That's good news Tigwig, I'm glad things are beginning to get easier so that you can enjoy him without being constantly stressed and knackered! Those first smiles come at just the right time don't they - just when you think you can't go on, and that you're doing everything wrong! :)
I love all these stories - I was out for a walk with Nancy in the summer she would've been about 14 months and as we needed to cross the road I lifted her up to push the button and explained to her that now we needed to wait for the green man, so we would know it was safe to cross, the old lady next to us at the crossing looked at me dissaprovingly, and said that my daughter was a bit young to have all of that explained to her!! I wish I'd told her that eavesdropping is rude, but actually I was just too gobsmacked to say anything.
My other favourite is when strangers say hello to Nancy, and then talk to me about teaching her not to talk to strangers!!