This is The Guardian.
Hi, it's Helen here.
Today in Focus is taking a little Christmas break so that we can recharge our batteries ready for 2026.
And while we're off, we're replaying a few of our favourite episodes of the year.
And today is one that I still think about a lot
because it really challenged my assumptions on family,
about friendship, about parenting and about platonic relationships.
and it also made me laugh a lot.
I hope you enjoy it too.
Today, what happens when you have a baby with your best mate instead of a romantic partner?
It's a sunny day in Shrewsbury.
and a very cheery little girl with rosy cheeks and just a few front teeth is keen to see who's at the door.
This is Nicholas Lawson, a journalist and writer and her very sociable 11-month-old daughter.
Nicola recently went back to work and Tom, the baby's dad, took over the shed parental leave.
The baby can already walk and loves rousing around the living room on her ladybird scooter,
carefully manoeuvred by Tom every time she gets into a tight spot.
It's the perfect picture of domestic life.
a mum, a dad and their longed for baby girl.
But here's the twist.
Nicola and Tom are not a couple.