Mariska Hargitay had her first biological child at the age of 42, and after several more failed attempts, she realized adoption was the only way she and her spouse could have the large family they desired. Here is a timeline of her parenting process.
Mariska Hargitay, who was born on January 23, 1964, specialized in theater. In 1984, she made her acting debut in “Ghoulies.” Before landing the part of Detective Olivia Benson in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” in 1999, she had a recurring role in “ER.”
She performed her own stunt work and quickly rose to the position of highest-paid television actress as a result of her dedication. Her accomplishments were crowned by her performance receiving Emmy and Golden Globe honors.
In 2004, Hargitay appeared in “Plain Truth” as well and later turned into a campaigner. She established the “Joyful Heart Foundation,” a non-profit, to aid victims of sexual attack, domestic violence, and child abuse.
She broke the mark for playing Olivia Benson for the most seasons in a row while directing the 400th episode of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
GETTING MOM DURING A LATER PERIOD
In 2006, Hargitay and her husband Peter Hermann received their first child; they had been married since 2004. August, their son, was delivered via Caesarean section. She stated:
Everything shifted 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 wealthier.
The ecstatic new mother thought that with her boy, life became more sacred as she came 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 son desired siblings, but it was difficult for her to get pregnant again at her age after having her first child. Additionally, because they both came from big families, she and her spouse had desired a large family.
In addition to having children of their own, Hermann and Hargitay always intended to foster children. Hargitay, who lost her mother when she was a small 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 Cavs vs. New York Knicks game. Photos via Getty Images
Hargitay and her spouse started their journey after getting in touch with a “amazing,” perceptive adoption lawyer. They went to people’s houses, had a few false starts, and encountered several unsuccessful cases.
When the couple encountered 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 encounter.
After speaking for a month, the birth mother contacted 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 biological mother changed her mind, she and Hermann enjoyed two blissful days of bonding with the infant and even gave her a name. Hargitay described it as heartbreaking and said,
But here’s what I’ve learned about life: It was likely the best, happiest conclusion. Even though it was excruciatingly painful for us, she was deeply happy and it was the correct thing to do.
As someone who was involved in the process of creating a union, Hargitay felt honored to have been a part of it and viewed it as a tremendous gift.
MARISKA HARGITAY TRYS AGAIN.
The couple pursued a second chance despite how heartbreaking their first attempt turned out to be. August, their son, wanted a sibling, so they wanted to adopt a girl.
The couple met a separate 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 reports initially 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 birth, but she also assisted with the delivery.
The name Amaya, which in different languages means “princess,” “warrior,” and “night rain,” was chosen by the couple because they wanted her to share August’s initials.
At the event 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 brother after adopting Amaya, and according to Hargitay, it was the right moment for them to start a family. She stated:
Andrew, our second boy, miraculously fell from the sky and into our house.
Their beloved friend Andrew passed away just as they were getting used to having a new member of their family. Shortly after that, their lawyer called to let them know that a two-month-premature and extremely fragile baby boy had been delivered.
On November 8, 2013, in Hollywood, Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann, along with son Andrew, are present for the event awarding Mariska Hargitay a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The boy was adoptable and had just been discharged from the neonatal critical care unit. The birth mother, who had been through a lot, was introduced to the pair at the hospital.
The whole thing occurred 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 various children.
The actress who lives in a multicultural household claims that each of her children is unique and has distinct needs. Andrew attended “Big Muscles” courses due to his early birth.
He improved his balance and development in the lesson. Amaya adores music; when the music and drumming begin, she begins to dance and become animated.
Every parent has a fear of the water, so Hargitay needed to know that all of her children understood what to do in it, which is why they were all enrolled in swimming lessons. She also enjoys finding out what each kid enjoys doing so she can support and encourage them.
August enjoyed being the older brother and wished there were more kids in the neighborhood. He appeared to want another sibling to have a similar ratio of boys to girls.
She said that for Hargitay, who is sentimental about her family and a hands-on mother,
“My children have improved me as a father because they have taught me how to pay close attention. My children are my students, and my spouse 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.
