K.L.
Hi Michelle,
Your baby girl is waking up because she needs you! Are nursing? She probably is hungry and wants to be with Mom. We did something so simple but it's been profound for everyone's well being and happiness. We co-sleep with our second. Our first, we tried keeping her in a separate room and it was torture for everyone till I put a loft bed above our bed when she was 4! There is lots of research out there supporting co-sleeping. Plus, people have been doing it for eons. As long as you are not intoxicated or on medications, it is perfectly safe. And so worth the sleep! Mothering.com has great resources for honest info on the subject. Good luck!