Nicole Richie

Nicole has been allowed to take a leave of absence from her court ordered alcohol education program as her health is a concern. A rep for the reality star confirmed that the pregnant Richie would be temporarily quitting the program.

“They offer that option to anyone with a medical condition of any kind. She is not receiving special treatment,” says Richie’s rep.

In October, Nicole and Joel traveled across Australia as Joel toured with his band, Good Charlotte. While in Western Australia, Nicole visited the oncology unit at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. On the day of her visit, 14 year old Stephen (pictured in the center photo) — a huge Good Charlotte fan — received word from his doctor that his blood cell count was too low to attend the concert that evening and risk an infection. Instead, Nicole invited Stephen to join her backstage, where they watched the concert together and Stephen met the band after the show.

(more…)

Nicole Richie and Joel Madden have done a very good thing by creating the Richie-Madden Children’s Foundation. The parents-to-be hosted a surprise baby shower for dozens of disadvantaged mothers-to-be at the Los Angeles Free Clinic, marking the official launch of the Richie-Madden Children’s Foundation (RMCF). With their first child due in January, the couple announced the Foundation during their own baby shower on November 18, where attendees were encouraged to give to the Foundation in lieu of gifts.

Richie and Madden recently toured the Hollywood-based Free Clinic and were inspired by its mission and impact. “We’ve had opportunities and know that we’re very blessed,” said Madden. “With the launch of the Foundation and today’s event, we’re just trying to help out some other young couples, and the Los Angeles Free Clinic – which provides healthcare, pre-natal care and job opportunities for free – is the most amazing place I’ve ever seen.”

“We want our child to grow up with the value of sharing and to inspire generosity in others,” said Richie. “We hope our access to the media will help us change focus from the trivialities of our lives to more meaningful issues.”

(more…)

Last month Nicole was seen leaving an Italian restaurant in Hollywood called Maria’s Italian Kitchen. She’s looks great as usual and she is sporting a new do too — it makes her look a bit older and perhaps more motherly.

Nicole is back in Sydney — pictures look familiar? Yeah, I thought so too! News.com.au has the scoop:

Joel was dressed in a black hooded jacket and black cap, while Nicole wore a grey hoodie, white top, black leggings and black Chanel sunglasses.

Despite being a celebrated fashionista, Nicole wears the same outfit every time the couple travels. We hear it’s a tactic to devalue any paparazzi shots of them - if they always looks the same, mags will stop publishing so many pics of them.

Nicole, talking on her Blackberry, wanders around the grounds of her hotel in Brisbane, Australia earlier this week.

Kimberly Stewart has defended her pregnant friend of many years Nicole Richie - insisting the former party girl is perfect for motherhood. Kimberly, 28, insists Richie, 26, will be “great” as a mum in spite of her past struggles with drugs and an eating disorder. She tells British magazine Closer, “I never, ever would have thought Nicole would be the first of my friends to get pregnant. But she’s incredibly happy and I know she’ll make a great mum.”

Nicole & Joel relax poolside with their iPods at the Four Seasons hotel in Sydney, Australia.

Nicole Richie and her baby-daddy were seen around Sydney town on October 11. The couple left the Four Seasons hotel, where they always seem to stay, and wandered around town for a while. Nicole looks amazing as usual!