22 Month Old Suddenly Crying Before Sleeping

It's probably her age. Right about that 2 year mark their bodies and minds start changing again and it's hard for them to deal b/c they don't really know it's happening. I would just keep doing what you're doing. If she's falling asleep that quickly, which I know seems like an eternity at the time, she's probably just having normal anxiety over separation or routine or whatever. I think just continue talking with her about things during waking hours and let her know you'll be around for when she wakes up.

1) Is she doing this crying thing while awake BEFORE falling asleep?
2) or, is she doing this crying thing, WHILE drifting off? (my son makes noises, AS he drifts off. But it is not 'crying'... just noises).

Also, at about this age, the get 'fears' at night. It is developmental based.
Things just scare them.
It is my guess, that her age related developmental based "fears" has just cropped up.
From about 2 years onward...children start to have 'fears'... and also night-mares etc.
It is a reflection of their changing cognitive development and imagination. Those things, cannot be 'extinguished.'

Is she verbal? Can you talk with her about it?
See if anything is bothering her?

How did she fall asleep at her Grandpa's house? What was different there? Did you all sleep in a room together there?

Can't you let her have a 'lovey' to sleep with? Or let her have a bunch of stuffed animals in bed with her? That is what my kids do and have in bed with them. It is comforting and makes the bed cozier.

Kids this age, naturally get lonely at night. And YES they still do get separation anxiety. This is manifested differently as each age juncture.

that is not a bad lenght of time for cio. its actually short and good for thier lungs.its probably a security thing since she went to mexico and then back home her enviroment kept changing. also if she is playing with her ears get her ears checked. is she teething?

Maybe two year molars? My little guy (1 year) is going through a lot of teething right now. I know when he is teething because he wakes often crying and wants to be held. Lasts a few days. I would suggest giving motrin or something. Since my guy is a good sleeper otherwise, I give in and hold him...I figure it is rough and he needs comfort. Plus, I love snuggling him and unfortunately, these snuggles won't last forever. :) How is she eating during the day? Is she eating enough at night? Some children have a decreased appetite when they teeth so maybe it is a combination of teething and hunger. Good luck...hope she feels better soon. :)

I agree with the others. She might just be in a little funk.

If you were on a plane, you might want to have her ears checked. That was the first thing that I thought of when I read this, since she was fine for a while when you got back. She might have popped an eardrum or if you were swimming she might have swimmers ear and that might just cause more pain when she is lying down.