Two Steps Back

Ever since Benny started sleeping through the night at around 5 months, he's been a pretty fantastic sleeper. We could just lay him in his crib and he would chatter or fall right asleep. No muss, no fuss. Bed time, up to this point, has been pure bliss.

That all changed about two and a half weeks ago when we flew to Iowa for a long weekend. Benny put up epic struggles at nap and bed time. We would put him down, let him cry, comfort him, and do it all over again for an hour or two each night. We figured it was because we were away from home and he just wasn't comfortable. We also figured that once we returned home to the normal routine, the normal bed time would also return.

We are still waiting.

Benny has managed to put himself to sleep without issue a few times, but a vast majority of bedtimes have been filled with screaming and tears. Last night I put him to bed at 8:45 (later than usual). He battled until midnight. For three hours. He really just wants someone to be in his room with him. He will almost fall asleep. We will sneak out. As soon as he realizes that we aren't there, he starts wailing again and the whole process starts over. We're desperately trying not to start any new habits. However, the kid also needs to sleep. He seems very ready and willing to cry it out all night. I'm really at a loss.

He has had bouts of sleep issues in the past, but they usually only last about a week, 10 days at the most. Nate and I don't know what to do at this point. Let him cry it out? That's not working. Help him go to sleep? That's not working. I can't sit in his room for an hour before naps and before nighttime while he plays around in his crib and falls asleep. It's just not an option - mostly because I don't want him to get used to that sort of routine. Arggghhh. He's still crying. And it's been an hour and 15 minutes since I put him down. Double Argggghhhh!