I agree with txjourneyman......
Welcome to the boards. That is best first post I have ever seen.
For a man of 23 years....you express what it takes to be a REAL man well beyond your years. I'd like to take this opportunity as a father myself to tell you how much I respect what you're doing.
You nudge him.....and then wait for him to tug. By the sound of things....you won't have to worry about him tugging.
Good luck...and thanks for helping make us all look good.
Jeff