A life of jetsetting and the best of everything awaits the Packer baby, the heir to a massive
$7 billion fortune.

When Erica and James Packer welcome their first child in June, it will become Australia's richest baby.

Erica, 30, has enjoyed a perfect first trimester, with a friend confiding she's escaped morning sickness, allowing her to travel the world extensively as James, 40, brokers major business deals.

During their recent holiday, the pair spent time in the US where James has casino interests. They also visited Erica's sister Joanna, with the billionaire bride playing indulgent aunty to her kids.

As our pictures show, Erica's now sporting a neat baby bump - what she and James have always wanted.

'Since very early in their relationship, James and Erica have dreamt of having a family,' a close friend says.

Another friend adds: 'These two are madly in love, and couldn't be more excited about the arrival of their baby.'

It's believed James' ex-wife Jodhi Meares wasn't willing to place a family ahead of her work as a model and designer, which led to their split. It was a similar story with ex-fiancee Katie Fischer - they split before walking down the aisle.

But Erica, who released her debut album not long before marrying James, has abandoned her pop star dreams to become a full-time wife and mum - despite a record company source saying she had a promising career ahead. Although the child will have nannies, cooks and security personnel, Erica plans to be a constant presence.

'Even before she became pregnant, motherhood was her priority, not music,' a friend admits.

While Erica's been clear about her priorities, what isn't so obvious is where the family will be based.

After the couple married in June last year, they made plans to spend half of 2008 in London, where James bought a $38 million residence on prestigious Park St, Mayfair.

And with private jets, boats and homes all over the world, they'll still be able to live the jetset life of billionaires after the birth.

But keeping them returning Down Under is Erica's family in Gunnedah and James' mum Ros, who's already a doting grandmother to her daughter Gretel's three children and is happy her brood is expanding.

And since the couple has a beachside pad in Sydney, Erica's likely to spend most of her pregnancy - as well as give birth - in the harbour city.

Although James and Erica subscribe to Scientology, it's unknown if Erica will abide by the faith's odd restrictions during the labour.

As was the case with their friend Katie Holmes, Erica could be ordered to 'keep mum' and not take painkillers when she gives birth.

One thing for certain is that Erica will have round-the-clock access to the best medical attention as James does everything he can to ensure the safe arrival of the heir to the fortune he inherited from his father Kerry.

But friends suggest one thing James won't inherit from his dad is his tough-handed parenting, especially since he's trying to escape living in his shadow.

'James and Erica are a couple really looking to make their way in the world,' a friend says. 'The only sad part of their news is the fact that Kerry, who died just over a year ago, won't have the chance to meet his grandchild.'

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