settling down in miami

Although I can hardly believe it, our little family has somehow found its way to Miami. It was a last-minute decision involving many attempts at determining what the "right" decision would be. In the end, I didn't take any notes and the order I ended up putting everything seemed to fall into place, except for my top two choices, Chicago or Miami. I oscillate between a variety of different emotions now. I am thrilled to be in a new place, for the most part; at times frustrated at the bizarre expressways, heat, and mosquitos, but mostly in love with my quirky, tree-lined neighborhood replete with dogs, parks, coffeeshops and yoga in the park. There have been some adjustments to be made, but for the most part, we have settled in well.

Bandit has been on many adventures as well. He was stressed out when we first began packing, naturally. And farted many a silent fart in the car (complete with a self-satisfied smile). But he took everything like a champion and only peed in one Airbnb place we stayed on the way south, thinking ahead and choosing the only place that had a washing machine, so we were able to wash the sheet right away. He saw the ocean for the first time, as well as a few different swimming pools, all of which he has refused to jump in with equal certainty. He has picnicked at South Pointe Park on Miami Beach and even become big foster brother to two puppies, Ollie and Kicks, since moving to our bright pink house. He was definitely stressed out in the beginning but has been mellowing out every day... and when we are laying in bed at the end of a long day and his ear flops onto my foot, everything is perfect.