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We now have a Malibu zip code and we are are trying to savor the flavor, becuase it sure isn't going to last past graduation. We are pretty much settled into our new apartment and we are enjoying our new surroundings, especially the proximity to the law school and the beach (not necessarily in that order.) This past Saturday, we saddled up and made our way down to L.A. to visit the Natural History Museum. Our primary purpose was to visit the butterfly pavilion. What we didn't realize, is that we shouldn't have told Jacob that we were going to see butterflies until we were AT the butterfly pavilion. At first his flapping arms and repitition of the word "flutterby" were pretty funny, but soon he became a little annoyed at how long he had to wait to see them. The clip below is fairly indicative of his enthusiasm for flutterbies. (Don't worry, he also likes dinosaurs, lions and other tough animals that growl.) After the butterfly pavilion, we made our way over to the natural history museum where we saw some dinosaur skeletons, etc.

Jacob and Daddy with T-Rex and Triceratops... it makes a dad proud to here his boy growl when he sees some dinosaur skeletons... especially after a trip to the flutterby pavillion!

Jacob and mommy lookin' good at the flutterby pavilion.

The picture below is from our trip to the Peterson Automotive Museum in L.A.
I snuck this one in as a tribute to "papa".

And finally... what's the best way to relax after a long day at the museum?
Take a bath, lay down and read the most recent edition of Malibu Times!

Ain't it the life!

Something to Talk About

The majority of our blog posts usually focus on Jacob's adventures or the joys/pains of parenthood. This post is significantly more "grown-up" than our usual topics. We hope that sharing our thoughts will give you something to think about.

For California voters, like us, the upcoming ballot includes not only a chance to vote for a Presidential candidate, but also the chance to weigh-in on Proposition 8. This is a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would define legally recognized marriage as only between a man and a woman.

We have learned about this proposed amendment, and wish to share some of the information that we have found helpful in understanding the issue and deciding where we stand.
The Divine Institution of Marriage
The Family: A Proclamation to the World

We believe that strong families form the foundation for a strong society. We also believe that God defined marriage as between a man and a woman. Because of these beliefs we support Proposition 8.

This issue encompasses individual rights and freedom of religion. In some cases involving a clash between the individual rights of same-sex couples and freedom of religion, the courts (in states that recognize same-sex marriage) have tended to find in favor of the individual rights of the couple over the free exercise of religion. For example, Catholic adoption agencies in Massachusetts ceased operations after the courts mandated that they serve same-sex couples just as they served heterosexual couples. We believe that the free exercise of religion is one of America's greatest strengths, and that limiting this freedom will do a great disservice to our country.

This Proposition does not limit rights already established in CA such as fair housing, hospitalization, and others. It is specifically focused on the definition of marriage. We understand that this issue effects many of our friends and their families in different ways. We are committed to loving, serving, and respecting each of God's children, regardless of lifestyle choices. Therefore, we support this measure because we believe it is necessary to defend the sacred institution of marriage, not because we have any ill will towards a certain group of people.

We hope that sharing our view, has helped you to think about yours. Thank you for letting us share with you.

Ultrasound Checklist

Joey, Jacob, and I went to the doctor today to see "pictures of the baby" (At least that's how we described it to Jacob). It was a great time. The ultrasound technician walked us through each of the images. It went something like this:

4 chamber heart: Check

Spine: Check

2 Kidneys: Check

Upper Lip: Check

2 Femurs: Check

Penis: Check

IT'S A BOY! We are grateful to know that he is healthy, and our budget will be grateful when we reuse the clothes we have! He's due on Christmas Day. We are very excited, now let's see if we can come up with a name before he is born!

Here is a profile shot!