Since their "16 and Pregnant" days, you've watched with respect and empathy as Maci, Farrah, Amber and Catelynn matured lightening fast from kids with barely any responsibilities to mothers struggling to provide for their own children. We have to say, each of them has completely exceeded our expectations in terms of the grace, selflessness and dependability they consistently demonstrate. These girls have become women under some of the toughest circumstances.

In the latest issue of Us Weekly, MTV's four teen moms open up further about the hectic -- and sometimes dramatic -- lives they lead. Here are a few of the highlights:

Farrah on calling a truce with her mom: "Our relationship is a work in progress, but we're a lot better. We try to go to counseling once a month. We're definitely past the incident, and we've forgiven each other. I see or speak to my parents daily now, and they're the best possible babysitters I could find!"

Maci on her future with Kyle: "We've talked about marriage but not seriously. We are both kind of scared of getting married, so we're going to see what happens. We are still growing. We're not all the way there yet. But he's my best friend."

Catelynn on her recent visit with Carly: "We get to see her once a year in person, so we hung out with her for a couple of days in West Virginia in June, and that'll be on the show ... She's trying to teach herself how to crawl, and is talking -- she knows how to say Ty-Ty and Catelynn."

Amber on her career plans: "I always wanted to be a cosmetologist, but now I'm leaning toward being a mixed martial arts fighter. It keeps me in shape, keeps my head clear and I think I should wake up every day doing something I love."

This week's issue of Us is available on newsstands now.

Tonight, MTV aired the special "Baby High," a documentary about a public high school (TAPP) tailored to pregnant and parenting girls. Did you watch? We want to know your reactions! Check out what a small group of teen mothers said, then post your own opinions in the comments.

"When I became pregnant, I didn’t have the opportunity to attend a school or program like this," said Amber, age 19, who got pregnant her junior year of high school and delivered the baby senior year. "Having something like this would have helped me become a better parent and made it a lot easier to finish high school." Brandie, age 19, who got pregnant at 15 and gave birth her junior year, also remembered the struggle well: "I had many challenges going to a regular high school while I was pregnant and when I had my child. It was hard for me to concentrate because I had to worry about child care and sometimes didn’t go to school for weeks because my daughter was sick and the school wouldn’t excuse me. I had a hard time getting assignments in." Talina, age 22, who got pregnant at 17, agreed. "This would have helped me because I wouldn’t want to look like an outcast at school … I would have signed up."

None of the teen moms we talked to thought schools like TAPP encourage teen pregnancy. "I see how much hope it gives girls who are pregnant and parenting," said Brianda, now 20, who got pregnant as a sophomore and had her daughter at age 16. "The principal, teachers and counselors were an amazing support to these girls. They pushed them to continue and to deal with all the struggles and the drama." Talina seconded that: "The school encourages teen moms to do better for themselves and their child … The principal and teachers were great! Very supportive and exactly what the girls need."

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Tonight's one-hour special of "Baby High" was an eye-opening preview into the lives of teenage mothers. "16 and Pregnant" and "Teen Mom" unveil the harsh ramifications of young intimacy, and learning about TAPP (Teenage Parenting Program) at the Westport school in Louisville, Kentucky, completed the picture. Underage pregnancy is an epidemic, and principal Sara York plays an instrumental role in ensuring that TAPP students go the distance. "Our goal is to make them successful and stand out," York shared with Remote Control. "We want to make every person feel worthwhile and that they matter."

Her involvement in the livelihood of each student was evident in "Baby High," and perhaps TAPP has her to thank for its success (between 94-96 percent of their students graduate). "Here [the kids] can't hide; someone will call you if you're not there," she explained. At traditional high schools, teens typically don't have much interaction with the upper-level administration, but at TAPP, it's not uncommon for the principal to send text messages back and forth with students.

Controversial offerings at TAPP make it a unique place that's presumably often contended, but regardless of how the school's perceived, it's clearly a place that gives young mothers a chance at having a well-rounded life. "Many of these kids fell through the cracks or went after the wrong attention," York added. "We want them to see that [motherhood] doesn't have to destroy their lives."

+ What did you think about "Baby High" and TAPP? Share your opinions on the program in the comments!

By the end of "Teen Mom," not many Maci fans were in agreement with Dr. Drew that she should do her damnedest to make things work with Ryan. Perhaps Pinsky missed the many times Ryan went MIA with friends or slung cruel insults at his hardworking girlfriend/child's mother. Regardless, we were not at all disappointed to read on Usmagazine.com that Maci has moved on and is dating someone new, who according to her, is great with talking, running and four-wheeler riding Bentley. The 18-year-old spitfire says the lucky guy's name is Kyle -- and she feels "very blessed to have him."

Congrats Maci -- we think you deserve the world!

When we first met Kailyn, she was living with her boyfriend Jo's parents, Janet and Eddie. They stepped in and helped Kailyn work through all of the challenges she faced as a pregnant teen with little family support. Inspired by reader comments, Janet decided to share a bit more with us.

I didn’t do anything for Kailyn that I wouldn’t do for the next person that walked into my life. God has given me a gift, "my heart," and the ability to see people through theirs. Although I come across as a nice person, I never forget my pain, for it is through my pain that I grow and am able to counsel those that come into my life.

I love Kailyn and my grandson Isaac Elliott just as I love my own three children, Crystal Rose, Jonathan and Eddie Jr., as well as all of my nieces and nephews -- too many to name.

When Kailyn first walked through my door, she was broken. But I saw a strong, smart and beautiful young lady. As my son Jonathan and Kailyn began to express their interest in each other, I stayed alert, but it's impossible for any parent to be everywhere. Once they become sexually active, all I could do was advise and prepare them the best way I thought possible.

Kailyn's childhood pain may be familiar to many people, and I’m sure that almost everyone can relate to her story of rejection. It shows a lot of courage in her to be able to share her story with MTV and its viewers, and hopefully it will help some parents reconsider the choices they make.

Thank you to all for the comments, both good and bad.

Best regards and God bless,

Jo's Mom

So many of the young teens on "16 and Pregnant" claim that they either misused their contraceptives or just didn't use any at all. If you're sexually active, here's a list of some birth control options and their effectiveness:

CONDOM
A latex rubber sheath that the man wears.
Success Rate: With perfect use, two women in 100 will become pregnant in one year.
Protection Against STDs: Yes
Where To Buy: Drugstores, grocery stores, family planning clinics and the doctor's office.

BIRTH CONTROL PILLS
A daily pill that's a combination of artificial estrogen and progestin or progestin only.
Success Rate: With perfect use, less than one woman in 100 will become pregnant in one year.
Protection Against STDs: No
Where To Buy: The pill requires a prescription from a physician.

PATCH
A small patch applied to the arm, lower abdomen or buttocks.
Success Rate: With perfect use, less than one woman in 100 will become pregnant in one year.
Protection Against STDs: No
Where To Buy: The patch requires a prescription from a physician.

DEPO PROVERA
A progestin shot every three months.
Success Rate: With perfect use, less than one woman in 100 will become pregnant in one year.
Protection Against STDs: No
Where To Buy: Must visit your physician every three months to get the shot.

IMPLANON
A small rod that's implanted into your arm.
Success Rate: When inserted correctly, the chance of getting pregnant is less than one pregnancy per 100 women.
Protection Against STDs: No
Where To Buy: You must see your physician, and it needs to be removed by the end of the third year.

For more information on protecting yourself, visit ItsYourSexLife.com.

When we first met Kailyn, she was trying to make things work with her boyfriend Jo and struggling to balance motherhood with school aspirations. We followed up with her this week to find out how she's handling everything. Check out her update below.

At one point during my pregnancy, I didn't think Jo and I would make it. He became so overwhelmed when I found out I was pregnant that the only way he could relax was to leave and hang out with his friends. When that happened, I felt more alone than ever.

I'm so thankful for having Janet and Eddie in my life. Without them, I don't think Jo and I would be where we are today. I look up to them as if they were my own parents.

Being a mother is nothing like I expected. I knew I wouldn't get much time for myself, but I didn't think doing simple things around the house would become laborious projects. I've lost a lot of sleep, some friends and half of my senior year, but I love my son and my life. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love that I get to be his whole world, and nothing can replace the unconditional love I have for Isaac.

I plan to graduate from the local community college with a degree in dental hygiene. It might take longer than the average teen, but I have to do it. I want to make things right for Isaac because I want to be able to give him everything I never had.

Check out the "16 and Pregnant: Life After Labor" post-reunion interview, where Kailyn talks about her current relationship with her parents and friends.

Throughout this season of "16 and Pregnant," we've witnessed plenty of unhealthy relationships and their negative effects on teen moms. It made us wonder: What ever attracted these girls to such unsupportive, F-bomb dropping dudes in the first place?

Low self-esteem might explain some of it. “Girls with low self-esteem often base their self-worth on being in a romantic relationship, despite the quality [of it],” says Richard Shadick, Ph.D., director of the counseling center at Pace University. “Girls who do not value themselves tend to accept poor treatment from boyfriends, in part, because they have few supports in their life.”

Perhaps if young women felt better about themselves, they’d be more inclined to cut off ties with bad-tempered guys, but that can be a challenging task if they're not confident enough to speak up.

“Girls receive contradictory and conflicting messages about how vocal they should be about their needs and desires, and how they might live independent lives,” says Emilie Zaslow, Ph.D., an assistant professor of communication studies at Pace. “They don’t break off their emotionally abusive relationships because although they see images of powerful women in media, they don’t generally see strategies for gaining, sustaining and using power effectively.”

Teenage pregnancy happens for a variety of reasons, but the doctors we spoke with say self-esteem is definitely influential. "If it's missing, then this puts girls at risk, particularity if they are receiving pressure to have unprotected sex," adds Shadick.

Of course, being 'at risk' doesn’t mean your hands are tied. Staying informed and making smart decisions can make a huge difference! For teen pregnancy statistics and helpful resources, check out the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy website.

+ Do you think there’s a connection between low self-esteem and teen pregnancy? Sound off in the comments!

During the "16 and Pregnant: Life After Labor" reunion special, Dr. Drew checked in with all 10 mothers to find out how their first few months of parenthood have gone. But they weren't the only new moms on set.

Season 1's Maci and Bentley were also in attendance! They stopped by to say hi to everyone backstage, snapped some photos and then took off for "The Today Show." Be sure to check out more adorable pics of the mother/son team! (Bentley's growing up so fast!)

On last night's "16 and Pregnant: Life After Labor" special, Leah and Corey faced each other after months of separation and willingly began the process of healing. Unlike the arguing that often accompanies divided parents, the ex-couple were kind and tender with each other during our own post-reunion interviews with them. Could it be that they're both ready to move forward and make their relationship work for the twins? Well, judging by the video below, we think they're definitely on the right path. Check it out, plus vote in the poll whether or not Corey should find it in his heart to forgive Leah and take her back.