyer had been very wishy washy about seeking custody of the children until today, when she told an L.A. NBC affiliate that she is going to try to get guardianship and custody – and says that she is definitely their biological mother.

Debbie also says that while she is currently allowed visitation with them, it’s a “difficult process.” Almost as noteworthy as the custody issue is her statement that she will also be seeking a restraining order against Joe Jackson to keep him away from the children.

Debbie Rowe wants custody of the two children she had with Michael Jackson. “I want my children,” Rowe said during a 90-minute phone conversation Thursday morning with NBCLA’s Chuck Henry. Rowe said she was willing to submit to any testing, including DNA to prove that she is the children’s true biological mother. Rowe also said she would submit to psychological testing.

She also said she would seek a restraining order to keep Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, away from the children.

The agreement does allow for visition [sic], but Rowe said it’s a very difficult process. “I am stepping up,” Rowe said. “I have to.” Rowe said she was still grieving. She said she decided she had to seek custody after Jackson’s death.

Jackson, who died at age 50, left behind three children: son Michael Joseph Jr., known as Prince Michael, 12; daughter Paris Michael Katherine, 11; and son Prince Michael II, 7. Rowe was the mother of the two oldest children. The youngest was born to a surrogate mother, who has never been identified. Rowe said she was concerned about splitting up the children. She said she did not expect the court to grant custody of the third child, but added that she would be willing to accept custody.

…[Michael Jackson’s] will also specifically leaves Rowe out of any inheritance. “I have intentionally omitted to provide for my former wife, Deborah Jean Rowe Jackson,” the will states.

[From NBC Los Angeles via TMZ]

Boy nothing will help you get your butt in gear like the thought of Joe Jackson anywhere near your kids. And that whole creepy thing he said about how Michael’s kids “belong” with him – the way he said it, you could tell by “with,” he really meant “to.” To be fair, Debbie also didn’t make a public announcement on seeking custody until Michael’s will revealed that he’d excluded her from it. I did find that sort of surprising, as it seemed like they had an alright relationship and from most accounts he was appreciative of her giving birth to two of his three children. Obviously if she takes care of them Debbie would have access to money she otherwise would not. I’m not saying that is her motivation at all, but it’s a factor people are going to wonder about.

I do think her statement about being in grief and unable to make a decision is valid. We all grieve in our own ways and it’s a hard time to make huge, life-changing decisions. I couldn’t do that after less than a week. Nonetheless, I’m sure it’s been much harder for the kids – as will being split up, since it’s safe to assume that Blanket, 7, will probably stay with Michael’s mother Katherine.

The custody hearing is this Monday.