The Twelve Gifts of Birth (2001)
By Charlene Costanzo

“At the wondrous moment you were born, as you took your first breath, a great celebration was held in the heavens and twelve magnificent gifts were granted to you.”

I picked this book up years ago, before having children, and I immediately fell in love with it.  I wanted to buy a copy for every new parent I could find.  This simple, heartfelt book lists twelve gifts granted to us all—hope, courage, love, etc.—and how those gifts will help guide us through life.  Each page is accompanied by a hand-colored photograph of children.  Every time I read it now, I think not only of our daughter and how much each of these “gifts” resonates with what I want for her as a parent, but also the fact that these are gifts I possess as well.  It’s an uplifting, powerful and simple book.  The Twelve Gifts of Birth would make a great gift for a new parent, but also for a teen about to venture out into the world.

Ms. Costanzo’s website is amazing!  I highly recommend a visit.  She has posted inspirational stories, quotes, and ideas.  She has a downloadable poster, which I adore.  There are reading suggestions, coloring pages, activity ideas, and wonderful ideas for nurturing our children.  Free of any ads or links, this is truly just a gift to anyone out there.  Her messages and ideas are pure and inspirational.