So the problem is basically this: Baby is now 6 months, combination BF and formula. We have had a lovely bedtime routine going for ages now, he goes down every evening about 8.30, all well and good. We co-sleep. BUT, for the last 3 months say, he wakens up at least 2 times before myself and DH go up to bed, and unless I come to settle him back, all hell breaks lose.
As well as that, in the hours leading up to bedtime, he refuses to be with anyone but me. I've left him with DH maybe 4 evenings for a few hours and he just crys and screams and won't go down. I've had to come back early from wherever I've been, and as soon as I arrive back and take him, he's fine, although completely exhausted. It means I've all but given up the idea of being able to have an evening away with DH or any friends; come 6pm I feel I'm tied to the house to be with him. I would love to be able to leave him with a babysitter for a few hours - he 6 months now and we haven't so much as been able to have an evening at the cinema together. I don't want to go away for a week or anything, I just really, really want an evening away. Any ideas/advice welcomed.