I spent a full weekend pool-side with several other families of young babies, and one of the topics of discussion was swim diapers. I know, I know - sounds strange to go on vacation and talk about diapers, but it is what it is.

Certainly swim diapers to a better job of keeping pools cleaner, but swim diapers aren't perfect and some do function better than others. As for me, I prefer re-usable cloth swim diapers. However, many prefer the convenience of disposable swim diapers. Which swim diaper do you prefer?

I am blessed to be sitting here writing while taking in the breath-taking view of the summer scrapbooking my baby photos. Luckily, our contributing writer, Dana Hinders has gone head and given me some great tips. I've already got some ideas rolling around in my not-so-creative brain, thanks to her.

Do you have some great scrapbook pages to share? Show off your work and offer your own tips.

From spring to fall, California avocados are in season. The nutrition in avocados make them a great first food for babies. So why not make the most of seasonal fruit and whip up a wonderfully yummy avocado purée.

Always be sure you choose a ripe avocado. This fruit is quite simple to mash into the right consistency for your baby, or you could dice it into chunks for a fine fingerfood. If your baby is ready for blended foods, you could opt for sophisticated meals, like chicken liver and avocado purée.

Well, this afternoon I found a simple trick that soothed my newborn, quite by accident in fact.

My little munchkin was cranking up. She was diapered, fed, burped. I'd run out of soothing tactics, and I desperately needed to get my living room vaccuumed before guests came over for dinner. So out of necessity I tucked her in her swing and got to a speed vaccuum.

Much to my surprise, the vaccuum wasn't on more than 10 seconds and she calmed down. Turn off the vaccuum, crank monster appeared. Turn on the vaccuum, and she settled down. Hmmm... Interesting.

This really shouldn't have come as a surprise. I've known that white noise can be method to soothe fussy or colicky babies. I guess my rugs are going to be cleaner than they ever have.

What tricks have you found to soothe your baby?