Mariska Hargitay, 59, is an accomplished actress widely known for starring in the popular series “Law & Order.” Outside of her career, she is a doting wife to fellow actor Peter Hermann, 55, and a beloved mother of three, August, Andrew, and Amaya Josephine Hermann. Typically, the actress keeps her family life private and prefers her children to remain out of the limelight.

However, on July 1, a close friend of the actress took to Instagram to post two pictures of her hanging out with Mariska Hargitay and a few members of the star’s family at the Chiltern Firehouse restaurant. The first picture showed the friend and actress posing together and smiling.

The second picture showed Mariska Hargitay, her husband, one of her sons, and her daughter Amaya, who just turned 12 years old this year, cuddled together.Mariska Hargitay Felt Devastated after a Biological Mom Who Agreed to Let Her Adopt Her Baby Changed Her Mind

The first time Hargitay became a mother, she was 42 years old. An age that falls within a medical category that denotes a heightened risk of experiencing pregnancy complications. She gave birth to her firstborn son, August, and a few years later, at her son’s request and as a result of both her and her spouse’s desire to have a big family, talks of another baby coming into the family began.

After deciding to take the adoption route, the couple began to explore their options with adoption agencies.

They found what Hargitay described as a fantastic intuitive adoption lawyer who helped them embark on their journey.The family grew one more time with the addition of baby Andrew, who was a surprise.

Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann at the 3rd Annual “Children’s Day Artrageous” in New York City, 2004 | Source: Getty ImagesThe adoption proceedings included a mandatory comprehensive five-hour house visit, and the overall process was not always easy on the couple, as they had to endure a lot of false starts.

Hargitay disclosed:”There were several cases that didn’t work out. A lot of different kinds of complications.”

Mariska Hargitay and August Hermann at the “Finding Nemo” Submarine Voyage Opening in 2007 | Source: Getty ImagesHowever, a small glimmer of hope came sometime after patiently waiting and enduring the various rounds of visitations and letdowns. The hopeful parents caught word of a young pregnant woman who was set to give birth to a baby girl, which ideally suited Hargitay’s dream of having a daughter one day.

This case was approximately the third time they had attempted to adopt and extend their family, so naturally, the “Leaving Las Vegas” talent tried her best not to get her hopes up. Nevertheless, as soon as she met the mom-to-be, she couldn’t help but be excited, as she described the mother as bright, incredible, and intelligent.

August, and Peter Hermann, Mariska Hargitay, and Tshidi Manye backstage at the Broadway musical production of “The Lion King” in New York City, 2010 | Source: Getty ImagesFollowing their visit, which went exceedingly well, and after about a month of ongoing communication, the mom, who was now in labor, rang Hargitay on the “Law & Order SVU” set and alerted her to come to the hospital immediately.

After the birth, the couple was handed what was supposed to be their bundle of joy, and they had the opportunity to bond with the newborn for two days, even going so far as to name the little girl. But then, Hargitay recalled:

“The birth mother changed her mind. It was nothing short of devastating.”

Mariska Hargitay, August, and Peter Hermann at the “Hotel Transylvania” premiere in New York City, 2012 | Source: Getty Images

Mariska Hargitay Cried Happy Tears after Finding Out She Would Become the Mom of an African-American Baby

Mariska Hargitay, and Amaya Josephine Hermann on the “Law & Order SVU” set in New York City, 2011 | Source: Getty ImagesThough they were unbelievably excited about becoming parents for the second time, the couple couldn’t help but remain slightly worried and fearful over the same situation happening again.

Peter Hermann, Amaya Josephine Hermann, and Mariska Hargitay at the 20th Annual Playground Partners Family Party in New York City, 2012 | Source: Getty ImagesBaby Amaya, whose name translates to princess, warrior, and night rain, was welcomed into the Hargitay-Hermann family in April 2011.

Soon after Amaya arrived, 

Amaya, August, and Andrew Hermann, and Mariska Hargitay at The Children’s Museum Of The East End 5th Annual Family Fair in Bridgehampton, 2013 | Source: Getty ImagesThe family grew one more time with the addition of baby Andrew, who was a surprise. During a check-up call to see how Hargitay and her husband were fairing with their new baby, their lawyer informed them that there was another baby (this time, a boy) they stood a good chance of adopting if they were interested.

Peter, Andrew, August, and Amaya Hermann and Mariska Hargitay at the 2023 Stuttering Association For The Young (SAY) Benefit Gala in New York City | Source: Getty ImagesDespite their challenges while attempting to adopt, Mariska Hargitay and Hermann’s endurance proved successful. The couple feels blessed to live an amazing life with their beautiful multiracial family.