Good work! I think persevering really does pay off. I've been determined to get Maya into a bedtime routine for the past 3 weeks with the aim of 6pm bath, then a feed, then bed at around 7. I know the regimented approach isn't everyone's cup of tea, but she such a happy camper when she's had a good night, plus I need the evening time to do jobs, especially when I go back to work.
It's a bit hit and miss - getting her off is the hard bit, but once she's off to sleep, she's off. The first week it could take 2+ hours of going in her room to soothe her as often as every 5 or 10 minutes. Painful for everyone, but I didn't want her to feel totally abandoned! It's got so much easier through, and some nights we don't get 'summoned(!)' back in there at all. Similarly to you, her room's dark and I now use the monitor (as opposed to having the door open and using my ears - the lounge is next door to the nursery but I think the darkness makes it clear it's bedtime!!

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Reading that back I sound like a right old battleaxe!!