Very very very very exciting morning!
I didn't see
Mocha much the past two nights, we kind of woke and slept at very unsynced times. I was on the brink of worry that he'd made this super hard to catch-routine, but this morning he surprised me again by being up and about at 9 AM. So I saw an opportunity to finally take him out and sit down with him in a playpen set. He did so well. At first kind of skittish but still less than I had imagined. Climbing and exploring all over, both on me and the things I had provided. He even accepts petting which I am so so happy about.
I had him out for about 20 minutes, then put him back to let him gather himself to go to sleep for the day. During his last preparations, I still put my hands in his enclosure which he willingly came to sniff and allowed me to pet over his head and back. I look forward to seeing him tonight. Big steps taken!