Question #1 - when did you start putting in and leaving safe toys/stuffed animals in the crib?

Question #2 - the famous "what happened to my good sleeping baby"? She usually can't stay up past 8pm and lately she's been fighting both of us till after 9. Same thing is happening with naps now - she has been fighting me. I already let her play in her room on the floor to unwind for sometimes close to 1 hour. She senses when I am extending my arms to put her in the crib and screams at me, the same thing happens when she senses I'm sitting down on the glider. I used to be able to put her right down when she looked tired and she'd either play for a little bit or go right to sleep. I can't bring myself to CIO - any suggestions or hope? Thanks!