Nicole Richie & Joel Madden Talk Marriage, More Kids & Loving Harlow

You know, as gossip mongers, we are always so quick to identify someone on who's on a downward spiral -- and there's been some doozies in the past -- Amy Winehouse, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus (I'm just speculating, there) -- but we never put as much emphasis on those who have done a major turnaround for the better -- like Nicole Richie.

Remember, just a few years ago, when she was acting like a spoiled brat on Paris Hilton's The Simple Life, and driving down a one way street the wrong way, all hopped up on pills? Well, since getting together with Good Charlotte's Joel Madden, and giving birth to their daughter Harlow, we don't even recognize Nic as that other person anymore. She's become a mature mom who's focusing on raising her kid and helping those less fortunate.

In the new issue of People, Nicole explains how she makes her own baby food for her girl and records every minute of Harlow's life in a journal. And Joel calls her "the best mom I've ever seen."

"I think my sense of self is still the same," Nicole said. "But I don't do things, we do things. I work around her."

Joel concurs: "Nicole is completely dedicated. I do whatever she tells me to do. I'm cool with that. She's really good with the baby. I'm really good with finances. All of Harlow's education and all that stuff, I already have planned."

As for getting hitched, Nicole says they aren't trying to keep their plans a secret -- they're just not there yet. "When we get married, everyone will know," she promised. "It will happen when it happens."

And are more kids on the horizon? "If it could be as easy as Harlow," Joel said, "Sure." 

Here's my lesson for the day (all of a sudden I'm Rev Run): Let's be sure to acknowledge those who have cleaned up their acts, as quickly as we are to dog those who are falling apart. I know the latter is so much more fun -- but doesn't Nicole's story give you hope?