A Sleep Situation

We are having some issues with sleep.  It started a few weeks ago.  Up until then, Olivia has been a pretty good sleeper.  We had that lifetime small phase when she was a baby where she only napped a half hour, but after that we've been good.  She was sleeping 12 hours a night.  More recently it's been about 11, which I think is pretty normal.  She naps once a day, and while I would love for it to be the 3 hours Little Man use to sleep, it's usually about an hour and a half--two hours on a good day.

It started with her waking up in the middle of the night screaming.  I thought it was a one time thing and addressed it the best I could.  She wasn't sick.  It wasn't too hot or too cold.  I thought maybe it was a nightmare and went on with things.

Unfortunately, it has progressed.  She use to go down to bed with no issues.  We have our little routine that includes reading books, singing songs, praying, and giving hugs and kisses.  We'd put her in her bed and she'd say, "Sweet Dreams" to us. :)  Now, she kicks and fights and screams bloody murder.  This happens at bedtime and nap.  Delightful, right?

Once she falls asleep for nap, it's usually OK.  Although, last Sunday, after screaming for over 45 minutes (with period check ins from us) and even attempting to have her nap in bed with us, she ended up with NO nap at all.

Nighttime is a different story.  She will wake up and just scream.  It's not night terrors, because you are still asleep for those and she is definitely awake.  The minute I pick her up, she's fine.

I'm thinking that it's a form of separation anxiety.  Because now at night, even after we've done hugs and kisses, she will ask for another hug through her sobs.  I always give her one, and then while we are hugging I pray out loud for her to have peace and to have a good nights sleep and to not be scared.

Anyone have any suggestions?  I've started keeping her closet light on and it filters out through the cracks of the door.  We need to get a new bulb for her night light.  We haven't used it since she was itty bitty.  She has her music and light thing still attached to her crib, but she almost gets mad when we turn it on.  She sleeps with lots of friends.  Nothing else has changed.... Except that Michael is not there some nights.  It may be related to his new job, which is heartbreaking, but our reality at this point.

All I know, is that Mama is ready for some uninterrupted SLEEP!  Thankfully she isn't waking up EVERY night anymore. It's just here and there.  I'm trying to find a pattern, but have yet to figure it out.  Any help all you mommy experts out there have would be greatly appreciated. :)