An expectant single mother recently underwent a cesarean section to deliver a baby boy weighing a hefty 13 pounds, equivalent to the weight of a bowling ball. Markie Smith, aged 35, welcomed her son, Canyon, on December 18, surprising medical professionals with the newborn’s remarkable weight of 12 pounds and 10.5 ounces (5.74kg). Following the birth, Canyon received brief postnatal monitoring in the neonatal intensive care unit at Arlington Memorial Hospital in Arlington, Texas.
Smith, anticipating a sizable baby due to her “huge belly,” expressed astonishment at Canyon’s size, likening the experience of carrying him to holding a bowling ball. The delivery room was filled with amazement when medical staff revealed the newborn’s weight, leaving Smith, a mother of three and owner of a dog grooming and training business, in disbelief. She described Canyon’s birth as resembling that of a three-month-old baby and expressed that he was the largest baby she had ever seen.
Canyon’s extraordinary birth weight places him just below 13 pounds, making him one of the hospital’s largest recorded newborns. In the United States, the average newborn typically weighs between 6 and 8 pounds, positioning Canyon at nearly double the standard size.
Despite the initial shock, Smith, who also has a nine-year-old daughter and a four-year-old son, shared her surprise at Canyon’s size, stating, “I was expecting a 10-pound baby, but that’s crazy.” She highlighted the support of her community during the challenging pregnancy, which included personal hardships such as the recent loss of her mother and a breakup.
Canyon, although impressively large, is reported to be healthy and thriving. Smith described him as a good-natured baby who feeds well and exudes sweetness. The pregnancy journey was challenging for Smith, who found solace in her faith and activities like fishing, which influenced her choice of nature-themed names for her children.
Visitors to the hospital marveled at Canyon’s considerable size, with Smith comparing holding him to holding a bowling ball or a bag of bricks. Social media buzzed with photos and news of Canyon’s birth, garnering widespread attention. Smith expressed gratitude for the community support received during the holiday season, emphasizing the happiness her family feels in sharing their joy with the world as they embrace their giant baby, Canyon.