I am working on handling my boy a couple days a week, between feedings. Thus far, I make sure to move slowly around him and try to read him as best as I can for signs of stress. Generally, a handling progression looks like this:

1. I take him out and hold him on my hand
2. He sits there for a while, not balled up tightly; just kind of resting/watching. He kind of side-eyes me, staying very still and making sure he's in a safe place.
3. He starts to poke out his little tongue, getting curious. (I was actually able to put my finger near his chin today without the freeze-and-look response, and have my smartphone pretty close to him without him startling)
4. He'll crawl along my arms and whatnot, fairly chill
5. Eventually, he'll get to the point where he's more active, but his startle response is a little more likely to occur despite moving slowly. After one or two startles, I'll put him back in his enclosure so he can calm down.

I'm assuming that number five is a stress response for sure. Is this correct? Are there any other places that I should be looking out for signs of stress? Are there any tips that anyone might have for getting him less head-shy? I feel like he's doing pretty well so far. He's only about two-and-a-half months old.

Thanks in advance!