Conversation had been lacking during lunch and Meredith didnt seem to care. Once all the dishes had been cleared, the family all settled in the loungeroom to listen to Christmas carols.

Christina moved next to Meredith. "Whats the deal with the tension?" she asked as Meredith leaned in to talk to her.

"The baby bomb threw them." Meredith shrugged.

"Your going to be screaming mommy by the end of your pregnancy." Christina said as she rolled her eyes. "You do realise i prefer you bitter and pissed off."

Meredith chuckled. "I thought that was only for special occassions."

Slowly the group began talking about Addie, Derek and the baby. Mark slipped an arm around Meredith. The interns took this as a cue for them to leave. Meredith thanked them for coming and told them she would see them at work.

Mark releaved it was just family now, moved Meredith onto his lap and started to rub Merediths belly.

"I dont bring good luck you know." Meredith teased.

They continued to sit back and listen to the discussion taking place. They didnt contribute, but just enjoyed the peace and quiet of not being the focus.

"Next christmas were going to have grown by 3." Addie said happily.

People went quiet.

"I cant wait for the overload of nappies and screams." Derek teased.

"At least they'll get to grow up together, like us." Mark added.

"The hospital is going to be crazy." Richard chuckled.

"Overload of surgical staff babies." Ellis groaned.

"Mum you'll love it." Meredith chipped in.

"So christmas next year will be a scream." Mark summarised.

"It will be music to our ears." Meredith murmered as she kissed Mark.

Derek kissed Addie and then rubbed her stomach. "So twin boys , do you think?" he asked Mark.

"I dont care as long as there healthy and happy." Mark answered.

The Shepherds smiled. "If there happy and healthy, then everything will be great. How long do you guys have left?" Keira asked.

"We have another 6 months to go." Meredith beamed, knowing that slowly they were warming up to the idea.

"We'll make sure to keep tabs on you." Kathleen told her.

"And if Addie is too worn out from the baby, then i can be your ob." Nancy offered.

"Thanks guys, we'll keep that in mind." Meredith said happily.

Mark cuddled in to Meredith. Everyone looked at Mamma Shepherd.

"Dont bother with the guilty looks" she snapped. "Just call me when the babies are born, then i will be cheerful."

Mark shook his head. Ellis jumped up angry, and Meredith turned her head into Marks shoulder.

"Enough is enough." Addie snapped. "Mamma, i dont know how you can be so negative when Meredith is pregnant and everybody else is happy."

Mamma stood up defensively. "She lost Michael because she was driving when she shouldnt have been. She is partially dependent on a chair, and you expect her to be able to carry healthy twins. Your compromising her health, as well as the babies." She argued.

"I am the best in Neonatal. I have been consulted on Merediths case from day one. All precautions have been put in place. Meredith wont be behind the wheel of a car at 8 months, she will be in the hospital on bed rest.

I also think you should consider the way you speak about Michaels passing too, as the way you just put it, any one would think that you believe Meredith to have been in the wrong. If you cant be happy for her, and deem me to be an unfit doctor, then i dont think Meredith and I will have much to do with you.

Enjoy Christmas alone mrs queen of negativetly, because My family will not be attending it, and neither will Merediths, and if you keep this up, neither will the rest of them." Addison argued.

Derek looked at his mother. "I think you have succesfuly killed any christmas cheer today mom. Thanks, thanks alot."

Derek then moved to calm Addie down, redirecting her out of the room. "We will be in the kitchen." He informed the group.

Mark stood with Meredith in his arms. "We will be there too."

Slowly Richard, Ellis and the shepherd clan moved that way, leaving Mamma Shepherd by herself. If she couldnt be happy about this, then no one really wanted to hear her at the moment.