My best advise is just make a choice and be prepared to follow through, if he can't make it through the night w/out going potty, start by giving a bigger puppy proofed space like 4X 6 or slightly larger and have the puppy pad on one end and his bed or cage (w/door open) at the other, you can keep the crate door open so he can walk out and go potty when he wants. But as long as he isn't hungry or sick etc, you need to avoid going to baby him or give him attention when he's howling for it, it just teaches him that whining will get him what he wants. It is best to NOT get him out to play if he's whining, when he settles down he can come out and play. It is really hard when your not used to it, I know how your hubby is feeling, but it will get better. Your puppy is not too young at all so that is a good thing. He also should earn time running the house as he gets more predictable on his potty habits. If he is out you have to keep an eye an him every second so you can catch him when he squats to pee etc.
If he doesn't understand the puppy pad, then when he goes on the floor in his area, just take a paper towl and soak it up and place that on the pad and he will small that and know after a little bit that this is where goes potty. Here is a site that has advise on proper training of all kinds. Hang in there, it will get better very soon.
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