Prepared for Baby-- Nick Lachey & Vanessa Minnillo

Vanessa Minnillo and Nick Lachey have yet to set a marriage day — but that doesn’t

mean a baby in 2011.“Things turn out,” Minnillo, 30, tells PEOPLE. “And if permission comes before the marriage then that’s exactly what it is, [a blessing].”

Since getting busy to The Sing-Off host Nick Lachey, 36, last November, Minillo was busy filming guest spots on 30 Rock and Hawaii 5-0, airing in February. But her work timetable won’t keep her from finally apt a mom.

“I love to have kids and work,” she explains. “I absolutely don’t want it to slow me down. I’m going to be, ‘Go, go, ’ And I’m expecting baby, fat and happy during it all.”