Things have been quiet in Big Brother's imaginary world for a while, at least, that is, around home. A few weeks ago, though, I became aware of the somewhat sideways looks I was getting from the staff and parents at school. I didn't know what was going on but one night arriving at ukelele practise I was promptly asked if I wanted a glass of wine. Of course I did. 'So your not pregnant then?' 'NO, ' I swiftly denied - ' Oh its just Big Brother has been telling everyone at school that you are having a baby, and he was so adamant about it, his teacher didn't want to ask!'
Even better another friend told me 'I had a great chat to BB yesterday - he was telling me how you are all moving to Russia soon! - I asked if you were all going, and he said, Yes because we are teaching Russian families about NZ families so we all have to go.'
It was only when he insisted we were leaving the next week, and coming home for all rugby games and practices that he blew his cover. I am trying to be positive about these flights of fantasy - perhaps he will grow up to be a spy. Or a writer. Or a compulsive liar. Or a poker player.
I tried a repeat of the whole importance of telling the truth vs. imagining things chat with him, and he seemed to take it all onboard. As far as I could tell.
Little Brother was asking me about a computer problem the other night and I pulled rank. I don't know, I said, ask your father, he's the computer genius. 'Well, that's right', he consoled me, ' but you are the clothing genius Mum, you have to do all the clothes every night.'