redtail, when measuring height the tape measure has to touch the soil surface - not where the first branches start and it looks like you pinched the lower branches!
like how you have the camera on super zoom on the tiny, wittle peppew.
is that one of those jumbo gag rulers?
nice plant tonly, you have done a fabulous job, your plants are so strong and firm, masculine and dare i say - hunky. i think you are going to win....... unlike ...... the "other guy".