I just soooo needed to send you some hugs - I couldn't read and not post.

Lately I've been a bit more flexible with bed time, it used to religiously be 8pm, but last night it was much later as we had visitors, tonights a bit earlier - I just watch for the tired signs to try and help guide me - but thats not always helpful . But the routine has always helped us I've found, dinner, bath, bottle, story and bed - unless something is wrong with the kids (teething, unwell etc) it works well for us.

Good luck hun!