I've made a lot of new friends since having DS, which is great. Most of my college friends have moved away since I graduated in 2007, and I've grown apart from a lot of my previous church acquaintances (we switch churches). On my year of mat leave, I became a "joiner" and went to a bunch of groups and hit on the women that seemed interesting, and now I have people to call when I want to hang out. It's great.
There are the obvious drawbacks (DS is a crap sleeper, he costs money, he travels poorly right now, he's a terror in restaurants at the moment). But overall? My life is more connected and I'd say more fun. I was kind of lonely before I had him, and I didn't know how to reach out and make those new friends until he became the perfect excuse. The day-to-day drudgery is there, but so is the day-to-day commiseration with some great women that are there with me.
Absolutely. My life would be somewhat similar to v's life. Going out many nights during the week. Probably would have gotten a job in NYC at some point, and would be living in Hoboken or Jersey City. I'd see my friends without kids more. We'd have a LOT more money. Travel more.