Dating a widow with a young child

I am 24 and I'm dating a man who is 30. We met 5 months ago through mutual friends. At the time we were both casually dating a couple of other people. We started out slowly, seeing each other about every 2 weeks. After 2 months, he asked if Id be willing to only see him. At first wed just see each other once a week, and then we added in an occasional lunch during the workday, and lately we are working out together a couple of times a week, though we workout and then say goodbye right afterwards.

He is a widow with an 18 month old son. His wife died shortly after childbirth. Most of the reason we don't see each other more often is that he wants to spend time with his son, which I admire. He is also a busy professional. I am also college-educated and have a career that I love. I have not yet met his son. We've taken things slowly, still just kissing. I have two questions.

1. I have been feeling that I want to be a bigger part of his life and I want to progress beyond kissing. I don't know how to approach him about the latter. I don't know if he isn't ready or interested in that yet, or if he is still getting over his wife. They were together for 6 years, married for 2 of those years. I know the simple answer is to ask him but I don't want to embarrass him or pressure him, and I'm perfectly willing to be patient if that is what he needs Id just like to know if he's interested and get an understanding of how he feels about a closer relationship. I invited him over for a romantic dinner last night, with the intention of asking him about my questions. When I told him I wanted to be a bigger part of his life, he said hed been feeling the same way and invited me to meet his son (which diverted the other discussion I had planned). We are planning to take him to the beach on Saturday, which leads me to my second question.

2. How can I make sure his son is comfortable and has fun? I know he's a little on the shy side. He has been around women, including his grandmothers and aunts, but has never met anyone his father has dated. We are planning on bringing a few toys to the beach, including a sand pail, a shovel, and a small beach ball. We are also going to pack a lunch and some drinks. I love children and usually hit it off with them, but I haven't been around them enough to know what an 18 month old might be like.