Rice Creek Flood 2k11

It was a harrowing few hours as we watched the creek steadily rise (sarcasm). It didn't come close to our house but it did rise to the highest level we've seen it the (almost) 3 years we've been here.

The water level is usually well below its banks and within the tree line. I suppose 5+ inches of rain overnight coupled with a train wreck downstream (due to a bridge abutment washout) both contributed to the high water levels. The water has now happily gone back to its normal level.

And this is a house we seriously considered buying and confirmed it wasn't a good idea after seeing sandbags this spring.

A New Adventure

Introducing the newest addition to our family: Carl William Bonkoski!

He was born July 12 at 10:47 pm. 

He weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce and was 20 inches long.

We are so grateful for a wonderful (and quick) delivery and, most importantly, a healthy little boy.  At our one week appointment he was already up past his birth weight which means he's eating well and growing! It's been two weeks already and I can't believe where the time has gone. We have been blessed that Jon has been able to be home these past two weeks. Besides loving on Carl, he has gotten to spend a lot of extra time with Brianna and she is loving every minute of it!

Tomorrow begins the new test with Jon going back to work. I'm sure Brianna will miss daddy, but hopefully we can stay entertained and active enough to help ease this next transition.

Thank you to everyone who visited us in the hospital, prepared meals, and especially, offered prayers. We can't wait for him to meet everyone!

Garden Update

We just picked our first batch of green beans and had them for lunch today. They were delicious! The tomatoes will be next and zucchini squash not far behind. How exciting!

We had a bunch of them for lunch, but I found a couple stragglers later this afternoon. Fresh vegetables are yummy!
 

The Belly Shot

My sister was kind enough to help me by taking some pictures of my baby belly. I'm not usually a huge fan of these types of pictures, but I thought it would be nice to have some record of what I looked like pregnant. Margaret can attest that I was slightly uncomfortable, but she managed to get some really good shots. Here's just a couple...

Brianna's First Family Reunion

Here are a few pictures of Brianna from the Family Reunion. As I mentioned in a previous post, my parents were willing to take Brianna with them to Nebraska and I got a weekend alone. She had a ton of fun - and here's the pictures to prove it!

Don't worry, she was encouraged to tackle Casen!

 

 

It's fuzzy, but it reminds me of some of my old pictures - a classic shot with family!

Apologies First

A month has now gone by and for those that check our blog, we offer our sincerest apologies. We are now a culprit of one of my own pet peeves - a habitually un-updated blog. No we did not fall off the face of the planet, although it may have seemed that way, we have just been extremely busy preparing for and now caring for babybon 2. If you've ever fallen off the blogging wagon, you know how daunting it can feel to catch back up. You don't want to leave anything out, but the thought of writing/uploading pictures for, in our case, a month, is enough to make you procrastinate and just stay off the wagon.

Well... here's to climbing back on the wagon!

A Peanut Cut

My mom graciously agreed to accompany me to my haircut appointment today to help watch Brianna. I wanted to make sure I got my hair cut this time before BabyBon was born, so my hair wasn't totally out of control. Brianna was curious as usual, making sure she checked everything and everyone out. As my cut was almost done, I asked Jennifer (my hair stylist) what she would charge and if she would mind possibly cutting Brianna's hair - you know, since we were there and all. I loved her response, and not just because "free" was part of the equation, but she said, "Oh... Nothing! There's no charge for a peanut cut, it will only take a minute."

Sure enough, Brianna sat so still and let her comb and cut her little hairs. Thanks mom for capturing a photo or two from your phone. I think she looks quite fashionable in the zebra print, don't you!

Brianna didn't quite know what to do so she just kept her head down most of the time. When Jennifer asked her to look up to cut the front, I had to keep my hand under her chin to keep her head level... it created quite the face as you can see in the mirror!

A Weekend Alone

This weekend, Brianna took her first long distance trip with Gammie and Gamfie to go to the family reunion in Nebraska. She has been away for a weekend before, but something about being in a different state made it a little more challenging to take in. I'll admit, I had about ten minutes (maybe more) right away where I second guessed my decision and really wished I could call and ask my parents to turn around and bring her back. BUT, I put quite a bit of work into getting her ready and knew if I didn't let it happen, it might be a while before another opportunity presented itself. Plus, with baby number two only four weeks away, a little time away ended up feeling pretty good. I was able to get some extra sleep, mow the lawn without interruption, and even make some new curtains for Brianna's bedroom. (I'd show you a picture but the camera is currently in California with Jon on his adventure). Take my word.. they turned out pretty cute!

From everything I've heard and seen in pictures, she loved spending the time and playing with Gammie, Gamfie, and all the aunts, uncles and cousins. I'd say she was pretty tuckered out from the weekend because I put her to bed at 7:30 and she didn't wake up until I went in her room this morning at 9 just to check on her, and even then she didn't want me to take her out of her bed. Thanks mom and dad for taking her and creating some fun memories!

Little Green Thumb

Brianna is, in our completely unbiased opinion, the cutest little girl in the entire world! It brings both of us incredible joy to live out daily adventures with her.

Today's adventure started by putting out flags to honor fallen U.S. servicemen and women. Later, after the rain stopped, we went outside to plant our garden. I know, it's a little late but life is busy and it has been kind of cold and rainy this spring. The important thing is the seeds are in the ground! After Brianna woke up from her nap she was thrilled to be outside with us getting her hands, shirt, face, legs, shorts, and feet dirty.

Brianna wasn't sure where to
plant this red bell pepper...even
though mommy had a great spot for it.

This looks like a good spot!

I can't remember why she is so sad here but I think she wanted to get inside the fence where mommy and daddy were planting things. Or it could be because she allowed the flag to touch the ground. I assured her it would be ok!

Here is our completed garden with onions, carrots, beets, zucchini, yellow squash, red bell peppers and better boy tomatoes. Not a big garden, but we are eying real estate in our back yard for a bigger one in the coming years.

We took a quick break between planting and our dinner BBQ for a swim in our gigantic above ground pool. Since it was 88 degrees with moderately high humidity the water felt great (I'm sure she would agree!).

About the time we wrapped up our garden my parents and Eme's parents and Anthony came over for a Memorial Day BBQ. After Brianna finished her meal she couldn't help but take advantage of able and willing reading bodies! She brought Gamfie book after book. But it was mainly her new favorite book "Baby Bear Baby Bear What do you See?"

And then she had to show off for Grandpa as well! And, of course, he willingly read her about Baby Bear! I love how she puts her arms behind her back! She is so cute! What a great day!

Boxwood and Weigela Regalia

Despite a forecast of rain by the "professionals" we decided to get outside to plant, refabric, and rerock to enhance our curb appeal a bit. Crabgrass had begun to make its way into the landscaped area and there were 2 dead plants in there when we moved in to our house. We were glad to ignore the rainy outlook as we only experience a short 2 minute passing shower.

The before photo probably won't look a lot different than the final product but the weed barrier was compromised, thus necessitating a full removal and replace.

Rocks are temporarily displaced, fabric is removed and Eme is finishing up some final rock clean-up.

Putting the new fabric in place.

Plant placement.

Even Brianna dug in and helped!

The finished product with a new fabric weed barrier and beautiful Chicagoland Boxwood and Dark Horse Weigela.


 Before and After

WaterTown

We've had a pretty fun week this week.
Sunday, we had Mick and Hung over (because they had no power from the storm) for dinner, Celebrity Apprentice, and Brianna's first hair cut. We just took a little off the front/top so it would get out of her eyes. I love toothbrushes too. They come in handy for more than just brushing teeth.

Monday, we finished cleaning up from our weekend getaway.

Tuesday, Casen came over for a couple hours in the morning to hang out. They loved the toys but what they loved more where the old school felt Sunday School story images. Who knew they would have so much appeal? Then later, I caught Brianna reading (or studying) a book from her carseat.

Wednesday, we were invited by my sister, Margaret, to go join them on their trip to the Children's Museum. It was a ton of fun! Brianna and the boys had fun running around and exploring each room we went into.  Even the adults got into the fun. I mean, who can resist a little competition, right?

 

We kept saying that they looked like mad scientists in their little aprons!

 

Thursday, it was so beautiful out that a morning walk seemed in order. We walked over to the church so I could work for a little bit. Then, after nap, we filled the sandbox my parents let us take and played, we set up the tent to let it air out from our camping trip, then put on a swimsuit and filled a rubbermaid with water so Brianna could do a little wading. A full and fun day.

The week so far has been great. It's a great reminder that you just have to get out and enjoy every moment of sunshine you can!

Just Two Kids...