She had her first baby at 42, and then she decided to adopt. This is how Mariska Hargitay became a mom of three.
Mariska Hargitay was born on January 23, 1964, and she always loved theater. She made her debut in “Ghoulies” in 1984, and then she got a recurring role in “ER.” But her big break came in 1999, when she got the role of Detective Olivia Benson in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”.
She was not afraid to do her own stunts, and she worked hard to make her character believable. She soon became the best-paid actress on TV, and she won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her performance.
Hargitay also starred in “Plain Truth” in 2004, and she became an activist. To help survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault, she started a non-profit organization called the “Joyful Heart Foundation.” Besides, she directed the 400th episode of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” and she set a record for playing the same character, Olivia Benson, for the longest time.
BECOMING A MOM LATER IN LIFE
Hargitay got married in 2004, and she had her first child at 42 in 2006 with her husband, Peter Hermann. They had a baby boy named August, who was born by C-section.
She said, “August has changed everything! You know, I think because I became a mom later in life, everything in life means more. Every day is deeper, richer, and more soulful.”
A HEARTBREAKING FIRST ATTEMPT AT ADOPTION
But Hargitay wanted to have more kids, and it was not easy to get pregnant again at her age. Her son also wanted to have siblings. And she and her husband had always dreamed of having a big family because they both came from large families. Hargitay had lost her mother when she was young, and she knew that a mother could be anyone who loved you.
So Hargitay and her husband got in touch with an “amazing,” intuitive adoption lawyer and started their journey. They visited homes, faced some setbacks, and had some cases that fell through. But they didn’t give up hope, and they met a pregnant young woman who was having a girl. They arranged to meet her after some screening processes, and Hargitay was overjoyed.
Hargitay and the birth mother kept in touch for a month, and when the time came for the delivery, the birth mother called Hargitay. Hargitay rushed to the hospital, and they gave her the newborn.
Their initial attempt, which involved bonding with a baby for two days, ended when the birth mother changed her mind. Despite the pain, Hargitay saw it as a profound blessing and understood it as life’s greatest, happiest ending for the birth mother.
“But… this is what I’ve come to understand about life: It was probably the greatest, happiest ending. I mean, it was so painful for us, but it was deeply joyful and deeply right for her.”
Hargitay felt honored to have been part of the process and saw it as a profound blessing as she was part of the making of a union.
MARISKA HARGITAY TAKES ANOTHER TRY
Undeterred by the first setback, the couple pursued another adoption opportunity, driven by their son August’s desire for a sister. They connected with a different expectant mother, and the moment felt surreal to Hargitay. The birth mother’s race was African-American, but her race was not a factor for both the couple and the mother, who didn’t mind that white people would adopt her baby.
A surprising twist occurred when the medical reports initially indicated a boy, but it turned out to be a girl. Hargitay not only witnessed the birth but actively participated in delivering the baby. They named their daughter Amaya, meaning “princess,” “warrior,” and “night rain” in various languages.
THIRD TIME IS DEFINITELY A CHARM
They didn’t plan for the arrival of their third child. August’s wish for a brother aligned perfectly with that timing. “A miracle happened, and our second son, Andrew, fell out of the sky and into our home,” she said.
Just as they were settling into having a new addition to their family, they lost a dear friend, Andrew, and shortly after, their lawyer called to inform them of a two-month-old premature and very fragile baby boy.
They had just released the boy from the neonatal intensive care unit, and he was adoptable. The couple went to the hospital and met the birth mother, who had been through a lot.
The whole ordeal happened fast, and in just two days, another member joined their family. Hermann and Hargitay named the boy Andrew after their lost friend.
THE ACTRESS LOVES RAISING DIFFERENT KIDS
Mariska Hargitay cherishes the individuality of each child, acknowledging their distinct preferences and needs. While Andrew benefited from “Big Muscles” classes for his premature birth, Amaya found joy in music and dancing. All the children participated in swimming classes, a crucial skill that Hargitay insisted on for safety.
As a hands-on mother, Hargitay values the lessons her children have taught her about listening and learning. She credits her husband as her “North Star” and views her children as her teachers, contributing to her growth as a parent.
Despite the challenges in their adoption journey, Hargitay expresses gratitude for the unique and perfect family they have created together.
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