I'm running awkwardly down the hallway, as fast as I can in my heels and suit and massive backpack. I can see the classroom door about to close, cursing under my breath I manage to catch it just in time. I get a withering glance from the instructor as I make my way to my … Continue reading Chao Bogota, Hello Virginia
Squinting in the bright sun and half-dragging my whining toddler, emotions are running high. I had the great idea to take my kids to Parque 93 after their doctor's appointment. Normally not a problem, but Ingrid is a little sick and I haven't slept well this week. More frustrated by the minute, I'm doing everything … Continue reading Colombian Advice for this Mama
Warm weather, sandy beaches, salt water, poolside lounging, yummy food… I haven’t taken a tropical vacation since my honeymoon and I’m so ready for Santa Marta. …. Except we’re traveling with two tiny children. I have a hysterical toddler terrified of water and a baby who wakes up 100x a night. We’d been talking about … Continue reading Long Weekend in Santa Marta
I walk in the door to my daughter’s jardin (preschool) as she trails behind crying. It’s been over a month that she has cried every morning as we arrive and I’m just a little over it. I’ve tried everything I can think of to assuage her fears, but nothing has worked. One of the staff … Continue reading Celebracion día de la Madre
I am 6 days “overdue” and so over being pregnant in Colombia. I can’t remember the last time I slept longer than three hours between my sick toddler and my giant belly. My sister-in-law, Story, is visiting with her daughter, and offers to stay with the girls so we can spend the night at a … Continue reading My Birth in Bogota
I had been so antsy to leave and see more of Colombia, but my pregnancy and new baby (who never sleeps) had kept us from doing so. So, when Gray came home one day and asked if I wanted to go to Medellín the following weekend, I jumped on it. He had to go for … Continue reading Weekend Trip to Medellín and Guatapé
Only a few months after we arrived in Bogota, I discovered that I was pregnant with our second baby. As excited as I was, I also overwhelmed with the prospect of having a baby overseas. Being with the Department of State, I had the option to medevac back to the US for my birth. The … Continue reading Everything I Learned about Pregnancy and Birth in Bogota
One of the best things about the Foreign Service is that nearly everywhere you go, your housing is provided. No apartment search in a foreign city, no navigating leases in a foreign language, and best of all – no paying rent! This is a huge bonus for us, and it allows us to save what … Continue reading Our Bogotá Apartment Tour
Over a year in and while my Spanish has improved exponentially, I still find myself making silly mistakes. Luckily, my nanny and my husband are nice enough to correct me - even if they laugh at me first. 🙂 The other night, Gray and I were sitting on the couch with the newest member of … Continue reading My Little Ternura
It’s mid-December in Bogotá. The dry season. It’s beautiful, sunny, with clear skies almost every morning with a crisp 60 degree weather. Growing up in Pennsylvania, to me Christmas is snow and holly and pretty white lights, Christmas carols, hot chocolate and a blazing fireplace. Christmas in Colombia is almost none of those things. As … Continue reading Our Second Colombian Christmas
This Foreign Life 