Mariska Hargitay had her first biological child at the age of 42, and after several more failed tries, she realized adoption was the only way she and her husband could have the large family they desired. Here is a timeline of her adoption process.
Born on January 23, 1964, Mariska Hargitay majored in theater and had her acting debut in “Ghoulies” in 1984. She had a recurring part in “ER” before getting the part of Detective Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” in 1999.
She performed her own stunt work and rapidly rose to the position of highest-paid television actress as a result of her dedication. Her accomplishments were topped by her performance receiving Emmy and Golden Globe trophies.
In 2004, Hargitay appeared in “Plain Truth” as well and afterwards turned into an activist. She established the “Joyful Heart Foundation,” a non-profit, to aid victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.
She broke the record for playing Olivia Benson in the most seasons of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and directed the 400th episode of the show.
GETTING MOM DURING A LATER PERIOD
In 2006, Hargitay and her spouse Peter Hermann welcomed their first child; they had been married since 2004. August, their son, was born via Caesarean section. She stated:
Everything changed in August! You know, I believe that everything in life matters more to me now that I am a mother. Every day is more soulful, deeper, and richer.
The delighted new mother thought that with her son, life became more precious as she started to appreciate the worth of everything.
On February 10, 2022, in New York, Peter Hermann and Mariska Hargitay smile for the camera during “The Music Man”‘s opening night performance at the Winter Garden Theatre.
A HEARTBREAKING FIRST ADOPTION ATTEMPT
Hargitay’s kid wanted siblings, but it was difficult for her to get pregnant again at her age after having her first child. Additionally, because they both come from big families, she and her husband had desired a large brood.
In addition to having children of their own, Hermann and Hargitay always intended to adopt children. Hargitay, who lost her mother when she was a little child, discovered that mothers need not always be biological.
On November 13, 2017, in New York, Mariska Hargitay and her son August Miklos Friedrich Hermann attended the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks game. Images via Getty Images
Hargitay and her spouse started their adventure after getting in touch with a “amazing,” perceptive adoption lawyer. They went to people’s homes, had a few false starts, and encountered several unsuccessful cases.
When the couple met a young woman who was expecting a girl, they felt hopeful. After extensive screening, they agreed to meet with her, and Hargitay was delighted with the meeting.
After speaking for a month, the birth mother called Hargitay to inform him that the baby was ready to be delivered. They gave the infant to Hargitay when she arrived at the hospital.
Before the birth mother changed her mind, she and Hermann enjoyed two beautiful days of bonding with the infant and even gave her a name. Hargitay described it as heartbreaking and stated,
But here’s what I’ve learned about life: It was likely the best, happiest ending. Even though it was excruciatingly difficult for us, she was sincerely happy and it was the right thing to do.
As someone who was involved in the process of creating a union, Hargitay felt privileged to have been a part of it and viewed it as a tremendous blessing.
MARISKA HARGITAY TRYS AGAIN.
The couple pursued a second opportunity despite how heartbreaking their first effort turned out to be. August, their boy, desired a sister, therefore they decided to adopt a girl.
The couple met a different woman who was carrying a child. Hargitay thought the moment was unreal when they eventually came to an agreement.
Although the birth mother was an African-American lady, neither the couple nor the mother cared that white people would adopt her child.
Medical studies first predicted that the birth mother would give birth to a male, but it turned out to be a mistake and a girl was delivered instead. Hargitay not only attended the delivery, but she actually assisted with the delivery.
The name Amaya, which means “princess,” “warrior,” and “night rain” in several languages, was chosen because the expecting parents wanted daughter to share August’s initials.
At the ceremony where she received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Mariska Hargitay held her daughter Amaya.
FINALLY, THE THIRD TIME IS THE CHARM
Their third child’s birth was not something they had planned. August wanted a sibling after adopting Amaya, and according to Hargitay, it was the right moment for them to start a family. She stated:
Andrew, our second kid, somehow fell from the skies and into our house.
Their good buddy Andrew passed away just as they were getting used to having a new member of their family. Shortly after that, their lawyer contacted to let them know that a two-month-premature and extremely frail baby boy had been delivered.
On November 8, 2013, in Hollywood, Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann, along with son Andrew, are present for the ceremony awarding Mariska Hargitay a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The boy was adoptable and had just been discharged from the newborn intensive care unit. The birth mother, who had gone through a lot, was introduced to the couple in the hospital.
The whole thing happened quickly, and their family has grown by one after the addition of another in just two days. After a buddy they lost, Hermann and Hargitay gave the child the name Andrew.
The actress enjoys raising several children.
The actress who lives in a multicultural household claims that each of her children is unique and has different needs. Andrew attended “Big Muscles” sessions due to his early birth.
He improved his balance and progress in the class. Amaya adores music; as the music and drums begin, she starts to dance and get animated.
Every parent has a dread of the water, therefore Hargitay needed to know that all of her children knew what to do in it, which is why they were all enrolled in swimming lessons. She also enjoys finding out what each child enjoys doing so she can support and encourage them.
August adored being the bigger brother and wished there were more kids in the neighborhood. He appeared to want another sister to have a similar ratio of boys to females.
She noted that for Hargitay, who is sentimental about her family and a hands-on mother,
“My children have improved me as a parent because they have taught me how to pay close attention. My children are my students, and my husband is my North Star.
Hargitay thinks she would have never wanted it any other way because their family is ideal for her, despite the difficulties they had to overcome in their early attempts to adopt.
