Well, I would call that a resounding success.

He had me pegged from the get-go, of course; asked me straight out what I was doing and why I kept leaving the room to do things. I explained that because he was such a big boy now I wanted to see if he could fall asleep without me in the room. He was a bit apprehensive at first, but after a big hug and my promise to check on him every five minutes, he said he would be okay. And he was!

I mean, a few more toys mysteriously migrated into his bed than he would normally have at sleep time, but I'm totally cool with that. And it took him slightly longer to fall asleep, but I figure that's to be expected. In the meantime, I got to eat dinner downstairs by myself, which is something I don't think I've done in three years!

Thanks, ladies!