I do think it is a phase...if you do want to keep nursing remember toddlers do go through nursing stricks. Just keep offering. Also I recommend the book "mothering your nursing toddler"...it goes into so much of what you are asking.

Also JoJo doesn't ask to nurse when she wakes up but I usually offer. I offer about every 2 hours and she nurses for a little bit. She nurses for comfort just as much as for food....so if she is upset she nurses.

Also those 1 to 3 night nursing I bet she is getting a lot from them so she can go longer during the day.