Artistic Nurses, a Clean Face and the First Day of School

Please do not send me any threatening looks, letters or phone calls. I know, I know, I am WAY behind on the blog. Things are progressing well. Noah has nothing on his face at all. They have taken off the nasal cannula and the feeding tube as well as taken out all chest tubes and the IV line out of his neck. Everything he has left is on his left arm so it has really made it much easier to get out of bed, walk around a little and sit in a real chair. He is looking so good and has almost no pain in his incision site. The only issue we are trying to fight right now is nausea and vomiting. He has been doing this for at least three days and is not able to eat or drink anything. He is getting nutrients from something called TPN and Lipids (basically electrolytes and fats). He receives this through his IV. They did an echo today of his stomach and are running some blood tests to see if the issue is something other than just getting his stomach and intestines running properly. I will let you know when I find out something. They also did some blood work in association with his immune system and it looks like all of that is good.
He seems to be more like himself today. He is smiling and laughing a little. He is also being a little more verbal than he has in two to three weeks. He told me today that he is wants to go home. I told him I was ready to go home too. He is doing very well and I know it is because so many of you are praying for him. Thank you so much.
I am including many pictures for you all to see. Many show Noah with different drawings on his chest covering. I have challenges some of the nurses to compete with each other to see what kind of drawings they can do for us. Miss Lindsey did a great job with her rocket ship (on a previous post) as well as the elephant and rabbit. Last night Miss Christina drew Mickey Mouse. I can't wait to see what he gets next. I am including a picture of Noah with Dr. Ashok (one of the surgeons). We LOVE him!!! He is such a great doctor. He has done such a great job of taking care of Noah. One morning when I came in Noah's room the nurse immediately told me that during the night he came into Noah's room and rubbed his head until he fell asleep. She was about to cry telling me this. She said, "It was so sweet". I was very touched by how much Dr. Ashok checked on Noah and spoke so highly of Noah. He even wrote a special note in Noah's memory notebook that I am having the nurses and doctors sign. He is a very special man and I am proud to have him as one of our doctors. I am also including a picture of Noah and his physical therapist, Amy, who is helping him learn to use his muscles again. She is a sweet gal and has been very encouraging to Noah the last couple of days. Most of all please note the picture of Noah with nothing on his face. It is so great to see him looking like his normal self again. Thanks so much for the prayers. God is good and is constantly reminding me of this as we inch our way out of the door of the hospital.
Lastly, I want to include a picture of Madison and Olivia from their first day of school. I am sad I was not there in person but it is good to see their beautiful faces. I love them and am so proud of them. They are really stepping up and taking care of things despite what is going on in our family. I know the Lord is using them right where they are at this moment. Thanks everyone and blessings to you all!!!