Sleep Training

We've reached the point where we no longer can rock Ethan to sleep for his naps and for bedtime. A few days ago Ethan started not going to sleep when we rocked him or when he did sleep he wouldn't sleep long. We decided yesterday that we were going to sleep train him. I've read a ton of books and used a lot of techniques on other kids while nannying, but I've never been the one to figure out what we wanted to do that was right for us. A neighbor on Fourth of July told me that I should stop reading and just follow my instincts.
My instinct was that I should create a routine, such as diaper change, book, song, lay in bed and say, "Night, Night" then leave the room. After leaving him in his room we will come back every 5 minutes if he gets really fussy. Usually by 10 minutes he's asleep and sometimes talking to himself. He doesn't need us very much anymore which is bittersweet.
I am happy that my baby is finally going to sleep on his own. Since he put himself to sleep for the night on the 4th, he's done it all yesterday and for the naps today. He sleeps longer and slept longer with only 2 feedings last night. One very early this morning at 2am and the other at 445am. He's taking less food too and sleeping longer during the night. We aer getting close to not having to feed him at night. Just another month or so and my doctor says he can make it 12 hours without food.
Like I said before it's bittersweet. I love being needed, but he can't need me all the time. Especially when we all need sleep around here.