Being a parent can be really good for your ego..and also, really bad.
I was thrilled to be the recipient of a big hug from little brother a few weeks ago - he's been super affectionate after we deserted him and his siblings for a week or 9 days while we holidayed on a romantic pacific island sans offspring- and, well, I've enjoyed the welcome home/she didn't ditch me after all cuddles.One day he said to me in a loving baby-voice "you are my mumma. (Squeeze) You are my secret agent mummy".
" yes I am" I replied, thrilled to bits with the promotion.
I've been quite chuffed at the thought.
I have been talking it up a bit, working up my air of superior knowledge and world changing abilities, for surely, if you can't be a super hero to your children, then who can you be? A secret agent to ? Huh?
Walking past the neighbors new super-high super-flash fence I'd pointed out the wee camera on the keypad at the gate used by all and one for filtering the wanted visitors from those trying to sell you a new improved religion/vacuum.
"see that little camera "- I informed the kids - " it's actually an eye ball scanner. It's actually used to check the identities of visitors off an Internet based data base"
They were impressed. Everyday now they line up to have their eyeballs scanned, just incase they get granted access.
" you ARE a secret agent mumma" little brother re-stated ( the obvious)
" Yess, I am" I agreed.
But then on the weekend I heard them talking about their own secret agent identities.
"I'm Zac powers," little brother said " secret agent rock star"
"I'm Leon," said big brother, " secret agent tech head"
(Better than secret agent dick head! I commented. he agreed.)
"I'm Annie" said little Miss, " secret agent Princess"
"For sure, "I agreed, " but, uh, what about Dad?"
" He is Gary, Secret Agent Tool Shed"
"And me?" I stupidly asked, way too eager.
"Mum, " they agreed, breaking it to me gently, " you are Sally, Secret Agent Big Bum."
And later, as if it could get worse, I heard them discussing super heroes. Apparently they may not like me when I get angry, because the options they were discussing for my super hero persona were either a green eyed cyclops or, the Incredible Hulk.