A few days later Teddy received a call from a Seattle number "Hello"?
"Teddy it's Addison! How are you"?!
"Addison?! *she looked at Owen in shock* we are doing well, how about you? Everything alright, in Seattle"?! she said sitting down and picking up Daniel who had crawled up to her
"Yes, I just have a patient that I would like to consult you about, however, this patient is still in utero".
"OH WOW! Gosh! Sure, send me details and I'll look this evening. but can I ask ….…..why me"? She put Addison on speaker
"I told the mother it's a very tricky situation, and that I'd call the best of the best cardiothoracic surgeons that I know and that you'd be able to help'. She said enthusiastically
"Addison, you've made a wise choice asking for Teddy's help". Owen chimed in
"I'm hoping she'll agree to it". Addison chuckled
She laughed uncomfortably "Addison, you two hyping me up doesn't help when I don't even know what I'm looking at".
"You'll be fine, we believe in you"! Owen shoved her
Later that evening
"Heeeyyyy"! she walked into a house smelling of delicious food "ugh you cook?! Bless you! I'm starving"! she grabbed his face
"I thought you would be…. I didn't cook, I went to that Roast Chicken place you love so much". He handed her a bite of food
"MmMmmm SO GOOD"! she said taking a bite while pouring them some wine.
Noticing how quiet it was …. "Where the kids"?
"they went to a friends house for the night * he sat down next to her* I thought we could have a date night, dinner… movie … some mommy and daddy time". He smiled
Stuffing her face "I like that plan, what movie? * she kept eating*
"Teddy swallow" He watched her perplexed
Laughing "Sorry, I didn't eat all day. SOOO about Addison calling today, she wants me to consult on one of her patients. I Reviewed the findings she sent over, Poor thing, 28 weeks in-utero with Congestive heart disease. Can you believe that? Ugh being filled with such hope and excitement then told your child, who you have not met yet…. Is sick. UGH, my heart would not be able to take it'.
"NO, if that were Allison or Daniel …. I do not know what I would have done. *Owen said massaging Teddy's shoulders and neck * What did you recommend"?
"Oh, it's surgical, and needed to have happened like yesterday. If they correct it now, the baby should live a long healthy life…. If they wait, until it's born, the damage will have already been done, and I don't know if there's really anything I could do besides recommending a heart transplant, and even still I couldn't guarantee a great outcome. Infant hearts are not easy to come by. Such a shame". She shook her head.
"Sure, hope they have a great cardio surgeon, do you know Who are they going to have do the surgery". He asked
"I am," she said getting up to get another glass of wine
"Wait, WHAT?! He followed her to the kitchen
"What's wrong with me going back to Seattle? There is no one better qualified, you both said yourself"
"Teddy…." He shut up as she looked at him
"What?! You do not honestly expect me to do nothing. Do you want to go?! Family Trip! It'd be a short"?
He smiled pressing her against the counter kissing her neck "No, go-go, I expect nothing less, I'll stay here with the kids and hold down the fort …. will we survive? I do not know. But be the amazing Theodora Grace Altman we all love and save that little baby".
"I love you". She smiled with the glass pressed against her lip
"REALLY, how much"? he teased her
She grabbed him took him to bed showed him how much she loved him
"That was amazing'! she said her resting her head on his chest she kissed his chest.
"Amazing enough to make a baby"? he was like a little kid
"OWEN! She slapped his check Stop with the baby talk; it's NOT HAPPENING"!
"Why are you so against having another one? I thought you wanted a big family, I thought you loved being a mom".
"I DO, I DO LOVE being a mom, more than anything…. But Owen adding another baby to our family…. When I BARELY See the ones, we do have…. That is not fair to the baby or me".
"So it's not a solid NO". he smirked rubbing his thumb over her hip
"HA! How about you figure out how to get pregnant and ….. you can go through an entire pregnancy with a full-time job, and 3 kids. But no… it is not a solid no. Just not now".
"You're so sexy, Have energy in you for round 2 ". Owen got on top of her
"For you? Always Major".
The next day flew by and before they knew it Teddy was heading out the door to head to Seattle for Addison's patient.
Cuddling on the couch with her 3 kids "mommy why do you have to go"
"Because I must go help another mommy's baby, who is REALLY sick. BUT Guess where the baby is".
"In their bed"? Leo said
"No, good guess though bud. The baby is STILL in the mommy's tummy, the mom is only 5 months pregnant …. So, it's the size offfffff *looking for something size comparison * Allison's teddy bear"!
"Like Like Like .. Brother and sister in your tummy"? Leo patted Teddy's stomach
"YES! *she kissed Leo * just like how Allison and Daniel were in my tummy".
"He's so smart, *Owen said walked past them* Teddy, your car is here"! Owen yelled from the front of the house
"He sure is! Okay, my loves, Momma must go! –*she said kissing them all* promise momma you will be good for Daddy, okay? I'll try and call you as soon as I can"!
"Bye handsome" she wrapped her arms around his neck, miss you already". She grabbed him
"HEY, Woah now! 4 sleeps and you'll be back home" he kissed her
"EWWWWWWWWW GROSSS "! The kids yelled
HAHAH "18 more years huh? *she winked * Bye, love you!"
As the plane landed, Teddy checked her phone for baggage claim and texted Owen and Addison she had arrived.
"TEDDY ALTMAN"!?
She spotted her redheaded friend
"UGH I'm so glad you came"! Addison squeezed her "This poor baby"
"I'm happy to help any way I can. Let us go straight to the hospital, I don't want to waste any more time".
Everyone was thrilled to see Teddy again; the hugs and pleasant exchanges were a warm welcome. It was good to see familiar faces again. She didn't realize how much she'd miss Seattle, the place she initially left to escape all the drama. Tom was gone and it'd seemed that there was peace in the hospital.
"How are those precious babies of yours"!? Bailey asked
"They're amazing, Leo talks about Tuck and Harriet all the time, I wish they could have come this time… but it was such sudden notice and it's such a short visit. * a few other familiar faces gathered around to greet and chat with her* Listen, I am so sorry to hear about Amelia ….We wish we could have come home, but life got in the way ".
"that's alright * Meredith commented * It was a small memorial".
Teddy nodded "excuse me".
she pulled out her phone made a call, it went to voice message "Hey Mom, I am in town seeing a patient for a few days, I'd love to see you".
"Ready"? Addison grabbed her as Teddy hung-up
"Hi Theresa and Mark, this is Dr. Altman she is the cardio surgeon I told you about and she has a great game plan".
"Hi" Theresa smiled and shook Teddy's hand
"Theresa … Mark, I looked over your chart and your baby has an obstruction of the aortic valve, which is known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Through Fetal – image-guided surgery I can insert a balloon catheter into the valve and dilate the valve".
"Why can't we just wait till after she's born"? Mark asked walking over to his wife
"If we wait, it will be harder to treat, resulting in multiple surgeries, low birth weight, and lifelong limitations. IF WE do the procedure now, I believe there is a very good outcome and often babies will no longer need medical intervention".
"Dr. Altman, do you have children"? He asked
"I do" * she quietly said as she sat down taking Theresa's hand*
"I understand this is difficult to hear and a difficult choice to make. I have 3 beautiful children at home, and I know that feeling of having to trust someone else with the one thing YOU are supposed to take care of for 9 months. I am confident Addison has made the right choices for your baby thus far and I am confident I can help your little girl".
"what would you do, If you were in my position"? Theresa asked
"I'd have the surgery". Teddy said confidently
"okay". Theresa said
Turning to Addison "Great, I do want to one more echocardiography just to have the most current scan".
"Sure thing" Addison agreed.
"Thank you, Teddy," Addison said as she met Teddy at the nurses' station.
Couple of hours later and reviewing the most current scans, Teddy was sure of her plan. She looked down and noticed missed calls and messages from Owen and Evelyn
"Hi Hon, HI MOMMYY! We just wanted to call and tell you we are thinking about you and miss you. You will be amazing today, Love you Mommmyyy! Love you, Babe".
"Teddy darling! it is so good to hear your voice! Yes, of course, I would love to see you. I do not know what your living arrangements are while you are here baby, but you're always welcome to come home to me. Love you, baby, be great! Talk to you soon".
She adored Evelyn, she had been a mother figure to her, longer than she knew her own mom.
"Hello Theresa, you ready"? Teddy walked in as the Interns and nurses prepped her
"You and your baby are in INCREDIBLE Hands Theresa …. Dr. Altman is STATE OF THE ART". One of the interns reassured Theresa
"I guess …. Nervous. Dr. Altman "? Teddy looked up from her chart with a smile
"When you were pregnant, did you ever feel like you failed your baby"?
"All my pregnancies. *Teddy took her hand* And you think that feeling will go away after their born, It doesn't. But seeing them thrive and hearing them tell you they love you or call you mom for the first time… out weights all the times you will fail". She squeezed her hand "I'll see you in there"
9 hours later, the baby was looking good and Theresa recovered well.
"Hello! How are you feeling? Wanted to let you know everything went textbook. And Addison will continue your follow up care. You're incredibly brave, don't forget that". She said checking the small incision
"Dr. Altman, Thank you". Teddy nodded
Teddy headed out not before stopping by the hospital pharmacy and picking up a pregnancy test, stuffed it in her purse for later.
"THEODORA! OH MY GOSH come inside beautiful! *Evelyn hugged her* Let me look at you! You're not eating enough Teddy; you are rail thin, UGH those kids and work are running you ragged! I'm going to make you some real food and fatten you up while you are home"!
"Mom, I'm fine," she said laughing sitting down exhausted from her day "I'm so happy I am able to see you".
"Do not argue with your mother, young lady! You are a walking skeleton"!
Truth she has lost quite a bit of weight. She had not been feeling well for awhile and contributed it to their move and her life schedule
"Everything go smoothly today"? as she sat down handing Teddy some hot chocolate
"Yes, perfectly, couldn't have asked for a better patient'. she sipped on her hot chocolate and closed her eyes as Evelyn rubbed out the tension in her back and shoulders, she sighed
"How about we facetime your babies?" Evelyn said softly
Owen picked up his phone "Hey mom …. there gorgeous how'd it go today""?
"Hiiii, smooth sailing. Hope the place is still standing! *she chuckled* Let me see my babies"!
"It's barely standing, hang on…. What am I chopped liver"? he sounded offended
"Sorry man"
"Guys momma wants to see you"!
"HEY GUYS, I have something to show you" as Evelyn joined Teddy on the screen
"GRANDMA"! The kids yelled "Mom! HI" Owen was thrilled that Teddy was with her
"HI, oh my grandbabies….. your mommy was telling me all about how big you've all have gotten, I did not believe her, WOW! Daniel is not so itty bitty anymore "
"NO, he's not"! Teddy said, "Hey you guys chat with Grandma, I need to run and check something really quick". She jumped up setting down her mug
She grabbed her purse and ran upstairs pulling out the pregnancy test, while waiting she booked an extra flight back to Germany for Evelyn.
Her Timer went off … positive. Just as she suspected *UGHHHHHHH she sighed I Guess now is better than later…..better for the kids to be closer in age * she thought to herself
She texted Addison for an appt the next day.
She ran back downstairs to join her family
Following Afternoon
"So, you think you're pregnant huh? Addison asked Helping Teddy lay down
"I sure feel like it, *exposing her flat stomach* Ahhhh warn me "! she flinched at the cold gel
"Sorry , Sorry … * Addison chuckled * Heyyyy *she said looking at Teddy's scar from Daniel* whoever did your c-section sure has some handy work with those sutures" she teased Teddy
Min Later…..
"AH! There … You sure are pregnant, congrats ".! Addison exclaimed looking back at Teddy
Teddy started crying "Hey hey hey what's going on, are those happy…. Mad tears" Addison rubbed her back, handing her a box of tissues
"Owwwen is going to be SO happy, he's been begging me for months now to have another baby. And I do not know, I do not want another baby right now, I told him maybe in the future".
"Teds what are you saying … do you want to ha.."
"No No, it's fine, I knowww my choices …. it's just I'm always SO busy and barely have time for the sweet children I HAVE, it's so hard for them annnd NOW there will be a new baby in the mix they are going to be so confused …."
"Teddy… Teddy, maybe it won't. Hey * taking her hands*… It's going to be alright, this baby already hit the jackpot…. Name a more iconic parental duo than you and Owen Hunt… I mean come on! I cannot … and this baby has SO MANY siblings who will love him or her! And You know you can always call me for anything.
Teddy Nodded "Thank you Addison"
Back at the house Evelyn was cleaning, collecting trash from the bathrooms to take to the trashcan…. And she saw it, sitting on the counter clear as day, POSITIVE. *oh my gosh another grandbaby! * She thought to herself.
She immediately called Owen – "I hear congratulations are in order "!
"what are you talking about mom"? Owen sounded confused
"When were you going to tell me Teddy was pregnant"!?
"Ughhhhh she is"?
"Oh No, she hasn't told you yet"?! Evelyn sounded embarrassed
"Evelyn I'm home"! she heard Teddy yell as she walked in
"Mom…. What are you talking about"?
"Owen, Teddy just got home… Please do not tell her I told you, and honestly, we don't know if it's for real, I just saw a test". She panicked
"I won't, okay, bye mom"!
Owen was in shock, he expressed he wanted another baby, but he did not think it would be this soon, especially since Teddy was not on board with the idea. He prayed she was okay.
"Dada "Allison toddled up to him "Up … Up " he picked her up and held her tight remember the first time he held her in his arms as a newborn not too long ago. Kissing her he set her down off to make dinner
"Hi hon"
"Hey Evelyn, *she said cheerfully* I have a little last min surprise for you and the family! You're coming back with me to Germany tomorrow"!
"Teddy seriously"?!
"Yup! Owen and the kids don't know, I want it to be a surprise thinking they're only picking me up from the airport"!
"OHH HONEY"! Evelyn hugged her
The next morning Teddy and Addison did their final eval on Theresa and her baby
"EVERYTHING Looks great"! Teddy exclaimed
"And there shouldn't be any problems moving forward"? Mark asked
"There shouldn't. But if there are problems, you are in the most capable hands, and she knows she can call anytime". Teddy turned to Addison
"Thank you, Dr. Altman,". Theresa hugged her
"Oh, you're welcome! Send me photos, please"!
Teddy made her way around the hospital saying her goodbyes.
Bright and Early the next morning, Teddy and Evelyn were on a plane to Germany.
"Honey what a surprise that you're doing this"!
"Think nothing of it Evelyn, the kids adore you and you know Owen and I do too… this has been a long time coming". She squeezed her hand.
The two women eventually dozed off …
Feeling the plane touch down, Teddy woke up and checked her phone seeing notifications of their baggage claim number and that Owen was standing by.
Standing up she felt nauseated, * OH CRAP* she thought to herself
"You alright Teddy, you look a pale darling… are you eating " ? Evelyn noticed
"Ya I'm fine, I just stood up too fast" she said sitting back down deep breathing
Departing the plane, she ran to the restroom proceeded to throw up "Thought I forgot about you, did ya"? she said as she ran her hand over her stomach
"Alrighty guys, start looking for Mom" Owen said
"Is that her… is that her… is that her? The kids all chimed in at once
"Guys! GUYS! …. I got it, I'll find her… * making a few laps around the airport they spotted her and a familiar lady next to her * There she is… Ooooh my GOD, NO WAY, MOM"?!
"MOM! I can't believe you are really here"! Owen jumped out of the car
"GRANDMA"! the kid yelled
"What am I, chopped liver"? Teddy teased
Owen grabbed Teddy and spun her around "THANK YOU THANK YOU" Kissing her deeply
"EWWWWWW GET A ROOM" the kids yelled
"HI" teddy said smiling
She sat in the back with her kids listening to Evelyn and Owen catch up.
"Mommy did you save the baby"? Leo asked snuggling against his mom
"I did sweetheart "! She ruffled his curly mom.
"You're a hero! Daddy, mommas a hero"! Leo exclaimed
"Baby, Shhhh I just did my job, inside voices your brother and sister are sleeping" She kissed him on the head
Finally, the excitement of mom and grandma being home settled down and Teddy was finally able to get some much-deserved peace and quiet.
"Hey" he walked into the room carrying Daniel trying to get him to go to sleep.
"Hey" she looked up from the book she was reading and noticed he was staring at her
"Can I help you"? she laughed "What's up"?
"Nothing, I'm just blown away that my mom is here, in Germany, downstairs playing with the kids'.
She smiled "I thought you'd like it". She went back to reading
"Hey, listen, I'm sorry for how we left things making you feel pressured to have a baby I…
She set her book down, smiling "Hi you" she whispered to Daniel
"I get your concern…" she cut him off
"No….Owen, really… it's fine, I'm pregnant "
"Teddy " he didn't know how to react
"It's fine Owen, it's sooner than I would have liked but I guess it's better for them if they're closer in age to their siblings. Addison gave us both a clean bill of health".
"You're incredible, you know that " he walked to her side of the bed and kissed her softly
"Tell me that when at 7 months I'm grumpy and miserable and yelling at our sweet innocent kids. Speaking of kids- lets wait to tell them, I do not want to get their hopes up and then have something happen… "she glared at him
"What"?! he looked at her
"You knew did you"? she pressed him
"Yes! Fine, YES! Mom called when she saw the pregnancy test in your bathroom. She didn't mean to find it , and told me not to tell you"!
"UGH I knew it ! * She laughed* it and the garbage in my bathroom was gone"!
"Good to see you back at work Dr. Altman" her intern met up with her "I heard that it was a successful surgery".
"That it was, thanks! Long week, it has been nice having Evelyn around to help out with the kids. What do we have today"?
He ran into her in the hall "Hey Sexy Momma" Owen grabbed her waist
"Heeeeyy, heading into surgery want to join"? She asked
"SURE! Just like old times when we first met"!
"Nottttt…. Really…. there was never a baby in my belly". She teased him
The surgery did not go as planned and when they opened their patient up Teddy determined the heart was do damaged there was NO WAY she could continue…. So, she closed …. Now she had to tell a Dad of 3 young children he was not going to survive, the family reminded her so much of her own.
Coming out of the OR he found her with her forehead against the rim of the sink
"HEY HEY! You alright"!? he said quietly concerned she nodded her head yes
Then shook it "no"
"No…. no, I am not. I've to tell this young family I took their dad into surgery for NOTHING, *she slammed the soap into the sink* I could not do anything to help! It's NOT FAIR! she sobbed IT'S NOT FAIR"!
He rubbed her back "Ted we do not play God, you know that. There are things that are just way beyond our control".
"You can not die, Owen, you understand me"? she choked up
"Hey .. Hey come here * he pulled her in and held her, he felt so warm and breathing in his cologne she melted into his embrace as he kissed her head * I am not going ANYWHERE and neither are you. You want me to go with you"?
"NO, thank you". She knew if he were there, she would not be able to focus on her job and be full present for her patient and his family.
Owen's phone rang, kissing her they parted ways "Major Hunt, you and your wife's have been requested to return back to Iraq, you will be deployed out on a mission, we are short medics and surgeons out in the field".
"Yes sure, but Major Altman has taken a job that doesn't require her in the field or combat, and I would like it to stay that way for our family's sake".
"Very well, your orders will be posted shortly".
Owen was not sure how Teddy would take the news…. He was worried about her lately, she seemed distant, not the glowing expectant mom she had been in the past…. Just not the usual Teddy he had grown to love.