It IS just a stage, right?

I do believe that parenting is the most difficult undertaking I have ever endeavoured. It has been a challenging month. Ethan has hit his stride as a two-year old....most of the time cute, funny, witty, and incredibly sweet. The rest of time....not so much. He has been throwing tantrums lately, and has mastered the art of whining. But the most challenging behavior has been his refusal to sleep. Up until this point, he has been such a good sleeper as we were dutiful in the early months with sleep training. But lately it has become a battle of epic proportions at naptime and bedtime, and he also wakes at least once in the middle of the night. This requires me to go downstairs and rub his head until he falls asleep again - which wouldn't be so bad except that I cannot get back to sleep so easily. I am realizing that when I lose sleep, my irritability and impatience levels rise considerably, especially given that Eric and I start work at 6:45. We have tried several techniques to combat these behaviors while trying to remain consistent and in control, but it is still quite frustrating. I guess it seems to be getting a bit easier, but I suspect it will be a long road. I am constantly trying to figure out whether he's manipulating me and it's a matter of will and power, or if he truly emotionally needs something. And then I'm always asking myself about what he's learning as a result of this situation and what the long-term consequence/solution is. Compound that with maternal guilt (since I work during the day) and you've got a recipe for exhaustion and feelings of parental inadequacy. That's been a theme for me lately....feeling inadequate and incompetent. But it has reminded me further to lean upon God for those qualities which I lack. Parenting also makes me strive even more to be the person I desire to be: selfless, loving, patient, healthy, and an example for my children to follow. I'm pretty sure I fail more than I succeed, but in my weakness, He is strong.