Being the new kid on the daddy blogoblock, I decided last night to head on over to DBR's for a drink and to meet the other dads who somehow find the time to blog.

At the door, I'm greeted by some guys at athomedad.org. "See some ID, bud?" After giving me the once-over, they also patted me down, making sure I'm legit. Eventually, though, I get in. "Have fun in there, champ." These guys are alright, and as I'm going in, I can hear them chatting about battling stay-at-home-dad transition blues.

I walk into DBR's and the place is packed with dads of all shapes and sizes. Dads are laughing and discussing and arguing. A bunch of moms are in there, too.

I first head over to the loudest table where twittering DiscoveringDad is obviously having an intense discussion with some parents on how moms can motivate dads. A bunch of moms sound off on being burned by lazy dads. A few of ‘em seem to be barely avoiding a melt-down.

Speaking of which, DadGoneMad was sharing a beer with some friends at the next table, relaying a story about his daughter's complete and utter meltdown around not wanting to close a door. The older parents at the table have a weird smirk on their faces, probably best described as the you-ain't-seen-nothing-yet smirk. At that moment, I'm thankful I've got a son.

I head over to the bar. RebelDad is talking to a large group about Solo parenting when mom is traveling for business, and of course, a few folks are getting riled up about equality. But most are nodding their heads - they've all been there, done that.

LookyDaddy's telling us about his recent vacation adventures without the kids to Belize City. What a nice reminder to slow down a little from our hectic lives and get a little sun-burned. BusyDad also slowed down to celebrate and reflect on his son's sixth birthday. Wow, I hope when my son turns 6 (4 years to go), I'll be able to look back and see that I took time to enjoy the peaks and valleys. Sometimes, though, the reality of getting things done sets in. I hear SuburbanDaddy laughing at the thought that this week is apparently TV Turn Off Week

MetroDad is asking a bunch of awesome pseudo-hypothetical parenting questions. One he brought up that I've been thinking about: "McDonalds Happy Meals: Ruthless case of aggressive fast-food marketing? Or greatest parenting tool ever?" FrugalDad asks whether allowance or commission is better (and even whipped out a spreadsheet). I also throw out a question on how to bring in our different cultures/backgrounds into our parenting. Joeprah wondered if "timeoutable" is a word (it is now!)

A couple beers downed, I head over to the john. In between the stalls, BuildingCamelot is relaying a hilarious story about how two kids learn to cuss. Dorky Dad talks about his wife's various "looks", including the "you're-so-disgusting-with-all-your-bodily-function-jokes" look.

On that note, time to call it a night. I head out with Sweet Juniper, who shared a few thoughts on his re-entry into solo stay-at-home-dad awesomeness as his wife heads back to work. I wish him well and hope he'll be back to DBR's soon.

Driving home, I'm feeling pretty amazed at the dads I just met. We're from all different walks of life, but our kids and our role as full-time dads bind us together. My cell phone rings, and I quickly snap out of my sentimental cheesiness. It's BuildingCamelot tweeting me with a list of tweeting dads and husbands. Oh, another msg - it's DiscoveringDad tweeting about another hang-out tomorrow at his place. See ya guys there.