I first met Brooke years ago when we were both living in Denton. I was mailing a package at the post office and she was in line in front of me. I knew she looked familiar, but wasn’t sure if she just looked like someone I knew, or I had just seen her around town. After staring at her for a solid five minutes, I finally worked up the courage to ask, “Do you happen to know (a mutual friend)?” She turned and smiled, “Yes I do! I love her!” I thanked the Lord that I really wasn’t crazy, and we chatted for a few minutes until it was her turn at the counter. Turns out I had recognized her from my friend’s wedding pictures, and that they had gone to school together for years. After we parted ways, I honestly didn’t think much about Brooke until three years later when I was in Hobby Lobby in Euless.

Once again we were in line together, and I stared at her the entire time thinking “There’s no way this is happening again. Brooke lives in Denton, not Euless!”, so I opted for the awkwardly-avoid-eye-contact maneuver and didn’t say anything. I mean, what are the odds? Then a few days later at church, Isaac and I walked in late (as per usual), and on our way to sit down, I looked over and my mouth dropped open. There was Brooke and her husband, Mike, sitting in our church! As soon as I could, I went over to talk to them, and found out that they had moved to the area after getting married, and sure enough it was Brooke I saw at Hobby Lobby. After chatting a bit, and asking where they were living, I couldn’t believe my ears.

Not only did they live in the same town as us and were visiting our church (which they soon became members of!), but they also lived in the same apartment complex as Isaac and me. And not just the same complex, but the same cul-de-sac. We had been neighbors for about five months without even realizing it!

So naturally, a friendship was formed, and Mike and Brooke quickly became dear friends. I have such sweet memories of hanging out with them, craft nights with Brooke, trips with them to Isaac’s family’s farm, and praying for them as they went on a mission trip to Africa. They are so strong in their faith, and it’s always so uplifting catching up with them and sharing how God is working in our lives.

When Brooke texted me randomly in October telling me she was pregnant, I was ecstatic. Like, I cried a bit I was so happy. I knew they were going to be amazing parents, and I was already in love with their precious baby, even thought she was smaller than a penny at the time. Over the past few months it’s been amazing seeing Brooke transform into the perfect vessel to carry baby Tommie into the world, and to hear how much Mike and Brooke have learned about each other, the Lord and parenthood through this amazing time of life.

And, when we talked about taking maternity pictures, I was over the moon. I was so happy to be able to capture this sweet moment in their lives. I love that you can see their excitement to meet their little daughter, the love they have for each other, and the way they are already pointing their baby to Christ.

I can’t wait to meet Tommie Grace in person, and to see Mike and Brooke as parents. I am so happy for them, and thankful to be able to capture just a snippet of this amazing life change they are about to undergo. I love you, Samuels family!