Now, after a three-month break from the limelight, the Chicks are set to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl Jan. 26 and perform at the Grammys Feb. 23, where they are up for seven awards, including Album of the Year.

Would they like to win? Sure. But the Chicks say they're looking for other rewards now. "I neglected a lot of loving relationships to pursue this ultimate goal -- success," says Maguire, 33. "Now we take the time to realize what's important. Family comes first."

But not always easily. After Maines gave birth to Jackson Slade, almost 2, her son with actor husband Adrian Pasdar, in March 2001, she and Maguire watched Emily and her husband, Charlie Robison, struggle to have a baby of their own. "It was a journey," says Emily, 30, who married in May '99. "Our frustration level was high." Over the course of two years, she underwent laparoscopic surgery to rule out physical problems, endured several failed artificial inseminations, then finally received daily fertility injections and had her eggs harvested for in vitro fertilization. Maines, 28, who got pregnant "first try," tears up at the memories. "You ask why is this happening to her?" For Maguire, the experience was even more personal. "It's tough having to watch your sister give herself injections, worry about a million medications and see different doctors in different cities on the road," she says.

Which made things that much more joyous when Emily -- with her sister and Maines on hand -- delivered 8 lb. 13 oz. Gus in Methodist hospital in San Antonio. "She was at, like, two centimeters," says Maines, "and she saw where this was going and said, 'Drugs, please!' She's not even in the pain club." Or, for that matter, the privacy club. "I said, 'Y'all come on in.' I wanted everybody to enjoy it." Martie, eyeing her sister, says, "You were in the best mood -- you were on Demerol! Then Charlie came out and said, 'Emily'd like you, Martie, to videotape and Natalie to take pictures.' We were elated."

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