Happy Halloween

This year we had a theme with the three little munchkins. They were from the Wizard of Oz. Heidi was Dorothy, Georgia was Glenda and William was the Scarecrow. We all went to the Barnes' once again to go in their neighborhood and a great time was had by all! Heidi really got into it this year and got the hang of things very quickly. Most of the time Heidi was holding hands with her grandparents and William.

 

August T Photography

I don't know what to do. I have waited and waited giving this photographer every opportunity to fix what has been wronged. Unfortunately the photographer will not return any e-mails or calls. Enough is enough. I never intended to use my blog for such, but I need to post this in a place where it can be seen by many and not deleted. Please read the story below:

In Mid-July my family and I traveled from several locations to vacation in Myrtle Beach, SC. Before traveling to Myrtle Beach we set up an appointment with August T Photography to take our family pictures. It was going to be so exciting and we this would be the first time for this family to take beach pictures all together. We booked the session and we were to be expecting Karen, one of his staff members that had trained under him for the past 3 years – so we were told. While on our way to the session we received a call from another lady stating she might be late because they had gotten into some heavy traffic. It was not Karen, but another lady who would be taking our pictures. As we arrived to the state park were we were taking our pictures we were required to pay a total of $50 on top of our session price, which we were not aware that would be charged. When we arrived it was actually a man that met with us saying he would be taking our pictures. So already we had been passed to 4 different people.

The session went on and the photographer did not work well with the children we had, did not take candid photos as we had requested, made my husband’s mother who walks with a cane walk up and down the beach as well as jump several times for different shots. The candid photos were a very important element of the session because we could have easily taken our own non-creative poses with our own cameras a tripod. When the photographer could not get the children to smile he was actually a little insulting. When the session was over I noticed that the photographer who shot our session was not even a part of August T’s staff; it was a completely different set of photographers.

Three weeks to a month later we finally received our proofs. They were horrible. I could not believe that someone had actually sent them to us thinking they were acceptable. Pictures were blurry, overexposed, whited out, dark; it was completely unacceptable. Immediately I contacted the photographer and could never get ahold of August, only his assistant Kristen. I relayed all of my complaints to her and let her know that I wanted a refund. I was told the pictures were batch edited and uploaded – why did this take so long if so little effort was put into getting the pictures ready?  Kristen said all refunds had to go through August and she would forward my request to him. A week later I still had not heard from August so I e-mailed back and then I heard from him a few days later. August presented me with a package of accessories including to re-edit the pictures with a 50% refund. It did not seem acceptable, but I decided to accept the offer and wait for the new pictures.

A month later I still had not heard from August, so I e-mailed him back hoping he had my pictures ready to view. I heard nothing from him so I posted a note on his business Facebook page hoping for a response. The only response I had was a deletion of the comment. The next day I commented again and was met with another deletion. This time August did e-mail me and said that we would be in touch with me this weekend and would have my pictures ready. The weekend is over, I have heard nothing, and the only thing August has done is blocked me from writing on his Facebook business page.

My assumption is that August does not care about his clients or his business at all. I also feel that August must realize how horrible a majority of the pictures are and cannot salvage them. There were a couple of pictures that I would have liked to have, but now I have nothing. He has my money and I have nothing. The only resolution that will stop this madness is a full refund and the edited pictures. The editing can be done by anyone, but unfortunately by not having any of the pictures I cannot even have that done. If August would put more effort into making things right instead of avoiding me and deleting my complaints then we would not be in this current situation. I am only asking for what, at this point, seems to be the most logical solution. After the neglect and disrespect we have experienced I feel that the refund as well as the pictures is the only fair compromise.

Because I have been blocked from his Facebook business page I had to use my own status to speak out. This is what it said:

I am not one to normally “air my dirty laundry” or bash a business, but I am left with no other choice. August T Photography, you have backed me into a corner where I have no other choice but to do what I am about to do. You e-mailed on Friday afternoon stating you would get with me this weekend with more details and my pictures. The weekend is over and the fact that you even asked me to wait longer than I already have is inexcusable. I waited and I am still waiting. I have noticed that the only thing you have accomplished in regards to my situation is to block me from writing on your business Facebook page. I guess it is much too hard for you to monitor the numerous complaints you apparently receive in regards to your lack of follow through. You have ignored my e-mails, phone calls, and requests continuously. You have shown no human compassion or decency to me whatsoever. All I am asking is for what, at this point in the game, is fair. I want a full refund and the RAW images on CD. I can have a more qualified photographer edit the photos myself at this point. Since you will not respond to me at all I will give you a list of the things I am working on right now: reporting your business to the BBB, posting on all review sites possible, writing a blog post that will spread like wildfire, and I am contemplating filing suit against you. Once again, this will not stop until you right what has been wronged. Deleting anymore posts and ignoring anymore e-mails or calls will only make matters worse.

Pumpkins, Wedding, & Strep Throat

Heidi went to pick out our family pumpkins! It was the cutest thing ever, Heidi was running around like a crazy child! I think she tried to pick up every single pumpkin that was out there. It was too late on Friday night to decorate, so we set it for later in the weekend.

Saturday Heidi and I had a lazy morning. While she napped I went through her closet and cleaned out the summer clothes and ones that are too small. By the time she got up John was home and then I took a shower to get ready for a wedding we were heading to that night. Heidi went to play with her cousins and had a great time while John and I enjoyed our evening out.

Sunday I knew I could no longer fight the inevitable - strep throat. I did not want me being sick stop the pumpkin decorating so we let Heidi decorate at least one of the little guys before I headed to the doctor and dropped her off at my parents for the night.

For now I am catching up on writing and reading blogs as well as plotting my next move in a battle I have been having with a photographer from Myrtle Beach - ugh...

16 Weeks

Doctor visit went well! I got to see Dr. H - whom I dearly love. My visits always seem so much more relaxed when I am able to spend time with her. She is always so calm and helps ease any fears I might have as well.

How Far Along?: 16 weeks

Total Weight Gain?: 5-lbs

Maternity Clothes?: Yes, everything is so low that the only thing comfortable are my maternity pants. Most of my old maternity pants are too big, but my jeans are great! Occasionally a maternity shirt, but mainly regular shirts.

Sleep?: Same story, different month.

Best Moment This Month?: Seeing the faces of people when they see my little expanding belly.

Movement?: A flutter here and there - which I love! It also makes me nervous because I have to remind myself that it is not constant like it is once you are further along.

Body Changes/Labor Signs?: A certain area of mine feels like a clothespin is pinching. It hurts if I hold having to go to the bathroom for any extended period of time.

Belly Button?: Normal.

What I Miss: Nothing so far.

What I Am Looking Forward To: I think we all know the answer to this one :)

Gender Prediction: Boy

A Party & A Festival

Saturday we had a busy day! Daddy went into work while Heidi and I got up to go to Dane's 3rd birthday party. It was held at Jump-n-Jacks and was the perfect place for a party! Dane gave Heidi a little card to play some games in the arcade areas and she had such a great time! When she wanted to play a game she would say, "can I have my card please?" It was cute, but it kind of sounded like a teenager with an attitude asking for the keys to the car - ha!

After the arcade we played in the jump houses - yes, we. One day I won't have to climb up to slide or stand in the houses trying to keep my balance while children jump around me.

Jumping was great - then it was pizza and cake time! Always such a favorite! The kids thoroughly enjoyed their pizza and cake! Heidi had to sit next to Dillon - she adores Dillon. I think Dillon enjoyed Heidi sitting next to her because we kept giving her part of her pizza crust. Dillon had a huge smile on her face when she was ready for some more of the delicious crust :)

Once the party was over Heidi and I went home to take a little nap before meeting up with Daddy at the Seafood Festival. When Heidi woke up we got ready to go park at my parent's house and then walk with everyone over to the festival. Our first stop at the festival was the little carnival area. John was determined to win a prize for Heidi this year - and he did! Heidi loved putting the money in the game and kept asking for more money! We went to the skee ball area and he won Heidi a little bear. Next she went to pull a duck out of the pond and she got to pick out a prize which was a blow up guitar.

After the carnival area we went to the playground where Heidi play for such a long time. I was able to chat with a few old friends while Heidi and Daddy played around on the slides. Next it was time for some yummy seafood! Heidi absolutely LOVES shrimp. Seriously. If you ask her what she wants for dinner 99% of the time her answer is shrimp. We headed to the craft area while we waited on my dad to meet up with us. Once he got there we got our dinner and then headed to the outdoor picnic tables to eat our delicious fresh shrimp! I had to get a funnel cake as well :)

Next we headed home and then our sweet little shrimp loving child went to sleep! Sunday we woke up and head to church , then lunch, and then home for a relaxing family Sunday.

Zoo

Friday night I told Heidi she should ask her daddy if he would take us to the zoo. We went to eat at Cheddar's that night - I am addicted to their chicken tortilla soup. Heidi asked her daddy and he said yes to taking us to the zoo instead of watching his precious football. Saturday we did not have too much going on, but Heidi did not get a nap that afternoon so we opted to go to the 4:30 service and so that we would not be out and about for Heidi's "I didn't take a nap" meltdown. We made it home just in time and Heidi went straight to bed!

Sunday we woke up and headed to Jacksonville for the zoo! We stopped and had lunch on the way - which we know for the future that we need to leave earlier due to non-naptime possible meltdowns. The zoo was great and we all had a fun time! We rode the carousel, the train, pet the stingrays, and groomed the goats! When we left, at closing time, we were all exhausted and Heidi took a small cat nap on the way home. Bedtime was easy for the both of us after such a fun day :)

Watching the elephants

One of the many new babies that have been born this year!

Petting the stingrays

 

Checking out the zebra - one of the most anticipated animals to see for Heidi :)

Eyeing the snakes!

Grooming the goats - this one wanted to hang out in his bucket.

Busy Birthday Weekend!

We were on the go just about every waking hour this weekend! Saturday Heidi and I headed into town to do some shopping and then we attempted to take a nap - which did not work, at all. John was working until about 2 and then we planned for him to meet us at Dillon's first birthday party. Heidi was super excited about picking out a present and wrapping it up. We left the house, sans nap, and headed to the Eckhart casa to sing and eat cake :) The two most important jobs of a good birthday party guest. I was happy to oblige to both, naturally. The party was the same day as UGA vs....well, I cannot remember, but for the Eckhart family I am very shocked these uber loyal GA fans had a birthday party during a GA football game - ha!

 

Another yummy and beautiful cake from Baker's Pride.

The sweet birthday girl and her mama.

 The Eckharts!

Heidi LOVED "holding" Dillon!

After the party we headed down prepared for a meltdown. It happened, but I laid down with Heidi and after a quick little nursing session she was out like a light! I have a love/hate relationship with not taking naps. I love that Heidi is so easy to put down for night time {which on a normal napping day I have to lay with her until she falls asleep and that results in me going to bed around 8:30 - which I don't mind, but there are things I have to do...} but I hate how cranky she gets the last couple of hours before its time to go to bed. On this particular night Heidi went to be very easily - yay!

Sunday we woke up and headed to one of my favorite little cafes in downtown Savannah - Goosefeathers. I had quiche and oatmeal and I was very happy with my delicious choices. We met up with one of my childhood friends Jennifer and her family. They were in town visiting her grandparents and parents {her parents so not live here, but came the same weekend} so it was great to meet up with them and meet sweet Ella for the first time. This little family lives in Maryland and so it is very rare we get to meet up - about once a year. The girls were so cute together and Heidi did not want to leave Ella - we can't wait to see them again!

Jennifer and our sweet babies

Heidi told me it would make Ella happy if I held her - apparently she was right!

When our brunch was over John, Heidi, and I did a little shopping and then went home for naps. I was determined that Heidi and I would get a nap. For one, I was exhausted and for another, we had plans to go to The Melting Pot with my family that night for my birthday. Nap time was a success, although I wish it has been a little longer. We got ready and then headed back downtown to enjoy a yummy dinner at the Melting Pot. My parents and my sister's family joined us and it was delish! I think next time we will all go sans children. They were great, but 3 two year olds can be quite a handful :)

Once we finished dinner we headed home and Heidi and I pretty much went to bed. No complaints here! It was a great weekend and a great birthday!