Gwen Stefani Covers 'Marie Claire' October 2012

Gwen Stefani bares her toned tummy on the cover of Marie Claire‘s October 2012 issue, on newsstands September 18.

Here is what the 42-year-old No Doubt singer had to share with the mag:

On rearing two high-energy boys just a few years apart in age: “From the moment they wake up, they start beating on each other. I never knew they would be so physical. They’re just starting to play real well together, but with a lot of fighting. They do look out for each other – especially the little one, he really loves his older brother.”

On having a third child: “I really, really, really wanted one about two years ago. And it didn’t really work out. So… I feel good with what we’ve got. Everything works out how it should. You can’t plan anything, right? You can try.”

On what her 10 year anniversary with Gavin Rossdale represents: “A miracle… my biggest accomplishment is my marriage so far. Because it’s hard, everyone knows it’s hard. [Marriage] is something that I always wanted to do successfully. It was a dream of mine. I like the official-ness and the family-ness of it all, having the same name and making decisions together.”

On her relationship with Gavin: “[Our relationship] is better than it’s ever been. Like, we’re learning about each other all the time. He’s an amazing dad, he works so hard – I can hear him writing songs through the wall, and it is at a much quicker pace than me! He balances me out. And he – he never stops liking me, which is awesome! It makes me feel happy, that someone likes me as much as he does.”

For more from Gwen, visit MarieClaire.com!

Also pictured inside: Gwen and her sons Kingston and Zuma at LAX Airport over the weekend.