Dr. Amy Bobrowski and Tina Saavedra, of Carpentersville, discuss Nathan's recovery since the successful kidney transplant at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, which occurred June 21. Nathan, 3, is off the ventilator and recovery is looking smooth at this point. Bobrowski said he could go home as soon as the Fourth of July. "I think there's been a lot of tears ... for happiness shed for Nathan's story," Bobrowski said.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Nathan Saavedra, 3, of Carpentersville, can't keep his hands off the stuffed monkey that his kidney donor, Kalin Koychev, 33, of Wheeling, brought to him when he and his wife, Sevda, paid a surprise visit on Wednesday. "Ever since he got it, he touches it all the time," said Nathan's mother, Tina. "He's not big on stuffed animals, either."

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Nathan Saavedra, 3, of Carpentersville, recovers in his room at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. "He's done amazingly well, he's a complicated case, but I think with a lot of coordination so far, so good," said Dr. Amy Bobrowski, Nathan's main doctor at the hospital. "He's making great progress."

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Registered nurse Danielle Alameda tends to Nathan Saavedra, 3, of Carpentersville, while his mother, Tina, stands by his side at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. After going through his second kidney transplant, Nathan is off the ventilator and his family looks forward to having him very soon.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Nathan Saavedra's mother, Tina, 28, of Carpentersville, talks about the events surrounding Nathan's second kidney transplant at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, which has so far proven to be a success. Nathan is now off the ventilator and could go home this week.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

With the kidney transplant surgery behind him, Nathan Saavedra, 3, of Carpentersville, rests in his room at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. Nathan was on a ventilator for a week following the surgery and was taken off it on Thursday. Nathan could be home in a matter of days.

Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer