All4fin - yes he was cranky after the 30min CN this afternoon. Silly me didn't listen to his cues and watched the clock instead thinking "he couldn't be tired" but I guess sleep begets sleep right? Oh well tomorrow is another day and we will try again. Needless to say he was OT when he went to bed tonight because I couldn't get a CN out of him and he went to bed at 6:50ish. I REALLY hope he does not have too many NW's tonight because of this.
Our routine is still getting ironed out (just started over 2wks ago) and with the time change yesterday its throwing things off a little bit. However his EW ended up being a NW instead because there was no way I was getting up at 4am so we (yes WE because I felt horrible) had a bit of a cry and after about 40min he put himself back to sleep again and slept until 7am - FINALLY!

I did do the sh/pat/rub for a couple min but I could see it was winding him up more because he saw me.
Marlowsmom - yes we have the same problem too, I go into once or twice and I think that keeps him up longer so I have to let him be tonight as hard as its going to be. I give myself the 10-15min rule but I think he just waits longer. He is a smart cookie that's for sure! After about 20min of crying and knowing I was there I left the room for a break and went back in and he quieted right down after he was able to lie down and hold my hand for dear life while he tried to go back to sleep...it was so precious! Not sure if that/my arm can become a prop but I decided to sleep with a lovie toy that he had but never used and gave it to him tonight in hopes that my smell will be there for him to relax better.
Does your LO have a different cry for when she is standing in her crib and can't lie back down....I found out mine LO does. I probably should have invested in a video monitor or a two-way mirror LOL!