An Arlington mother has shared her shock and relief after giving birth to a baby boy weighing an astonishing 12 pounds, 10.5 ounces.

A Delivery Room Surprise

At 35 years old, Markie Smith, already a mom of three, said her newborn son Canyon looked more like a three‑month‑old than a newborn. With visible neck rolls and a sturdy frame, she joked that he resembled “a little sumo wrestler.” The delivery room staff were stunned when Canyon was delivered by C‑section, weighing nearly twice the average newborn’s size.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average birth weight for babies in the U.S. is around 7.5 pounds. Babies weighing more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces are considered “large for gestational age.” Canyon’s size places him well above that threshold, making his birth a rare and memorable event.

Holding a Bowling Ball

Markie described cradling her newborn as “like holding a bowling ball,” but emphasized that she and her partner are simply “happy to have our giant baby.” Despite the shock, both mother and child are healthy, and the family is adjusting to life with their newest addition.

Medical Context

Doctors note that larger babies can sometimes be linked to maternal health factors such as gestational diabetes, though many cases occur without complications. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) explains that while C‑sections are often recommended for larger babies to reduce delivery risks, outcomes are generally positive when managed carefully.

A Viral Moment

Stories of unusually large newborns often capture public attention. In recent years, similar cases have made headlines across the U.S., with families sharing their joy and humor at welcoming “giant babies.” Social media users have already begun celebrating Canyon’s arrival, with many commenting on his adorable size and strength.

A Joyful Reminder

For Markie and her family, Canyon’s birth is more than a medical curiosity—it’s a reminder of the unpredictability and wonder of parenthood. As she put it, “We’re just grateful he’s here, healthy, and ours.”

References (plain text):

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Average birth weights in the U.S. (2024)

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) – Guidance on large babies and delivery (2023)

• USA Today – Coverage of unusually large newborns in the U.S. (2022)

• BBC News – Human interest stories on extraordinary births (2021)