Hello! Magazine has a new interview with rock couple Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani, who just welcomed their second child, Zuma Nesta Rock, a little under two weeks ago. I enjoy reading Hello!’s interviews because they’re conversational in tone and more in-depth than most other celebrity magazines. The couple talks about everything from their family, children, and work to making sure that their older child, Kingston, still feels special and loved after the birth of his younger brother. There was a real theme of togetherness in their responses, with Gwen saying they work as a team to parent their children and that it has helped strengthen their relationship:

On their children and parenting

Gwen, what has motherhood meant to you?
“I feel happier now. I know every mother must feel this way but watching your child grow up and learn new things every day is one of the greatest and purest pleasures you can have.”

Did you think that having another baby would put a strain on your marriage?
“Gavin loves being a dad and he wants to have a bigger family, too. I feel we’re closer in many ways now that we’re building something together outside our own crazy relationship.

“We feel so blessed to be able to share this experience together and see how we’ve both become more romantic and caring for each other, simply because we’ve seen how beautiful it is to have come this far together and started a new chapter in our lives.”

What’s the secret to a successful showbusiness marriage?
“Our relationship is very real. My marriage is the most important part of my life and I make sure it is a number one priority. Everything else is second. Somtimes I have to say no to thinkgs because I have to be home with him on Sunday and hang out. He’s so talented, he’s good at everything and he’s an amazing cook. We have a great time together.

“Relationships are work like everything else. It’s really fun work but you still have to put the effort in. But I don’t really have advice for anyone on relationships. If you read any of my lyrics you’ll see that. I’m like everyone else – finding my way.”

Gwen on her career

Do you ever feel like you’re taking on too much?
“Sometimes I feel very stressed and think it’s insane to be having so much going on, but I know I need this kind of creative outlet to be truly happy. The simple reason I started L.A.M.B. was to have something creative in my life other than music. You never know what’s going to happen in the music business and I wanted in some sense to be prepared for the downfall. You never know whether you’ll be able to keep delivering the kind of music that will resonate with the public.”

Gavin on being a dad

Gavin, how do you think Kingston will cope with a new sibling?
“I feel a bit bad for our son because he really was the centre of attention all the time every day, as he should have been. So he’s going to have to move up a little bit and make the space and, to be honest, he’s not so good at that yet. So, he’s learning… He’s an amazing kid and we’re really blessed with him because he’s healthy and he’s happy and he’s surrounded by love; and it kind of makes you a bit… To some degree you cease to exist, because you’re just a conduit for them for whatever they need, you know?

[From Hello! Magazine, print edition, September 9, 2008]

Gavin also told a funny story about how Kingston kind of ignored him as a newborn because he was so attached to Gwen for nursing. At around nine months, though, Kingston went through a phase where only Gavin could calm him down. He said that lasted just three weeks though and it was back to mom!

Gwen is not my favorite celebrity. She kind of glorifies conspicuous consumption with her overpriced and questionably-designed fashion line. Some people really like her style, though, and there’s a demand for that type of clothing so if that’s her passion more power to her. It seems like she’s got a great husband and that she’s a very caring and devoted mom. She’s also able to balance her family life with a very successful career, and she sounds grounded and motivated. Stefani is kind of growing on me.

Here are some cute pictures of Gavin Rossdale hanging out at the beach on Sunday with his son Kingston. He met up Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi. Credit: Fame Pictures