Whitney and Matt Shurtliff moved into my home ward around 2012. I knew of the Shurtliffs, but hadn't actually met and spent time with them. Years later I was directed to Whitney's coaching programs through a mutual friend. I was in need of some direction for exercise and health and Whitney is the BEST fitness and life coach (occupation is Beach Body fitness coach, but she is so much more)!
I really began to connect with her all over social media the last few years! Not only is she incredibly giving, understanding, empathetic and inspirational? She just wants to be a support and cheerleader for you! Whitney helped me find more of my true self as well as guided me to doing my best; in turn I was able to find my health journey that works for me!
Fast forward to beginning of 2018! Whitney and I were set up to shoot a portrait session for her BB coaching until she found out their family was unexpectedly pregnant with their third child. She knew the immense trials and severe struggles the next 40 weeks had in store for their family, and it was NOT going to be easy...
Hyperemisis Gavidarum (HG) is a pregnancy complication that is characterized by severe nausea, vomiting and weight loss. This is not your average ‘morning sickness’ that most seem to associate with vomiting when pregnant. This is a constant during all stages of pregnancy. Everyday battles of things like what to eat that will be good going into the body as well as....right back out. Where to expend energy on little things. Like walking to the park, showering, getting ready for the day and even driving.
This amazing mom of two (ages six and three) has had HG not once, NOT twice? But THREE TIMES!
With each HG pregnancy being much worse than the last, Whitney was not sure how she was going to survive. With her current situation, she has fortunately been able to get the in home care that she needs; constant IV bags, needles poking and prodded in all of her open arms and hands to ensure she gets enough liquids, nutrients and medicine. Collapsing veins, bruised arms, hands, and to top that all off constant trips to the toilet after each meal (despite whether shes eaten or not).
Her husband Matt has been a constant support for their family and even more so through each of these pregnancies they have had. They have had close family, friends and loved ones reach out to ensure that Whitney has the alone time she needs as well as all the help she can get.
I am honored that they allowed me into their home for this session. I wanted to make this experience feel effortless, no stress, simple, easy, beautiful and full of life style moments. I wanted to capture their amazing family in the place that all the moments are captured; their home. The unbearable, stressful, happy, joyous, loving, caring, frustrating, good, bad and ugly are all moments.
“They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and while this picture may not even show our faces, I tear up at all the feelings I get while looking at this moment frozen in time.” – Whitney Shurtliff
