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Still Nursing?

Michelle Barnard

Writing Contest Creative Musings August 2001

We have come to the point that we often hear, "Are you still nursing?" Many retorts come to mind. I mean, my baby hasn't even reached his first birthday, for crying out loud! But, once alone to ponder the question, I realize just how funny it really is.

"Are you still nursing?"

STILL nursing?

You know, we're anything but STILL nursing these days. This big boy doesn't sit still for much of anything anymore. He's got places to go and people to see. Yes, he''l cuddle sometimes if he's really hungry and knows it will take a few minutes, or if he's ready for a snooze. I do get to enjoy his warm body cuddling up to me. I relish his soft sigh as he fills his tummy. But those moments are fleeting.

Mostly now, he's a big wiggle worm. You should see him nursing lately! He starts off cradled in my lap, legs dangling down. (I can't believe he's growing so fast.) But he's patting me and pulling gently on my hair, a few strands at a time. Soon, he's playing with his toes. He holds them and flexes his legs back and forth in my face, waiting for me to kiss his chubby feet. Before long, he puts one leg on mine and pushes his whole body up off my lap. Then the other leg comes up. He stretches his body into a backbend and a few other contortions. I smile at my funny little boy. He rolls his body over and back in my lap a few times. Yes, hanging on to my breast all the while! He sits up then leans back a few times. At some point he realizes that his feet can reach the surface below -- bed, chair, floor, ground -- depending on where we are. Then a grin breaks out from behind my nipple! He plants his feet and stands up! And sits down. And stands up. What a fun game this is...or so he thinks! But I must end this little game as I'm not really sure I want to test the limits of my skin's elasticity. I cradle him back down, he takes a few more "sips" and then he realizes he has to let go if he wants to do other things.

Bittersweet. The signs of his independence. I wonder how much longer it will last. I can't believe anyone would think it should have ended any sooner. I'll hold on to these moments. But STILL nursing? Are you kidding? We're nursing on the move!

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