DS has always been a little problematic at getting to sleep since 6 months but the past few months has taken it to new levels - he is now 17 months old. He sleeps ok overnight (wakes once normally but am cool with that) - but is taking 1-2 hours to go to sleep every night. He is tired, and will lay there with me next to him up to the point where he can't hold his eyes open any longer and then it is like he thinks "Oh hell I am falling asleep quick do something" and the thing he does is either poke himself in the eye, bang his head against the wall or stand up (often he stands while eyes still closed). He is on a mattress on the floor - because he really didn't like the cot, slept better on mattress the six weeks we were in the UK, and my back couldn't tolerate the in and out of cot. He also shares a room with DD (two bedroom flat so only other option is back in our room, which is where he was till 1 year old - but I really don't want to bring him back in). I can't let him cry much because he might wake DD or if she isn't asleep it distresses her, if he wanders round in the room he often will go over and shake her and disturb her. I do say to him lie down or mummy is leaving, and he will for a bit but then as soon as realizes is drifting up does the stand up thing again. He is the same for DH. Very occasionally we let him roam the lounge room till he expires but even then if I didn't hold him I don't think he would stop. Have tried putting him to bed earlier, and later (DD has to go later then too as she won't go to bed without him now) - to no avail. In the day he sleeps in stroller fine if out and about, and generally settles for a day sleep at home ok too after a feed. The evening feed seems to give him more energy if anything - but he does have a bit of a routine of books, boob and bed. (Baths don't seem to help or hinder his sleeping). Patting him seems to make no difference he is happy to be patted, or jiggled (he sleeps on tummy) until the eyes shut and he stands up.

I really resent losing my evenings - often I fall asleep with him which is ok once in a while but I want to have some free time - if I could choose I would choose an overnight wake up instead of a 2 hour bedtime ritual. He is super cute about it, puckering up wanting another kiss, or saying "Again" after certain songs, smiling and being adorable but I really need sometime in the evening.

Any other things I could try?

DD has always laid down and gone to sleep without me being there (she is a thumb sucker, as was he till 6 months) - but now she is getting a bit particular about wanting me in the room too, just because I am doing it for him.

If he was just content in his bed without me, and without being a pain to his sister I would be happy - even if it took him a while to drift off. (I love the feeling of giving in to sleep myself find it hard to understand why he resists it so much)