The Evolution of Kisses

Theory has it, I've once read somewhere, that Western style kissing (as opposed to, for example, the 'Eskimo style' rubbing of noses) has evolved from feeding. The pleasure of lips embracing edibles and the role that kind of behaviour plays in the survival of the species, from suckling infants to pre-chewed food passed from a mother's mouth to a child's (this would be way back in history, well before forks at least).


Today we timed Pumpuni's bathtime very poorly and ended up trying to wash a very very hungry und very impatient infant. We'd made it through to washing her hair (not long to go now, baby!) when she decidedly no longer wanted to go on bathing and turned red with anger. We know from experience that kissing her all over her little face will soothe her for a little while, just enough to finish her hair, wrap her up and whack her on. Tara was faster though and simply got hold of my NOSE. Not that it's in any way similar to my nipples (size for starters...), but her experience with lactating suckables is limited, and how would a 17-day old darling know that milk is not to be be had from all that can be sucked? It's making me think though: When I soothe her with kisses, it's probably not the sweetness of my love for her that is calming her but the impression that there are a dozen nipples all over her face at once. Honestly, that would baffle me into silence as well...