TheBigGrey

Meredith Grey-Shepherd Surgeon, wife, mother.

[askbiggrey-xx]

BEACH DAY

A little family trip to the beach always makes these kids the happiest! A first for Riri who was not too sure about the sand at first, especially after getting a taste of it, but had some of her best laughs watching her big sisters and brother jumping in the water and splashing one another. Liv and Liam played lifeguards for a minute, that was also fun. Just love those days at the beach. Also can we talk about Zo’s bathing suit for a minute; felt like our complete family was at the beach today. What a good day. I love my family so much. Pinching myself moment here; how did I get so lucky. 

[askbiggrey-xx]

Zola’s favorite thing to do is set toys further and ask Zuri to go and get them. "You go, sissy! You’re so strong! Keep going!" She will tell her all the time. I love it. Here is a little snippet of their sister-time... and a grand finale by a very drooling lady!

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It is a joyful day in our house with miss Riri! #zurijoyiscrawling

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Still don’t get that passion for fishing... but @doctor-derekshepherd has hooked this girl up! (hooked, got it?)

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Zola & Zuri --------

I think what hit me the most when we first got to hold Zuri in our arms was how much she reminded me of Zola. Derek just looked at me and said: It feels like holding Zola as a baby all over again. We did not get those early days with Zozo, for she was already six months old when we first met her. And so there has been something very special about experiencing Zuri’s early days, as though we were getting a sneak peek into what Zola’s early days were all about.

But what has been truly special is seeing Zola and Zuri together. There is no denying their special bond. Now DNA has never been a matter in our household because our kids are siblings, period. We are very proud of the fact that skin color has never made Liv or Liam question their relation to their big sister. They would walk through fire for their big sister, and she would do the same for them, and Derek and I are more than grateful for that bond of theirs. It has never been about DNA. Now, Zola has been very curious about where she comes from, even more now that she got to meet with her biological mother, and after recently finding out about all of her siblings living over in Malawi, Zuri’s arrival has made it all the more special for her; getting to actually hold one of them in her arms and know that they will get to grow and share a life together has made her so happy. And we have Joy to thank for that, immensely.

Liv and Liam are also very curious about Zo and Riri’s biological family and we have actually been reading a lot on Malawi and the African culture lately, much to Zola’s happiness, and to our own for sure. Getting to learn alongside our children about a culture we know so little about and getting to talk about it altogether has simply been amazing. And that sparkle in Zola’s eyes, all the more amazing.

To be quite honest, it all scared me. There was so much that Derek and I did not know or considered when we first adopted Zola, mostly because it was a closed adoption and there was no way for us to find out more about where she came from. Joy’s arrival in our lives has most definitely changed a lot, but really, it has brought all the sense in the world into our family. Zola changed our entire lives. She started it all, and to complete our family with her biological little sister Zuri has been nothing but a blessing.

These kids have absolutely changed our lives and we could not be more grateful for all that they bring to us, their father and I, every day. All four of them. They really are everything life is all about; love, light, hope.

And I know Abby would have loved Zuri. Actually, Zola’s first gift to her little sister was a blanket with bees on it, and Riri will not sleep without it. 

[askbiggrey-xx]

My girl. 

Zuri Joy, 1 month (left), 3 months (right)

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↳ INSTAGRAM: @askbiggrey-xx uploaded a new photo

Dancing with my girl because we slept through the night!

[askbiggrey-xx]

Welcome to the world, Zuri Joy Shepherd! --------

It has been a while! Let’s just say our lives got... quite busy!  Where do I even begin? 

It all started when Zola’s biological mother reached out to us. I will be honest and admit, I was not prepared for that. When we got Zola, it was a closed adoption and we had no contact with her biological family. So it was a shock when we heard from our social worker that her biological mother was asking if we would be inclined to meet her, and to allow her to meet Zola. And no matter how hard and scary it was for me to agree, it was the best decision we ever could have made. Not only did we get more information on Zola’s background which also allowed Zola to understand more about where she came from, but it also brought to us our new miracle... Zuri.

Joy (Zola’s biological mother, who agreed that I shared her name with you) has done the biggest sacrifice any mother ever could by selflessly giving up what she held dearest to give them a better future. She saved Zola’s life when she gave her away to us, and she did it again with this little miracle. One morning, I got a call from our social worker. Joy wanted to see us again, and right now. She was at the hospital. Confused, but curious, I paged Derek and together, we went to see her. When we had met her, she was very pregnant. And now, the baby was born. She was beautiful... Looked so much like Zola. And Joy simply looked at us and said they had given her a book of parents looking to adopt, and she saw our profile. She was so relieved to know Zola had us, and she told us she would be at peace knowing this one had us and Zola, too. I will never forget the look in her eyes when she looked at me and said: Zola was meant to be yours, and so is she.

Derek and I had been waiting to be picked, to give a child a loving and stable family, a home, full of love and laughter and happy. Never in a million years did we ever expect that child would happen to be Zola’s biological sibling, and that has felt so full-circle for us, and especially for Zola. We are so grateful to Joy for choosing us and giving us the privilege of loving and raising another angel, and so we asked her to pick her name with us.

Zuri means beautiful, which absolutely fits her and we loved that both her and Zola shared a first name starting with Z. We gave her the middle name Joy to honor the woman who gave her life, so she would forever know and carry her with her. Thank you Joy. For everything. We are so grateful for you.

Zuri has already changed our lives for the better. Zola has nicknamed her Riri and every time she says it, Zuri smiles with pride. She is three months old now (pictures will follow). I am sharing above the first moments of our sweet Riri’s life, when I first got to feed her, and her first cuddles with mommy and daddy. She is pure joy and light. She is beautiful. She is Zuri Joy.

How did we get so lucky, @doctor-derekshepherd? xx

[askbiggrey-xx]

Disclaimer : as you all know, this page and our group has been officially closed, but this page remains (as the others) for us and you to come back and read when nostalgia hits. It has been a decade of creating and pouring our hearts out, so this is important. My friend and I had plans for Meredith and Derek’s next step and we begun to plan it, but did not get to complete, and I felt a need for my personal sake (and my way to say goodbye for good) to complete it with what we had planned. So there will be a few upcoming posts where Meredith will update on what they have been up to, and those will be the last ones to be published. After that, it will be farewell, for good. Hope you enjoy and may she and this group be in our hearts forever, a constant reminder of how important these characters and this show was, and how much it has healed us. :)

[askbiggrey-xx]

They freak me out sometimes. These kids love Halloween so much (you’ll tell me they all do, oh well, I was the weird kid I know), and they’re lucky their grandma loves it (or them, more so) so much as to decor her entire house for them. ‘So spooky’, as Liam’s been saying all morning. They even asked her for a black and white picture to fit their costumes, and she pulled out the old camera just for them. I swear these kids, they know what they want and how to get it.

Zozo went less spooky, she is really into superheroes lately and was very proud to wear her costume to school today. What I love most about this picture of her and @doctor-derekshepherd is the fact that her dad really is her superhero, that picture is so fitting.

So happy Halloween everyone and good luck on the sugar rush pre-(clearly too late)bedtime tonight, parents! 🎃

[seattlegrace-rpg]

Hi, I’m interested in joining but can’t decide on which character. Do your members have any that are most wanted?

Hello!

Thank you for the interest! 

I think it’s safe to say that any on the list down-below would be most welcomed and appreciated, so here are the ones we are currently seeking:

Cristina Yang

Jo Wilson

Maggie Pierce

Arizona Robbins

Callie Torres

April Kepner

Jackson Avery

Izzie Stevens

We certainly would love to welcome you aboard! Looking forward reading your application!

[askbiggrey-xx]

ooc. If ever you’re looking for a group to join, we’re nice people & looking for a few characters! :)

[askbiggrey-xx]

This little man is officially in KINDERGARTEN !!!

Can’t believe my sweet boy from the left picture, taken on his first day of preschool, is now officially off to the big school along with his sisters. No more babies in our household, they are all such grown ups! Zo and Liv were so proud to take the big bus with their brother this morning, and no need to tell you the smile on this little guy’s face when the big yellow bus pulled up and he got to go in! It was absolutely priceless, beautiful. 

You’ve waited for this day for so long, watching your sisters going before you and now it’s your turn, sweet boy. Your daddy and I are both so proud of you and we cannot wait to see you discover this whole new adventure. We all know you’ll have the best time and make tons of friends, we love you! 

@doctor-derekshepherd 

[askbiggrey-xx]

EIGHT YEARS OLD 🎈

Can’t believe she is eight years old already. She has been counting the days to her lucky number for months now. Eight years of loving her and laughing with her, or watching her grow into the most kind, funny, sassy, clever little girl that she is. A book lover, a tree climber, a dreamer; a very determined little girl. 

Livbug, you are such a sunshine. I love your morning hugs, your silly jokes, your laugh, your smile, your life observations, your caring heart, your sassiness, basically everything about you. You changed our lives eight years ago already, I can hardly believe the time that’s passed. We are so lucky to have you in our lives. Happy birthday, big girl!!! 

[askbiggrey-xx]

THE BIG 5 !!! 🎈

We surprised this little guy with his very own cake and birthday party this year. He had asked if he could have a friends birthday party before the annual family party, so we granted his wish and threw him a surprise party. He was mesmerized by the size of his cake and quickly collected the lego candles to add to his collection. 

Our dear Liam, you are one special boy with a heart of gold. Your silly sense of humor is everything, you are constantly trying to make everybody laugh. You are so kind and caring, give the most generous hugs, always have the kindest words to say about everyone and we are all so very lucky to be a part of your world. You were the best surprise for your daddy and I five years ago already, and we recognize that every day still. We love you so so much.

Happy birthday sweet boy, can’t believe you are already five years old and starting kindergarten very soon! We love you!

[askbiggrey-xx]

Found them cuddling on the couch like this... Liv loves her auntie to pieces. @allisonrileybradford-md 

Can’t believe this kid is going to be 8 in a few weeks. 🤯

[askbiggrey-xx]

sloanmdmark​:

Family Visits (Mark and Meredith and Co.)

Mark glanced up from his magazine when he heard the small voices in the doorway.  “Hey ladies!” he greeted and closed the magazine.  He moved it to the table beside him, no longer needing the prop.  “How are you two today?” he asked.  He waved to Meredith.  “Morning.  How are you?” he asked sincerely.  Mark wished he could get up and wrap his arms around his nieces, but he knew he couldn’t.  Not in this moment.  Staying put was his best option.  

He continued to smile as he waited for them to be comfortable enough to come closer.  They had grown so much, all three of them.  Mark knew they had grown up.  He had seen photos since returning to Seattle, but seeing it in the flesh was different.  It was another reminder of all he had missed and all this tumor was taking from him.  

The brightest smiles instantly drew up on the girls faces as they stood in the doorway with their respective presents for Mark, so delighted that they finally got to see him. They really had missed him. Even though over the years, Derek and her had made them understand that they had no idea when they would get to see their uncle Mark again, they had never stopped talking about him and the minute they had found out he was back in town, they had been so excited about it. Sitting down with them to tell them that he had a serious tumor had been tough, but the girls were convinced he would be alright. First because they had seen their dad come back from his coma, but also because they were believers. And because their dad would be the one operating, and so it would work for sure. And it was the kind of thinking they should all adopt so Meredith went with it, especially for them. With the recent loss of Clay and Chris, she had to believe that they would not lose another of their own. 

She waved up a hand at Mark’s greetings, her other resting behind her son’s head as he pressed himself against her hip, his arms wrapped around her leg, half hiding into her. The girls took the lead. “We’re good! How are you uncle Mark?” Zola said as she came in, Liv following behind. “Look! We brought you flowers!” She told him, and Zola extended the box she had in hands and added, “And chocolates. We got your favorites.” She smiled at him. Meredith smiled herself, then turned to Liam and held out her hand. “Come on,” she told her son and he grabbed her hand, following her inside but staying slightly behind her. 

[askbiggrey-xx]

lexipedia-rp​:

No Time for Despair || Meredith & Lexie

Lexie nods, thankful to have her sister by her side. Even though Lexie may not admit it out loud, her non-judgemental approach to it all definitely eases her mind about the whole thing. Nothing about this is normal. It’s as if Mer knows exactly what she needs to hear.

“Thanks, Mer,” says Lexie. “I appreciate how patient you’ve been with me since he showed up.”

“Now, enough about me. I can’t be the only one who wanted to run a competition for interns to distract from something. What’s on your mind?” asks Lexie. She has a few ideas as to what is troubling her sister, but honestly, with so many things seemingly going on at once it’s hard to assume anything.

A slight frown crossed Meredith’s face to Lexie’s response, her head lightly tilting to one side. “You don’t have to thank me for anything,” she chuckled, head shaking. “And certainly not for being... patient with you, I- look, nobody could know what to do with a situation like this. I’d most definitely be at Joes drinking all of his tequila. You’re a saint and you’re handling this amazingly,” Meredith told Lexie right away. 

The conversation took a turn at Lexie’s question and it took Meredith slightly by surprise, and so her mouth remained opened for a second, nothing coming out obviously, until her attention was caught by a bunch of interns running down the hall. She held back a sigh and took advantage of the timing of it, moving up her hand and pointing her finger up to the ceiling, a smile on her face, her eyebrow raised up. “We’ve got our first runners,” she said to Lexie, her eyes on them as they ran up to them. “I’m letting you take the lead on this one. And remember, be their teacher, not their friend.” She nodded strongly.