Charlize tried to adopt 'for a long time'

Los Angeles – Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron, who recently adopted an African-American baby boy, has "been trying to adopt a baby for a long time", according to People Magazine.

A source close to the Young Adult star also told People Magazine that she "has been very patient and has a great attitude. [She] is ecstatic about finally becoming a mom".

Theron's mother Gerda has reportedly been helping out with the baby.

The 36-year-old South African-born star's publicist confirmed the adoption on Wednesday saying "she is the proud mom of a healthy baby boy named Jackson".

Eager to start a family

The never-married beauty split with actor Stuart Townsend in January 2010 after nine years together.

The break-up prompted a whole new chapter in her life, telling the December 2011 issue of Vogue, "This is the first time [being single] in my life. From the time I was 19, I've been in relationships, literally gone from one to the other within a month."

In the interview, she admitted she was eager to start a family.

"I do want to have kids, yeah," she told the magazine. "I always have. I've never had a rush for it, a moment where I really wanted to do it. I don't have a panic about it.”