We are very much the same here too, Lucy.

We don't clock-watch but certainly pick up the cues from Jacob which do tend to occur at similar times during the day! He is a creature of habit like me and does benefit from some predictability and routine (I mentioned sleep cues and how we need to be consistent with our sleep routine in the Comforted Sleeping thread).

I find that he needs to have some quiet time at home every day otherwise he gets very upset. If we're having a busy day, I simply must give him that space to himself otherwise he's very cranky indeed. So at all costs, we try to ensure he has that 'home time' to do as he chooses.

But I find following his lead and supporting him in that seems to have boosted his self-confidence. I think that it's been hard work though, to learn what the cues are and what things your baby responds well to (i.e. settling techniques etc), but well worth it in the long run.