Lillien's Baby Shower 11.02.13


You see, initially my baby shower was planned for the ninth of November. I, unlike most, hate surprises. So naturally, leave it up to Jon to plan me just that. It was the morning of the second and Jon insisted we get up early and run some errands. Run to the bank, stop at Barnes and Nobles, etc. I didn't really wanna go with him but since he was working all week, I thought i'd try to spend as much time with him as possible. Even if it was just watching him get his haircut. We finally get home and SURPRISE!

I apologize ahead of time for the quality of the pictures. These were all sent to me by my guests. They were all cell phone shots. I would really like to start using the dslr but i'm still using my iphone without editing. Call me a lazy ass! Okay back on track. I know its hard to tell but that's me in the back there being bombarded with silly string! The culprit in front is Jon stuck in the crossfire.

I walk up the stairs and greet my loved ones. I see all the decorations and gifts and am so overcome. I was happy, in awe, and definitely in shock.

To my left there was a huge table of gifts and a beautiful spread of sugary confections. Here! Have a look!




I cannot stress, nor can pictures express, how beautiful the sweets looked.


And last but not least, just to the left of the cake were the cutest favors. They were mason jars filled with candies for my guests. They were so simple yet so cute! Everything was just my style.


Besides the decadent sweets, the party was also loaded with games. We played baby shower bingo, guess the flavor of baby food, and pin the spermie on the egg? I've never heard of that one but it was extremely entertaining. Check out the fun!



Where do you think Melanie is headed in that last picture?

After all the fun games, here I am opening all my goodies!


I wish I could show you everything I got but forgetful me forgot to snap a shot of it all!

But here are just a few flicks of me with family and friends at the party!



After most of my guests left, my family decided to stay a bit longer. We watched some tv, played some video games and went out to eat.


We even got the kids to clean! As you can see I was not opposed to the idea!


I am so grateful to everyone that was able to make it. With my family all overseas I was feeling a bit down that they would be missing my shower. But, I honestly forgot all that and had the best time. I want to thank my hubby and all my friends who made this party possible and was able to keep it a secret! Even with all my badgering! I wish I had more pictures of everyone but, I was having so much fun I totally forgot to take pictures!!

My only regret was that my close close friend couldn't make it. She was planning to come but last minute got stuck in a sticky situation. She has been there for me during all the rough weeks of this pregnancy. I can't thank her enough. I'm sure I would not have been able to deal with myself and my hormones without her. But I hope to see her soon.

All in all, I had the best baby shower anyone could ever dream of.

Blessed.


Cheers.

Today I am exactly 36 weeks pregnant!

...and bohk-soong-ah is the size of a honeydew melon!
I apologize for the long overdue update. A lot has been going on.


At 32 weeks pregnant, I was admitted into the hospital for preterm labor. I went in on a Monday thinking they would tell me my little stomach pains were normal and they'd send me on my way. Little did I know that the hospital would be my home for the next 5 days. They told me my contractions were about 3-5 minutes apart. They put me on Procardia hoping that the contractions would slow but they only became closer together; 2-4 minutes apart. "You have the most contractions when it comes to anyone else on this floor." I was in labor and delivery! I was so overwhelmed and scared. I cried.

They hooked me up to an IV, gave me my first dose of steroids, and I stayed overnight in L&D. I was then put on magnesium and as soon as my contractions became far enough apart I was moved to antepartum. 24 hours apart from my first injection I received my second and last dose of steroids and then was closely monitored. I stayed on magnesium for the next couple days.

I was finally allowed to eat! I was starving when I walked into the hospital. Had I known I'd be staying and not allowed to eat or drink, I would have stopped at a buffet before going in. I'm one of those odd people who quite enjoy cafeteria food. But honestly, the hospital food really wasn't bad. The menu was pretty extensive. A little bit of everything. Here are a couple of the meals I ate while there.


But one can only eat so much hospital food. So, Jon, my wonderful hubby brought some Korean sushi rolls to share. We thoroughly enjoyed the spread!


Don't worry! The rolls did not contain any raw fish or meat ;]

I was then discharged on Friday on modified bed rest. This meant I was to stay in bed or lay on the couch as much as I could. I was allowed to get up to use the bathroom and eat. Jon took off a couple of weeks to stay by my side. Now that I'm 36 weeks I feel much more at ease.

As far as my symptoms go, things have definitely gotten worse. Both my upper and lower back are in pain and it has become very difficult not only to sleep at night or even sit on the couch and make it through an episode of chopped. And that's only 30 minutes long! My belly button feels like its ripping and I have lower pelvic cramps. I guess I really am getting that much closer to meeting little one!


Dear Bohk-soong-ah,

With my hands on my belly, I lie in bed at night thinking about the first moment I will hold you. The shape of your eyes, the color of your hair, the feel of your skin. Will you have big brown eyes like daddy? Light yellow skin like mommy? I pray for your health and development and hope that I am providing you with a warm and suitable home for you to grow. But first and foremost, I pray for your beautiful life. You are the gift daddy and I have been wanting for so long.

Somedays I find myself close to tears thinking how excited daddy and I are to show you this amazing world. I can't wait for you to experience all of its beauty, and I anticipate how we will help you through all of its heartaches. I want nothing more than for you to feel safe and supported, honored and respected. I pray that daddy and I will be a prime example of patience and unconditional love.

My little one, my dream for you is to be strong and confident, yet soft and caring. I want you to know that without a doubt you can do anything you put your mind to, so long as it's done with integrity and hard work. I am relieved that you, my little mister, already have the most amazing man in your life to emulate. Take after his free spirit, it will bring joy to everyone it touches. Model his kindness, it will soften even the hardest of people. Follow his work ethic, it will help you reach all your goals.

Noah, each time we get to hear your little heart beat and feel your little taps coming from inside of me, we are reminded that we have been entrusted by the Lord to care for you. Our purpose in this world has forever been broadened and for that daddy and I are ever so grateful.

We love you always,

Mommy


Cheers.

I'm 28 weeks pregnant today!

... and bohk-soong-ah is the size of an eggplant!
So quite a bit has happened since my last update. It's been about a month and so far I've had both the 1 hour and 3 hour glucose tests. I failed the 1 hour by 5 points. Honestly I was a little disappointed. I took the test on a Saturday and my doctor called me the following Friday. "I hope i'm not ruining your weekend, BUT..." Are you for real? She told me I was borderline, but that really didn't make things any better. As if four blood pulls in three hours isn't bad enough; I might actually have gestational diabetes?? FML.

The next Saturday I went to the lab for the 3 hour screening. They gave me the lemon-lime flavored drink. It was pretty bad. When women tell me how disgusting it is, I always assume that it's because they've been cutting so much sugar-soda out of their diets. But, I was wrong. Unlike the first test this drink made me feel super nauseous. The second hour into waiting was really just trying to keep it down. But Lillien has prevailed! I finished the test around noon and went out for Kimbap with Jon afterwards. Although I felt sick, the test actually went by pretty quickly. I haven't heard from the doctor yet about the results, but am due to see her tomorrow. I will keep you updated. Cross your fingers!


My belly has gotten a tad bit bigger. Mind you, I say this with caution. All throughout my pregnancy people, both men and women alike, have told me I seemed, "small for ___ weeks." When hearing this I just think to myself about how all women and all pregnancies are different. Some women gain a lot, some a little. But at seven months. I do look a bit small. I have gained maybe 12-13 pounds so far. Other than that I feel healthy and everything appears to be normal. The doctor always tells me that little one has a strong heartbeat so I'm in no way worried.

This is basically what I've been eating for breakfast these days:


Some sort of whole grain/wheat carb with some raw veggies and some fruit. I usually have a yogurt for a snack within a couple hours.


Mochi and I visited Jon at work this last week. We were chillin' out on the set of Hostages.


This is him covering for Jon's buddy Hock at the dimmer board. Hey there Mochi. Are you working hard or hardly working??


And with that I leave you with this beautiful shot of a sunset sky.


Cheers.

I'm 24.5 weeks pregnant.

...and bohk-soong-ah is now the size of a cantaloupe!
I apologize I haven't posted in quite a few weeks. I was without a computer most of the time. 24 weeks along and my belly has popped out. Still nothing crazy, but definitely more than an "ate too much pasta dinner" tummy. I feel little one kicking much more often now. I don't think I'll ever get use to it. Bohk-soong-ah gives me little taps when hungry and when hearing daddy's voice. It's amazing. Jon got home the other night and as he had his hand on my belly he said to little bohk-soong-ah, "Daddy's home, can you give me a little kick?". He kicked! A couple times in fact. You should have seen Jon's face.

I still feel pretty tired. I was really hoping it would subside a bit by now. I have so much to do to prepare for little one's arrival. I think we spent close to two hours in Buy Buy Baby over the weekend checking out all the different strollers. And let me tell you, there are way too many. Way too many.

My nails are pretty strong now due to the prenatal vitamins but my hair still looks the same. Not too much of a healthy glow.


Okay so the news you've been waiting for.


At our 21 week anatomy scan we found out the gender of our bohk-soong-ah. We were so happy to find out little one was healthy and everything checked out perfectly. Bohk-soong-ah wasn't turning in any favorable positions so we were there for quite a while. We also got to watch for about 15-25 more minutes while they tested a new ultrasound machine. Yay for us!

So after finding out the gender of our little bohk-soong-ah we rushed home to make our gender reveal cards. I found this cute idea online to make a lottery style scratch reveal. It was pretty simple to make. All we did was print out what we wanted on card stock and use contact paper and some paint to make the scratch part. And voila! DIY scratch gender reveal cards!



Drum roll please! Our precious Bohk-soong-ah is a... BOY!!!



Please wave Hello to baby Bohk-soong-ah!

We have started to paint his little nursery as well and as things progress I'll keep you posted.

Be well.

Cheers.

I'm 21.5 weeks pregnant.

... and bohk-soong-ah is the size of a pomegranate!
Once again everything has stayed the same. Only difference is that I've gained two pounds, possibly more. Depends on when I weigh myself. Sometimes I fear I am gaining weight too fast. I gained close to nothing up until my 16-17th week, so I try not to worry. Another exciting thing: kicks! I know i've mentioned before that I have felt bohk-soong-ah kick, but I am feeling them regularly now. Nothing big but small little love taps. I never imagined it to be so comforting. It's like bohk-soong-ah is saying hello.

I'm dying to give you my 20 week anatomy scan update that I was so looking forward to but, that'll have to wait. (So much to tell!)


Cloth diapers, cloth diapers, cloth diapers!

So, Jon and I have been discussing from the beginning of our pregnancy about cloth diapering. I must admit I was totally confused at first (maybe even still), but am totally amazed. I know cloth diapering is becoming more popular among mothers but most people I know still can't imagine why I would even consider attempting such a task. I've heard things like it's dirty, expensive, and even "too much work". How much is "too much" when it comes to your child? Can that term even apply? Everyone has their own methods that are right for them and their child. I definitely don't expect people to agree with me. But I do expect that they respect my decision and not criticize.

Okay anyways, on to the exciting part. After months of research and trying to educate myself as much as possible about cloth diapers, I have started my stash!



These are brand new discontinued bumGenius deluxe bamboo fitted diapers. The lot came with six newborn and 23 small. It also came with three newborn litewrap covers and 11 small. The covers do have gussets but they are on the looser side because they are full cut. Great even for bigger babies and bulkier diapers. This all cost me $100. I absolutely love these diapers. Besides being so cute, they are super soft. And from what I hear from many reviews very absorbent. I love prints on diapers but nothing compares to a clean white/cream colored one. So natural. I can't wait to try these out!

Because I'm a WAHM, I knew that for the most part I will be with my baby at home. These fitteds are in no way waterproof without the cover but they are super breathable and will give my baby's bum some breathing time.

I plan to get a variety of kinds to see what will work with the baby and I and at what times. I am sure I want to get prefolds and some pockets. I will definitely update you as my stash grows.

Until next time...

Cheers.

This week i'm 20 weeks pregnant.

..and our bohk-soong-ah is about the size of a banana!
I can't believe i'm halfway through my pregnancy. I have to admit the first 20 weeks were not that long. I can only imagine how fast the second half will go now that we'll be busy setting up the nursery and buying things to get ready for little one. AHhhHhhh! I'm on my fifth day of my 20th week and so far I've been feeling pressure and tightness in my belly. Nothing to worry about but definitely a weird feeling. My back is killing me and sleeping without a body pillow is something I can't even fathom.

This week hasn't brought much change in my diet or moods. However, there are a couple things that makes this week super special.

1. I felt bohk-soong-ah kick for the first time last friday! Oh gosh. I suppose I could have felt little one before but I could never be sure. But ever since that night I've been feeling little taps and flutters. Nothing big where you could actually see but I could definitely tell it was bohk-soong-ah saying hi. Jon was able to feel it one night.. you should have seen his face. Priceless.

2. Our anatomy scan is in 2 days!!!! I haven't seen bohk-soong-ah since my 10 week ultrasound and hubby and I are both so anxious to see sweet pea. Besides that, we get to find out the gender!! Oh gosh oh gosh! I have to admit, throughout my whole pregnancy I've been so convinced its a boy that finding out the gender wasn't such a big deal to me. I was just happy that I would get to see bohk-soong-ah and make sure little one is healthy. But... now that I'm a couple days away. butterflies* I'm sure Jon and I will be ecstatic regardless of the sex. Plus whichever one we don't get this time around, we could try for again next time.

... okay lets not get ahead of ourselves ;]


*skipping lanes*


My great auntie sent me these photos. Isn't it beautiful? It's a flower found primarily in Thailand, Myanmar, and India. Parrot Flower is what they call it. Can you see why? Wow. It's things like this that make me so excited about bohk-soong-ah. I can't wait to show little one all that the good Lord has created for us.

Talk to you soon.

Cheers

8 more days until we find out what gender bohk-soong-ah is!!
Hubby and I grow more anxious everyday. I'm not quite sure how we're going to make it through this next week!

They say a good tip on staying healthy is to eat a rainbow at every meal.

Last night, for the first time in two weeks, Jon came home early enough from work for us to have dinner together. We decided to grill up some chicken with a bit of salt, pepper, rosemary, and lemon. We sauteed some zucchini, yellow squash, and green beans and picked at some grape tomatoes. Dinner was de-lish and the great part is I had some leftover for today. YAY!



I've been talking to a good friend of mine pretty often lately. (She's the one who sent over that last pic btw =]) She's one of the few people besides Jon that I can talk to without any restrictions. Throughout my pregnancy she's been attentive and supportive. She's never tried to tell me what is right or wrong, but has only offered insight on motherhood and a healthy pregnancy. She's a mom! We've spent countless nights on the phone talking about everything from abdominal pain to the ouija board. Don't ask. It seems like conversation possibilities with this woman are endless. She's smart and openminded and is in no shortage of funny.

This pregnancy has given me a chance to really sit down and reflect on my life. Appreciate what I have and cherish it. Family and friends especially. I feel good company is always coming and going and it's really on me to recognize it.

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you figure out who you are, and who you want to become.

You never really know who these people may be, but when you lock eyes with them, you know that at any moment they will affect your life in some profound way. Sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and even unfair at first, but in reflection, you find that without ever overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, willpower, or heart.

Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or means of good luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, whatever they may be, life would be a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless.

The people you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls you experience help to create who you are and who you are to be. Even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important. If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them. For they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious when you open your heart. If someone loves you, love then back unconditionally, not only because of their love for you, but because they are teaching you to open both your heart and eyes to things.

Make everyday count. Appreciate every moment and take from those moments everything that you possibly can for you may never to able to experience it again. Talk to people that you have never talked to before and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, break free, and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and trust your judgement. For if you don't believe in yourself, it will be hard for others to believe in you.

You can make of your life anything you wish. Create your own life, then go out and live it with absolutely no regrets. Most importantly if you love someone tell them, for you never know what tomorrow will have in store. Learn a lesson in life each day you live.


"Today is the tomorrow you were worried about yesterday"

Was it worth it?

Cheers.

I'm 19 weeks pregnant.

.. and my bohk-soong-ah is about the size of a mango!
I'm imagining its a cute little apple mango. As I look down at my belly, it's seriously hard to imagine my baby is rapidly growing inside me. I can only imagine where all my organs are moving to in order to make room. My belly has popped out just a little bit more. As far as cravings go I haven't had any major changes. I still can't stand meat and I'm still craving fruit and raw veggies. This morning I had some soup and a hard boiled egg. My granny doesn't let me forget my eggs. I feel some discomfort and tension in my lower belly and it's starting to feel a bit firm as well. I haven't felt any movement, least I don't think I have, but i'm eagerly waiting. All in all, I feel great.

In twelve days I have my next doctor's appointment and my fetal anatomy scan. You know what that means!! Jon and I finally get to find out the gender of our baby. Of course we will be happy with either, but Jon and I are hoping for a girl. Jon comes from a family with mostly boys. His father has multiple siblings.. ALL BOYS. Hubby's brothers all had boys. His sister had a girl but we all know it's the father whose juices determine the sex. It's about time for a girl!! His sister is hoping it's a girl so her daughter Katelyn would have a play date! My mother and great aunt are hoping for a girl. My granny on the other hand.. BOY BOY BOY! I'm assuming this is because she lost her son at a very young age due to illness. So either way, we'll be happy.

Pregnancy could not have come at a better time. I'm at a point in my life where I'm much more mature and situated and Jon and I are both ready for bohk-soong-ah. Another reason why my baby is such a blessing: my grandma. Granny is getting older. She's in her late eighties, but is underweight, has high blood pressure, and diabetes. Her only wish is to see her great grandchild. She tells me every time we speak that she is eating full healthy portions. I would hope she is doing that already but she is being very health conscious these days. I love it! I grew up with both my grandma and great grandma. That bond I shared with my great granny is something not too many people get to experience. I feel so lucky.

Everything in my life, my family's all together, has been going great. My mom has sold her store in Korea and will be moving up to Seoul any day now. She has been on a couple television interviews and has had rave ratings. By the looks of it, she might be appearing on tv more often now. As I've mentioned before, granny has been happier and healthier. God is good and life is sweet.

Happy Friday friends!

Cheers.

I talked to my mom and granny last night over Facetime. I miss them so much. You don't know how glad I am that we bought her(granny) an iPad while we were there last. Yeah my granny's down with the times. I usually speak to them about 8pm which makes it around 9am over in South Korea. It's so cute to see them all awake and refreshed. My granny always seems so happy that I call right when she wakes up.

I was raised by my granny and great grandmother for the most part. My dad had passed away when I was still a wee thing and it left all the major responsibilities to my mom. She did what she could for us. My grandmother worked to pay for the small things while my mother the mortgage and so forth. So, I spent most of my after school time with my great granny. My mom eventually moved back in with us and we were whole again. Definitely not perfect, but we were together. Sometimes I want to just beat myself up for not realizing this sooner. I was in high school and my hormones were racing. In a blink of an eye, we were in New York and down the line I had moved in with Jon. Now five years later my folks are back in Korea and I find myself missing them terribly.

If I learned anything from my childhood it would be that living a "family life" is no easy feat. Money, ambition, and temptation are only a few things that can threaten beautiful lives. But a family is something you not only live for, but fight for. I have no regrets so far and am positive my life will be just as fulfilling as Jon and I, both, continue to grow personally through date nights, hobbies and friendships, but it will be bohk-soong-ah's life that we devote ourselves to each and every day.


So, my dear dear bohk-soong-ah

As you grow bigger and bigger by the day, please know that you are now our beginning, middle, and our end. I dread the day you want to go sky diving, or attend your first frat/sorority party, or God forbid, go on your first date. I am selfishly enjoying the fact that you are tucked away inside me where I can keep you safe and protect you. Every tingle or flutter I feel reminds me that your arrival is the clock we live by. Your daddy and I have been through so many amazing things together, but I'm sure that you will be our biggest adventure yet.

I find myself wide eyed and on track. I'm racing with myself to find the best things for you. Prepare for your arrival. There is no doubt in my voice, but as determined as I am I've never needed so much assistance and reassurance. I never knew that I would be so appreciative that your daddy is quiet when I am angry. He is the voice of reason and the perfect balance to your mommy's fiery approach. If I could promise you one thing it would be that we will fight for you and all the things in life you deserve. We love you always.

Mommy


Cheers.

Over the weekend Jon and I headed over to Barnes and Nobles, straight to the children's section. Last time we were here perusing books about pregnancy and motherhood/fatherhood. This is when we bought the pregnancy bible: What to Expect When You're Expecting. But this time around, we were able to focus more on what we wanted to share with our bohk-soong-ah.

Goodnight Moon. Corduroy. The Hungry Caterpillar. We saw all our childhood favorites. You should've seen Jon. He couldn't take his eyes off anything. Every other book he found must have brought back wonderful memories and he would just sit right down to read them once more. He'd come up to me saying how much he couldn't wait for bohk-soong-ah to get here. How he wanted to be the one to help experience and show bohk-soong-ah new and beautiful things. It's moments like these that make me realize just how much of an awesome father Jon is going to be.

We then went down to TJMaxx. I was looking to find some comfortable home dresses or shirts to wear around the house. Fail. I'll have to try Marshalls next week. However, while looking around we came across the baby section and... SCORE! We saw books! Books for cheap! Books on clearance! Now these weren't just books you've never heard of, these were the ones we grew up with! Velveteen Rabbit. See Spot Run. Madeline.


A Light in the Attic. Where the Sidewalk Ends. The Giving Tree. Shel Silverstein. Another fond memory for Jon and I. So how could we resist, we just had to bring them home. Besides, The Giving Tree was only three dollars on clearance. We bought a couple more books, did a bit more shopping, and excitedly headed on home to read them once more.

As my 19th week of pregnancy approaches, I get more and more anxious to see my sweet, sweet bohk-soong-ah. My nervousness calms down and my insecurities lessen. I'm preparing to be the best mother I can be. To give my child every opportunity to be happy, catch dreams, and be loved.

My little Bohk-soong-ah...

Listen to the Mustn'ts

Listen to the MUSTN'TS, child,
Listen to the DON'Ts
Listen to the SHOULDN'TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON'TS
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me-
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be.

-Shel Silverstein
Mamma loves you..

Cheers.

Over the weekend Jon and I decided to sit down to an overdue warm home cooked meal together. He's been coming home past 2am every night for the last week. Here's what we had:

Mapo Tofu
Tofu Tofu Tofu.. Tasty and healthy!

The great thing about tofu is that its extremely versatile. It's rich in protein and B-vitamins making a great substitute for meat in vegetarian meals. Tofu is also a great source of Calcium which can help prevent osteoporosis and any other bone related issues. You can put it in about anything. Its quite bland so it takes on whatever taste you flavor it with. Tofu comes in firm, soft, and silken. Firm is great for frying and silk/silken is great for stews and soups.

Enough babbling and on to the recipe!

Serves 3-4


Ingredients
- 1 package of firm tofu
- 3 stalks of scallions/green onions
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 1 tbsp of grated or diced ginger
- 1 red chili pepper (optional)
- 0.5 lbs of lean ground pork (choose any ground meat you like: beef, turkey, chicken)
- 1/2 cup of chicken stock
- sesame oil
- 1 tbsp szechuan peppercorns
- 1 tbsp chinese black beans (I get the ones in chili oil to kick up the heat)
- 1 tbsp chili bean sauce
- 1 tbsp black vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin/oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional* just to taste)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch


Toast peppercorns in a pan for a few minutes to help release the natural oils and aromas. Then grind up the peppercorn with a mortar and pestle. Food processor works fine as well. These peppercorns have a unique quality to them. They do add a little heat but more than that they numb up your tongue in a way that opens your taste buds to all the other flavors going on.


Chop off the white part of the scallions and cut them into small pieces. Save the tops for garnish. Mince the garlic and ginger and thinly slice the pepper. Cut the tofu into about 1 inch cubes.


In a wok, add a little sesame oil over medium heat. Toss in the scallions, garlic, ginger, and red pepper. Once slightly browned add the ground meat.


When the meat is cooked add in the black beans and turn up the heat. Then add the chili bean sauce, black vinegar, and hoisin sauce and stir. Add the half cup of chicken stock to the mixture. (if you want more sauce add more stock). Give it a quick taste and add soy sauce if needed. Fold in the tofu being careful not to break them. Mix the cornstarch with 1 tbsp of water and add to the mixture (this will help thicken the sauce). Add in a spoon of the freshly ground peppercorn. Simmer for a few more minutes. Garnish with the remaining scallions and serve.


.. and voila! Happy hubby
Hubby and I ate it over quinoa as a healthier option but it tastes great over white rice as well.

Note: if you choose to try it over quinoa make sure the sauce is not too salty.

Cheers.