You need to understand that he's pursuing you now. It doesn't matter whether the texts are about important stuff or not....he senses that you are distancing yourself from him and the drama. When you asked him to give you space and only to contact you if absolutely necessary, you didn't realize that you would be sending him n a tailspin, i.e., exactly what the LBS all feel when the MLCers tell them to give them space and time.
Your h never in a million years thought you'd say this to him. He thought you would always be right where he left you pre-crisis and now??? He's realizing that your focus isn't on him and you aren't by the phone or computer waiting for him to contact you. This is a 180 for you and he's desperate to get you back into the drama. Don't do it. Keep to your boundaries and let him stew in his own juices.
If the communications aren't an emergency, I think I'd just leave them be. He has their numbers and he can call them directly. You do not need to be involved in his interactions w/his children. Sit quietly and watch the show. I don't think you owe him any explanation about what the kids want for Christmas...I'm sure his fingers aren't broke and he can punch in the phone numbers and ring them up himself.
Just remember, if you do contact him, you will be giving him attention which equates to ego kibbles and that will draw you right back into the game of distance/pursuer. Stay the course and let him sweat.
Keep up the good work!
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.
