An expectant single mother underwent 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 medical professionals with his impressive weight of 12 pounds and 10.5 ounces. Canyon required brief post-birth monitoring in the neonatal intensive care unit at Arlington Memorial Hospital in Arlington, Texas.
Smith, who owns a dog grooming and training business, anticipated a large baby due to her “huge 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 the newborn’s weight was announced, with Smith describing Canyon as the largest baby she has ever seen.
Baby Canyon’s birth weight of nearly 13 pounds places him among the hospital’s largest newborns on record, far exceeding the average newborn weight in the United States, which ranges from 6 to 8 pounds. Despite the extraordinary size, Canyon is healthy and thriving, although he needed extra monitoring in the NICU due to his weight.
Smith, a mother of two other children, shared that she was prepared for a big baby but was still amazed by Canyon’s size, mentioning that she was expecting a 10-pound baby. She highlighted the challenges she faced during pregnancy, including personal struggles like the recent loss of her mother and a breakup, while continuing to work until just days before Canyon’s birth.
Describing Canyon as a “strong warrior baby,” Smith found solace in her faith and fishing activities during challenging times. The name Canyon was selected from a list of nature-themed names with contributions from friends and family, and Smith’s daughter has already embraced her role as big sister, affectionately calling Canyon “Little West.”
Hospital visitors have marveled at Canyon’s size, comparing holding him to a bowling ball or a bag of bricks. The heartwarming story of Canyon’s birth has gained traction on social media, with the community rallying around Smith’s family during the holiday season. Grateful for the blessing Canyon represents during a difficult period, Smith expressed joy in sharing the experience with the world.