Comment-

I just now realize that my annoyance about a lack of sensitivity to my nursing of my toddler is directed at a group of women whose profession is "to nurse."  Any irony there?

Seriously, people.

After a day of doctor check ups (no problems, just realized I have not seen a doctor in a year!), I have a message for the assortment of nursing staff that I encountered today:

Yes, I am still nursing my 15 month old.  This is ok.  Breastfeeding a child past one year - or even two years- of age is recommended by pediatricians, by the World Health Organization, and pretty much every medical group that does research on maternal or pediatric health.  This is good for her health, her immunity to disease, her brain development, her metabolism, and her sense of security.  This is good for me, reducing my chances of diabetes and many cancers. 
Yes, my records are right that I have not had a period since March 2008 and this is also perfectly fine (and possibly beneficial).  And yes, she does have teeth, and eat other foods.  And talk and walk.  And drink out of a cup.  But once or twice a day, she nurses. 
In fact, dear nursing staff of assorted doctors' offices, your employer(s), the very doctor(s) who saw me today, support my continued nursing as a positive decision and (as long as I take my calcium and iron) as very good for all involved.  So, rather than looking at me as though I have two heads or possibly (gasp) a child hanging from my nipple as I walk around your office, you should be applauding me for extended breastfeeding.  Thank you, dear nurses, for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Your lactating patient.

Mariel's conversation of the day:
Yesterday at school, Mariel apparently had the following conversation.
Visiting Gymnastics Teacher: You are the cutest thing ever!
Mariel: No, I'm not.
Teacher: Why not?
Mariel: I'm four.  Noella is one.  She is the cutest thing ever.

In honor of Noella, the cutest thing ever, who is now 15 months old, I have a quick run down of her favorite things:

Taking off her shoes.  And socks.  And sometimes clothes.
Drinking from a straw.
Dogs.  Feeding the dogs.  Petting the dogs.  Picking up dog toys. Yelling dog ("DAH!").
Making very loud noises.
Feeding herself with a spoon. 
Yogurt and applesauce in her hair.
Crackers.
Actually, eating just about anything. 
Her pacifier.
Picking up tiny pieces of dirt, sticks or anything she sees on the ground outside.  Carrying them around in vice like grip.
Nursing (who knew that the infant who hated nursing would become a toddler who now loves it!?)
Running down the sidewalk.
The wind in her hair.
Saying "hi" and "bye" to people in cars or on the street as we drive by.
Talking on her play phone.
Dancing.
Carrying books around.
Laughing with her sister.
Her dada.

Mariel's photo journey- a (child oriented) glimpse of the Downtown Children's Center this morning:

Mom and Noella at the fish tank (the first thing you see when you go in the front doors).

Her shot of the fish tank itself.  Very important.

Self Portrait. Hard to tell, but she and Noella were wearing matching dresses.  Mariel was pretty excited about getting to pick out clothes today- and Noella is too little to protest!

One of Noella's classmates (I have major hair envy). Noella always gets dropped off first and picked up last, because Mariel likes to visit the baby room and see what is going on.

Mariel's art project from the day before, hanging on the wall outside of her classroom with everyone else's flowers.  The building's walls are pretty much covered with craft projects, paintings, etc.  Even the babies do art projects (very abstract).

Olive the Guinea Pig.  Olive was not so thrilled to be woken up by the teacher, Miss Lyndsay, this morning in order to have her picture taken. Did you know that guinea pigs get "bed hair?" 

Mariel wants to print this picture out and hang it in Olive's cage, so that she can look at herself. 

Its amazing how very skilled Mariel is at putting together puzzles.  This was our special treat instead of a story before bed tonight.  We did not finish getting it together, so it will probably be our treat for tomorrow night, too.  I was blown away by how well she was working- she did most of the princess (Aurora?  I get them mixed up) and the entire bottom border while I did the top.  It does say for ages 6+, so maybe there is some advantage to being closer to the target age?