Service stations are so easy, aren’t they? You pull off the motorway, park up, and pop in for a quick loo-stop or a cup of coffee.

Well that’s how it’s supposed to work anyway. But not if you’re in a car by yourself with Pudding. On our frequent trips to Manchester I try my hardest to avoid stopping and usually arrive absolutely bursting for a wee.

On my last trip I decided I couldn’t wait so stopped half-way. As I drove in, I ran through the options in my mind. I could get the buggy out, but that would take a while to unfold and he’d be cross at going from car to buggy and back to car without any freedom. Or I could leave the buggy in the boot and take the risk of going freestyle.

Luckily there was a parent and child space close to the entrance. (Between a couple who had just parked and were sauntering in, and a lady sitting drinking her coffee before pulling away. Don’t get me started on people without children who park in these spaces!). So I decided go for the risky option, and held tightly onto Pudding’s wrist as we crossed the road.

I played an enthusiastic chase and tickle game to get to the toilet quickly and chose a cubicle at the far end. Pudding wasn’t keen on going in but we squeezed round the door together. He is getting pretty good at undoing bolts but dumping the bag by the door and jamming my foot against it meant I wasn’t exposed to the public while doing my business.

Washing hands while also trying to hold onto a determined escapee is fairly impossible but the minimum requirements of hygiene were achieved by distracting him with the paper towels.

Luckily he didn’t need a nappy change himself as that would be a whole other problem. More service stations are now including Changing Places but they are still few and far between.

And then he was off. In the wrong direction. As usual I tried to make returning to the car sound really exciting. As usual he drew a few stares while lying down on the floor in answer to that.

Next he made a dash into WHSmith and this is where the whole buggy-free risk paid off. He stood in front of the huge cabinet of drinks and said, ‘Oh Wow!’ (For full Pudding-effect, try saying this in a similar voice to Wall-E). He then grabbed a Fruit Shoot and clasped it to his chest, looking at me with that irresistible cheeky smile. I caved and said he could have it.

I couldn’t believe what happened next. He pattered over to the till and waited till the person in front had paid, then handed it up to the lady. Showing not only that he knew we needed to pay for it, but also that he could identify where we had to go. Such a small thing for most children but I was so proud I was ready to burst. The lady serving probably thought I was crazy when I gushed about how wonderful he was. But I don’t care! My Pudding is wonderful and he is progressing in little ways.

Take that, Mucopolysaccharidosis! He is kicking your butt!

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