44 Button Late in Tourney - where was I in this hand?

[bobbycharles]

Late in MTT 1000 entrants, 65 players left. Tourney pays top 180 so we're all in the money.

Blinds 4000/8000

SB 40,000
BB (Villain) 135,000 Tourney Chip Leader
Button (Hero) 35,000 Holding 4h4s

Table folds to me on the button.
Hero limps with 8000. (first mistake?)
SB folds.
BB checks.

My thinking/read on Chip Leader: He's chip leader so there must be a reason. Seems to be fairly loose semi-aggressive. Has made a couple of questionable plays that worked out for him.

Flop: As Ah 2c

Villain checks.
Hero checks. (mistake #2?)

Turn: 9d

Villain checks.
Hero checks. (Mistake #3?)

At this point, I'm putting him on something like KJ but am fearing his stack and avoiding a tough decision should he reraise.

River: 2d

Villain bets 8000
Hero raises to 16000.
Villain calls and turns over 9d 7h.

Where the heck was I in this hand and what on earth was I thinking?! First I gave him a free look, but again, I was fearing a reraise if he thought I was trying to steal. Then I give free cards and oh...geez I suck.... [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Be gentle with me as I'm still relatively new, but learning a great deal. I may have answered my own question, but any input would be appreciated.