Alex is starting to put two-word phrases together. His first was “sit down.” But here are some other things he can say:

Daddy truck. Referring to Marty’s truck, which Alex loves. He especially loves to ride in it in his car seat, sitting up high and looking out the front window.

Cracker Barrel. Alex only has to hear a phrase once or twice to pick it up, and this is a good example of that. When my mom was visiting during the holidays, we ate at Cracker Barrel one night, and Alex has never forgotten the name of the place. (The rest of us can’t forget the world-class tantrum he threw in the restaurant that night, but he doesn’t seem to remember that part.)

Happy happy. This is Alex’s way of saying “happy birthday.”

Ziggy Doctor. No, Ziggy isn’t pursuing a new line of work. Alex came with me to the vet’s office one day, and now he informs me every time we drive past the animal hospital on our way through town.

Tree all gone. The Christmas tree is packed up and in its box, and Alex reminds me of it frequently, pointing at the tree box for emphasis.

New house. Alex has noticed that everyone around here is talking about “new house” recently, so he is too. In the last few days, he’s added another word to this phrase: “soon.”

And he’s right. We are getting ready for a new house - and we’re going very soon!