Patti Pops

23 years ago today at 4:56 pm in a hospital in the suburbs of Atlanta, Patti was born. Here you see us, two days later, taking her home. I am wearing Tom's clothes because I couldn't fit into my clothes (guess I thought I was having a 50lb baby). Tom is wearing.... well... let's not go there.
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World headlines: President Negotiates on Antiballistic Missile.
Ronald Reagan was President. Tip O'Neill was liberal Speaker of the House (Tom wanted that remembered).
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Other news: Prince Andrew marries "Full Figure Fergie." Terrorism on Meditteranean. U.S. bombed Libya. Severe drought in Southeast (Atlanta's rainfall was down 15" year to date). FarmAid.
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From Patti's baby book:
Events in our church: Finishing up the new building; looking for a new preacher.
Our pastor was: gone.
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Little Patti Pops. 6 lb, 15 ounces; 20" tall.
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By six months of age, Patti was sitting without support and weighing 15 lb, 13 oz, and 26" tall. Mr. Oboe, seen here, was her favorite thing. I think she still has Mr. Oboe. One month earlier she was already saying "mama."
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Since Patti began walking at an amazing 8 months of age, we had her on the firm's payroll by 12 months. Dixie Lawn Care. You grow it, we mow it. As time went on, we expanded to chopping and delivering firewood in the winter months when the yardcare was slow. She was an ace with that axe.
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Tea party here with Mr. Oboe and 'Ten Baby. 'Ten Baby was short for Pretend Baby and for over a year, we had to treat 'Ten Baby like a real baby. Really.
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Here we are celebrating Patti's 3rd birthday. Sweet thing. She was now 30 lbs and 37" tall. We were in Maine on this camping trip. Patti got a backpack, Barbie doll, toys, books and a scooter for that birthday.
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At 3 1/2 Patti began praying for a baby sister. Her wish wasn't granted for another year and a half.
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Pa
Patti's first Sunday School class was when she was three. I was her teacher and she called me "Mrs. Sliker." Somewhere around 6 years later, Patti became a Christian and was baptized in the lake by Pastor Dave Robinson, who is now marrying all the kids he baptized so long ago. Tillman Busbee is shown here waiting for his turn.
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Patti's 6th birthday was in Wagener and her party included Hope, Rebekah and Christy Hilbish, Davina, Marci and Erika Williams, Corey Bolin and Tommy Sliker.
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Patti has always loved the beach. Just yesterday she asked if I wanted to go in a week or two. We are close enough to go just for the day and return home at night.
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By Patti's 9th birthday, she was down to a routine -- a slumber party with Stephanie Carver, Hope Hilbish, Marci Williams and Marjorie. Those who recently went to Marj's graduation will recognize Emmitt sleeping over there by Marj. Oh. And look closely, I think that's 'Ten Baby by Steph.
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As Patti entered the teenage years, she began to show a style all her own. Actually, younger than that, she was wearing mismatched socks each day by choice. One day another mom called me and complained because now her daughter wanted to do the same thing. (oi, was that you, Britta?)

You can read more about Patti's adventures
here ... and here .... and here . . . and here.
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Patti - Happy Birthday! You continue to bring us amazing amounts of joy. Have a super day!!!!
We love you!