You're doing extremely well with him!And I agree with your wife about housing snakes in plastic tubs, so that was GREAT luck getting the Exoterra.
I'm glad you'll be trying a f/t rodent for him soon- I've done the same thing when I've needed to feed live- stood ready with my tongs to "assist" for safety. You're lucky to have such a helpful local reptile store for feeders too- another win! You've done your homework so well on caring for this snake, it's very hard to think of you as a beginner.Way to go! And nice to get an update.