Little Finnley Patonai made a big impression right from birth, needing clothes designed for 6 to 9-month-old babies. Carey and Tim Patonai were already aware that their baby was larger than average during pregnancy, but nothing could prepare them—or their doctors—for the surprise of his size when he arrived two weeks early.

Finnley was born weighing an astonishing 6.4 kilograms (14 pounds) and measuring around 60 centimeters (24 inches) long, making him nearly twice the size of a typical newborn. “He instantly became the star of the maternity ward; everyone wanted a photo with him,” shared Carey, 36, in an interview with Today.com.

Even the obstetrician, who has over 27 years of experience, admitted she had never encountered a baby of this size before. “The operating room was buzzing with excitement,” she remarked.

For Carey and Tim, Finnley’s birth was especially emotional after enduring the heartbreak of 19 miscarriages, including two between their second child and Finnley. The losses were deeply felt by their family, particularly their eldest son, who longed for another sibling.

Doctors estimated that if Finnley had been born on his due date, he would have weighed approximately 7.5 kilograms (16.5 pounds).

Interestingly, Carey and Tim’s two older children were also born larger than average at 3.7 and 5 kilograms, but Finnley’s pregnancy was unlike any other. Carey recalled struggling with mobility in her final weeks, saying she could “barely walk” and needed long showers for relief.

Despite his size, Finnley is in perfect health, sleeps well, and has a hearty appetite. “Our dream of having a family with three children has finally come true,” said Carey. “Our long-awaited son is absolute perfection.”