A step back to go forward

Though he certainly hasn't changed his mind about getting his picture taken, Sean has changed so much recently.
For a few weeks he has been doing some of the things he did as a 5 or 6 yo. He has always loved to cuddle and have "us time." We sit on the couch and watch a favorite movie or read a book and snuggle. He also started playing with some of his old toys, and wanted to read some of the old books. And right now he is sitting in the living room wearing his old Spider Man suit. It is really tight on him now, and the legs look like the Incredible Hulk's pants. I had to mend it because it had rips in the seams from so much wear. At one point it was difficult to get him to change into regular clothes. He actually wore it to the grocery store and some other places when he first got it. (He got some great comments from other kids and dads.)
It is always interesting to me to see the different stages that kids go through. I think this behavior is probably a sign that he's going to leap forward, and his little mind and body are visiting the past.
Of course he will always have the opportunity to read those books, play with those old toys and especially snuggle with mom. (I think we'll have to buy a bigger Spider Man suit if he still wants one.)
Suddenly, out of nowhere, he has been getting up in the morning, coming out of his room with clothes on, and bed made, and doesn't even come out to the living room until he has brushed his teeth. It's something new. I used to have to remind him to do those things.
He's better about picking up his toys and I've made him the recycle and trash guy. He has to take the cans out to the street, and he empties the inside recycle container into the outside can. He likes the responsibility-- but not all the time, of course.
I bought him a cheap pay-as-you-go cell phone before he went to Calif. and I put a bunch of mins. on it so he could call me. He didn't use it much while he was there, so there are still a lot of mins. left. A few days ago he got into trouble because he went to a friend's house without telling me, and when I called out for him he didn't answer or arrive. So I went looking, my mind filled with awful thoughts of what "could" happen. I'm following the Kyron Horman case closely, and it gives me chills. (Looks like it could be a close family member, but still.)
I finally found him and told him he was grounded for a couple of days. Yesterday he asked to go to that friend's house again, and suggested he could take his cell phone. I told him he had to call me at 7:50 p.m. In the summer, his bath time is usually 7:30 or 8, so I wanted him home by 8 p.m.
He called at 7:45 and asked if he needed to come home yet. I told him he had 5 mins. and he called again at 7:50 to say he was on his way home.
He's growing up so fast. I can't believe he's going to be 8 years  old soon.