Mariska Hargitay Adopts Son Andrew Nicolas

Within a week of processing their paperwork for the second time, Hargitay, 47, and her husband Peter Hermann brought home a son, Andrew Nicolas Hargitay Hermann, who was born over the summer.

When Mariska Hargitay welcomed her daughter Amaya Josephine six months ago, she started thinking about adopting another child down the line.

She never imagined the new addition would be right around the corner.

Within a week of processing their paperwork for the second time, Hargitay, 47, and her husband Peter Hermann brought home a son, Andrew Nicolas Hargitay Hermann, who was born over the summer.

“We never in a million years thought it would happen this quickly, but something inside of us knew that this was right, and we said, ‘Yes, yes, yes!'” says Hargitay, who is also mom to son August, 5.

“We knew this was our guy. Everything about it felt right. It felt divinely right.”

Two babies may be a handful, but the Law & Order: SVU actress — who will continue working four days a week, while Hermann stars in War Horse at Lincoln Center — says Andrew and Amaya have already bonded.

“They’ll lie in the crib together, and she’ll hold his hand and put her arm around him,” says Hargitay. “She’s already so protective of him.”

For more on Mariska’s surprise adoption and additional photos, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on stands Friday.

— Charlotte Triggs