Baby's first Christmas... what a fun time! It is a great opportunity to capture some creative pictures for memories to cherish for a lifetime. Here are a few unique ideas to get you started:

Take pictures of preparations - The actual day of the holiday isn't all there is to capture. Remember that this is the holiday season, stretching for a month or more. Take pictures of your little one getting involved in holiday preparations as well as in the cleanup, no matter how helpful (or not) they may be.

Stocking stuffers - Small infants can make great stocking stuffers! Capture a picture of your child becoming an integral part of your holiday season. It is a great memory of the holiday and of just how small that baby really is!

The gift of the season - Reflect on your true gift this holiday: Your baby! Turn your baby into a present by laying him underneath the tree or sitting him in a box. This picture captures the spirit perfectly.

Looking for more tips and ideas? Check out these links:

• 16 Digital Photography Tips for Christmas from the Digital Photography School


• Christmas Pictures Can Tell Stories for Generations to Come from Best Family Photography Tips

- Sara I.

So, you’ve heard all the arguments on both sides and decided to give cloth diapers a try. Unfortunately, it is an unpleasant surprise for many parents that making the decision of which type(s) of cloth diapers to use gives them as much, or more, difficulty than deciding to make the leap in the first place!

There are a huge variety of types of cloth diapers out there, each with positive aspects of its own. The key is to remember that this wide range of choices is actually a good thing - you get to find the type of diaper that will best fit with your lifestyle, philosophy, and budget.

The best way to make a decision? Jump right in and do some research. There are many of great resources online to help you learn about all the different types of cloth diapers and discover which ones are right for you.

DiaperPin - This website is a fantastic resource because it has articles about cloth diapering, product reviews, forums to ask questions of parents experienced with cloth diapering, and a great cloth diapering dictionary to get you up to speed on all the lingo.

DiaperSwappers - This site has many very active forums with people who are ready and willing to answer your cloth diapering questions. A large section of the forums is dedicated to diapers and accessories for sale, so you could pick up some secondhand (or even new) diapers and covers experiment with for less of a financial commitment than buying new.

The Diaper Jungle - Similar to DiaperPin, this site has many articles about cloth diapering, diaper reviews, and forums. It also outlines directions for making your own cloth diapers and wipes at home.

The ZRecs Cloth Diaper Showdown - In March, ZRecs reader Lisa wrote up a review of eleven different styles of diapers after trying them out for four months. She briefly defines each type of diaper, talks about the pros and cons of each style, and picks her favorite.

SafeMama's Pocket Diaper Comparison - A recent roundup and assessment of eight pocket diaper brands.

Do you have any great cloth diaper resources, pointers, or questions? Post them here! - Sara I.

With Halloween just around the corner, it is time to start thinking about some great photo traditions to start with the kids. I came across some wonderful sites online with tips on making the most of the holiday photo opportunities.

New York Institute of Photography: How to Take Great Halloween Pictures - This site has tons of tips and ideas on how to turn typical Halloween pictures, like the jack-o-lantern on the front porch or trick-or-treaters on their way around the block, into professional-looking photographs.

Digital Photography School: Holiday Photography Tips - Tips that you can use year-round to make your pictures better, applied to the Halloween holiday.

Kodak: Taking Great Halloween Pictures - This article by Kodak offers great photography tips in general as well as some ideas for some really cool Halloween pictures. Up for seeing ghosts, anyone?

A few of my favorite tips from these sites:

• Take pictures in the late afternoon when you can use soft, natural light.


• Try using a tripod and turning off your flash so as not to overexpose the picture.


• To get "night" shots, take the pictures before it is completely dark. When pictures are printed, the bluish purple sky of twilight seems darker.


• Get close. Good, now get closer. Fill your frame with your subject. This helps to unclutter your image and make your photograph really pop.

There are great photo opportunities to be had year after year. Do you have any favorite shots for your family?

Happy Haunting! - Sara I.

Infant growth throughout the first year is truly amazing. When you think of how small and totally dependent that newborns are, it is incredible that many babies are eating finger foods, saying a few words, and even walking by their first birthdays!

WebMD currently has a photo slideshow highlighting major developmental milestones of a baby’s first year. It is a great overview of major changes in baby’s life and when to expect them. The adorable pictures of babies don’t hurt, either. It is a wonderful resource for parents in a compact format that can be fully enjoyed between changing diapers and trying to squeeze in a nap. - Sara I.