Meet the 2023 Gerber Baby, Colorado's Maddie Mendoza! 'It Feels Like a Dream' (Exclusive)

Meet this year's Gerber baby!

The winner of the family brand's 13th annual Photo Search was announced on Wednesday, with the world being introduced to Colorado's own Madison "Maddie" Mendoza.

A throwback photo of Maddie's mom, Crystal Mendoza, as a baby included in their submission shows that the two look a lot alike, sharing the same spirited head of hair and a smiley demeanor.

Of entering her daughter, Crystal tells PEOPLE, "I liked that there was a throwback aspect to it. I was going through my old photos and happened to find one where I was wearing a very similar outfit to what Maddie was wearing."

Finding out that their daughter was selected has been "surreal" for Crystal and husband Jun — high school sweethearts who have been together for 22 years, enduring 9 years of a long-distance relationship in the process. Today, Jun is a Lieutenant Colonel physician in the Air Force and has been serving the United States for 16 years, while Crystal works as a dentist.

"It feels like a dream because we thought it was a one-in-a-million shot that Maddie would be chosen as the Gerber baby," Jun tells PEOPLE. "We're really grateful for this opportunity and excited for the world to meet Maddie."

"The hardest part was not sharing it with our closest family and friends," Crystal adds. "But they found out today and they're in tears."

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The infant, who turns 10 months old this week, is already a world traveler and loves hiking with her parents, swim lessons and music classes. Maddie also has an adventurous palate, falling in love with new foods.

"She's definitely mastered her crawling and getting into things," Crystal laughs. "She's learned to stand up on her own and I think she'll be walking soon. Her top teeth started coming in last night."

Both Jun and Crystal are from first-generation families from the Philippines, with both of Maddie’s grandfathers having served in the U.S. Navy after coming to the U.S. with little, beginning a family legacy of "resilience and love" that the family hopes to continue with Maddie.

"Military children especially go through a lot with their parents being deployed or out a lot, supporting the country. So I think that Maddie is a military child, it really helps highlight how special these children are and how strong and resilient they can be," Jun says.

“Gerber has always believed in the magic of babies, and Maddie's story, filled with love, resilience, and adventure, embodies the spirit of generations of Gerber babies,” said Tarun Malkani, Gerber President & CEO. “The throwback submission of Maddie and her mom brought a smile to the judges’ faces and perfectly captured the spirit of this year’s program. We’re excited to partner with Maddie and her family throughout the next year to highlight the full-circle journey from baby to parent.”

As this year’s Photo Search winner, Maddie will serve as the 2023 Gerber Baby and will be featured on Gerber’s social media channels and marketing campaigns throughout the year. Additionally, Maddie and her family were awarded a $25,000 cash prize, free Gerber products for up to one year and a new wardrobe provided by Gerber Childrenswear. Throughout the year, the family will also enjoy surprise perks from Gerber partners.

In their continued support of March of Dimes' maternal and infant health programs, Gerber will also match Maddie’s cash prize with a donation, as well as making a donation to Operation Homefront, which supports military families.

For Jun, who was in pediatrics before moving on as an allergist, the donations are extra special.

"I saw a lot of families struggle with babies who were born prematurely or with birth defects, so we're grateful for organizations like March of Dimes that support those families," he says. "We're very grateful they're donating to Operation Homefront as well."

"That was a complete surprise for us," Crystal added.

"Together, we can make a lasting impact on maternal and infant health, ensuring that every baby has the best start in life," said Kelly Ernst, SVP, Chief Revenue & Impact Officer. “We’re proud to be part of Photo Search again and join Gerber in congratulating Maddie and her family!”