Eva Mendes and hubby Ryan Gosling share their lives together–as well as a child–so it’s no surprise that sometimes they become involved in one another’s creative endeavors. However, Mendes doesn’t want to have praise heaped on her for doing what comes naturally to her, even if it’s for her input on a project that means a lot to Ryan.

Gosling spoke recently about his low-budget indie film Lost River, which he wrote and directed, and said that his wife was not only incredibly supportive, she also helped in myriad ways, from helping with the costumes (during a trip to the Salvation Army) to making decisions about small things that became important to the characters.

“That happened a lot in the film, where she indirectly picked things that became very important to different people involved – never wanting credit. She hates credit and she’ll even be mad that I’m giving her that credit. But she was very helpful in so many ways,” Gosling said.

The acting couple have had to learn how to work their busy schedules around baby Esmeralda, who was born in September, and though Mendes says she’s exhausted, she told Violet Grey last year that knowing she has help from Ryan and her family is a huge relief.

“For me that part of being a mother at this early stage is the struggle of not being able to sleep and not knowing what I’m doing and really going through it with her and battling out those nights. I thought my wild nights were over, but these are some of the wildest nights I’ve ever had… Just knowing that I’m not alone out there and that other moms have gone through the same thing can at least get me through the night,” Mendes said.