Hi Vicki,

It can be true, some babies get used to a routine and then expect it. Some recognize this routine as early as 2 months, others as late as 10 month to a year. He could have been sleeping great for those 3-9 months because of the rapid growth rate and his body requiring more sleep due to growing. It could be because he hadn't started dreaming yet. About 10-12 months is when babies start dreaming and later (during the toddler year)night terrors start. Why he is waking up could be any number of things from needing more food, exercise, earlier nap time, etc. What matters is how you handle it. 

One thing is if the baby is falling asleep with you, and you lay him down alseep (ie; he has no idea you put him down) when he stirs/wakes he's in a bit of shock since the last thing he remembers is being held and rocked by mommy.

Some babies just like the comfort of being snuggled with. And he could be like mine and just love the rocking motion and sleeps better when rocked.

Co sleeping is fine, if it works for you and your family. If you don't want baby sleeping with you until kindergarden (potentially) then you'll need to take steps to teach baby how to comfort himself.

If you'd like some ideas on this feel free to reply here or email me at pseudopal2@yahoo.com

Best,

Pseudopal.