I had a first with Nate the other day.  Lately, I have been petting Nate more aggressively – scratching his sides and hind quarters.  For the most part, he doesn’t seem to mind but he still watches my hands the closer I get to his tail.

Yesterday, I actually picked him up and held him for a couple of seconds!  No real reaction from Nate.  I was amazed!!  I plan on continuing to do this from time to time to see if I can truly get him comfortable with it.