The Trip Home

Brianna in her new Moses Basket

At home enjoying the Christmas tree

Preparing to leave the hospital in her inaugural ride in the car seat.

One last nap before we leave the hospital.

One Last Round of Visits

Uncle Jeff proudly holding his new niece.

Aunt Shelley even got Brianna's eyes to open!
Micah, Elissa, and Kaitlyn saw their new cousin from outside the nursery view window as our hospital has a visitor restriction on kids under 16. You guys can meet her in person in the next few days...she can't wait to meet you!

Grandma couldn't even let grandpa take his coat off before getting her hands on her grand-daughter again!

Jon and Heidi were very excited to see and hold Brianna.

Mom and Dad brought some "knots." Jeff and Shelley brought something "Famous." And Jon and Heidi even brought some "Queen" for us. What do all of these have in common? (Hint - We already mentioned what Mick & J brought)

More Brianna Photos

Second Round Visits

Auntie Mick-Mick and Uncle J came to see Brianna and decided to bring either flowers or Arby's...Jon chose Arby's. Thanks guys!

Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Neil came back from their trip up north.

Brianna Elaine Details

Here's the new fam! Brianna has a full head of dark brown hair, and she is beautiful!
Anna was Jon's great-grandmother's first name...that was the basis of Brianna.
Elaine was Eme's grandma's first name.

Oh man...am I glad that part is over with! We got to the hospital at about 11:30 PM Monday evening and Brianna was born at 3:03 AM Tuesday morning.

And she came in at 8 pounds 2 ounces, 21 inches long.

Teeny-tiny feet

Making calls to share the news of our new bundle of great joy!

The first round of visitors. Grandma Jackie and Grandpa Gary

Bath time

God has given us a beautiful blessing.

Brianna Elaine!

Our baby girl...Brianna Elaine Bonkoski!

More details to come...

Work / Play

He's pretty much the sweetest dog ever. Now if only he could shovel the driveway...

One Week Late - Cookie Baking

Last Saturday, my 2 local sisters, my mom and myself gathered for our second annual cookie baking extravaganza. We made six different types of cookies/bars, all delicious. The only bad part about making that many cookies is they all have to go somewhere; and I'm pretty sure, I've done more than my fair share to polish them up. Can we say, I should have put some in the freezer?

Eko... our Snow Dog

Jon and I are thankful (most days) for Eko. He is a fabulous dog who is so tolerant and relaxed for being only a year old. With the snow finally starting to build, we wondered what he would do and how he would react. Well... he loves it! Jon was shoveling this morning and Eko just had to help!

Dark, Dank & Dreary

If the title of this post doesn't just get you into the Christmas spirit, I'm not sure what will!

Eme and I enjoy home improvement projects, especially when it involves transforming a dark laundry room with warm floor tiles, inviting white paneling, rich faux walnut cabinets, and a backed up floor drain into something hopefully better than what we currently have.

Saturday my dad and I demolished and started putting up fresh drywall.

Here's a couple snap shots

Lions and Monkeys!

A huge thank you to Heidi and my mom for throwing me a baby shower a few weekends ago. They both did so much and to top it all, Heidi hand crafted delicious Lion and Monkey cupcakes to fit the jungle theme of the party. Thank you so much Heidi and mom for all your hard work. I had a fabulous time. And thank you to everyone for showering BabyBon with such wonderful gifts. We are so blessed!

Eko's thoughts on the Dog Show

Thanksgiving day, after the Macy's parade, a dog show started as we were hanging out in the family room. Our fabulous dog Eko was right there with us, relaxing. Soon enough, I noticed he was intently watching the tv (which he does occasionally). I tried peering in front of him and he did not like the distraction, so like anyone else would have done, he moved his head to see the dogs.

It's harder to tell in this video, but you'll get the idea. Notice I get in his way twice, the first time he lays his head down to see under me, the second (near the very end) he smoothly shifts to the left to see around me. It was just too funny, we can't help but share!

A New Thanksgiving Tradition?

Last year if you remember, Jon and I had welcomed both of our families to our home for Thanksgiving. It was such a great time, we decided to do it again. If you also remember, my sister Michelle helped me to draw and paint a tree on one of our basement walls. This year, I promised no painting, but she did help me draw out a deviously cute owl and tree in the babies room. Later that evening, after everyone had left, I couldn't help but paint... and start a new tradition.

The only question is - where and what tree are we painting next year?

Us

Picture Memories

Fall 2006


North Park Graduation


Christmas 2007


New Year's 2007


Mick & J's Wedding Weekend




The Chicago Bungalow


The City


The Art Show