Ex says aww after I say what I want?!?

My ex and I have been talking for a few months and it seems like he does still have feelings for me. He says good morning plus my nickname in text most times, and once in a while he has called just to say goodnight, etc. I've been asking a few times why can't we just be together, he is afraid we will become like we were towards the end of our relationship before. I've just been playing it cool up until now when I couldn't take it again and said today in text that "I want to be in a loving and committed relationship with you" and told him thats all I had to say and ttyl. He said "Awww..." and good morning with my nickname as well. We capitalize each others names and nicknames in symbolizing importance and such but thats all we've said to each other today. His birthday is coming up in days and I wanted to send him a card and the note I put in there, but I dont know if I should anymore because I dont know what to do nor how to take his "aww". I know men can be or are slow at coming to being in a relationship, and I do want to be with him. help plz >.<