Simon Cowell -- 'I'm Proud to Be a Dad'

Simon Cowell is finally coming to terms with fatherhood ... saying he feels "good" about the fetus growing inside Lauren Silverman ... and adding, "I'm proud to be a dad."

Cowell made the comments to BBC -- the first time he's really addressed the runaway sperm that knocked up the New York socialite.

"Things are changing in my life for the better," Simon said ... adding, "[Silverman] is a very special girl."

The 53-year-old gazillionaire says he's changed his outlook on parenthood in the past few months and insinuated that he wasn't always so keen on the idea ... explaining, "Now I know I feel good about it."

So far, no word on when the baby is due.