Sleeping through the night-a fractured fairy tale

Most reasonable people understand that there will be some sleepless nights when they bring their sweet little bundle of joy home. Everyone hears their fair share of "you better sleep now ha ha ha" comments. So, when we did become parents for the first time-2am feedings were no surprise. Our first followed all the predictable sleep patterns and while he's had his share of regressions and sleepless nights...he's been a reliably good sleeper. We never had to use any "methods" on him. He was welcome in our bed and nursed on demand...but did none of these things to excess.
and then our little diva was born.
She did great the first few months...even sleeping through the night fairly early. I thought we were SO lucky! By 4 months it all fell apart. I didn't worry too much, most 4 month olds sleep like shit, that's no secret. But she never improved. We have the same policy with her-but she very much takes advantage of it, and often wakes every hour. I consulted with her pediatrician, who advised me to let her cry. I can't stomach that. We've been working on a gentler approach, which has been marred by viruses and ear infections.
So, we power on. She's only a baby once, and I try to remind myself of that. She won't always wake and beg to be close. I am quite certain that teenage Ellie would rather die than sleep in our bed. So for now, I'll hit the caffeine, and relish in her babyness.
and who could turn away this sweet little girl