Dreaming of living abroad, but also want to have a family one day?

As some of you may now know, my wife had our baby here in Costa Rica. The process was very smooth and my wife was comfortable through the entire process. Currently, we go to monthly check-ups here in Playas del Coco. Our pregnancy check-ups covered everything from listening to the heartbeat to looking at the baby on the ultrasound. Now, our baby is healthy and enjoying life every day. I tell you this back story simply to ease any thoughts of "maybe health care is sub-par in Costa Rica". Not only is healthcare "not subpar" down here, but (at least in our case) it is also better and CHEAPER than in the United States! Below I will break down our thought process, and the reality of our choosing to have a child down here.

• Health of mother and child
• Lifestyle of child growing up in paradise
• Difference in my life perspective
• Instant residency

Health

My wife and I have never been in better health than we are today. For example, since moving here I have lost 30 pounds. I'm not starving myself or anything silly like that. I've found that my diet of fresh fruits and veggies, as well as the extra moving around I do, has been great. My wife and I swim in the ocean 4-5 times a week here in Coco and go for walks in the afternoon to catch the sunset. There is NO WINTER here, so it is always comfortable to go out and do something. Also, fresh fruit markets are on every corner. The fruit down here explodes with flavor unlike where I lived before. I don't know the true science behind it, but I imagine it is because it is much fresher and doesn't sit in a truck for 3 days, then in the back of a supermarket for another 3 days. This stuff is off the vine/tree the same day.

Lifestyle for my Child

Life down here is at a little more relaxed pace. Children are seen walking around and playing much like I imagine it was like back in the '60s in the U.S. I have gone to the schools and talked with many locals since moving here and a common theme I have found is how nice and non-confrontational everyone is. When I was in school, and even more so now, bullying was a major problem in many public AND private schools. Social media has not helped this issue either. Some of my friends have kids starting school and are already dealing with bully kids on the bus at 7 years old. Also, racism is not an issue down here. The locals love trying to talk to me in English and just get a kick out of me talking to them in Spanish. It's really a fun experience. I'm also excited that my child will grow up knowing 3 languages (my wife is Russian). It is not uncommon for people in European border cities to know multiple languages such as English, French, and German. The Dutch and Swiss are the same way. I only bring that up to say it is the same down here. There is such a blend of culture and language that is truly awesome to be a part of.

Life Perspective

This is more of a personal choice and is different for each family. In my previous life I traveled Monday-Friday and only saw my wife for the time I was back in town. Not only was this tough for her, but nearly impossible for the thought of having a family. I didn't want to be a "weekend dad". I didn't want to skype my kids or see there baseball game pictures on Facebook. Now obviously you don't have to live in Costa Rica to spend time with your kids, and that's not what I'm saying. But what I will say is there is stronger importance of family down here. There is a real sense of community that focuses on taking time to do family things. I want to take my kid to the beach, and walk around to the park after swimming. I want my wife to be able to take our child out in the afternoon without an ounce of fear. We have that and more available to us now that we have positioned our life this way.

Residency

We plan on living in Costa Rica long term. The best way (and really the only option that makes sense) is to get residency. This can be done through multiple channels. An immigration lawyer can walk you through the different options. But one other side effect of having a child in Costa Rica is that the parents become instant residents without restrictions. When you raise a family here, they withdraw any restriction on your residency. This isn't the reason we are raising our family here. But if they are going to offer this perk... I'll happily accept it.