Now I lay me down to scream

I hear it's very normal for kids to go through a phase of crying when you put them to bed, and again when they wake up in the night. Separation anxiety, temper tantrums, call it what you might, I call it "sleep deprivation for the whole family"!
We were making progress by putting Emma to bed with her baby doll "sammye" and praying with her, reassuring her that we could still hear her and were not far away. She'd immediately start crying... LOUDLY! We had made progress from her crying for about 45 mintues or so, down to only 5 minutes. Last night felt like we were starting over, only worse. Her night time schedule was messed up due to a later church service last night- but still... 2 hours of crying!!! It was after midnight before she finally gave in and fell asleep. So we are trying to be patient, and compassionate, and consistent. That the best advice we've gotten. It's hard to hear her crying for you and not go in to pick her up. I have given in a couple times, but I know that only makes things worse in the long run.

I was frustrated last night. I mean, REALLY frustrated, but she eventually stopped and this morning when she woke up and I got her out of her crib she was no worse for the wear.

And later when she crawled off the couch with her cup and ran across the room, curls bouncing... I just have to smile.