We have done the “no sugar for the first year” rule for our babies. This has been super easy considering my babies only have breast milk/formula until they are 6 months. By the time we get through all the different baby foods (bananas, peaches, peas, etc.) they are about 9 months. We start on the chunky food and the crackers. During the first year they don’t even eat “real” food with us, so they usually don’t want what we are eating. Well, this worked great with Jakob and Isabelle, and was working just fine with Karter. Then, Isabelle stepped in and decided to help me feed Karter. Of course it had to be pudding!! My kids never get pudding, it just isn’t something we have in the house, but I just rotated the food in our 72 hour kits and we have been eating the snacks that were packed inside. 
Last week I gave the kids these pudding packs after lunch. I was working on cleaning up the kitchen and I turned around to see Karter with pudding all over his face. When I turned around and saw him I just was so sad. Sad that I haven’t been able to give as much to this little guy as I have to my other two. Sad that there is just so much to do with a house full of kids. Sad that I’m not on top of enforcing the “rules” of our house as much as I would like to be. Sad that I’m not 100% consistant. Sad that more things seem to fall through the cracks.
BUT, I quickly caught myself and just laughed!! He was so happy to enjoy this yummy treat. Isabelle was so proud of herself for sharing with her brother. I realized that it was not that big of a deal. The point of the “no sugar rule” is not to prance around and announce to the world that we didn’t give sugar to our kids, the rule is to help us keep our kids healthy at a time when they really aren’t tempted by sweets, when they really don’t need it. He is fine, we are fine.
There have been many moments since having Karter that I have struggled with feelings of not being able to give him what I gave Jakob and even Isabelle. Each time I have felt this way the Spirit always helps me see that yes I may not be giving him exactly what I gave his older siblings, but that is okay. He is blessed with a different set of blessings. He has a brother and a sister who give him so much!! He has a mother that is experienced, that is a lot more mellow then she was with her first, and has learned to let a lot go. He is surrounded by music, toys, conversations, books, friends, storytime, trips to the zoo, playdates at the park, tons of cousins, and so many kisses and hugs. He is the center of attention in our family and everyone loves him!! He has so many wonderful blessings in his life. Heavenly Father knows what we need, what families we should come to, and in what order we should come. Karter was meant to be with us, we can’t imagine our lives without him.
Karter, you are an amazing example to me of Heavenly Father’s love for each of his chidren. He knows us individually and gives us what we personally need. We must look at our lives and focus on the blessings. So, my Karter boy, with pudding all over your 10 month old face, I will celebrate your life and the joy that you brings to ours.
Callie, this entry made me cry! Your feelings – so beautifully expressed – echo the same feelings so many other mothers have felt through the years – myself included. But you're right, we need to have faith in Heavenly Father's plan and trust that what we are able to give our children is what is most needful and that with His help it will be enough. You have a beautiful, happy family and you are an amazing mother!
SOOOOOO cute!! He sure doesn't look very hurt in that picture! His hair looks lighter like Jakob's did for a while when he was that age. Also Isabelle looks so grown up in that picture. Very cute!