I had it all lined up. Tennis match in the morning. Very berry tank and white Nike Smash clean. Legs shaved. Lunches made the night before. Play date for half-day kindergartner arranged and a friend ready to run carpool if the match runs long. All systems go!

Until 2AM when I heard the dreaded, ”Mawwwwn” coming from the hallway. “I’m hawwwwt.” “Please no,” I muttered as I tip-toed my un-stretched plantar faciitis feet down to the middle bedroom. Sure enough. He is hot. Too hot. And that’s when my ”You Go Girl!” got up and left. Instead of chasing after the ball in the morning, I’d be fetching Motrin and Otter Pops. I’d be adding ice to his water bottle instead of mine. All systems down.

As moms we are constantly moving–except when we have to stop. Clean the house while the baby is napping. Stop and hold the baby when he wakes up. Run carpool all over town. Sit patiently and help with homework. Frantically make dinner. Stop and eat dinner (sitting down). Chase me, hold me. Play catch with me. Snuggle in bed with me. Go. Go. Go. Stop.

And just when the body and mind start to embrace the pause, the fast-forward button gets hit again. Here’s a Mother’s Day gift idea for the mom who never stops:

• Energy drink or power bar, symbolic of how much energy she puts into the role.
• A gift card to her favorite activity, something just for her.
• An affirmation necklace, t-shirt, or piece of art–something to remind her why she’s doing it all and that her efforts are noticed and appreciated.

The items I have pictured here are a Go Girl Energy drink, a gift card to Lady Footlocker, and a “breathe/patience” necklace from Spirit Jewels. (I could REALLY use this myself.)

Happy Mother’s Day! (Now get goin’!)