strong and courageous

merry christmas friends

2011-12-23T22:35:00.000-08:00

Dear friends, if you're checking here you're likely wondering about Isaiah. He's doing great. He's strong, growing, and full of life. He's been off chemo for 16 months. We're down to one doctor appointment every two months. We're so thankful.

Please head over to Nate's blog to read our Christmas 2011 letter and to see pictures from the year. It's been a great season of life for us. We'd love to share it with you.

Merry Christmas!

merry christmas from the oates family

2010-12-12T19:44:00.000-08:00

So grateful...

+ Isaiah completed 1155 days of chemotherapy on July 30. We celebrated with 150 friends and family at the city pool! More at isaiahoates.com.

+ Sienna and Nathan celebrated her 10^th birthday by traveling with others from our community to Nicaragua.

+ Matthias brings much life and disaster to our home. At 15 months he’s determined, sometimes-sweet, and into everything!

+ Carmen and Nathan celebrate 15 years of marriage on December 16^th and occasionally speak whole sentences to one another before being interrupted.

+ We continue to love sharing life and discovering Jesus with our church community. Emmaus turned 5 this year. EmmausCommunity.org

hello november

2010-11-07T18:12:00.000-08:00

Halloween, 2010: a cowboy, a puppy, and a waitress!

Sienna and Isaiah and I got to camp at a friend's ranch this weekend!

catching up!

2010-10-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Thanks for visiting. I fear I've lost your faithful companionship via this blog in this recent five weeks of silence. It's by far the longest I've gone without posting since May, 2007.

The truth is I've felt a surprising need to put this discipline down for a while. The constant pressure of Isaiah's health served as a strong motivator to blog. We were so aware of our need for support and wanted to keep those of you who pray for Isaiah posted and up-to-date.

Now that this long season of treatment is done, we've all appreciated simply moving on - thinking, writing, and doing new things. Last week, Isaiah had his first doctor appointment in 6 weeks! Six!

We're planning to publish this 3.5 year blog as a book for ourselves and, perhaps, some interested family members. I'm considering starting a new Oates family blog as a way to share some of the wonderful experiences we're having in this season. Maybe we'll just join Facebook. But probably NOT!

We'll keep you posted and, for at least the near future, will keep this site online and active.

Some recent fun:

Sienna and Isaiah spent a few days with their grandparents at Disneyland (but they were, apparently, too busy to take any pictures!)

We just rearranged the kids' room which included building a hanging bed for Isaiah. He's loving it.

The project included a trip to IKEA:

Much peace!

happy birthday Matthias!

2010-09-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

Our baby is 1 year old! un. be. liev. a. ble.

parties and doctors

2010-09-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend which included three parties. I felt like I hardly saw Isaiah. He was mostly off running/riding/swimming around with his friends. He crashed hard at 9, but seems to have had a wonderful weekend.

While standing in front of the family calendar in the hall tonight Carmen reported, "We have a doctor's appointment every day this week!" It's true. Time to take a number and get used to waiting rooms. Isaiah's at Sutter for a blood check Wednesday. Carmen and I are at UC Davis Friday to meet with the psychologists about the results of Isaiah's "CIA testing."

Here's a video Isaiah shot of Matthias. It's cute, but it may give you motion sickness!

Enjoy the week!

port in hand

2010-08-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

The port's last night.

pre-op consult

before: Isaiah felt good. after: "I just can't focus! Did they take it out? Focus!"

After walking Isaiah to the operating room and saying goodbye, I squeezed in a quick research appointment while he was in surgery. On my way back to the hospital, I received this text from Carmen:

The surgeon just handed me Isaiah's port! Matthy is using it as a rattle. Praise God all went well! One incision. No complications. I get to see Isaiah in ten minutes. I just can't wait to see how he feels "port free."

We shot this video while we were waiting...and waiting...and waiting...

2010-08-22T22:16:00.001-07:00

Deportation surgery tomorrow!

deported!

2010-08-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

This Friday is session #2 for Isaiah's CIA testing. We're wondering how hard they'll push him this week!

And on Monday, Isaiah will be deported! Since chemo is done, the little bump on the chest is no-longer needed. We're excited for this step. Though Isaiah has been able to live well with his "port," it will be good in so many ways to have this constant reminder out of his body.

[the progression of the port]

Isaiah gets tested for the CIA

2010-08-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

On the next two Fridays, we'll drive to Sacramento for neuro-psychological testing. Since Isaiah's treatment included chemotherapy that affected his spinal fluid and brain, we're going to see how he's processing information, check his I.Q., etc.

The testing includes a family interview, lots of problem solving, and runs a total of six hours.

Since we're picturing lots of white coats, ink blots, bizarre word problems, and apparently unrelated questions about our past, and because Isaiah is seriously considering a career in espionage, we're calling it "CIA testing." Isaiah is totally excited. He asked me recently if I thought they'd have him try to climb up walls. (I told him the physical training comes later.)

Of course, the doctors won't let-on that they know Isaiah is being tested for the CIA in order not to compromise his security. wink.

Happy Birthday Sienna!

Sienna turned 10 yesterday! She spent some time at the park with friends and shared dinner and dessert with her Bita and Papa. She will be blogging soon [at her blog, "Bubbles"] as part of her creative writing class in a few weeks!

end of chemo party

2010-08-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

Thank you!

Thank you, family, for your unrelenting support. You have stayed with us, shopped for us, cleaned for us, cried with us, driven thousands of miles for us. You have carried us.

Thank you, Emmaus Church Community, for joining us in this journey. You have been graceful, supportive in so many practical ways, giving, encouraging. You have been a safe place to grieve, doubt, hope, and grow.

Thank you, 5th Street Neighbors and friends around the world, for staying with us. Thanks for taking out our trash, mowing our lawn, reading this blog, wearing "strong and courageous" bracelets, and loving our son.

Thank you, Jesus, for your strength and peace. You never let us go. You were with us in the valleys and on the mountaintops. You held us in the pain. We are so grateful.

Bita's (Isaiah's grandma's) perspective:

[Isaiah's] party was attended by about 140 friends and family. With his little family in front, Nathan spoke to all of us first with words of gratitude. Then he spoke specifically to Isaiah about his beating down this "foe" with such courage and lack of complaint. Then, to Sienna, about her amazing nurture and sacrifice and selflessness over the last three years, spending one Christmas in the hospital instead of at home opening gifts and being with all her cousins, and spending one Thanksgiving away from her family altogether when Isaiah's blood counts were dangerously low and she had been exposed to chicken pox. [she lived with us for three weeks till the danger had passed]. He spoke to Carmen about her refusing to give in to a broken heart and her wonderful mothering. Then Isaiah took the mic and thanked his sister for "always being with me through everything". It was so meaningful.

isaiah is 8!

2010-08-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

Isaiah at 4

Isaiah at 8

We are having a hard time getting our heads around the reality of the last 4 years of Isaiah's life. It might sound surprising, but we're just beginning to feel the freedom to process much of what he's experienced.

Last night, his aunt Gentry and uncle Ryan gave him an amazing "done with chemo" gift. He's thrilled and has been walking around the house with this massive sword all morning. For half of his life, he's been fighting. We're proud of his great attitude. He seems older, much wiser (which, for me, is tinged with sadness), and very strong.

done.

2010-07-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

Today was Isaiah's 1155th and FINAL day of chemotherapy. Our family gathered on the patio of the beach house where we're staying and watched Isaiah swallow his final one-and-a-half pills of "6MP" - his daily oral chemotherapy for the last 36 months. He swiftly downed the pills in view of several video cameras. Everyone cheered. Isaiah seemed uncomfortable with all the attention.

Later I interviewed him on video tape. I hope I can show you some of the excerpts from that conversation some day.

Isaiah spent the rest of the day building a sand castle, boogie boarding, and swimming in the ocean. We just had a great dinner and are getting ready for rootbeer floats: Isaiah's request.

We're so grateful for your friendship, for your comments, tweets, and cheers!

2010-07-29T13:57:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is Isaiah's last day of chemotherapy. (let's read that sentence again, and slowly)

10 DAYS to LAST CHEMO!!!!

2010-07-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hi friends!
Nathan, the faithful blogger you have all grown to love and count on for updates, has been traveling!

I am sorry is has been so long since our last update. Isaiah received his last scheduled vincristine infusion one week ago today. He felt a little dizzy but energetic. The next day he didn't eat much and felt very tired. By evening of the next day (Wednesday) he was back to feeling normal again. I told him it was his last dose of vincristine and he just looked at me in surprise, not saying much.

We have ten days of oral chemotherapy left! I can hardly believe he is at the end of treatment. We continue to pray for his little body to heal and grow strong. Thank you for partnering with us all these years!

We look forward to celebrating with you on August 8th. If you plan to attend the party, would you please let us know? We want to be ready to celebrate you!

Carmen

counts are back up

2010-07-06T23:29:00.000-07:00

The 15 minute procedure took Carm and the kids over 2 hours plus driving time to Sac and back today. Can't wait till we transition to a local clinic for blood draws! Thankfully, Isaiah's blood bounced right back. Next appointment: July 13.

The kids just before the city fireworks show.

party planning!

2010-07-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

We hope you'll join us for Isaiah's End-of-Chemo Party on 8/8/10!

If you plan to join us for dinner, please let us know by July 25 so we can plan!

Thanks! Questions? Leave a comment here or write to isaiahisawarrior@gmail.com!

(here's a fun pic taken just seconds before the end of a rare and wonderful nap)

counts are down

2010-07-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

Isaiah had an appointment today and learned that his counts have dropped. So it looks like we'll be back to weekly blood tests in this, his last scheduled month of treatment. It's all part of the journey, I guess!

no more spinal taps!

2010-06-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Isaiah did great, as usual, at his appointment yesterday. He fasted all day and was the last to go in for his spinal. (They call patients beginning with the youngest, ending with the oldest. When we started this journey, he was always close to the youngest. Yesterday, at nearly 8, he was the oldest. So sad to see so many young kids in the hospital.)

He and I established a pattern with the first few spinal taps: I'd carry him in (rather than using a wheel chair), they'd administer the anesthetic while he was in my arms, and I'd lay him down when he conked-out. Since the beginning, as soon as he'd start to feel the drugs, he'd start yelling "I'm getting sleepy! I'm getting sleepy!" as loud as he could. He likes to try to fight the medicine. It's kind of become his trademark. After the first few times the doctors and nurses became accustomed to this and we all kind of laughed about it. I've never coached him to say this, and he doesn't ever remember saying it. But he always says/shouts it.

Yesterday was different.

As the Propofal began to take hold, he just started to scream. Not a fearful scream; more like a battle cry. Like he was charging into a fight. Think Braveheart. It was kind of disturbing. The doctor looked startled and asked, "What was that?"

As I walked out of the room, I thought, "That's a very strong kid, nearing the end of a very long journey... and he's still fighting."

last spinal tomorrow!

2010-06-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is our LAST scheduled fast and our LAST scheduled spinal tap! Isaiah is so excited. He's feeling such a sense of accomplishment (and, probably, relief). Every 12 weeks for the last 3 years he's gone through this fasting, waiting, spinal tap, feeling dizzy all day routine. This will be so good to have behind us.

We'll be fasting with joy and thanksgiving tomorrow.

YOU'RE INVITED!

2010-06-04T12:21:00.000-07:00

ISAIAH'S END-OF-CHEMO

SUNDAY

08.08.10

drop by any time between 5:30 - 8:30

To celebrate life and the end of this 38-month journey, and to express our gratitude to all of you who have prayed, supported, and cheered us on, we're throwing a really big party!

Dinner will be served!

Please RSVP by August 1st to isaiahisawarrior@gmail.com and we'll send you more information including the location!

Celebration is the way in which faith in the God of life is lived out, through both laughter and tears." - Henri Nouwen

great weekend

2010-05-30T23:37:00.000-07:00

The kids' cousins have been here all weekend, so there's been non-stop fun days and very little sleep. A crew went hiking Saturday and enjoyed a swim. We spent some good time working in the yard. The mockingbird eggs hatched! Here are the two babies...

We're wrapping up the details for a very special announcement which we'll make later this week. Check back soon!

three years ago this week...

2010-05-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

In some ways, it feels like it's flown by. In other ways, it seems like a very long time. Here's our first "Strong and Courageous" blog entry from three years ago this week. Thank you for sharing this long journey with our family. We're so grateful for your support.

survivor

2010-05-16T20:41:00.000-07:00

Isaiah and the fam participated in his third Relay for Life Survivor lap Saturday. The team from our church community raised over $3000 for the American Cancer Society. I was so blessed to stand back and watch Isaiah, alive and well, playing football and frisbee with other boys in the infield. These are sweet days. As always, big sister was there to cheer and support.

Bandits vs. Sea Dogs

2010-05-15T13:38:00.001-07:00

Bandits go down to the Sea Dogs, suffer first loss of the season. Record now 14-1. (Isaiah hits two doubles but is bummed about the loss).

healthy blood

2010-05-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

Isaiah had a good appointment this week. Everything looks fine. We're beginning to plan for a big party late in the summer. We'll announce it here! Thanks for checking-in.

Matthias, feeling big.

Sienna and Isaiah found a robin's nest in the rose bushes. Sienna took this great picture of these beautiful eggs!

the weekend part 2

2010-05-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

Today (Wednesday), Isaiah goes in for his regular blood check and chemo. He hopes to request his "Make a Wish" trip. (We'll tell you about his plan soon!) He's been feeling very strong lately. Thanks for your on-going support!

Matthy is almost crawling (check out his grip on the carpet!). Our life's about to start moving at a different speed.

Nate ran the Parkway Half Marathon with some friends on Saturday.

Dr. Jerry Root, from Wheaton College, stayed with us over the weekend and preached at Emmaus. Here's a shot of Jerry with some of his former students now at Emmaus.

the weekend part 1

2010-05-02T22:09:00.000-07:00

Matthy's fussing is momentarily assuaged by a Q-tip.

Big bother holds little brother (even after little brother spits up on big brother's shirt).

"Too close!"

Isaiah goes 3 for 3 and the Bandits' streak continues: 12 - 0!

end of april!

2010-04-22T23:38:00.000-07:00

We've had a good two weeks since the last update. Highlights include the Bandits' continuing dominance on the little league diamond! We won our tenth-straight game Monday night. It was our closest yet. We outscored the RiverCats by just one run. Isaiah collected four hits including a home run. He was delighted.

Today we went to the clinic for a blood check and chemo. His counts are strong. We're celebrating a whole year since our last hospital admission and are counting down to being done with treatment. We've only got a short time left to request a "Make a Wish" experience. Isaiah is trying hard to think of just the right thing.

Isaiah is also really enjoying his drum lessons. It's remarkable how well he's doing. His drum teacher gave us a recording today of Isaiah drumming to the song "Little Drummer Boy."

Our lives continue to radically affected by #3. Whether cracking us up or waking us up, Matthias' presence is a force to be recognized.

Thanks for checking-in with us! More pictures soon!

3 sweet kids

2010-04-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

Matthias being held by Grandpa

Isaiah making candles

Sienna with Bita on Easter

resurrection

2010-04-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

We experienced a great Resurrection Celebration with our church community yesterday and then lunch, etc. with family. We are so deeply grateful for The Resurrection of Christ and the reality of the triumph of life over death even here and now. This is our third resurrection celebration since Isaiah's diagnosis. We find ourselves rejoicing over and clinging to this foundational Christian declaration with greater passion every year: Jesus is risen, just as he said!

brothers

2010-04-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some great shots of the big brother/little brother dynamic playing out before our eyes...

2010-03-27T18:03:00.001-07:00

Isaiah collects 5 hits in this afternoon's game, raises batting average to .857.

Spinal tap today

2010-03-25T00:53:00.000-07:00

We're fasting Thursday for what should be Isaiah's second-to-last spinal tap. Tonight he listed all the people who told him they'd pray for him and/or fast with him. He gathers so much courage from knowing others are with him.

More shots from his snow shoeing trip:

In other news, the Bandits are tearing things up and Isaiah is playing so well. He had two throws to first for outs Tuesday night and went 3 for 3 at the plate (pushing his average to .777) with two singles and a home run!

2010-03-20T14:24:00.001-07:00

Isaiah hits a sharp single over second base in his only at bat and catches a fly ball in left field. He's very excited about the catch. It ended the inning and was a big crowd-pleaser.

batting average

2010-03-17T22:14:00.000-07:00

Today, while sitting in the waiting room at the clinic, I explained the concept of a batting average to Isaiah for the first time. That has to be one of the top 5 classic dad/son conversations. I remember learning the concept from my dad. My only hesitation was the concern that in introducing the idea I was somehow robbing him of something of the simple joy he finds in baseball. But he's beginning to notice and keep track of details much more this year, so I think, ultimately, it will be fun for him.

After two games he's batting .600.

I'm sure you were wondering. I might just toss that out occasionally this season.

In other news... His counts are way up at 2700 today. Next week we've got a spinal tap - it's either our last or second-to-last, depending on how they treat the last month of treatment (July). Can hardly believe we're using the word "last" in reference to his treatment.

Here are some of the great pictures Isaiah's godfather, Steve, took during a recent Sunday afternoon snow shoeing trip.

Thanks for checking-in!

snow!

2010-03-11T18:59:00.000-08:00

The 3 kids and Carmen spent two days and a night in Tahoe with Carmen's sister. They sledded for HOURS.

Isaiah had his first game Monday night. The "Bandits" did great and Isaiah collected two hits in two at bats! We'll get some baseball pics up soon!

feeling better

2010-03-03T16:38:00.000-08:00

We're all on the mend now, thankfully. Now for the laundry!

Here are Isaiah and his cool mom playing catch in Campbell.

2010-02-24T19:30:00.001-08:00

Matthy: ear infection; Sienna: two ear infections. Everyone's coughing. Stay away from our house! (thanks for cheering Isaiah on!)

2010-02-24T12:00:00.001-08:00

At the clinic for a blood draw and chemo. Lungs are clear. The other kids are sick. Thankfully, Isaiah feels good.

new look

2010-02-19T22:47:00.000-08:00

Over the last 6 weeks the doctors increased the amount of daily chemo for Isaiah, which led to his counts dropping and his hair falling out again. So yesterday he went in for his second shave. He was pretty excited about it. He loves the feeling of short hair. Just in time for baseball...

He's back on chemo at 50% of normal. Please continue to pray for his body during this last stretch of treatment. We have just less than 6 months left.

Here we are, watching Olympic highlights on my computer.

counts up

2010-02-18T10:32:00.000-08:00

Went to the clinic yesterday... Isaiah's counts are back up to 1800 (from 200 the week before). This also means we're back on chemo at 50%. He's feeling good. Check back soon for a surprise!

2010-02-10T15:05:00.001-08:00

Low counts. Neutropenic. Holding all chemotherapy for a week. Please pray for strong immunity.

3 kids

2010-02-05T18:24:00.000-08:00

We took some family pics at Bita and Papa's today. There are a couple more posted here. Even more to come!

2010-01-28T11:16:00.001-08:00

"I think I might be nicer to Sienna when this is all over. All this medicine makes me not normal. Something is still wrong with my body."

2010-01-28T10:43:00.001-08:00

"I'm at the clinic. I feel good. I'm just sitting around waiting to get accessed."

fight in the shade

2010-01-22T16:23:00.000-08:00

From Isaiah:

I've just been doing school work this last week. I'm doing history right now. I'm studying the Persians and the Greeks. The Persians said, "We will shoot so many arrows at you that they will block out the sun." And the Spartans said, "Then we will fight in the shade."

The Spartan women would tell their husbands, "Come back with your shield or on it."

One of the Greek cities was called Marathon. One guy ran to tell his people that they won a battle against the Persians. He died of exhaustion. So at the Olympics they would do a 26 mile race and they called it the Marathon.
...

Well there you have it.

On another note, here's a pic of Isaiah and Sienna wrestling with my college roommate, Pick.

Here are some recent pics of Matthias:

being 7

2010-01-13T12:50:00.000-08:00

Monday morning...

Isaiah: Dad! Check out my Lego guys! I've set up battle lines!

Me: Wow. Cool.

Isaiah: Ya, they're gonna duel to the death!

done with dex (for now)

2010-01-04T20:29:00.000-08:00

Isaiah just finished a three day dose of a steroid called Dexamethasone that has become increasingly difficult to deal with. He itches intensely while taking it: the first day he must have gotten in the shower 6 or 7 times in an effort to relieve the itching. We tried to stay active and also watched a few movies in an effort to give him something else to think about. His last dose was this morning and he's not itching anymore!

2009-12-31T21:43:00.001-08:00

Walking through the hospital today:
Me: sure seems empty here today.
Isaiah: ya, it's quiet. I like it quiet.
Me: why?
Isaiah: helps me focus.

2009-12-31T13:34:00.001-08:00

All done. He did great. Just gets stronger every time. Thanks for praying.

i must be in the front row!

2009-12-30T23:40:00.000-08:00

Well, almost! A friend gave us some great tickets to tonight's Kings/76ers game. Isaiah enjoyed seeing the players up close and hearing them yell and complain.

Jacob and Steve H. joined us. The boys got to go out on the floor after the game for a shot.

Tomorrow (12/31) bright and early we go back down to Sac for a spinal tap and chemo. Isaiah will be fasting all morning. We hope to be done by about 2 p.m. We'll spend New Year's Eve recovering at home. Thanks for supporting our strong son.

christmas hike pics

2009-12-27T22:19:00.001-08:00

We enjoyed a beautiful Christmas Day hike near the Skyline-to-Sea Trail.

Cousin Ethan and Uncle Patrick joined us.

Matthy expressed his enjoyment of the tree-climbing by making lots of bubbles. Didn't like the wind so much, though.

christmas hike pics, 2

2009-12-27T22:12:00.001-08:00

christmas week

2009-12-21T23:24:00.000-08:00

So grateful for healthy kids this Christmas! Isaiah's last appointment went well: his counts are much lower but still OK. We're very aware of the memory of spending last Christmas in the hospital with a fever.

Every single piece of our Advent celebration this year seems so rich. We're breathing deeply and taking it all in. Highlights so far include our conversations with our church community which continues to demonstrate such an encouraging desire to put into practice the way of Jesus, Sienna and Carmen's making communion bread for our Sunday gatherings in Advent, and an early Christmas celebration with the Oates tribe. This week is the Emmaus Christmas gathering (Wednesday) and Christmas Day with the Rojas side.

We'll share more soon. We're loving all the Christmas cards and updates from friends. Thank you!

dedication day

2009-12-13T22:21:00.000-08:00

Matthias had a great party today after church. Lots of smiles between naps.

grateful for good family times

2009-12-12T13:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, as the wind blew and the rain came down, I felt thankful for our warm house, our long stack of wood for the wood stove, and that my wife and kids were all healthy and together and home. I know these days are precious and few. I'm trying to soak up every moment.

Tomorrow, at our church community's worship gathering, we'll be dedicating Matthias to God. This is a significant act of trust and surrender and obedience for us (as it is for all parents). We have been entrusted with this little boy to care for for a little while, our primary roll to teach and to demonstrate the love of God and to point him Jesus, the True Lover of his soul.

A few weeks ago we escaped for a few short days in Tahoe. The highlight of the trip for the two "big kids" (Matthy hated it) were the bike rides through the forest.

We're enjoying the Season of Advent together. Every day the kids read from a book of readings focused on the birth of Christ, we've shared some fun, interactive events with our home group (had a bonfire and read the Christmas story in the pasture near my folk's barn), and Sienna and Carmen are baking communion bread each Saturday for our community's Sunday gatherings.

We're loving seeing many of your pictures in Christmas cards! Peace to you.

oates boys

2009-12-03T20:52:00.000-08:00

looking good

2009-11-23T18:18:00.001-08:00

We were at the clinic again today: Isaiah's blood looks very strong. His production of young, healthy red blood cells is higher than it's been in two years. So thankful.

phone pics from the last week

2009-11-18T22:23:00.000-08:00

glimpse of the future?

(grandpa's 70th birthday party)

nap time with the boys

oates men, early morning

even pirates gotta nurse

snack time in tahoe national forest

little brother

2009-11-13T21:34:00.000-08:00

Here are some new, beautiful shots of Matthias.

The family has gathered for Grandpa's 70th birthday. Isaiah's feeling strong and loving time with his cousins. We just stayed up late watching "Dirty Jobs" to pass the time while Isaiah waited to take his chemo. TV...what a concept.

halloween 09

2009-11-05T20:42:00.001-08:00

1. A monk and a bear at sunset.

2. 5th St. trick or treat!

3. kitty cat.

4. I've heard of a cat ... but not a rock star sheep!

pumpkins

2009-11-05T20:27:00.000-08:00

Here's a shot of the kids' pumpkins.

We helped with the Fall Carnival at Foskett Ranch. The kids went as Bo Peep and a Sheep!

2009-10-21T11:11:00.001-07:00

At Sutter. Bone scan results good: no new fractures and density has increased! Blood counts: 2100! Now off to dermatologist.

silly craziness

2009-10-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

We engaged in all manner of hilarity with the computer tonight! (It will probably take a while to get to bed now.)

We've got a regular blood test and check in Wednesday, followed by a dermatology appointment to try to figure out a persistent rash which has been bothering Isaiah. He feels pretty good most of the time. (Mom and Dad are running on empty - not enough sleep!)

pumpkin patch

2009-10-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

The kids enjoyed a Friday afternoon at the pumpkin patch.

Isaiah felt great despite receiving two kinds of chemo - one through his port, one in his spinal column - less than 24 hours earlier. He's amazingly resilient.

Love this pic. Thanks to Angela for the photos.

2009-10-08T14:42:00.001-07:00

All done at sutter. Sad place. Great nurses. Isaiah is doing fine.

spinal tap tomorrow

2009-10-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

We will be fasting with Isaiah tomorrow as he will be receiving chemo through a spinal tap. Our appointment begins at 10; we should be back in the car around 3. Thanks for praying for our strong and courageous boy. These are always tough days, though he tackles them head-on.

2009-09-30T12:05:00.001-07:00

Up to 1500!

2009-09-30T11:16:00.001-07:00

At Sutter checking counts... Hoping they've gone UP!

2 teeth in 3 days

2009-09-27T21:43:00.001-07:00

Isaiah is feeling fine. Low blood counts don't typically affect the way he feels. We're feeding him lots of iron and good supplements and praying for his immune system to be strong. We go back to the clinic on Wednesday.

He's lost 2 teeth in the last 3 days, leaving a significant hole in his grill. The top one came out when his sister yanked a water bottle out of his mouth; the lower we pulled out this afternoon because "it was time." Here's his note he stuck under his pillow (I think he must have dictated it to his sister).

(more pics of Matthias at nathanoates.com)

overheard...

2009-09-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

Carmen: Isaiah, you've got to start doing something with your hair. You look like a banty hen.

Isaiah: I already told you, I don't care!

Carmen: Well you should!

Isaiah: (pauses, appears to think, then states as a matter-of-fact) But I don't!

low counts... shoot!

2009-09-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

Just got back from our regular trip to Sutter for Isaiah's blood check. His counts have been low for a month but are very low today: just 200. At this level he is unable to fight infection so we'll be keeping things close to home for a while. He came home and went straight to his bed to sleep.

Would you pray for strong health and protection from disease? Thank you for your strong support.

more pics (because I can't help it)

2009-09-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

good friends

2009-09-18T08:15:00.000-07:00

Grateful for the good friends who have stuck with us through this journey. Please stay with us and continue to pray for Isaiah through this third year of treatment.

Here's a great shot (taken by Angela) of Jacob and Isaiah.

huge thanks...

2009-09-17T13:06:00.000-07:00

...to our midwives. They were a joy to work with.

Read 8 things I learned from our midwives about how to be a better pastor here.

summer's last sprint

2009-09-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

I ran a one mile run. It was hard! I thought I might stop running when I was halfway done. I started to cramp in my side. I ended up finishing in seventh place. I was proud of myself for finishing in seventh place. As soon as I finished I was very tired. I thought next time that I ran a mile like that I should probably try going slower at the first part of the race. - Isaiah

introducing...

2009-09-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

Matthias Judah Rojas Oates

Matthias – “Gift of God” A disciple of Jesus who follows in humble anonymity until (in Acts 1:26) he is chosen by God for leadership. He serves faithfully his whole life.

Sienna and Isaiah prayed for a baby for a long time. We joyfully receive Matthias as a gift from God.

Judah – “Let God be praised” Our prayer is that our son will praise God and that others will praise God because of his life.

Our hearts are filled with praise for this baby and for his peaceful, safe home birth.

Rojas – Carmen’s maiden name, given with gratitude for her family and in honor our children's Nicaraguan heritage.

born: Monday, September 14, 2009 at 11:28 a.m.

20.5 inches 7 pounds, 15 ounces

born at home

beautiful day

2009-09-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

Our baby boy was born at 11:28 a.m. today!

Carmen's contractions began at about 3:30 a.m. She labored hard and then pushed for about 35 minutes. She was an absolute warrior: focused and strong. I am so proud of her.

Both mom and baby are doing well. We are so grateful for his health. He's slept most of the afternoon and is nursing well.

We're sleeping on his name and will joyfully announce it in the morning.

Thank you for praying for us and cheering us on. It was an absolutely beautiful day.

still waiting...

2009-09-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

Still waiting...

Beautiful Bellies!

The evolution of baby arrival...

big, bigger, out.

Hey Oates! You're up!

any day...

2009-09-09T12:27:00.001-07:00

2009-09-09T10:19:00.001-07:00

Me: well Buddy, are you feeling strong and courageous?

Isaiah: heck ya.

2009-09-09T09:22:00.001-07:00

Driving to the clinic for regular blood check. Isaiah is feeling strong.

more man club pics

2009-09-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

As the sun came up, the reflection on the water was incredible.

Isaiah was first in the water... and it was cold!

Steve got some good jumping shots!

man club

2009-09-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

We started at Pink Box Donuts at 6:30. Then it was off to the American River Confluence for an early morning swim and a lot of rock jumping, rock throwing, and gold mining. Great time with some solid dads and great boys - all "who would be men."

On the way out we found a "geo cache" with the help of Steve's GPS unit. The hunt was exciting; the contents not so much.

camping

2009-09-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

We had a great time camping last weekend. It was all boys, all the time: throwing rocks at bottles, sword fighting, shooting bows, capture the flag, huge wrestling matches in a tent, playing with pocket knives, building fires... Isaiah absolutely loved it.

goin' campin'

2009-08-28T14:44:00.000-07:00

Isaiah and I are getting ready to go camping for a night with some friends. We're celebrating Jacob H.'s 13th birthday. The boys are all making sure each is bringing his pocket knife.

Isaiah is feeling strong!

august = birthmonth

2009-08-23T17:33:00.000-07:00

The kids are both doing great. They started school this week. They're both home schooling again this year.

Both had fun birthday celebrations which seemed to stretch on far beyond the actual day. We were so thankful for many phone calls from friends and family. And with 4 or 5 other family birthdays in August, we've been eating a whole lot of cake!

All is well. Thanks for checking-in!

isaiah quote of the day

2009-08-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

"You can never be too tough."

To his godmother who was expressing concern after he fell off a playground bridge

party!

2009-08-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

Just now cleaning up from a big party for Isaiah's seventh birthday. So grateful for friends and family who came by and celebrated with us. Missed those who couldn't come. Here's some pics:

august 6th!

2009-08-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Isaiah!

This morning I heard him stir, gasp, and then exclaim, "I'm seven! I'm seven! I'm seven!"

beach 09

2009-08-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

Isaiah struggled with a fever for the first several days of our annual family beach week, but turned the corner in time to feel good for the last two days.

It's always good to be with family for this week. I think we've gone more than 25 years in a row!

Isaiah said his favorite park of the week was being pulled by his uncle Ryan on a boogie board through the waves. Good times.

2009-08-03T22:42:00.001-07:00

Home and feeling healthy! He felt great by the end of the week. Beach pics soon. Thank you all.

2009-07-29T14:21:00.001-07:00

Still warmer than normal... But seems to be doing ok. Doctors are ok with waiting and watching. Trying to enjoy the beach and family time.

2009-07-27T18:20:00.001-07:00

Isaiah's got a fever again. Would you please pray this goes away? He was fine all day yesterday so we've joined my family for a few days at the beach... Now he's warming up... kind of complicates things.

feels like a reglear kid

2009-07-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

Isaiah has felt better as the day has progressed. Twice, at different times today, I heard him say out loud, "Thanks Jesus." I asked him about this.

"I'm just so happy I'm not in the hospital," he explained. "I feel like a reglear kid! (Reglear is one of his last remaining little kid words - he means regular, of course). I don't even feel like I'm in leukemia today. But I know that I am."

As often happens, hearing his heart made me both very happy and more than a little sad.

But we are grateful today. He seems to be feeling very strong.

Thanks Jesus.

2009-07-24T20:16:00.001-07:00

Isaiah is feeling much better. Fever is on the way down. Blood culture results should be known by Sunday. Thank you for praying and supporting us!

2009-07-24T11:12:00.001-07:00

Fever at 102.9 but blood counts are good. They let us go to await blood culture results at home.

2009-07-24T07:25:00.001-07:00

Rough night with fever. Going to the clinic this morning.

hair cut and a burger

2009-07-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

We cut our hair the other day. Isaiah has been asking for weeks - his hair was driving him nuts.

All is well. The kids are both in a soccer camp this week and enjoying it a lot.

Peace!