Sole charge of two toddlers - help

I was tongue in cheek about the alcohol.

I'd put both children down for a nap after lunch, and go for a nap yourself. Even if it means taking older doc into bed with you.
Promise of are cartoon following nap is a good deal to make.
If you will be in USA make sure any DVD you might take over will work on the USA system.

Find time for you to relax when they're in bed, but don't drink alcohol if it will compromise you dealing with an emergency and you're in sole charge. After lunch, have a quiet hour for baby to sleep, you to relax a bit and the two year old to look at books, do jigsaws with you or watch favourite TV programmes. Invite other young parents/grandparents to bring children to play - it's good to share, enjoy the children and be able to get food and refreshments without wondering how you'll keep an eye on them - so easy to miss meals when you're minding children. Structure the day and change toys over in the afternoon so they don't get bored, but always have favourite cuddly toy/blankie/dummy at hand just in case. Encourage mum and dad to keep showing your photo/Skype so the baby is also familiar with you beforehand. It's tiring looking after two children, but such fun. Good luck!

Just thought (lightbulb moment) but I'm sure you will be aware make sure you have all their medical details to hand,I had my youngest two many years ago and didn't realise DD had changed from our family Doctors until I needed to call for an appointment for youngest baby.

Sand tray, for outdoors play, if the weather is good. Cheap tent in the garden for playing houses, having picnics in!

I'd be tea total, you never know when an emergency might arise!

Above all have fun. x

scknakie Do you use skype to stay in touch if so when you are on line ask your DCs to lift baby so she can at least see & hear your voice she will be getting more used to you as time passes and come Spring you will not be such a stranger to her,also take any DVDs that they may not have with you as suggested by NanKate don't worry about being tired you will be surprised how much energy we find when we are in the company of our little DGCs and remember to have a nap when they do works wonders.x

That was my question, too.
If over there, you need to know practical things like:

How the washing machine works
Driving - you don't want to have to stay indoors for 5 days with 2 toddlers.

Anyway, will wait to hear which side of the pond you'll be!

Are you going to be looking after them here or in the US, schnakie?

Agree with all NanKate says but also see if there's a parent and toddler group in the area you can take them to. Lots of mums there to help out!

Bloomin Heck Schnakie you are brave.

Here are my suggestions.

Start videoing children's programmes now such as Charlie and Lola, Shaun the Sheep and Peter Rabbit.

Find out what food they eat and have it pre-prepared and frozen.

Get a whole load of rice cakes in for when the big one is hungry.

Find and visit in advance all the Garden Centres in your area, especially ones with a Soft Play area. Find the café and the loos. Forewarned is forearmed.

Go to the local charity shops and get a shed load of toys, they are very cheap.

Borrow some stair gates for up and downstairs.

Stock up on alcohol for when they are in bed.