By Kathleen Swift

Adorable is the word to describe this year’s entries in the 19th Annual Show Me The Ozarks Magazine’s Baby Contest. These sweet baby photos will bring a smile to your face. All of the entry fees from the contest go directly to our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, where the funds are used to help children with medical needs. Thank you to our judges, who had the pleasant but difficult job of choosing our winners.

Judges: Michaela Bennett, Development & Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Program Manager; Tonya Sprenkle, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, Vice President; Angela Spieker, Artistic Expressions Photography & Design; Deb Anderson, Artistic Expressions Photography & Design; Shannon Becker, Joplin News First; Alisha Nunnelly, Pro 100 Inc, Realtor at Howie’s Home Team; and Kathleen Swift, Show Me The Ozarks, Associate Editor

1st Place

Lennon Kate Sullivan is a ray of sunshine for her family. Her 4-year-old brother, Grey, calls her Lemon Cake, which is as adorable as this little girl. Lennon Kate is 10 months old and loves to dance and “shake, shake, shake!” She is starting to talk and likes to give kisses and wave to her favorite people. Lennon Kate has the biggest heart and is always laughing and smiling.
Her mom, Adyson, says, “She has the sweetest soul and brings us so much joy.”

2nd Place

Braelynn Landis is our second-place winner. “Braelynn is always happy,” said her mom, Kelsey. “She loves doing anything her older siblings do, and she loves spaghetti with her grandfather’s homemade sauce.” At 19 months old, Braelynn is learning to talk and repeats anything anyone says to her. She also loves dancing to the Trolls movie soundtrack. As far as all those curls go, she gets them from both of her parents.

3rd Place

Our third-place winner is Bodhi Hobbs. This little cutie smiles 24/7 and loves everyone he meets. His personality fills a room. His mom, Taylor, said, “Bodhi represents a fifth generation in our family; he has 15 living blood grandparents, great-grandparents and great-great-grandparents. He loves food, his dog Boe and playing with his toys.” At 8 months old, Bodhi has all the love he could ever need.

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Owen the Omazing our homie with the extra chromie is truly a blessing from God,” said Renee and Shawn Jones. “He brightens the day of everyone he meets. We love sharing his joy with the world!”

Honorable Mention

Libby is a curious and energetic ball of sunshine. There is never a dull moment with this little girl. She makes life joyful for her family.

Grayton’s having a great time on the tractor that belonged to his daddy when he was a boy. He loves spending time outside and driving anything with wheels-especially riding on his Papa’s lap on the big tractor!

Jovie loves being outside, rain or sunshine. She’s quick to get her shoes or rainboots on when the word outside is mentioned. Picking flowers is her favorite, but touching trees is a close second.

Kylo’s smile makes the whole world a better place. His laughter and his snuggles are worth their weight in gold, but he waits all day for his wrestling matches with his dad.