Reese's Blessing Day

Sunday November 5th, 2017

Our Father in Heaven, by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood which all of us hold, we lay this infant in our arms to give her a name and a blessing, the name that she will be known in this life and in the church is Reese Ann Wood. At this time, Reese, we give you a blessing from your Father in Heaven. Reese, we bless you with a powerful mind, that you may have the desire for knowledge, that you may be smart and quick and be able to make decisions that are righteous according to your Heavenly Fathers plan and his will. Reese, we bless your body that it may be a powerful tool, that it may be strong and healthy as long as you take care of it. We bless you to know that exercise is important. And to search out areas that may treat your body well and keep you healthy. Reese, we bless your spirit that it may be joyful at all times, that you may be a light for those that are sad, that you may be a beacon of happiness to those that are around you. We bless you with the desire to find out who your Father in Heaven is and your brother Jesus Christ. That you will know their voice and their spirit. We bless your life that it may be full of opportunities to succeed in this temporal world. That you may have the opportunity to search out a worthy son of God and be sealed for all eternity in one of Heavenly Father's temples. We bless you with the ability to discern the needs of others so that you may be of service to them and be able to help them when they are in need. We bless you to be a good sister to your sister Cora. That you may treat her with love and respect and have many opportunities to grow with each other. We bless you that you may be a place of peace for your mother. We bless you with the ability to comfort her both spiritually, mentally and physically. Your Heavenly Father loves you, Reese, and you have lots of people that are holding you up and surrounding you with love. Learn from their experiences so that you may be a strong daughter of God. Reese, we bless you with these things and all other things that Heavenly Father sees fit to bless you with at this time and do so in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Reese was blessed by her dad and surrounded by Great-Grandpa Dick Wood, Grampa's Jeff Pett & Scott Wood, Uncles Kevin Pett, Randy & Max wood and Bishop Carey Woosley.

Reese Ann Wood

She's finally here and she is perfect!



Born August 14th 6:34pm 6lb 8oz 21"
98% height, 10% weight

Birth Story-

Even though my due date was August 20th, I wanted to be induced as soon as my Dr. would allow me! It is no secret that I hate pregnancy. She gave me the 39 week approval and we set the date for August 14th! (39w 1day). I was super excited for that date since Cora was born 4/7 & that would make baby sis 8/14. Easy to remember the double date.

The day before on Sunday I was so busy getting everything ready. Cleaning all the clothes, packing the bags - nothing like last minute. Joeys parents came and got Cora for a sleepover. Then my mom and I organized all the toddler/baby clothes. I was a little sore from working so hard & then I was so nervous/anxious/excited that I only slept from 12-2am. They called at 6:15 and told me to arrive for our elective induction at 7:30am. My body wanted to remind me one last time that morning sickness will prevail despite medications. We got there and by 8:15 I was hooked up to the Pitocin. I was only dialated to a 2 and 60% effaced upon arrival. By 11:30 I was only a 2.5! The Dr. suggested I receive an epidural so that they could break my water painlessly in order to get the ball rolling. I had the epidural at noon and they broke my water shortly after. The epidural was perfect, I could still move my legs but not feel pain. At 3:00 I was only a 3! I couldn't believe it. We cranked the Pitocin to 22 (usually they stop at 20) and then I went quickly to a 5 @ 4:30, then at @ 5:30 I was throwing up my popsicles! That's how I knew it was really coming fast. I was an 8 and within a half hour it was time to push! She came out in only 2 contractions, push #6. Dr. Parrett immediately put her on my chest and Joey cut the cord. He describes it as gummy leather, haha. She was purple and had low tone so she received a 7 APGAR score and a 5 minute of 9. She was perfect! I couldn't of asked for a better delivery except maybe a faster labor. I did guess it was going to be 10 hours though! Spot on, really. After a quick weigh in while Dr. Parrett was stitching up my grade 2 tear, they laid her on my chest for skin to skin time. We did that with nursing for about an hour. I loved it! Everyone kept commenting on how much dark dark hair she had! I thought she had the same amount that Cora had at first but I was wrong. Cora was dark brown and not as thick. Reese has tons of Black hair. She is the cutest little thing. Gaga says she looks just like how I did. It's hard to tell right now but I think she does. I see very little Cora in her.

Grammy and Grampy brought Cora into the delivery room about 7:30. Her face was priceless! She rushed in smiling excited to give me a present & then saw that I was holding Reese. Her face immediately changed into confusing/disgust. I could hear her thoughts, "uhhhhhh I didn't know it was going to be THAT kind of a baby sister." She didn't want to sit by me or touch her.  It was getting late & I was so hungry from not being able to eat all day long. Gaga took Cora home & I was moved up to post partum at 8:30pm. I kept asking for food and they finally said we only have boxed lunches since the kitchen is closed now. I sent Joey and Scott to Rumbi's across the street. So I finally got to eat at 9! We did all the post partum things and I nursed her again and sent her to the nursery. I finally got to sleep around 11:30 only to be woken up again at 1, 2, 3, 4, 430, 5, 530, 6, 7, 730. Rough night in a row #2. One of the wake ups for Reese they informed me that she had low blood sugar and low body temp. She had it dip below 40 once but by morning it was in the 60's again. Her body temp regulated after lots of skin to skin as well. My Dr. cleared me for a 24 hour stay and we decided if Reese got the ok then we would just go home that night as well. 6:30 pm they took her for her last tests and she passed! So we got discharged about 8:30pm & drove home. I was on pain killers and threw up my dinner as soon as we walked in the door. That is my very last throw up!! Our first night home was also rough! Haha! Basically, Reese just wants to be held all the time and not be in her bassinet. We love her already so much and becoming parents again has been an adventure. I hope she never grows up!

Cora the first full day home has really warmed up to Reese. She continues to say "Aweeee! Look at her! Look at herrrr, look at her hands! Aweee!" She loves helping put her binky in & turning the mamaroo on. Her favorite toy right now is her baby doll in the stroller. I hope these two will be best friends!

Pregnancy with #2 & Labor guesses

Baby #2 pregnancy has been by far easier than #1. Despite still throwing up a couple times a week, I cannot complain too much. I've been taking Diclegis and I swear it makes the nausea so much better than just zofran. I still take zofran on top of the Diclegis but I think the combo has made all the difference. I have accidentally skipped my Diclegis a few times throughout the pregnancy and the next day has been HELL! So, it must be the meds. 3rd trimester pains have been an extra sore pelvis and hips. I don't remember that quite as much when I was pregnant with Cora. My back and SI joint have been better this time around as well (probably cause im not pushing 400lb patients full time.) Heartburn has been worse, I've taken the Omphralazole this past couple weeks and it helps a bunch. My poor esophagus is just ruined I think, haha. Sleeping seems to be harder this time as well. It is at least a 5 point turn every time I try to go from left side to right and back. I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as my induction date is in 6 days! I am not ready for her just yet since the clothes are still on top of the garage yet to be washed and her room is blank and empty. BUT I am ready to hold this sweet girl and nurse her. My days as a mom of one are coming to an end which makes me cry. I've loved my Cora so much and can't imagine loving another just as much, but I know I will. Everyone says your heart just grows! I am hoping for a good sleeper & eater like Cora but dont know if luck will be on my side twice. Another thing I am worried about is the lack of resting time for me. Right now, its so easy 2:1. Joey will take Cora or I will and we both get enough time to ourselves. 2:2 will be hard! Thank goodness Joey can work from home and help out more.

Labor guesses
Induced Aug 14th with epidural
10 hour labor with 30 minutes pushing
7lb 2oz
19.5"
No complications/ 2nd degree tear

Cora 2 year 4 months (week before baby sis)

This is the week before baby sister comes so I'm trying to put together some cute Cora memories for when I make the 2017 family book!

At my 37 week check up Joey and Cora came with me & were positioned in the perfect place to watch the Dr. check my cervix. I could look over and see Cora's super confused and slightly disgusted face when the Dr. was doing her business. Cora questions, "MAMA, What you doing with your BUM!?" I laughed so hard & said she was looking at baby sister.

Cora counts 1-20 but my favorite is when she says "Sick, Seben"

"ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ, now I ABCDE, (mumble jumble last phrase)"

Loves being tickled to "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam"

Current obsessions are Trolls, Baby Boss, playing "diamonds", ABC puzzle, closing all the doors

Loves the Park.

Has turned into a total Mama's girl. I'm loving it. She asks me to "cuddle downstairs, mama?" all the time.

I miss when she would say "Happegen & Opegen" she says happened and open correctly now :(

Cora kisses the baby in my tummy and loves giving her raspberries. She has loved her baby dolls. I think she will have a hard time when I'm holding the baby and not her. She still wants me to hold her all the time. I think she will love helping with babies binkies and diapers but will be sad when I can't give Cora my full attention.

I love this girl so much. She is the most perfect 2 year old. I cry thinking about how she is going to keep growing up. How could Heavenly Father let her or any of us grow up!? She's perfect!!  I told her Jesus must come visit you because he misses his favorite & cutest girl so much. She is the perfect combo of sweet with her mom and sassy with her dad. She is adventurous and athletic! She can jump in the pool and swim back to the wall. She is so close to being able to not drown but I'm thankful she could get back to the wall if needed. Everyone at the pool asks how old she is and is shocked when I say she just turned 2. I hear all the things about how she is a fish!

Cora said her name

11/30/16 - Today she said her name. Smarty girl. 19 months.

Cora turns 2!

Even though she's been acting 2 for a long time, I am still in shock that she is actually turning TWO! I have loved every stage and am surprised how much I love having a toddler.

Cora is the definition of Silly! She has a silly personality, always trying to make us laugh. Cora is adventurous & doesn't have a scared bone in her body. She jumps off anything & loves running around with claw hands going "RAWR!" She loves when we do "claw claw claw" and pinch her sides to tickle her. "HIDE HIDE HIDE" Loves loves loves to hide! Her favorite game for sure.

Cora is Smart! Knows numbers 1-10 & her basic colors. Says A LOT! Knows probably close to 100 words.

Cora always runs into a corner of privacy to "poop poop." She has one stinky bum!

She currently has a ruptured left ear drum. She developed a quick and nasty ear infection and between being in pain to fever to dr. to rupture was less than 24 hours!

Friendly but a bit shy. Wants to play with all the kids but will run over to put her face between my legs. Loves playing with mama & dada and will pull you and point to where she wants you to go saying "Please?" Can't resist.

Will eat a ton if shes happy & nothing at all if shes upset! That means, she eats a lot for breakfast & hardly nothing for dinner! She gets grumpier at night. Favorite food is Mac N' Cheese.

Loves watching "Einstein" "Bobots" "Mickey" "Baby joyjoy" "Toys" "Dory" "Nemo"

Great sleeper still! 11 hours a night & 1.5-2 hr nap each day. She says a super cute "nynight" when shes ready for bed in her crib. Her night routine is bath, baba, teeth, books, prayer & Jesus wants me for a sunbeam song. CANNOT go to sleep without her "Moo's" "Kitty" & "Binky"

DREADING the day we take the binky away. She's going to freak out.

Questionable how she will act with the new baby. I'm pretty sure shes going to hate it......

Almost 25 pounds! Tall and slender. Her hair goes past her shoulders in the back & all over her face if she doesn't have it up (doesn't like hair in her eyes).

Everything is Mama's, Dada's, Cora's, and Gaga's.

WE LOVE OUR CORA SUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2016 in a nutshell

A year of growth, renewal & rejoicing.

Cora has been so fun. She just keeps getting better & better.

19 months
- 23 lbs
- Says all sorts of words, "Mama, Dada, Gaga, Papa, baba, no, chu-chu, li-lights, wow, snow, more, chan-chu (thank you), pease, baby, shoes, juice, nose, eyes, kitty, dodgies, hums "all-done" with sign language, "stinchy", bike, nemo, Wa-wa (water), guy, hi, buh-bye, hewo, hot, diesel (sandras dog)
- Has hummed the tune of twinkle twinkle little star since 12 months
- Knows animal sounds: Dog, cow, donkey, monkey, kitty, duck, elephant, bee (beeee not buzzz)
- Knows body parts: Eyes, nose, chin, cheek, eyebrow, ear, hair, arms, fingers, tummy, bottom
- Loves: You tube nursery rhymes, shoes, dogs, being outside, the park, snow, being with mama/dada, cousins & friends
- Hates: watching certain baby joy joy videos. Doesn't hate much!
- Wears: 18mo - 2T clothes. She really needs a 12 month waist and 2T leg pants. But those don't exist. Her 2T pants fall down when she runs.
- Sleeps 11 hrs a night and has just transitioned into 1 nap a day. Plays in her crib before going down and after waking up. Will play in her crib until we go grab her. Cuddles with us when we get her out of her crib. Puts her head on my left shoulder.
- No stranger danger, likes going to Sandra's for daycare & nursery.
- Starting to tell us she's "stinchy" when she poops, while waiving her hand in front of her nose
- Really good traveler, but doesn't sleep well the first 2 nights of new environment.
- Still likes having a bottle when she wakes up & a small one when she goes to bed. Refuses sippy cups for those times but has them during the day just fine.
- Eats anything if she's really hungry. If she isn't she is picky. But you better share with her whenever you are eating!

Climbed out of her crib for the first time 11/26/16.
She went to bed really late due to thanksgiving activities, so when she woke up at her normal 7am, we gave her a bottle in hopes she would fall back asleep. I looked at the monitor and it looked like she was trying to go down. 5 minutes later I looked again and it looked like she was asleep in the corner closest to the monitor where we can't see very well. I assumed she was sleeping there and 20 minutes later I hear "boing boing boing." The notorious sound of door stoppers being flung back and forth. I knew that was the sound of trouble. I went into her room and sure enough, she had been out of her crib playing in her room for 20 minutes silently. I'm glad that she didn't fall and get hurt & also that we could put the mattress down one last rung. She hasn't tried since lowering the crib further.

6 - 9 months

I am writing this as Cora turned 9 months. Time FLIES....

Looking back, I will say that 6 months was my favorite age. Full of laughter, sitting *still*, easy to please, easy to lug around. Not that I'm not enjoying her age now, its just different! Ill never get that 6 month Cora back -sigh. 

OCTOBER (6 months)

We went to Newport Beach with the Wood family. It was a blast. Cora at first hated the sand and water but started getting brave & enjoyed it by the end of the week. The weather was perfect. So warm, almost too warm. No crowds. Had a beach house right on the sand & boardwalk, it was fabulous. 

6 month stats

14.99 lbs (31%) 

27.56" (97%) *although she's always been long I think this was an error you'll see why at 9 mo*

16.5 head cir (37%)

Almost sleeping though the night - wakes up at 5am to eat then will fall back asleep

Likes 3 naps a day -short-long-short

Will roll to wherever she wants to go & then sit up

Laughing like crazy to BOO

Loves being held & stroller rides

Loves baths & chewing on anything she can get 

The jumperoo is her best friend

Has 2 bottom teeth

Loves everyone 

Still breastfeeding morning and night but mostly drinking pumped breastmilk & 1 formula bottle a day

Puts her fingers in my mouth & nostrils while she eats

Babbling mamamamama & babababa

NOVEMBER (7 months)

CRAWLING. 7.5 month CRAWLER ALERT 

We went to Arizona for Morgan Wood's wedding in Gilbert & stayed with my parents Friday-Wednesday. We had a lot of fun going to Lifetime Zumba classes, Top Golf & taking walks around the neighborhood. We got gipped on the warm AZ weather, it was actually really cold. 

Thanksgiving was eventful. We had a house full of family for a week. That resulted in a house full of sickness & stomach flu. Cora developed croup & we had to visit the kids instacare the Saturday after Thanksgiving for a 103.5 fever. Luckily all was well after that! 

7 month stats

Cora loves FOOD & will get angry if I don't share what I'm eating

Breastfed till 7.5 months then 100% formula fed. Didn't seem to notice a difference 

Sleeps through the night! 11 hours

3 naps a day

Loves her jumperoo more than anything

Great traveller

Still in some 6 month but transitioning to 9 month clothes

DECEMBER (8 months)

December was SO MUCH FUN! Cora and I crashed Joey's NJ/NYC biz trip. It was 60* and beautiful! We went to Rockafeller square, Top of the Rock, 9/11 memorial, Eataly, Grand Central Station, Macy's & walked all over the place to see the Christmas lights. It was a blast & Cora was perfect! I'll do a separate post about NYC later. 

Cora's first Christmas was obviously magical. I can't wait till next year when she will understand more. We took Cora skiing on NYE & she pretty much hated that. It was 6* and just too cold for her I think. We only did 2 runs. One of which was a black diamond cause Joey dropped his glove off of the lift. Poor Cora!

8 month stats

17.06 lbs (36%)

Pulling herself up

Sleeping 11-12 hours a night

Loves every food 

Loves discovering everything bad for her...plug sockets, cords, stairs

9 month clothing

Plays in her crib when she goes to sleep and wakes up without making a sound

Loves being thrown in the air

Acid poop gives her diaper rash a lot

Thinks its hilarious when I put her toys in my mouth 

JANUARY (9 months) 

This brings us up to date. I can't believe how fast the last few months have flown, its so sad. I was practically crying during New Years cause 2015 has been the best year ever. I wish I could relive it. I highly doubt 2016 can be as good as 2015. No way. 

9 month stats

17.7 lbs (30%)

27.36" (44%) - She shrunk from age 6 months???? I don't think so. She's gone up a size since then.

Head cir 17.2 (42%)

Pulls herself up on EVERYTHING

Constantly on the move, I have to watch her like a hawk

Has toy ADD, needs something new every few minutes

12 month jammies but 9 month everything else

Sleeps 12 hours a night but is transitioning from 3 naps to 2 naps a day...

Still doesn't hate any type of food, feeds herself hand held bites

Will sometimes hold her own bottle

Started spitting out food cause she thinks its hilarious

1st yeast diaper rash

Still laughs to BOO

Walks around the ottoman & walks well holding both hands

Got a weird rash on her face that went away in 2 days with no meds

Babbles all sorts of things

3rd Anniversary

Its been THREE years. This day was so perfect. Look at the weather! And no one was at the temple. Only 4 weddings that day. 

Joey is a GREAT husband because he...

• Never complains, ever. He rides his bike to trax, then takes trax to work and back, then bikes home from the station. Day after day, sleepless night after sleepless night. No complaining.
• Always gets me an ice water before bed. Such a sweet gesture that I appreciate every night!
• Will do anything I ask of him, he is so serving and giving
• Not picky, I get to choose every time where we go out to eat. Except when it comes to gear...than he's picky :)
• Provides for our family 100% I am so grateful that I get to Choose to work 1 day/week & not have any pressure to even just do that
• Handyman. I don't remember how to do anything because Joey just does it all. 
• Best dad (obviously makes him a great husband)
• So Stylish...I can't go shopping without him! I have my own personal fashion consultant who also doesn't mind a lick when I just wear sweatpants ..which is often.
• Takes care of me when Im sick...which on this anniversary I WAS! :(
• ETC ETC ETC

Joey I love you, Happy Anniversary

Anniversary on a Sunday, Selfie

5 months

F I V E - M O N T H S on L A B O R D A Y

We spent Labor Day in Park City this year. It's become a Wood fam tradition. This year we even tackled the new Extreme Tubing at the olympic park. I pee'd my pants just a lil' bit. ;) It was a fun stay-cation & always great to have an extra full day with Joey!

I love this picture because they love each other. Cuddle fam!

Swimming for her 5 mo bday - Labor day in PC

How things change so fast! She is so self aware. Continues to amaze me how much she is changing & growing.

Started eating oatmeal cereal with fruit & veggies mixed in. Isn't very good at swallowing food from a spoon...blows half of it out as she's trying to scoop it off the spoon.

First pony tail -9/17/15

Is now 50/50 nursing/bottle.

Sits on her own..occasionally falls over to the side.

Can scoot turn around on her belly.

Can roll all 4 ways, but still struggles with tummy to back on occasion...its the arm.

Reaches for everything in sight, then puts it in her mouth.

Loves touching my face, especially as she nurses.

Prefers to be with us all the time morning & night....which brings me to...

Bad sleeper! Takes average 3 try's to put her down for naps & bed. Has a hard time falling asleep.

Prefers to sleep on her side with a binky & stuffed animal to cuddle.

Flings her legs in the air to turn her on her side.

Loves her car seat.

Loves her jumperoo & play mat.

Gets really slap happy at night & will laugh at everything.

Cuddler.

Baby

Sitting on her own

 Sick again...

Grabs feet & sucks on her socks

Cutest baby girl

This is 4 month Cora

4 M O N T H S

• 13 lb 8 oz (41%)
• 25" (81%)
• Finally getting a little leg roll
• Rolls onto her stomach both ways
• Holds her feet 
• Laughs & play screams like a raptor
• Loves standing & bath time
• Loves both her grammys (laughs the Most with them)
• Touches my face, pinches my nose, holds my chin while nursing
• Thinks putting her fingers in my mouth is so funny
• First (double) Ear infection 
• Interacts with toys a lot - everything goes in her mouth
• Started eating about 4-5 oz/feeding

We went camping the day after her 4 month birthday. Alexander lake in the Uintas with the Wood & Jensen clan. It was really cold. Like RE A L L Y cold. Poor cora hated it at night time. I think the cold air hurt her little lungs. Plus come to find out 5 days later she has a double ear infection..poor thing did not feel good. 

last day of 3 month old. Funniest onesie EVER.

3 month highlights

She is already 4 months. WHAT?

Here is a post about her life as a 3 month old.

MILESTONE
At 3.5 months she could roll from her back towards her left side and onto her stomach! Of course, the very FIRST time it happened she rolled off of the ottoman and hit her head...I was one step away from catching her. It was a soft hit...she slid onto her feet then bum then head, BUT STILL. I felt terrible.

Just under 4 months she could roll to both sides onto her stomach. She can't roll onto her back yet, so in the middle of the night I have to often go in and flip her over to her back. *as i hear a muffled "ahhh ahhhh....ahhhh"*

• Cora is laughing lots more & will smile at you whenever you look at her. She's the happiest little thing but has been a Terrible eater & sleeper. Didn't gain much weight till the end of her 3rd month. More about this in my next post. 
• She's been doing good at Daycare. (1 or 2 x/week) They always report that she's been really happy. But surprise surprise doesn't eat or sleep well. We got her faster flow nipples which have been helping a lot. She will come home really tired and go to bed a little earlier than normal days.
• Preferred sleeping method: On her side
• Perferred activity: standing & walking
• Only crys when: she is tired or is alone when shes awake/cant see me or someone
• Happy when: Basically all the time. Even with the wettest, poopiest diaper
• Still eats about 3 oz every 3 hours. Has picked up some in her last few days of 3 months

Old man hair-doo. Crib rub off

New cousin baby Ginny

All 4 girls @ Milly's 1 year party 

Loves her binky & even between this and now (2 weeks) she really interacts with her toys more

"catch yourself with your hands" or not.
Loves standing!

Everything goes in her mouth

12 week giggles, Kids Day, Camping & the 4th of July

I only went back to work 1-2 days per week... I guess it was inevitable...

I missed a first while I was at work :( At least it was caught on video by her grammy.

How could something so cute, get any cuter? ADD GIGGLES. *June 30th*

K I D S  D A Y

We celebrated kids day on June 25th, A tradition started by my parents that Joey and I have decided to carry on. I know that "everyday is kids day" but as a kid (long ago) myself I always looked forward to the *extra* love and attention that day. Cora got her very own jumperoo to grow into. Shes so small, yet so strong. It is crazy to me that she can walk (of course holding her weight)

We also went swimming in celebration of Kids Day

C A M P I N G

Everyone was so surprised that we took her tent camping in the Manti mountains being only 11 weeks at the time. But she did great! Just another night of sleep for her. Only with extra blankets.

We went to go see the Manti pageant. It was so fun we want to make this a family tradition as well!

Setting up camp, BIG TENT & little baby

 We reserved our seats as the gate opened, then rode our bike around and ate food since we had 3 hours to kill!! 

Biking puts her to sleep

Waiting for the pageant to start at dark, She fell asleep right as it started

Packing up to go home! Fast trip, but full of memories

4 T H  O F   J U L Y

Starting our celebration on the 3rd of July (Friday) Joey and I took Cora to daycare, since I have to pay for Fridays despite it being a holiday due to reserving her spot, We took advantage and went mtn biking! Sounds so fun until this happened...

Happened right at the start, I went to instacare to get the numbing gel to clean it out *worthit* All is well! Next time Im wearing knee pads and elbow pads! 

On the actual 4th of July we had a neighborhood bike parade led by a firetruck and it followed with breakfast! We then celebrated by eating Sushi for lunch, test drove a Kia sorento for fun, Ate Mexican for dinner & went to IKEA for a TV stand. Nothing about that is America...or is it. Love our melting pot country :) For the fireworks we put Cora to sleep in her crib and watched her on the camera while we watched fireworks on the hill a few houses down! You could see countless firework shows going on in the valley. We will probably do that every year. No crowds!

Ended our celebration eating Sunday dinner BBQ style at the Woods. Always a good time