What Publix Taught My Child

My youngest, Ezra, doesn't speak very much. He doesn't really need to. Between older siblings, mama and daddy at his beck and call, and his amazingly articulate gesturing, the kid may never speak. But he has deigned to learn a few basics, you know, the important words: mama, daddy, Dara, yes, ball, boat, and please. This last word was learned at the Publix bakery counter.

We go to Publix a lot. Like, a lot. It's right down the street and with so many people in the family, we are constantly running out of something. You'd think we'd be able to get our act together and coordinate a list, but that's yet to be conquered. For the boys, the highlight of going to Publix is the bakery. The ladies there know them and already have the preferred chocolate chip cookies ready when we roll up. (This is probably in part because you can hear my kids from the entrance. What's an inside voice?)

 One of the bakery ladies always waits until she hears the 'magic word' before she hands over the loot. When Ez was a few months younger, he used to just make a noise and hold out his hand. That gets him what he wants at home, for the most part. But the lady just looked at him and repeated her request to hear the word, 'please'. This happened a couple of times and Ez started to get frustrated. Cayden said please and started munching away on his cookie, waving it in his brother's face- as a gesture of encouragement, I'm sure.

Then it happened. 'Eese'. Ez reached out and said 'eese'. The Publix lady clapped and smiled. I cheered and smiled. Ezra shoved the cookie in his mouth and smiled. For a moment there was peace on earth.

Now I wish I could tell you that he's started using even more polite words, but we're still working on that. He does make a specific sound and firmly nods his head when told to say 'thanks', but he's still stubbornly using his own language. I'm not sure at what point to be worried about his speech development, but for now I'll let him speak to us in his own little unique way.

With Love,
Susanne

The Five Best Holiday Events in Southwest Florida

I somehow managed to make it into town a whole half hour before I had to be at work, so I went to my dangerous place- Target. We all know you can’t leave there without at least five things you don’t need, but I had immense self-control today. I did leave with an excitement for the upcoming holidays, though, and Southwest Florida knows how to have a festive season! Without further ado, here are my top five holiday events you can’t miss in and around Naples.

The Tree Lighting on 5^th

Full disclosure- I’m a little spoiled with this particular tradition. My father-in-law is in charge of the event so we get reservations at Yabba’s Island Grill and watch the festivities from the perfect vantage point with drinks in hand. At the flip of a switch, the huge Christmas tree and entire street light up to the cheers of the crowd- it’s really a magical moment. Santa and Mrs. Claus make an appearance, vendors sell food, and all the stores are open to start the holiday shopping.

Ice Skating in Ave Maria

This event holds a special place in my heart because we moved from Naples to Ave Maria a couple years ago. It’s a tiny college town about half an hour away andI love the friendly, close-knit community. The event is technically called the Celebration of Lights, but I just found that out recently. Right in the middle of the town square is a large ice skating rink, a novelty in humid Southwest Florida. It is always packed with kids and families alike. The college has a stables on property and they do pony rides- if your child doesn’t scream hysterically, ahem cough. Not mine, of course. Then there’s the parade, which mostly consists of decorated golf carts. They’re the proud creations of enthusiastic retirees and things can get a little competitive. Last year we saw a life-size reindeer mounted on the roof of one such cart while a large sleigh was dragged behind and inside were two dogs dressed as elves. Sooo entertainment all around.

 This is right before he had a meltdown...

 

3^rd Street South 

This is one of my favorite places to go in December. Every evening snow falls down on the street. How it happens in Florida, I don’t know- it’s part of the enchantment. I recommend sitting outside at Campiello enjoying a glass of pinot noir while watching people shop in stores you can’t even afford to walk inside, or maybe that’s just me. Then, move on to Tommy Bahama’s where there’s always live music and my personal favorite, a pineapple yuzu mojito, waiting for you. Finish the evening off with a trip to the BarbatellaGelato Bar and indulge in the ice chocolate Italian sundae- you won’t be disappointed. 

Live Nativity at Seagate Baptist Church

 

Even though this is a relatively new event in Naples, it’s grown each year. Seagate Baptist is my church and their live nativity starts in the Naples Christmas Parade and goes for a weekend at the beginning of December. There’s singing and animals and hot cocoa. Pastor Wiggins gives a clear presentation of the Gospel and we’ve had quite a few people renew their relationships with God as a result. Just so you know, Cayden was baby Jesus the first year of the nativity. 

Unfortunately, he's grown too big to pass for a newborn in subsequent years.

Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz-Carlton 

Put on your best sparkly dress and get dolled up for one of the fanciest places in Naples! What’s not to love when you, I mean your kids, can snuggle up with their favorite stuffed animal, have their fill of snacks and hot chocolate, listen to a professional storyteller read stories, and then top it off with a visit from the jolly man himself. Then, they’re so tired and full, they nap all the way home, so you have some peace and quiet. Win-win!

There are so many other fun things to do in Southwest Florida during the holiday season. I didn't even touch on the Edison Estate Winter Nights, the boat parade in Bonita Springs, or the dazzling variety of custom drinks at the Mercato. But never fear, I plan to enjoy them all this year!