Tia sleeps in her crate at night, it is on the floor by my side of the bed. It has a see through top so she can see me if she needs to. I do get up with her once during the night, usually, but she's slept through the night for the past few nights - so I'm not sure if that is a thing of the past or what.
She hasn't gone in her crate yet. I put a blanket and the shirt I wore that day in there with her. Before she goes to bed, I take her to the laundry room to go potty then to the crate. I say "night night" and get into bed. She now doesn't cry when it's bed time. As soon as we wake up in the morning it's back to the laundry room for potty time. If she goes on the pad she gets a treat, if not, no treat but still a hug for going in the right area.
I use the playpen for when I go somewhere she can't. Since she doesn't have all of her shots yet, she can't go with me very much - so I'm like you in that area.
I hope this helps you a little - this is what I'm doing anyway
