Hi Luey

Our little ones sound very similar. I went through months of trying everything, looking for patterns and trying to figure out just how to get DS to sleep. In the end I think some of it comes down to personality, developmental times and then there's teething, separation anxiety - the list goes on.

About a month ago I was at wit's end - DS was waking every hour at night and napping for only 20 minutes in the day. I ended up having a consult with a sleep school. I was very firm about my parenting philosophy and not letting bub cry to sleep etc. They were very supportive and we came up with a plan that my DH and I were comfortable with. DS now settles himself to sleep most times (albeit with me going into his room to reassure him sometimes) and I believe that the talking/grizzling is ok - don't think you're not being a gentle parent for allowing him to get to sleep this way. This is miles away from letting bub CIO.

I know this probably isn't all that helpful but thought I'd share my experience with sleep school and I think when we're so sleep deprived then we have to consider options for changing our bub's sleep patterns, even though we'd all prefer to ride it out.

Hugs to you - hope you get a decent night's sleep tonight.