Free to be with all free clear

Something I've learned in motherhood, is to expect the unexpected and to accept the unacceptable. Thanks to all free clear for reminding me of what childhood should be all about! Who knew a laundry detergent could be so inspiring?

I don't know if I've mentioned this, but I am SO happy that Spring is finally here. It rained non-stop for what seems like months. I don't mind the rain SO much if I get a little sunshine in between. What also makes the rain better is when it's warm enough to play in it. Yesterday we had a major downpour, but it was short and past by the time I got home with the kids. So, on the way in the house, Jonah asked if he could splash in the puddle. I said sure because he was wearing his rain boots and I mean... why not? I went in a put Ezra down and came back to the screen door to him splashing away in not just rain water, but a full on MUD puddle. Then he got excited and realized how deep his feet went. He asked me to put my boots on and join him. It was tempting but my husband wasn't home and I didnt think I should leave the baby inside alone for too long or take him out splashing in puddles, but instead I went to grab my camera. That's what I do of course, documenting our days in most real way I know how. Capturing this moment I KNEW would be a good one.

Before I knew it, his pants were soaked and so muddy! It surprised him, but I said I guess it doesn't matter now, we are getting straight in the bath anyway. So, he ran and splashed and ran his monster truck through the mud. It was pretty hilarious to watch. I love seeing him so free and happy.

I mean isn't this what being a little boy is all about anyway!?

Needless to say, he was a mess and rain boots or not, his socks were soaked. He actually poured water out of his boots taking them off at the back door. My husband pulled up and Jonah got kind of shy like he thought daddy might say something about how muddy he was, but all he said was "how'd you talk mommy into this?" The truth is, he really didn't have to talk me into it, I just thought what's the point in not letting him just be a little boy. I reassured him and encouraged him to show daddy what he had been doing and I continued to snap away until the baby started fussing.

So many times we say, no don't get dirty, you'll track mud in the house or you'll ruin your clothes. I have had to worry about how I would get the tough stuff out of his clothes because he has such sensitive skin. We are a family who all have fair skin and it seems that with that comes more sensitivity issues. I am always careful what I wash the kids clothes, towels and sheets in as I mentioned in an earlier post this week - we use hypoallergenic everything. Jonah's had what I think is some fairly mild eczema on his chest shoulders and neck and Ezra struggled with those new born break outs and now still gets red cheeks as a reaction to other people's clothing. Anyway, I made my husband switch to a gentler detergent for his clothes a few months back and I'm glad we have options like all free clear. 

A few little known facts you might be interested if you have a mud puddle loving boy like me:

• all free clear is the #1 recommended detergent brand by Dermatologists, Allergists, and Pediatricians for sensitive skin. It's tough on stains yet gentle enough for the whole family. Plus, it's safe for use in standard and HE machines. It rinses clean and has a gentle, hypoallergenic formula.
•  all® free clear detergent (liquid and mighty pacs), fabric softener and dryer sheets have received the National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance™.
• Products with the NEA Seal of Acceptance™ are those that avoid certain chemicals, dyes, perfumes and residues that are known to be unsuitable for use by persons with eczema or a sensitive skin condition.  

I guess I wanted to capture these moments, so that he can remember how it felt to just do exactly what he wanted in the moment, no restrictions. I also want to remind other moms to just take Elsa's advice sometimes and let it go! Worry about the laundry later! I want him to remember that he is Free To Be anything he wants to be and right now he's free to be a little boy. I hope he's always a bit of a kid at heart. It's really good for the soul!

Please check out all free clear's Facebook page they have the ultimate dirty kid over there that we all know and love! I will definitely be entering these photos into the #allPigpins #sweeps =)

Tell me what you or your kids are #FreeToBe! all free clear is so excited to hear your opinion — please take this one question survey to let them know what you think (it only takes a few seconds)!

I am joining in for Coffee and Conversation, WholeHearted Wednesday, Think Tank Thursday, Hearth and Soul and Photo Friday this week!