Quote: acknowledging the "good stuff" is different than doing it to get a response from him...
I'm thinking your H might be a little shy in the reassurances department because he's afraid of getting his head bit off. Not that I'm saying you are overreacting or anything, but I noticed my H was always afraid that I was "mad" at him or "punishing" him.
So...make sure he knows you're happy with the good stuff. Try not to be so suspicious. (You know, the whole "why is doing the laundry on Thursday?" type of stuff. ) I know it's hard, and really hard at first, but just thank him and really truly mean it. If he knows that you're going appreciate what he's doing, he's more likely to do it.
Quote: Did I know that at one point and forget it?
I have this problem a lot... That's why I like to write down what I've figured out--helps it sink into my memory better.
Not that I'm saying you are overreacting or anything, but I noticed my H was always afraid that I was "mad" at him or "punishing" him. 
) I know it's hard, and really hard at first, but just thank him and really truly mean it. If he knows that you're going appreciate what he's doing, he's more likely to do it. 
