At my baby shower, I received a simple book filled with blank pages. Little did I know that this would be the best, most meaningful baby gift.
The instructions read, “Every year, write a birthday letter to your child and add it to the book. When they turn 21, give them the book as a tribute to their childhood.”
So, on my daughter’s first birthday, I started writing.
Birthday Letters
I wrote about how she grew and changed. I shared special moments. I even wrote about struggles and tough times.
When my second daughter was born, I started another book for her.
Every year around their birthdays, I set aside time to write their letters. These two books have grown into a repository of special memories. I add school photos, ticket stubs, Santa letters, art work and any tokens that reflect my daughter’s lives. The process has become a vivid reminder of the gift of parenting as well as its temporary status.
As I tuck birthday letters #13 and #11 into each book and stash them away, I’m so grateful for this baby gift that has grown into so much more.
Do you have a baby gift that was extra special or similar tradition? Please share!
“And I learned what is obvious to a child. That life is simply a collection of little lives, each lived one day at a time. That each day should be spent finding beauty in flowers and poetry and talking to animals. That a day spent with dreaming and sunsets and refreshing breezes cannot be bettered.”
Nicolas Sparks, Author
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I wish I’d thought to start a birthday book, but I wasn’t that organized. What I did do, though, was to record milestones, and things the kids said or did. When I need a pick-me-up, I read through them, and remember. I will pass them on to the kids when they are settled enough to enjoy them.
I love that idea…thanks for sharing!