Publication:The Fearless Times Issue 2 2009/New Arrival - Makayla-Lee O'Connell

LS Rob O'Connell and his partner Amy Stolzenburg welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby girl, Makayla-Lee, into the world on 21 July 09.

Rob was in the Engineer's Workshop when the Marine Engineering Officer, LCDR Matt Butcher, came in holding the signal that held the exciting news.

“It was the best day of my life, but I was also sad and upset that I wasn't there with Amy to see Makayla-Lee born and that I will miss the first few months of her life,” Rob said.

“Amy and I talked about whether I should come away on the trip or not, and we decided that I should do it. Because she has been in the Navy before; she is under-standing of what we're doing up here,” he said.

“I'm so proud of Amy for going through everything without me there, it takes a special sort of person to do that,” he said.

Amy has been well supported by her mum, Gina Stolzenburg who came over from Newcastle to help support Amy and Makayla-Lee during their first months together.

Rob's mum and dad, Kevin and Christine O'Connell, are first time grandparents and have not yet seen Makalya-Lee. They are due to see her at Christmas when they fly over to WA from their home in Mollymook Beach in NSW.

Rob reports that Makayla-Lee has started to move around on her play-gym and has even started to settle down through the night.

Watching Rob look at the photos he has printed out of Makayla-Lee, it is plain to see what a proud dad he is and that he thinks she is absolutely beautiful – which she definitely is.

When asked what is the first thing Rob will do when he gets home?

“Run onto the wharf and give my two girls a big hug!”