you can, but its easier to just keep listening to your instincts and following that. trust me, when you get to the "so-called" terrible twos, you will thank yourself for continuing to listen to your heart, your child and his needs!!
find the best care provider for him that you can. be firm that you do expect his needs be put first, that the person does NOT do any crying it out if you do not wish that for your son, and that slings or carrying be a big part of caring for him. it might be hard to find, but these days im sure you could find a lady who would LOVE to and who needs the money. you dont mention this, so im assuming you have it taken care of, but i really hope you stand up for yourself and your child and encourage whoever cares for him to care for him the way you would to extend the gentle way you want to parent. sure, kids can adapt to different people and different care situations, but there are things that can damage that precious relationship you are building with him, and you just want to stand firm that your parenting preferences also be followed when you are not around.
the REASON hes an easy baby is because you've been fulfilling his needs, never giving him reason to doubt that you are indeed going to respond to him when he needs something. it only makes sense!! :) my son wasnt hard either until he was 3. this was when he started to "assert" some independence (which he was comfortable with and at 3 thats perfectly normal), and so it was a bit more difficult because he realize that moms way isnt the only way. but up until then, he was a DREAM - he listened (within age-appropriate reason), he was loving, kind, sweet, everything we want our kids to be. the attachment parenting IS the difference. :) KEEP IT UP!! :) :)
anyway, dont feel guilty, just keep up the good work. i feel horrible right now sitting here and not playing with my son (hes almost 4 now!!) but hes happy, hes playing, hes fine, and he keeps checking in with me while i sit here... you cant feel too guilty. we all have something that we feel we dont do well enough. but with parenting, you can let it squish you or you can let it go. your son will be SO happy with life if you keep listening and keep responding. you are doing lots of good for him! :) the independence will come naturally instead of being forced on him.
anyway, write to me if you have more questions? or something? LOL. good luck. but i think you are doing a fabulous job!!