PARENT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Erika Gonzalez
Loving the moments of motherhood
INTERVIEW BY MICHAEL VYSKOCIL
FAMILY FAVES
RECIPE: Well, not that Isabela can have it, but
my husband makes a mean coquito. It’s
a coconut-based, Puerto Rican holiday
beverage. He makes several batches every
year, and we share them with close friends
and family. We still have a few bottles we’re
enjoying down to the last drop.

WAY TO SPEND A WEEKEND
WITH YOUR FAMILY:
We’re pretty active people, so we hope
our love for exercise and the outdoors
translates to our little one. Now that she’s
getting bigger, we can’t wait to put her
in the running stroller and go exploring
through Rock Creek Park. Then, we can
stop for some pizza and beer because ...

balance. Am I right?
BOOK TO READ TOGETHER:
It’s hard to narrow it down to just one
book. We’re big fans of the “Lil’ Libros”
bilingual series which highlights important
figures, places and favorite pastimes of the
Hispanic community. How could I not read
to her about “Loteria” and “Selena”?
VACATION SPOT:
E rika Gonzalez is an anchor and reporter
for NBC News4 and Telemundo 44.

She spearheads the “4 Your Home”
segments where her storytelling revolves
around home improvement, design and
unique real estate in the DMV. She’s called the
area home for the last 10 years, which is saying
a lot for a native Texan. She and her husband,
Jason, met and married here as well. In August
2021, they welcomed their first child, daughter
Isabela Ivana, into their family. Together, they
live in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

My husband is Puerto Rican. We love
traveling to the island to not only visit
family, but also enjoy the beautiful beaches. How is new motherhood
I can’t wait to see Isabela dip her toes in the treating you?
sand for the first time. Motherhood has been the hardest, most
rewarding experience of my life. My husband
RAINY-DAY ACTIVITY: and I enjoyed six years of marriage before
Does shopping at HomeGoods count? welcoming our baby girl. Now, we wonder
I mean, that’s golden rain or shine. But, how we went so long without her. She’s the
seriously, our basement is a cozy place best thing we never knew we needed.

to watch a movie and enjoy her toys. We
primarily live on the first two floors of the What excites you about
house, so going down to the basement is a being a mom?
nice change of scenery. I get such a kick out of hearing Isabela giggle.

It’s the sweetest sound I’ve ever heard,
18 Washington FAMILY FEBRUARY 2022
and I’d act like a complete fool just to get
her to laugh.

What do you love the most about
raising your family in the DMV?
Living and now raising a family in the DMV
is such a privilege. We’re spoiled, really. There
are wonderful parks all around us, scenic
drives and a zoo that people travel to see. And
it’s all in our backyard.

How do you create balance
between your career and
your family?
I’m writing from the comforts of maternity
leave, but the time is coming—I’ll be back
on the air in mid-February—when we’ll be
navigating child care, workflow, dinnertime
and house chores all at the same time. I know
it’s going to be hard, and that’s probably
the understatement of the year, but so
many people do it. That gives me comfort ...

knowing we won’t be alone and that someone
is always around to share their perspective or
provide a listening ear. A glass of wine at night
doesn’t hurt either. T
PROVIDED PHOTO
LIFE HACK:
We’re still learning the ropes on this
parenting thing. Pro tips are welcome.