improve studio lighting

[kenna]

My original question was posted to the digital slr board, but I'm responding down here. Thanks Peter, for your help on settings and for directing me to the right place for my lighting concerns. I'm new to the site, new to photography, and brand new to studio lighting. My new baby has motivated me to pursue my interest in photography. All this to say, I know the quality of the pictures below is poor...just not sure what I can do to improve it. I've tried the lights in various places; I've flipped the silver umbrella around and used it as a reflector, etc. If there is a good starting place for these lights, I'd love to know it. These photos have not been edited at all. The last photo is my "studio" with the lights exactly how I had them when I took the photos. I'm shooting with a d70. Let me know if you need any other information, and thanks for all the information!