Learning to Converse

So I'm trying to be better about socializing my toddler. The kid talks a ton at home but as soon as we're around other kids he just looks down at his feet. I read in one of my parenting magazines that this is normal and that conversation skills come later but I'm growing impatient. I know he can do it. He talks non stop all day at our house.

Today I took him to a little "learning play date" that a friend puts on. We sing songs, read books, paint, glue stuff, and do all sorts of other learning oriented activities. Its great fun, I just wish Charlie would speak.

Today on the way there he practiced saying "hi, I'm Charlie". When we got there all that came out was "hi". We're going back next week so hopefully he'll feel a little more confident and more than just hi will come out.On a side note Charlie can now recite Baa Baa Black Sheep on his own. He also recites This Little Piggy and does the motions with his own toes, usually twice in a row (each foot needs its own turn right?). He's starting to understand that when I'm taking care of Annie I can't necessarily read to him, so in his own way he's reading to himself. It works out great for both of us. I just hope he forgives me for neglecting him and isn't secretly hating me. He's gaining independence early which I'm sure (hoping?) is a good thing.