Where did our baby go?

The other night Cristiano said, "Where did our baby go? Dylan isn't a baby anymore." It's true. He's not. He isn't quite a toddler but he's not the sweet little creature content to stare adoringly up into mommy's eyes for hours on end he was a few months ago. I am seeing the early signs of what temper tantrums will be like. Diaper changes have turned into major battles. And just try putting a jacket on this kid. When I ask for a kiss, he usually gives me a slap. A hard slap that actually hurts. He pulls hair. He kicks his legs at you. He grunts angrily when he doesn't want to do something or when you've stopped him from, say, diving head first off the couch. I've been head butted countless times this week. OK, the first five months weren't exactly enjoyable as I was sleep-deprived and loca not exactly myself. Then there were three months of enjoyable mommy-baby bonding where Dylan was super mellow and happy all the time. Is this all we get? I know this is the period of major exploration where it's his job to get into everything and our job to trail behind him constantly saying "no," "don't touch that" and "that's hot," etc. but I just thought the whole sweet baby thing would last longer. I guess this is what people mean when they say that they grow up so fast. We love Dylan to pieces and can't imagine life without him but lately he's less CiccioBello and more...