a North Dakotan girl through and through, wife, mother and die hard Catholic.

As mothers, our days are often full of quick errands, park trips, library visits, or a slow afternoon walk with our little ones in tow. These moments are often so sweet and shareable, and it can be tempting to post them right away—especially when we’re proud of how brave or joyful our children are, or […]

Since about midway through Mason’s medical schooling, he and I started going on consistent date nights every month. At the time, we simply didn’t have the means especially in terms of community support—to find a sitter when we lived in Idaho. However, I’ve since learned that a date night doesn’t always have to be fancy […]

You might be thinking what is the Merck estate? Cue a little drum roll please….thank you! The Merck Estate. A creative space allowing me to share the things I love with all of you while also learning new crafts along the way right there with you. From tips and tricks, inspiration, recipes, products I love, […]

Today, I bring to you The Expectant Mother Birth Plan! What a labor of love it was to curate this template for you, mothers! I am a firm believer that knowledge is power when it comes to your birth space, regardless of where you choose to do so! I desire for mothers to have knowledge […]

I don’t think I’d do George’s birth story justice if I didn’t talk about the months and weeks leading up to his birth. A few key aspects, if you will. I first have to accredit his birth to Our Lord + the intercession of Our Blessed Mother who carried me through my pregnancy, labor, and […]

Well my friends I’d like to introduce you to someone very extra special around here… Our third son, George Joseph Merck. Although Fulton John + Peter Daniel’s namesakes are something oh so special to us as we purposefully + intentionally prayed for their names, our little George Joseph’s name has a little extra personal meaning […]

AHHH! I am so excited to finally get this guide to you fingertips! Hours of planning, designing + curating has come to fruit! Something that was difficult to navigate with Fulton as our first was the ways I needed support during this new season of life for the first time + then again with having […]

One question I get ask quite frequently from first time mother’s is what should or what did I pack in my hospital bag with my littles? From experiencing being a first time mother + having our oldest right in the early beginnings of Covid with many hospital restrictions to not having any at all with […]

Since Fulton was born in May 2020 he’s gone on about 40+ different flights and Peter born in July 2021 he’s been on 8+ so far! We are by all means not experts but I’d like to think we got a thing or two down by now! I’ve travel with Fulton by myself, with Fulton […]

Yes, we are packing our bags as now as a family of four and trading the ID mountains for the ND prairie! The Merck’s are officially moving back to North Dakota! You’re right my friends, that means Root & Bloom Photography is based out of North Dakota once again and boy oh boy are we […]