“Look, Lottie! Horses!” Oliver points out the window excitedly, to which little Charlotte just gives a wide eyed peek over her car seat with a squealed, “Moo!”

We’re still working on the animal noises.

I laugh softly under my breath, glancing at you in the passenger seat before looking in the rearview mirror. “No, baby. Neigh. Cow goes moo, horse goes neigh,” I explain slowly, although she just gives me a giggle that shows off her new baby teeth.

We’re about halfway through a 3 hour road trip to my mum’s house over in the Manchester area, having decided last night to make the spontaneous trip up there. Ever since our recent move to the Cotswolds, where we very much wanted the extra space after having our second child, we haven’t been able to see her very much. So I’m quite excited, along with 6 year old Oliver, even if it’s only because he wants Nana’s baked goods.

Poor Charlotte still doesn’t grasp the concept of road trips to see Nana. ‘Course, she only turned 1 a few weeks ago.

“You’re quiet over there, my love.” I hum as I move my hand to pat your knee gently. “That book any good? Know you’ve been excited for it.”