Where'd my Baby Go?

I spent the last few days with Matthew. On Monday he had a half day at daycare, on Tuesday we went on a field trip and then spent the afternoon together, and then yesterday I took him to get some photos done and then we hung out for the day.
I realized something yesterday. My baby is no longer a baby. He's a kid.
Take for instance the GO train ride to Toronto. He was really good. We sat on the train and chatted the whole time. He listened to me. We had fun.
Don't get me wrong, he's very definitely in need of constant supervision, but suddenly it seems like he understands so much more. I would say things have changed within the past couple of weeks. He's cool. He makes me laugh.
One of the things that I LOVE about being an aunt in particular to my older niece Kyla (and what I'm looking forward to with my younger niece Paige), is that she's fun to hang out with. She makes me laugh. She tells me stories. I feel like she wants to be with me.
It's fun going to Walmart with her and trying on silly shoes. Same with Payless. Did you know they make light up shoes for adults at Payless? They are clear vinyl and really high heels that light up when you walk. Not a fashion statement I want to encourage, but I've never laughed so hard as when I showed Kyla the fancy shoes.
And the thing is, Matt is becoming just like this. And, I LOVE it.
I love that he can talk me into getting him Mrs. Fields cookies because they are his favourite.
I love that he knows just what he wants to watch on tv.
As he gets older it amazes me that I just keep loving this child more and more.
Today when I got home from work I was taking him out of his car seat. I said to him "I was really sad when I went to work today because I missed you."
He looked at me, gave me a huge hug and said "I missed you too, Mommy." And then he looked at me and said "Mommy, let's ride the GO Train tonight."
Too cute.
In a couple of months he will be 3. I booked his birthday party today. He doesn't really care where it is, but I went with the suggestion of his 4 year old cousin who knew exactly where the party should be.
I'm getting really excited.