South Australia’s cutest summer baby competition: Voting closed

Voting has now closed in the search for South Australia’s cutest summer baby. The tot who stole the crown will be revealed soon.

Some of the babies leading the search for SA's cutest summer baby. Pictures: Supplied

Voting has now closed the search for South Australia’s cutest summer arrival and the winner will be revealed soon.

The Advertiser’s Cutest Summer Baby Competition closed at 8am on Thursday.

We called on proud parents to nominate their little ones born in December, January and February and they sure did deliver with almost 90 vying for the title.

At last count the leading ten competitors were Bailey Edwards, Delilah De Marchi, Eli Johinke, Felix Nicolacopoulos, Grayson Wyatt, Ivana Portellos, Milah Di Raimondo, Missi Taylor, Pippa Sunstrom, and Zofia Koncewicz.

These little ones have enchanted our readers with their chubby cheeks and little fingers but all finalist remained in the running to claim the title.

Though the competition we have met three Tumby Bay friends – Hannah Allen, Jacqui Hockaday, and Renae Birkin – who unexpectedly gave birth to daughters on the same day.

As well as Danielle Ahearn who was able to overcome the tragic loss of her baby and her long-term relationship by becoming a solo mum by choice.

Then there was Jazmyn McGee an Evanston Park mum who had a “perfect” twin pregnancy before her epidural didn’t work leaving her to feel every cut the doctors made until her heart failed.

And a “miracle” baby Zedikai Isiah-Aaron Mesecke who helped fill the hole left behind after his uncle was killed in a hit-run.

Voting for The Advertiser’s Cutest Summer Baby Competition will close at 8am on Thursday, March 21.

You must be a digital subscriber to vote. One only vote per subscriber will be recorded.

The winner will be revealed at a later date.

MEET SOME OF OUR FINALISTS

Bailey Edwards

Crystal Edwards recalled the excitement and fear of giving birth to her first baby on New Year’s Eve.

The birth didn’t go to plan and after 6 hours of active labour Ms Edwards said the baby’s heart rate kept dropping dangerously low which forced doctors to do an emergency C-section.

The O’Halloran Hill mum said she remembered feeling overwhelmed as the doctors around her prepared to cut her open.

“My husband and I looked at each other and cried as I lay on the table with the procedure about to begin, the anticipation and emotion of the situation was overwhelming,” she said.

“The anaesthetist asked if we were ok and if there was anything he could do or explain to ease our concern, however it was just the adrenaline that was causing the emotion reaction.”

But after the procedure – and a quick NICU trip – Ms Edwards met her beautiful boy Bailey.

Baby Bailey Edwards from O'Halloran Hill was born on December 31. Picture: Supplied

Delilah De Marchi from Adelaide was born on February 29. Picture: Supplied

Delilah De Marchi

Little Delilah De Marchi came into the world on February 29.

The Adelaide newborn was entered by Myste Goldsworthy.

“She’s just the cutest little girl. Love her to bits,” Ms Goldsworthy wrote.

Eli Johinke

Lights, camera, action. Singing sensation Rachael Leahcar’s baby Eli loves them all.

So much so that his Glenelg East mum – who found fame on The Voice a decade ago – is convinced he was born to be a star.

Baby Eli also accompanied Leahcar and his dad Chris Johinke to the recent The Advertiser Sunday Mail SkyCity Woman of the Year awards.

“He gets FOMO – fear of missing out – and just wants to be among the action,” Leahcar said, adding: “He was amazing, such a good boy, and Chris was superdad who kept Eli on his lap.”

Leahcar said she and her husband, who were married in 2022, had been trying for a baby for “several months” when she got a pleasant surprise on her mum Ingrid’s birthday.

The early stages of her pregnancy were a “beautiful time”, she said.

“When I could start to feel movement, it wasn’t kicks. I described it as an interpretative dance because his movements were so smooth and gentle.

“He loved music. I knew this because he would often do his dancing in time to whatever music was playing.”

Leahcar said Eli deserved to be the cutest summer baby because he has a “beautiful nature”.

“He is kind and soulful, very intelligent with his eyes because he looks around and takes everything in,” she said, adding: “But any baby is the cutest. Babies are all beautiful and I’m looking forward to seeing all the (other babies’) photos.”

Eli Johinke who was born on December 8 with mum Rachael Leachcar. Picture: Supplied

Felix Nicolacopoulos from Gulfview Heights was born on December 7. Picture: Supplied

Felix Nicolacopoulos

Lara Nicolacopoulos says her little Felix is the “happiest little boy” despite struggling with a few health complications since his birth on December 7.

“We have had a difficult post-partum journey with jaundice, cellulitis, mastitis, cheek, lip and tongue ties and therefore slow weight gain and low supply,” Ms Nicolacopoulos said.

Grayson Wyatt

Port Pirie welcomed its newest resident on January 13 – Grayson Wyatt.

“His smile is enough to melt your heart. Such a happy little boy. Always filled with smiles and lots of love,” mum Talisha Wyatt said.

Grayson Wyatt from Port Pirie was born on January 13. Picture: Supplied

Ivana from South Plympton was born on December 22. Picture: Supplied

Ivana Portellos

Born on December 22 just Ivana Portellos from South Plympton could be described as an early Christmas miracle.

Her mum Olivia Portellos said she was besotted with her “big blue eyes, perfect peach lips and a smile to die for”.

Milah Di Raimondo

When Milah Di Raimondo was born on December 21 her parents were surprised by her rare entry into the world.

Fulham Gardens Nikki Degabriele said her little girl and the placenta were delivered in an unruptured amniotic sac.

“Surrounded by my supportive partner and midwife, Milah made her grand entrance into the world, born en caul,” Ms Degabriele said.

“This rare occurrence, happening only once in every 80,000 births, added an extra touch of magic to an already miraculous moment.”

The Advertiser Cutest Baby Comp 2024: Milah, Fulham Gardens, Dec 21.

Missi Taylor from Mount Gambier was born on January 11. Picture: Supplied

Missi Taylor

Missi Taylor first week of life was a difficult one and rife with medical complications including a Royal Flying Doctor flight from her home town of Mount Gambier.

Mum Tamara Keatley said the January 11 baby arrived via emergency ventouse delivery and afterwards she was not able to breathe on her own for a frightening 15 minutes.

Once the little bub was discharged from hospital Ms Keatley experienced am emergency post-partum haemorrhage which required surgery.

“After such a dramatic first week of life, Missi is now nearly 8 weeks old and we’re both doing great. Lucky she’s cute,” the mum said.

Pippa Sunstrom

Renmark welcomed baby Pippa Sunstrom on January 28.

The photo mum Elise Sunstrom submitted is of huge importance to her family.

“The photo is of her and her uncle, she whipped out her first smile at him and it was an extremely special moment for everyone,” Ms Sunstrom said.

Pippa Sunstrom from Renmark with her uncle. Picture: Supplied

Zofia Koncewicz from Kensington was born on January 12. Picture: Supplied

Zofia Koncewicz

Zofia Koncewicz’s full head of hair is simply adorable.

Entered by Mark Koncewicz the Kensington bub was born on January 12.

“Cute as anything, giggles with her cat siblings, likes to hear stories about space,” Mr Koncewicz said.