Mario Lopez Compares Daughter's Birth to a CSI Episode
By Rennie Dyball



Mario Lopez is in awe of the women in his life.

The new dad, who welcomed baby girl Gia Francesca Lopez with his girlfriend Courtney Mazza on Saturday, says he's overjoyed about the new arrival.

"She's precious ... I just want to go and stare at her," Lopez, 36, tells Extra of his daughter. And Mazza? She "is a rock star!" he raves. "She was so tough and so strong during the whole thing."

RELATED: It's a Girl for Mario Lopez & Courtney Mazza


The same can't quite be said for the actor and Extra host.

"I peeked over too much … you don't want to do that 'cause there was a lot going on right there," he jokes of watching the birth. "It was like a CSI episode. So I went back and this beautiful baby girl came out."

But the doting dad almost missed the big event all together. He was at an engagement in Vegas when Mazza, 28, called him to say she'd gone into labor.

"I thought it was a practical joke," says Lopez. "Then my mom and sister started blowing up my phone and telling me it's really happening. There was one flight left and we barely made it!"

The new father was equally thrilled to see that his little girl was healthy and robust, just as he'd hoped.

"She's chubby and she looks so cute," he says. "The whole thing is so surreal, and it happened so quick. I feel amazing."

RELATED: Mario Lopez Is 'Fired Up' to Become a Dad






Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, Mario Lopez

Big & Rich's Big Kenny Adopts a Son
By Eileen Finan

Big Kenny's family just got a little bigger with the addition of a new son, Dakota Jefferson Holiday Alphin, adopted by the Big & Rich singer and his wife, Christiev, in July.

"When they put Dakota in our arms, he has the most beautiful smile, and the moment Kenny started talking to him, Dakota lunged toward him," Christiev tells PEOPLE of their baby boy, now 9-months-old. "We both looked at each other and it was like, 'Of course he is our son.' "

Big Kenny (whose full name is Kenny Alphin), 46, and his wife already have a 4½-year-old son, Lincoln William, together and they decided to adopt domestically after unsuccessfully trying for a second child.

RELATED: It's a Boy for Big & Rich's John Rich


"Having Lincoln as an only child was wonderful but I come from a large family and I didn't want him alone," says Christiev, 47. "Even when Kenny and I were dating I asked him about adoption and he said absolutely, so our hearts and minds were open."

Lincoln "has had to learn how to be a sibling," but he's a quick study. "Lincoln is in love with him – he says Dakota is going to play keyboards in his band," she says. "He's aware of a beautiful responsibility."

And though Dakota's a newcomer, he's already a perfect fit. "This child is so happy and so boisterous," she says. "He lunges to kiss and hug and he sings all the time!"





Permalink | Filed Under: Big & Rich, Babies

Report: Baby on the Way for David Blaine



This isn't an illusion: David Blaine is going to be a father.

Blaine, 37, and his French model fiancée Alizee Guinochet are expecting their first child together, the New York Post is reporting. The illusionist, best known for his endurance stunts, like depriving himself of food for 44 days while suspended above London's River Thames, reportedly told partygoers the good news at a recent rooftop cancer benefit.

The baby is expected next year.

And Blaine apparently plans to pass on his skills to his child: He reportedly gushed to party guests that he was excited to teach his first child some magic.





Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, David Blaine

Melissa Rycroft Gets 'Conflicting Report' on Sex of Her Baby
By Mussarat Bata


From Dancing with the Stars to The Bachelor, Melissa Rycroft is no stranger to shocking news. But the mom-to-be has possibly the biggest surprise of her life waiting: finding out the sex of her baby.

"We got our first report, got all excited and then we went back a few weeks later and it was a conflicting report," the Bachelor Pad host said at the Juno Baby Celebrity Launch in New York City. "We're not sure, hopefully in the next week or two we'll get 100 percent confirmation."

And the upcoming arrival – due in February – isn't the only thing Rycroft has to look forward to. She recently moved to a new Dallas home with husband Tye Strickland and is already taking time for her baby.

"It's still crazy for me to be entering this world of 'Mommywood,' " she said. "It's exciting and it's surreal and it's a fun new world to be in."

Another thing besides work that's taking a backseat? Rycroft's rigorous workouts. "It's limiting what you can do," she said of being pregnant. "The kiddo definitely tells you when they're tired and when they don't want you to work out."

Meanwhile, Strickland has been doing whatever he can to make his baby's mama as comfortable as possible with back and foot rubs. He's also good at giving sweet compliments. Says Rycroft: "He tells me I look skinny every day!"






Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, Melissa Rycroft

James Van Der Beek Tweets Baby Joy
By Tim Nudd



Dawson is a dad.

James Van Der Beek, the former star of Dawson's Creek, and his wife Kimberly welcomed a daughter, Olivia, on Saturday. And the actor, 33, is already gushing with emotion.

"Had the blessing of becoming a father over the weekend... Couldn't come close to describing this bliss even if I had 140 million characters," he wrote on Twitter.

RELATED: Demi & Ashton Help James Van Der Beek Celebrate Baby on the Way


Adds the actor: "Olivia Van Der Beek, born 9/25. I apologize in advance for any obnoxiously precious new-dad tweets that may follow. I'm under her spell."

Baby girl weighed in at 7 lbs., 2 oz and is 19.5 inches long, the proud papa tells PEOPLE.

The Van Der Beeks were married in August. "Best day of my life so far," he Tweeted at the time – although perhaps that's now been eclipsed by the new arrival.






Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, James Van Der Beek

Ali Larter Celebrates Her Baby Shower
By Jennifer Garcia

With a couple of months to go, Ali Larter got an early start on prepping for motherhood by celebrating her baby shower Saturday at a pal's house in Los Angeles.

"It was an incredible day and I just felt so lucky to be surrounded by so many dear friends and family," the Resident Evil: Afterlife actress – who's expecting a boy – tells PEOPLE. "It was a very special day!"

Along with friends Amy Smart (who co-hosted the shower), Busy Philipps and Nicole Sullivan, Larter enjoyed the afternoon shower designed by David Stark and presented by Target and Baby Buggy.

RELATED: Ali Larter Admits Her Strongest Pregnancy Craving


"We wanted a very worldly and natural feel," explains Larter, 34. "It was very earthy." Her actor/writer husband, Hayes MacArthur, even made a post-golf stop at the all-ladies shower. "Everyone was excited to see him," adds Larter.

In honor of "Baby Mac," Larter and MacArthur's affectionate name for their baby-on-the-way, Target will donate strollers, diapers and select pieces from the upcoming Petit Trésor for Target collection to benefit Baby Buggy's mission of supporting families in need.

"As a mother-to-be, I quickly realized how expensive it is to prepare for my new addition," notes Larter. "Unfortunately, there are many mothers who cannot afford the necessities such as cribs, clothing and diapers so I'm honored to be able to help mothers through my shower."

Larter will continue to donate through her Ali Larter for Baby Buggy registry on target.com, where the public can purchase items to be sent to mothers in need. In addition, a financial donation has been made in honor of Larter, to Project Peanut Butter, an organization which helps malnourished children in Africa.

"To feel this life growing inside of me grounds me every day and really puts things into perspective about what's important in life. It really is your health and your family."





Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, Ali Larter

Penélope Cruz Shows Off Baby Bump in London



Five months pregnant, and still very much on the go.

Penélope Cruz was photographed Monday making her way through London's Heathrow Airport, with a very visible baby bump growing beneath her sheer black-lace maternity shirt.

Cruz, 36, is expecting her first child this winter with husband Javier Bardem. The couple confirmed the pregnancy last month.
– Tim Nudd






Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, Pen\u00E9lope Cruz

Jesse Csincsak & Ann Lueders Reveal Her Baby Bump

By Dahvi Shira




Newlyweds Jesse Csincsak and Ann Lueders have always enjoyed staying active – but now that she's six months pregnant it's proving a challenge for the couple.

"Ann's an avid jogger, and since she can't jog we'll grab a cup of coffee and take the dogs walking," former Bachelorette winner Csincsak tells PEOPLE of the couple's Siberian huskies Kinley and Riley.

"There's a little area in Breckinridge, Colo., called the river walk, so we walk along that," adds Csincsak. "We just kind of enjoy and talk about things."

RELATED: Jesse Csincsak & Ann Lueders Feel the Love on Jamaican Honeymoon


So what to the parents-to-be discuss? "She's telling me what it feels like to be pregnant," says Csincsak. "There's never a dull moment."

Lueders, who competed in Jason Mesnick's season of The Bachelor, says she was "definitely tired" when this new photo of her baby bump was snapped. Still, "it was nice to finally be outside and have the weather be nice," she added. "Colorado's the best place to be when you're pregnant."

The reality couple, both 28, who have been married just over a month, are expecting their son Noah this winter.





Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, Pregnancy, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette

Alicia Keys Has a Baby Boy
By Carlos Greer


These days, Alicia Keys is in a motherhood state of mind.

The singer and her husband, Swizz "Kaseem Dean" Beatz, "joyfully welcomed their first child," son Egypt Daoud Dean, on Oct. 14 in New York City, reps for the couple confirm in a statement to PEOPLE.

This is the couple's first child, though Egypt "is welcomed by Beatz's three other children," the statement adds.

Keys, 29, and Beatz, 32, are not only new parents together – they are also newlyweds. The singer and the rapper-producer were married in a private ceremony overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in July. At the time, the two didn't know the gender of their child, but Swizz Beatz said they were excited to start a family together.

PHOTOS: Alicia Keys's Glam Bump Style


"Whatever we're blessed with, that baby is being born to blessed parents," he told PEOPLE at the time. "Alicia is definitely one of those great parents-to-be. She's super ready. Super glowing. Super happy."

On Thursday night, he seemed to be in a reflective mood, Tweeting, "I'm so thankful for everything I been blessed with in my life."






Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz

Alyson Hannigan Is So Excited Neil Patrick Harris Is a New Dad
By Paul Chi



New dad Neil Patrick Harris has an outgoing and loving personality – and will be a wonderful father, says his How I Met Your Mother costar Alyson Hannigan.

"He's definitely a kid at heart and I think that really helps," she tells PEOPLE. "He can get into the kids' energy easily. He's fantastic with my daughter, and she just loves him."

Hannigan, 36, who has a 19-month-old daughter, Satyana, with her husband Alexis Denisof, says her costar and his partner David Burtka will be "fantastic fathers" to their twins, Gideon Scott and Harper Grace, and thinks Harris's creativity will go a long way.

"He has this phenomenal song that he has made up and it makes my daughter laugh every time he does it," she says, laughing. "It sticks in my head for days. It's so brilliant, and it's the perfect baby song. He's definitely going to be so creative and fun."


Like some new parents, Harris and Burtka sought out parenting advice and made a visit to Hannigan's home with a list of baby-related questions.

"I don't think they needed any of our advice but we peppered them with all the information that my husband and I have," Hannigan says. "We gave them a list of our favorite products and talked about [how] the first six weeks in is kind of the hardest. [Just] trying to figure out what each cry means or what is the best schedule for the baby is hard."

But with all the feedings and the diaper changing, Hannigan says Harris and Burtka will experience a new kind of love. 
 


"Without a doubt they will be wonderful dads who are going to love their little babies so much," she says. "Those are going to be two lucky babies."

"I can't wait to share the feeling that your heart has exploded into something bigger than you ever thought it would be," Hannigan says. "It's so overwhelming in the very best possible way. I'm excited for their journey."






Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, How I Met Your Mother, Alyson Hannigan, Neil Patrick Harris

Lance Armstrong Welcomes Fifth Child

By Sarah Michaud



He's created his own cycling team! Lance Armstrong Tweets that he's welcomed his fifth child, a daughter.

"Olivia Marie Armstrong has arrived!" he wrote early Monday morning, keeping mum on the specifics.

"Thanks to you all for the support and well wishes. Momma and Olivia (@Cincoarmstrong!) are doing great. She's a beauty!"

This is the Tour de France champ's second child with Anna Hansen, with whom he also has son Maxwell Edward, 16 months. Additionally, Armstrong is dad to twin daughters Isabelle and Grace, 9 next month, and son Luke, 11, with ex-wife Kristin Armstrong.

PHOTO: Meet Lance Armstrong's Baby


Armstrong, 39, announced the pregnancy in April.






Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, Lance Armstrong

Bachelor Andrew Firestone & Wife Expecting Second Child


Everything is coming up roses for former Bachelor Andrew Firestone and his wife, Ivana Bozilovic – the two are expecting their second child in April, a rep for the couple confirms to PEOPLE.

As with son Adam Brooks, 19 months, the pair plan to wait until the delivery to find out the sex of their baby.

"Ivana, Brooks, and I are thrilled to be adding another little Firestone to our family," the proud papa tells PEOPLE.

Firestone currently co-owns Confidential, a San Diego eatery and nightclub, and runs the Curtis Winery in Los Olivos, Calif.







Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, The Bachelor, Andrew Firestone

Baby No. 4 on the Way for Cake Boss Buddy Valastro
By Charlotte Triggs


There's another bun in the oven for TLC's Cake Boss star Buddy Valastro. He and wife Lisa are expecting baby no. 4 in February.

"Lisa and I are thrilled to be welcoming our fourth child into the world," Valastro, 33, who is dad to Sofia, 7, Buddy, 6, and Marco, 3, tells PEOPLE. "Our three children are looking forward to adding a new brother or sister."

The pregnancy will be a storyline on the latest season of Cake Boss, airing Mondays at 9 p.m.

PHOTOS: Who's Due Next?


And there will be no rest for the weary dad, and owner of Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken, N.J. He'll be promoting his new TLC competition series, The Next Great Baker, in December, and has a new book, Cake Boss: Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia hitting shelves in November.








Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro

Rachel Zoe: If I Were Pregnant, I'd Be Home Sleeping
By Vanessa Diaz

Amid online buzz that Rachel Zoe is expecting, the celebrity stylist did her part to (sort of) put the rumors to rest.

"I'm feeling great," Zoe, 39, told PEOPLE when asked if she wanted to clear up pregnancy rumors at Tuesday's Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue Fashion Fund fashion show in L.A. She opened her black Balmain blazer to reveal a flat stomach, saying, "Not at all. I'd be home sleeping."

Still, her behavior at the Chateau Marmont had fashion-show attendees buzzing.

"Everyone was drinking champagne at her table but her," said one guest who sat near Zoe.

Shortly after the fashion show ended, as guests sipped champagne and snacked on passed hors d'oeuvres, Nicole Richie approached the table where Zoe was sitting with her sister and a few friends. Though they haven't worked together in years, Richie and Zoe excitedly greeted each other, hugged and proceeded to talk for about 45 minutes.

And babies were a hot topic of discussion. A few minutes into their conversation, Richie, clad in black and white floor length Missoni dress and vintage black beaded cropped sweater, whipped out her BlackBerry and pulled up pictures of her kids.

"It seems like all they talked about was babies," another guest at the event told PEOPLE.

When they were ready to leave, Richie and Zoe, who acted as close as ever, walked out of the event together.





Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, Nicole Richie, Rachel Zoe

Matt Damon Wants His Daughters to Be 'Strong Women'
By Sara Hammel

Matt Damon has just welcomed his fourth daughter into the world, and already he has plans for her.

"If I had a bucket list, I'd say raising my four girls to be strong, good women would be No. 1," Damon, 40, tells Parade.

The actor plays a psychic who communicates with the dead in director Clint Eastwood's Hereafter, which opened wide this weekend, and says he found the material relevant to life as a parent.

RELATED: Matt Damon and His Wife Welcome a Baby Girl


"I think what's important for kids to know is that your decisions here on earth matter, your behavior matters, and how you treat other people matters," Damon said. "It matters here and I'm hoping that it matters in the afterlife, too. It just comes down to accountability for your own behavior that's important. So whenever I talk to my own kids or whenever they ask, I try and put the hereafter in kind of an ethical framework."

Damon also reinforces the "line in the sand" that he and his wife Luciana have drawn when it comes to having more kids.

"This is it," he says. "Our lives are full and wonderful and we're done having kids."

Though the actor is done expanding his family, a friend of Damon's tells PEOPLE he's over the moon about the latest addition to the clan.

"He just had a 40th birthday party in N.Y.C., and he and [Luciana] just looked so very much in love and [they are] just delighted about the baby ... I am really happy for him.”

RELATED: Matt Damon's 40th Party – 'Nothing Outrageous'






Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, Matt Damon

Jennifer Lopez 'Would Love to Have More Kids,' Says Pal
By Alison Schwartz and Michelle Ward



Are Jennifer Lopez's twins getting a new playmate?

Leah Remini, a longtime pal of Lopez's, says there's hope Emme and Max, both 2, will get a little brother or sister, if Mom has her way.

"Jen would love to have more kids," Remini, 40, told PEOPLE at the 32nd Anniversary Carousel of Hope Ball, which benefitted the Barbara Davis Center For Childhood Diabetes.

RELATED: Jennifer Lopez & Ryan Seacrest Aren't Having an Idol 'Diva Battle'


Aside from mommy duty, Remini says Lopez, 41, is enjoying another one of her jobs: her gig on Fox as an American Idol judge.

"She loves it," says the star of The King of Queens. "This is one of her favorite jobs because Jennifer loves artists. Jennifer loves to find somebody. She's a fan of the show. Jennifer really wants to find 'it.' "







Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, Jennifer Lopez, Leah Remini

Toni Collette Expecting Second Child


Toni Collette will soon have another new face in her own household.

The actress, who stars as a mom with multiple personality disorder in Showtime's The United States of Tara, and her husband, musician Dave Galafassi, "are very happy to be expecting our second child together," the couple tell PEOPLE exclusively.

The pair – who wed in 2003 – are already parents to daughter Sage Florence, 2½.

Collette, 37, is due next year.
– Julie Jordan









Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, United States of Tara, Toni Collette

Penélope Cruz's Family Dinner in London

It's a dinner date!

Penélope Cruz, husband Javier Bardem and sister Mónica Cruz proved there's no such thing as a third-wheel when the trio stepped out at a London restaurant.

Cruz and company, decked out in coordinated black outfits, were spotted at the members-only Groucho Club Tuesday night.

The Pirates of the Caribbean actress, 36, who is expecting her first child in the winter, bared her baby bump during the meal, and is currently in the U.K. to film the adventure movie. – Alison Schwartz






Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, Javier Bardem, Pen\u00E9lope Cruz

Rachel Dratch Reveals Her Son's Father
By Lesley Messer


Rachel Dratch wasn't trying to be a Debbie Downer by keeping mum about the identity of her baby's father during her pregnancy. She was just trying to preserve his privacy.

But after giving birth to son Eli Benjamin on Aug. 24, the Saturday Night Live alum saw published reports about Eli's "unknown" father – and before she knew it, there were theories flying left and right about who the mystery man could be.

"People are expecting the craziest story," Dratch tells PEOPLE. "I just meant it's crazy for me!"

Eli's father, Dratch reveals to PEOPLE exclusively, is her boyfriend John Wahl, a California-based consultant to natural foods businesses. Dratch met him a year ago at a bar, and six months later – at age 43 – she was shocked to find herself pregnant.

"I had bought into all this stuff about, 'Once you're over 40...' " Dratch says of her chances of conception. "I'd gone through the whole process of letting go of [the idea of having kids]."

But today, she and Wahl – who has since moved to New York City to be closer to his girlfriend and 9-week-old son – are raising their baby together, and living a domestic life neither of them could have predicted.

"[Rachel] was resigned to the fact that this wasn't going to happen and had written it off," says Wahl, who was "completely floored" to hear that they were going to have a child. "That may add to the adrenaline and euphoria and excitement."

As for the couple's future, "the focus now is just surrounding Eli with love," says Wahl. "But you never know!"

For more details about Dratch's relationship – and exclusive photos of her with son Eli – pick up this week's issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday






Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, Saturday Night Live, Rachel Dratch

Mariah Carey Confirms World's Most-Speculated Secret: She's Pregnant!
By Sara Hammel


It's been talked about for months now, and finally Mariah Carey has come clean: She's pregnant!

"Yes, we are pregnant. This is true," Carey, 41, said on the Today show Thursday morning as part of a sneak peek at a three-part Access Hollywood interview. "It's been a long journey. It's been tough because I've been trying to hold on to a shred of privacy."

Husband Nick Cannon, 30, joined the interview to talk about the "absolutely emotional" news, adding, "The greatest gift on earth is a child."

Carey, who also told of a miscarriage two years ago, would not reveal her due date. She would only say "it's still early" and "expecting is great." Ever-supportive Cannon said of the loss, "It strengthened our relationship so much … she handled it so well."

PHOTOS: Mariah's Pregnancy: Hiding It in Plain Sight


The news, of course, won't surprise those who have followed the couple's coy references to pregnancy and babies over the past few months. Rumors flew as the expanding singer seemed to bloom a little more every week, and both Cannon and Carey have spoken about their desire for children.

In August, Carey fanned the flames by stepping out in Brazil wearing a maternity dress. She quickly addressed the ensuing frenzy, explaining she is "superstitious" about pregnancy and promising, "When the time is right, everyone will know."

Days later, Cannon gushed about his wife's motherly instincts, telling PEOPLE that "she's very nurturing." But not until now have they admitted they're soon to welcome their own bundle of joy.

Now that the news is out, people will clamor to know the sex of the child. The couple wouldn't say yet, but eventually Carey will cave, because she loves to decorate.

PHOTOS: Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon: Their 10 Best Photos Ever!







Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon

Nick Cannon Doesn't Know If He's Having a Boy or Girl
By Alison Schwartz

Now that the news is officially out, parents-to-be Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon have one more pressing question to answer: Will the nursery be blue or pink?

It's one they don't have the answer to quite yet, according to Cannon, who addressed rumors that they are expecting a baby boy.

"There's no truth to that. We don't know the sex of our child," Cannon, 30, said on his radio show Thursday morning. "But it's strange how that stuff comes out at almost the same time."

PHOTOS: Mariah's Pregnancy: Hiding It in Plain Sight


The couple has faced intense media speculation since Carey, 41, pulled out of a role in Tyler Perry's film For Colored Girls last May.

"It's weird how the media can get involved with your personal life because even when you want to share something, it's hard to share the truth – because people already spoiled it," Cannon says. "It kinda makes the truth cloudy."

Regardless, he says it's been an exciting morning, now that the couple's baby news is out there.

"It's a happy moment," he said. "I'm usually not at a loss of words, but it's been a good morning with all the congratulations and all that stuff, and speaking to my wife."

PHOTOS: Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon: Their 10 Best Photos Ever!





Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon

Céline Dion and Twins Head Home from Hospital
By Marisa Laudadio


It's one big happy family at Céline Dion’s house!

Dion, 42, and her 5-day-old twin boys have left the Florida hospital where the babies were born via C-section on Saturday, her rep confirms to PEOPLE.

"Céline and the twins went home last night," says her rep. "Everyone's doing great. They are happy to be home."

Dion and husband René Angelil also have a little extra support: In addition to their son René-Charles, 9, "three of her sisters and her mom are there helping out," adds her rep.

RELATED: Céline Dion's Husband Describes Emotional Birth of Twins







Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, Celine Dion

People Exclusive

Jessica Capshaw Is a Mom – Again!


It's a girl for Jessica Capshaw and husband Christopher Gavigan!

The couple are now the proud parents of Eve Augusta, born Oct. 20.

"The family is thrilled to welcome their newest addition," her rep tells PEOPLE.

Capshaw, 33, the daughter of actress Kate Capshaw and stepdaughter of Steven Spielberg, already has a son, 3-year-old Luke, with her husband Gavigan, the CEO of non-profit Healthy Child, Healthy World.









Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, Jessica Capshaw

People Exclusive

Ian Ziering Is Going to Be a Dad
By Diane Herbst
Congratulations are in order for Ian Ziering and his wife Erin!

The couple is expecting a baby girl in April, the Beverly Hills, 90210 star tells PEOPLE exclusively.

"Erin and I are very excited to be parents. It's something we both have always wanted," Ziering, 46, says. "[Erin] is four-and-a-half months along, and we both are beyond excited."

The couple were married in May.

PHOTOS: Who's Due Next?








Permalink | Filed Under: Babies, Ian Ziering

Kelly Ripa & Mark Consuelos: Good Manners Not Lost On Our Kids


When it comes to instilling good manners in their three children, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos look to family dinners every night of the week for help.

“It’s when we do some of our best parenting,” Ripa told PEOPLE at The World of Gloria Vanderbilt book signing in New York on Thursday.

“We have a routine. We go around the table and listen to everyone’s stories of the day, what happened in school, what we liked and didn’t like,” Consuelos added.

“I always tell my kids — you don’t have to be the best at sports, the smartest, the best at math, but you do have to have the best manners,” Ripa, 40, explains. “I don’t tolerate piggish behavior in kids, and mine have learned the hard way.”

For the Consuelos kids — Michael, 13, Lola, 9, and Joaquin, 7½ — that means “no interrupting people at the dinner table,” which Ripa says can be a constant battle between the two youngest kids.

“Lola and Joaquin actually like to cut each other off, so we work on letting everyone finish their thoughts respectfully.”

Another challenge? Getting them to put pen to paper! “I am very serious about sending thank you notes — to the point where my oldest son, Michael, has asked to not have birthday presents anymore because he doesn’t want the burden of thank you letters,” laughs Ripa.

Thankfully, her kids cut her a break when it comes to what to wear — and her youngest son is the most stylin’.

“Joaquin is so fashionable and hip,” notes Ripa. “He loves fedoras, ripped jeans, scarves, and anything he sees Mark wear. I love all my children equally, but Joaquin always looks the coolest!”

–Kate Hallett

Filed Under:Exclusive,Parenting

Lily Allen's Condition Improving


Get well soon, Lily!

It seems fan mail and doctors' care have Lily Allen on the mend as she fights a blood-poisoning condition that can be fatal. 



The 25-year-old was rushed back to a clinic Friday to treat the bacterial condition, just days after the tragedy of losing her baby.


 Her rep Murray Chalmers confirmed to PEOPLE that she was "being treated for septicaemia." But she is showing encouraging signs, and. Chalmers says she "is responding well to treatment and her condition continues to improve."


Sources close to her have told how she has been boosted by the number of supportive letters that have been sent her in the past week. "Lily thanks everyone for their messages of support and again asks that she and partner Sam Cooper be left alone whilst she recovers," the statement from Chalmers adds.

– Simon Perry






Permalink | Filed Under: Health, Lily Allen

Dancing With the Stars

Karina Smirnoff Engaged
By Mark Gray

She may have recently been eliminated from Dancing With The Stars, but soon Karina Smirnoff will be waltzing down the aisle.

The ballroom beauty is engaged to boyfriend Brad Penny, 32, she told PEOPLE on Saturday, revealing the couple has actually been engaged since Oct. 4!

"We kept it quiet because my family is in New York and Brad's family is in Oklahoma so we kind of wanted them to come out and celebrate and be a family first before we let the cat out of the bag," she said.

Smirnoff, 32, showed off her 4.5 carat Asscher Cut diamond engagement ring at Tao Las Vegas's five-year anniversary party.

The two have yet to start planning the wedding. The proposal, however, took some scheming. Smirnoff calls it "a conspiracy" between Penny and Smirnoff's manager, who told Smirnoff that the president of Twitter wanted to meet her after a taping of Dancing With the Stars.

"We went to this restaurant and [my manager] got on her phone and said 'this guy is killing me,' and got up and walked away, Then Brad walked in and it still didn't register. He got down on one knee and he opened the box and I said, 'Thank you'. I honestly didn't expect it."

Though Penny, who played baseball last year for the St. Louis Cardinals, wasn't at Tao with his fiancé, he sent her a hand-written note in a fortune cookie apologizing for his absence – the cookie also contained an Everlon diamond necklace.

"I'm marrying a Southern Gentleman," she said.

The couple began dating in October 2009, shortly after Smirnoff and fellow Dancing With The Stars pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy called off their engagement.

Smirnoff and Penny met through a mutual friend, UFC fighter Chuck Liddell.