CULLMAN, Ala. – Mason Oakley, 1, a joyful and bright baby from Cullman, is currently a contestant in the Baby of the Year contest, presented by Jessica Alba, which offers a $25,000 prize, a professional photo shoot and a feature in a Baby of the Year ad in Good Housekeeping magazine. With the current round of voting ending on Thursday, Sept. 26, Mason is seeking support from his community to help him advance.
Meaghen Oakley, Mason’s mom, described him as a “happy-go-lucky” baby who always wakes up with a smile. His love for people and animals shines through in his playful nature, whether he’s laughing, clapping, dancing or cheering others on.
“Mason has such a joyful little spirit about him. He is a chatty little fella who tries his best to have a conversation with whomever he is around. He enjoys dancing and listening to music and is the fastest little scooter around. Scooting is his version of crawling,” Oakley shared. “Mason is extra special to our family because he is the first grandchild on my side of the family as well as being the first baby in over 30 years.”
Beyond his infectious personality, Mason is an active baby who enjoys spending time with family and friends. Being the first baby in over 30 years, Mason has become the missing puzzle piece to an extended family that has now been brought closer together. From dancing with his Nana to being on the minds of his two older half-brothers who live out of state, Mason has become the center of attention for the whole family.
“Baby Mason has been the biggest little blessing for our family,” Oakley shared.
When asked about a favorite memory with Mason, Oakley recalled Mason’s first beach trip with his friend Walker. “Watching Mason touch the sand and play in the ocean for the very first time is something I will never forget. It was extremely special to me that he got to share that with me as well as his little buddy Walker. They’re just six weeks apart, and I hope that was the first of many beach trips together.”
With $25,000 up for grabs, his family looks to provide for the future of their three boys. “It would be a huge blessing if Mason was chosen to be the Baby of the Year. We would be able to share his joyous light with others all over. The $25,000 would be a huge blessing and we would use the earnings towards our three boy’s futures, whether it’s with college or elsewhere,” Oakley explained.
The contest has not only provided the family with a fun opportunity to showcase Mason’s cheerful spirit, but it has also brought attention to Baby2Baby, a nonprofit organization that benefits from donations made through the voting process. Baby2Baby provides diapers, clothing and other essential items to children living in poverty.
“In the last 13 years, Baby2Baby has distributed over 450 million essential items to families in need across the country. Baby2Baby is reaching over one million children every year in all 50 states,” according to the contest website.
Currently, Mason sits at No. 3 in the contest rankings. Voting for Mason can be done daily until the close of the current round on Thursday, Sept. 26. To vote for Mason, visit www.babyoftheyear.org/2024/mason-oakley. Any monetary donations made through the contest are in support of Baby2Baby and are tax deductible.
Mason’s mother expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received so far. “Thank you for all the encouraging words, love and support that have been given to baby Mason already. We truly appreciate all your votes and look forward to seeing how far he goes with the contest. Please continue to vote daily as well as share with others,” she said. “Mason is a huge ray of sunshine that will always turn anyone’s cloudy day bright! Vote for Mason!”
For more information on the contest, visit www.babyoftheyear.org.
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