An expecting single mother had to undergo a cesarean section to deliver a baby boy weighing 13 pounds, equivalent to the weight of a bowling ball. Markie Smith, aged 35, gave birth to baby Canyon on December 18, surprising doctors with the newborn’s remarkable weight of 12 pounds 10.5 ounces. Following the birth, Canyon required brief monitoring in the neonatal intensive care unit at Arlington Memorial Hospital in Arlington, Texas.
Smith anticipated a large baby due to her prominently sized belly but was still taken aback by Canyon’s size, likening carrying him to holding a bowling ball. The delivery room was filled with astonishment when medical personnel announced the baby’s weight, with Smith, a mother of three and owner of a dog grooming and training business, expressing disbelief at the size of her newborn.
Baby Canyon’s extraordinary birth weight places him just under 13 pounds, ranking him among the hospital’s largest newborns on record. The typical newborn weight in the US ranges from 6 to 8 pounds, making Canyon nearly double the average size.
Despite Canyon’s impressive size, he is healthy and thriving, although he needed additional monitoring in the NICU due to his unusual birth weight. Smith mentioned that Canyon is a good-natured baby who feeds well and is described as sweet and chunky.
Smith, who also has a 9-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son, shared that she was expecting a large baby but was still astonished by Canyon’s size. She continued working throughout her pregnancy, managing her business until shortly before Canyon’s arrival.
Inspired by her faith and love for fishing during challenging times, Smith found strength to cope with personal hardships, including the recent loss of her mother and a breakup. The name Canyon was chosen from a selection of nature and Western-inspired names, with input from friends and family.
Visitors at the hospital marveled at Canyon’s size and presence, comparing holding him to a bowling ball or a bag of bricks. The heartwarming story of Canyon’s birth gained traction on social media, with the community showing support for Smith and her family during the holiday season.
As Canyon continues to thrive in his early days, Smith expressed gratitude for her “giant baby,” considering him a blessing during a difficult period in her life. She emphasized the family’s happiness and desire to share the joy of their oversized newborn with the world.
