I really am at my wits end....

For the last few weeks, DD has been a nightmare to settle down to sleep at night (easier during the day if I ensure she is tired enough). It is currently taking me 1+ hours to get her to sleep. Tonight 1.5 hours. Its draining. I work 4 days and losing 1-2 hours each night trying to get her to sleep is just frustrating me to the point of tears constantly. I yell, I am cranky with DS and DH, and I am just so disappointed in my ability to cope with this.

I really dont know what else to try, she fidgets, crys, screams, hits me, fights me, escapes or just lays there talking. We are not interested in CIO and generally I will rock her to sleep in the rocking chair after some milk, then lay her in the cot as she drifts off. She used to fall asleep in 5-10 mins. Now it seems most of my night (and down time) is spent putting her to bed.

I know my frustration isn't helping. I have left the room with her safely in the cot when she is resisting or carrying on too much as I just cant take it, my patience is low and I have yelled at her a few times when I have reached my limit. When I've calmed down a few minutes later I have returned to start the process all over again.

I am pretty certain that separation anxiety is at a high for her, she is my shadow during the day (which while lovely most of the time, it can be very draining when I just need 5 mins to get a few things done). Life is very busy, DS has just started school - and with work, the school run, childcare run and everything else I am just exhausted. My Mummy reserves are low. I just cant think of new things to try. I am finding it hard to stay calm and I feel that I am not taking the time to enjoy the kids, as I am so busy trying to get through the day, keep up with washing, dinner, etc etc

DH can get her to sleep much easier than me, so on the days I really cant muster it, he puts her to bed, she doesn't seem to fuss so much with him, so thats a good thing. But I used to LOVE putting her to bed, those sleeping cuddles, it was relaxing for me and her. I want that back, Now it just seems a battle and I dread it every night as its such hard work constantly..

Tell me its a faze, DD is a strong willed little lady and I fear we will always have our battles as she is her mothers daughter. I just need it to be easier. I feel like I am just existing and every day is groundhog day This is really impacting us at the moment and I need to find a way to get through this and improve my patience and tolerance.