Single mom Markie Smith says she was “relieved” to have a C-section when she delivered a baby boy so big he felt like “holding a bowling ball.”
Smith, 35, runs a dog grooming and training business in Arlington, Texas. She expected a large baby because of her “huge belly.” Still, she was shocked when her son, Canyon, weighed 12lb 10.5oz — just shy of 13lb. That’s nearly double the usual US newborn weight of 6lb to 8lb.
Canyon was born at 8.26am on December 18. Smith said the room went quiet when staff read out the number. People couldn’t believe it. She joked he looked more like a three-month-old than a newborn, with “fat rolls” and the look of a “little sumo wrestler.”
Because of his unusual birth weight, Canyon was briefly monitored in the neonatal intensive care unit. Smith said he’s healthy, feeding well, and “sweet and chunky.”
The pregnancy was also hard emotionally. Smith was grieving the recent death of her mother and going through a break-up. She kept working until just days before giving birth, and said her faith helped her stay steady. She believes the pregnancy gave her the push she needed to get through a difficult time.
Canyon’s name came from a long list of nature and Western-inspired choices, with help from friends and family. His nine-year-old sister, Meadow, has already given him a nickname: “Little West.”