Advice/MIL Watching Our 3 Kids for 1St Time While on Vacay

First of all, I would try to just calm down and remember that it WILL most likely be alright! :) Leaving your kids can be pretty stressful, but it can also be a great time. I think writing down the kids schedules would be a good idea, and I would also stop by the Lawyers office and have them write up a medical Power of Attorney, just in case something were to happen, so your MIL could authorize medical treatment if necessary...a signed note is not enough to authorize that. Other than those two things, your MIL raised your hubby to adulthood, so try to trust that she may have some idea of how to take care of children.

Perhaps have her come a few days early and get used to the routine while you are there. Then it will be easier on all to transition to you being gone. Have fun on your vacation.

Write down step by step instructions of what you do each day, in detail. Tell what you do with the gate, how to work it, what each child needs at each time of the day. Leave frozen meals or something they like if possible. If you want to do the will do that but do leave a note signed so she can act if emergency would come up. Then relax. She raised your husband, right? Surely she is able to watch children she loves even if not up on routine. Children like a change too and whatever is 'off' routine/schedule isn't going to ruin life for them. We grandmas are pretty capable people really. And by the way, I was always a bit worried like you are when I left our 8 with grandparents even though I knew it would be fine. I wanted it all my routine and the kids did fine on grandma's routine.

Maybe have a neighborhood girl come and "help" in the after school/dinner time hours? That is the time of day when our wheels come off, especially while cooking but our kids are 1 and 3, so it may be different with older ones around.
Maybe make a list of the toddlers favorite games/activities/detailed routines since she won't be able to communicate as well while the older kids are gone.

Let other people know what's going on too - the bus driver, K teacher etc. Do you have a friend or other parent name and number that you can leave your MIL for emergency if needed? Talk to your kids about everything (the 5 and 7 year old) They can be alot of help in reminding you MIL about routines, where things are at, make sure homework is done etc - so she can focus on the baby. Prep some food/frozen meals for them.

Either leave or make copy or your insurance cards for her in case she needs it. I agree with the one that said have her come early so they can get used to her being there and she can learn theri schedule by doing it with you not just reading it.

Good luck and God Bless!!!

Your kids will be fine. Although she may not do everything the way you do it, I'm sure it will be fine.

Write out their schedules - I'm sure she will do her best to stick to it. As for the stairs, show your MIL how to open it and have her do it herself so you can be reassured that she will be able to handle it.

You should write out a note and have it notarized giving your MIL authorization to consent to any necessary medical treatment during your absence. Also, be sure to let her know about any special toys or lovies that might be needed by your toddler for nap or bedtime and most especially fill her in on your bedtime routine.

Other than that, go and have fun. Like I said, she may not do everything the way you do it, but new experiences will be good for your children and this time with your husband will be invaluable to your marriage!

Have fun!

I am sure it will be fine. Good for you letting your husband's mom watch them! I'm sure she will LOVE the experience and it will make her and your kids closer. :)

If she takes them anywhere in the car....remind her to always make sure the toddler does not get away from her in the parking lot or street...same with the other 2. It only takes one time.

I second what Kelly W said

make copies of insurance cards and doctors/ped phone numbers and leave on fridge. leave a list of favorite foods / tv stuff that you allow. leave a list of your routine things. other than that go and have fun and just know that you can't micro manage each minute of time you are gone or it won't be a fun trip. if she does anything you wouldn't normally do just let it go and know your kids are being cared for by someone who loves them.

You defintely want to makes sure she has a note if they need emergency care. You could also leave a note with the tylenol about dosage for each one in case of illness while you are away. They will be fine! You deserve a break with your hubby.
One little thing you could do is to record your voice reading a favorite bedtime book. The kids will enjoy it and it will make you feel better too. Your 7 year-old will be alot of help to your MIL too. Plus, leave the name of someone like a neighbor or close friend so that she can call someone with questions about the area etc. Even try to set up playdate for your girls too make it more fun for them. Good Luck!