High-needs, difficult, bratty or just Vivacious?

I came across a post on the peaceful parenting site recently that described my journey the past couple years in parenting Connor. The definition of Vivacious describes him quite well : ). I struggle a lot and have to remind myself quite often to take deep breaths. I think know that he will be a much better person because of it. I really wish that I had found out about babywearing and attachment parenting sooner, but better late than never is indeed a very true saying!

I can see the results everyday now. I was able to have my evenings back after he hit 17/18 months as he would finally sleep on his own for longer than a half hour at a time. He is finally down to 2-3 night wakings instead of 5-6. He will occasionally pass out with his dad on the couch, instead of nursing to sleep with me. He can be left at daycare on the days that I need to go to town by myself without screaming his head off when I leave. I have a feeling he will always be a shy, quiet boy with strangers but he is even getting over most of his stranger anxiety now. He can go and play with toys or with other kids when we are out instead of needing to watch from the security of my lap ;-).

Anyway...the point of this post is that I am very grateful that I finally listened to my instincts and stopped listening to advice(well meant advice, don't get me wrong) that wasn't going to work for Connor. What Heather says about how "she will need me like this for such a very short time in her life. This will not last forever, even though it may sometimes feel like it." is very true. I can already see signs that Connor is growing more independant every day and won't need me like he has for too much longer.