ARLINGTON, Texas — An Azle mother, Markie Smith, experienced an unexpected surprise shortly before Christmas when she gave birth to a remarkably large baby boy. Born via C-section on December 22, 2023, her son Canyon weighed an astonishing **12 pounds, 10.5 ounces**, prompting gasps of disbelief from medical staff and family members in the delivery room.
“It’s just wild,” Smith remarked, recalling the moment when doctors revealed her newborn. The room erupted with astonishment as the curtain was drawn back, revealing Canyon’s impressive size. “Everybody, the whole room, just was like, ‘Oh my God,’” she added.
Canyon’s name came easily to Smith, but after seeing him for the first time, the family quickly adopted a fitting nickname: **Grand Canyon**. “I was in shock. I couldn’t believe it,” Smith laughed. “He looks like the Michelin man.”
Health Conditions and Expectations
During her pregnancy, Smith was diagnosed with **gestational diabetes**, a condition known to contribute to larger-than-average babies. Despite this, she had anticipated a newborn closer to **10 pounds** rather than Canyon’s extraordinary weight. “You’re expected to have a larger baby,” she explained. “I was expecting maybe a 10-pound baby, but definitely not a 12-pound baby.”
Despite his size, Canyon was born healthy. At just three weeks old, he is already wearing clothes intended for three-month-old infants. “He’s three weeks old, wearing three-month-old clothes,” Smith noted. “Here’s his fat rolls. He’s a good boy.”
A Miracle at Christmas
Canyon’s arrival brings joy to Smith during a challenging period in her life. Over the past year, she faced significant hardships, including the loss of her mother and the end of a relationship. “I have no words,” Smith expressed. “God blessed me with this baby. The life that has just fallen into place for me in the last two months has really been a miracle.”
The impact of Canyon’s birth has been profound for Smith. “Literally, he saved my life in so many ways,” she said, referring to him as her “miracle baby.” This Texas-sized baby has turned out to be the greatest Christmas gift she could have received. As Smith reflects on her journey, she emphasizes the joy and hope that Canyon brings into her life, making it a season to remember.
