on the night you were born by nancy tillman – a thoughtful baby gift

The other day my friend Nisha asked me for gift ideas for friends who just had a baby. She figured that as a new mom, I would have good ideas of things that are useful, different or that I especially liked for Jai. I texted her a few ideas of some basics from stores that I thought had good gift options like Pottery Barn Kids and Baby Gap but with that day being particularly crazy for Jai…I didn’t get a chance to truly give her my favorite gift option: baby and childrens’ books. Books make for an excellent present both useful and enjoyable for babies. Plus it’s never too early to read to your little ones…we’ve been enjoying story time with Jai from the beginning. Why not add some new baby flowers from Flowercard as well, and you’ve got a lovely little setting with fragrant flowers to read in.

One book that I absolutely loved receiving from my team at work and that I think would make for a treasured gift for any new parents whether as a part of babyshower gift or when you visit baby for the first time is a book called On the Night You Were BornOn the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman.

The first time I read this book to Jai, I don’t think I made it to page three without dry eyes. It is so simply yet beautifully written. The book begins likes this:

“On the night you were born,
the moon smiled with such wonder
that the stars peeked in to see you
and the night wind whispered,
‘Life will never be the same’

Because there had never been anyone like you…
ever in the world.”

And then there’s this part…

“So whenever you doubt just how special you are
and wonder who loves you, how much and how far,
listen for geese honking high in the sky.
(They’re singing a song to remember you by)”

And it ends with this…

“Heaven blew every trumpet
and played every horn
on the wonderful, marvelous
night you were born.”

In less than a month, my sweet not so little Jai will be one. And it’s been one crazy year full of ups and downs and so many memories. I will never forget the moment when he was born. But regardless of all craziness, I always want him to know that I am so happy and thankful for everything he is, all the joy that he brings into our lives, just how special and unique he is just because he is “the one and only ever you” and that just like the book says,

“On the night you were born, you brought wonder and magic into the world.”

He totally has. And so much more.

What a special, meaningful message to send to all babies entering this world. So consider this book the next time you are looking for a gift for new parents. I’m confident they will adore reading this to their little ones as much as we do with our little man.

Also check out our Story Time Favorites post where Chai Momma Puja talks about her favorite book for her daughter Laila, On the Day You Were BornOn the Day You were Born by Debra Fraiser. It has a similar feel and is equally touching.

-Shraddha