Mariska Hargitay welcomed her first child with fellow "Law & Order: SVU" co-star Peter Hermann in 2006. The birth of son August Miklos Friedrich Hermann was one of the best days of her life, and her now-grown-up son is her very own copy.
Mariska Hargitay had a difficult early life after losing her mother Jayne Mansfield in a car accident that also nearly cost her own life when she was a toddler. While she did not get to spend a lot of time with her own mom, motherhood was something the actress was determined to experience in her lifetime.
Growing up, Hargitay was determined not to follow her mother's footsteps as an international sex symbol. Instead, she carved out an acting career for herself and is best known for her roles on "ER" and "Law & Order: SVU."
HER RELATIONSHIP WITH PETER HERMANN
Her role in "Law & Order" paved the way for her to meet her husband, German-born Peter Hermann, who played the role of Trevor Langon, a defense attorney. It didn't take long for them to begin dating, and they ended up getting married.
After their 2004 wedding ceremony, it took them two years before welcoming their first child on June 28, 2006. In fact, the pregnancy was not easy for the actress, and there were many complications that she had to face.
HER PREGNANCY WITH AUGUST
In the third trimester of her pregnancy, she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which needed her to change her diet. Towards the end of her pregnancy, she further revealed that it was difficult for her to move at the time.
Not being able to spend time with their children has made Hargitay consider leaving the "Law & Order" universe.
Mariska Hargitay and son August on the red carpet premiere of "Hotel Transylvania" | Source: Getty Images
GIVING BIRTH AT 42
Ultimately, she delivered her son via emergency C-section at the age of 42. While her son was growing up, Hargitay admits it was difficult for her to balance filming and her life at home. She once said:
"I get jealous that other people get to take August to school and pick him up. It's hard for me to go to his school and not know all the parents. They all know one another and it's a community."
EXPANDING THEIR FAMILY
After August, Hermann and Hargitay wanted to expand their family. However, due to her age, it was difficult for the actress even to consider having more kids. Determined to grow their family regardless as August wanted siblings, and she and her husband just had so much more love to give, they started the adoption process in 2010.
The couple is now parents to Amaya Josephine, whom they adopted on April 7, 2011. Shortly after, they adopted a little boy whom they named Andrew Nicolas.
PARENTING IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY
According to the actress, Andrew was born two months premature, and their adoption lawyer called them to say the baby needed a home. It was a no-brainer for them, and the three siblings bonded with one another so seamlessly.
While the family remains private about their children most of the time, there's one thing they've made clear on several occasions – that when it's time for their children, they give them their full and undivided attention. In fact, not being able to spend time with their children has made Hargitay consider leaving the "Law & Order" universe.
However, after realizing that they've been working together for 20 years, it was easy for her to decide to stay. After all, whenever she needs things to be wrapped up quickly because of her children, everyone understands.
ncG1vNJzZmimlazAb63MqKSapZFjsLC5jmttcGxhZnquscStZKaZop7ArK2MoZirn5mprrq%2FjKilpbFdl7awuM6goJyZnGLAbn6NoaumpA%3D%3D