Nia Vardalos and KPCC host Alex Cohen (Mike Vulpo/NeonTommy)

“I felt very uncomfortable writing about my personal life,” the “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” actress revealed Sunday at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. In her new book, however, titled “Instant Mom,” the private Hollywood celebrity is sharing her personal journey to motherhood that resulted in adopting a 3-year-old girl named llaria.

“It’s not just an adoption book. It’s not just a mother’s book,” the 50-year-old said. “It’s really about finding what’s best for you book.”

In great detail, Vardalos writes about her decision to stop fertility treatments and adopt a young child from foster care. She also shares intimate stories about her first days as a mother.

“When we first met, she was so loving and attached,” Vardalos remembered. “She was very curious and attentive.” On her first evening home, however, llaria wouldn’t sleep the whole night. The next morning was the start of a huge shift in moods.

“She didn’t understand. She didn’t know who we were,” Vardalos said. “She fought and kicked and punched her way through the weeks. But she was protecting herself.”

With love, attention and guidance from experts, Vardalos and her husband, actor Ian Gomez, were able to build a stronger relationship with their child who is now 8-years-old.

“I love my daughter so much I want to carry her around in my mouth,” Vardalos gushed.

Today, the actress is focused on keeping her daughter’s life private and away from the public eye. She is against paparazzi taking photos of any children and never takes her girl to public events like the Festival.

“We are trying to give our daughter a normal, average life,” she said. “But to be honest, it’s hard.”

Will the actress go through the adoption process one more time? “We are on the waiting list now,” Vardalos said. “And the phone can ring anytime.”

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For more coverage of the Festival of Books, click here!