close...but no cigar

It was my 4th night trying last night, and I think I'm getting a bit better. However, I seem to be taking baby steps as each night presents a new problem. Last night I remember various times when I was dreaming and suspected I was dreaming, so I'd perform a reality check. But each time I thought about lucidty and performed a reality check, it would partially pull me out of the dream, and I would perform the reality check in real life in my bed. I would still be dreaming, but it was as if I could see the dream at 50% opacity while muted. I can't seem to separate coming awake with becoming lucid. Is there a theory as to why this is happening?

Whe reality check was the nose-plug technique btw

Sounds like you were having False Awakenings. They're common and the trick is to ALWAYS do a RC whenever you wake up. Be very critical each time you wake up and perform a RC to confirm you're indeed awake. Also, I would not call that baby steps. A few Lucids already is great progress. Keep it up!

Keep trying, you'll get it soon enough

There is nothing to really help you but maybe a few stability tricks. When you become lucid try your best to stay calm. Also try using as many senses as possible. Try touching a lot of things. Shout things like increase dream vividness.

One of the best things to do when your lucid is to wake yourself up and perform a DEILD. Your dream should be pretty clear after that.