I like the new pic of your pond.
Is that the new drainage pipe in the background?
Now that you have your water level at its "normal pool elevation", you can start creating the shoreline look and habitat that you desire.
Keep eliminating your invasive/undesirables.
You said you previously planted some pickerelweed. Keep planting more things you do like. Invasives have a much easier time colonizing into "open ground".
Have you looked at any of the shore iris plants, or very slow-spreading lily pads? Might be some good plantings available for your area that your wife can also see from the house and score you some additional "good husband" points!
