Costume drama

Gus and Jack got into the Halloween spirit. Gus opted to let the irony sail right on by, dressing as something he couldn't enjoy due to his absence of teeth. That left Jack to carry the candy load. And he didn't mind stepping up for the chore, even if he did find it surreal that he could march up strangers' stoops, rap on the door and be rewarded for the effrontery. He couldn't believe his luck. When he got home, he immediately pulled out a 2011 calendar, marking next year's date with a happy face.

Imagine that

Jack took off last week to invade and conquer a neighboring province, claiming the small hillside for himself and his Wild Thing friends. Thankfully, the mission went smoothly and he was back by suppertime.

Settling in

With a lot of leisure time comes a lot of leisure activities--something Gus has grown to know well. So he measures the time by way of different facial expressions and the occasional raised fist to demonstrate his solidarity to the cause. And please, there will be no questioning of his commitment. That only serves to make Gus very, very sad.

Gus and Jack seize the days

Your room, sir

Gus has warmed up to his new environs. Kinda hard not to--the bottles come like clockwork, naps appear to be encouraged, dirty diapers are ushered away, and the staff seems pretty attentive.

Hard to decide what to do next.

Better settle in for a deep think.

Maybe gesture to show the cross I'm bearing.

Pose for a few shots with the staff.

Watch the rabble amuse themselves.

Greet visitors from afar.

And pay my allegiances to the horned one.

Gus arrives

And just like that, GassyJacks doubles in size, welcoming the newest addition to the Beehner brood: Gus Michael. He made his first appearance at 4:02 a.m., Tuesday, July 13, 2010, and immediately gave the room and its inhabitants a good once-over, making use of his best non-goopy eye.

First order of business: Hit the scales.

Next: Meet the marvel who lugged me around for nine months.

So that's the paparazzi geek Jack warned me about.

Time to get to know mom, Charlie Rose-style.

Her story checks out.

May as well let my guard down.

And squeeze in a quick catnap.

Maybe drag it into extra-time.

Wait a sec. I was told there'd be fawning.

That's the ticket.

The Master recognizes the new guy's methods.

And Grandma takes the bait.

Grandpa, too. I think I'm gonna like it here.