'Baby on board' yacht
IT'S been all smooth sailing for first-time parents Lloyd and Mandie Burgess after welcoming their first child Heidi Violet into the world on April 21.
The Burgess family were en route on their yacht, Kalili, from Cairns to Coffs Harbour when they decided they needed to make a stop to prepare for little Heidi's arrival.
"We wanted to stop somewhere safe with a good hospital for Mandie to give birth," Lloyd said.
Heidi arrived at the Gladstone Hospital on Saturday, April 21, at 10.30pm.
Both mum and baby have been doing well and Lloyd and Mandie said having a "baby on board" was fantastic.
"It's been really easy living on a boat because everything's in reach and we can always keep an eye on her," Lloyd said.
First-time mum Mandie said it was wonderful to bring Heidi home to the family space, even if it seemed a little daunting at first. "Being on a boat has been fantastic, there's a lot less housekeeping to do!" she said.
The family would like to thank Narelle and the Marina staff for all their support along with the maternity and antenatal staff at Gladstone Hospital.
"Everyone involved helped make the experience a really positive one," Mandie said.
The family will spend a few more months in Gladstone before continuing their sailing trip down to Coffs Harbour with their newest crew member.
