You sound as if you are beginning to get a handle on the act 'as if'. As far as GAL'ing you are thinking of new things to do, but instead of just thinking of them do them. As you have read and heard a thousand times throughout this BB, this whole process is about working on YOU. Bettering yourself and making yourself more appealing to other people. In the process of doing this if it spikes an interest in your WAS so much the better but if not then all of this will teach you to be okay without her. You have mentioned that this time has made you a better dad already so good on you keep working on yourself to be the best man you can be and an even better father.
I have a suggestion, stop with the time frame of things, I understand you have less than a year, but by referencing this to yourself all the time it keeps you in a 'panic' mode IMHO. You can't put a time line on any of this it will happen as it happens, so do yourself a favor and forget about it.
As far as helping the W with finances this is a positive, in that she is trusting your judgement on what to do with the money, doesn't matter that it was 'yours' it's hers now and that's what is important she feels close enough to allow this. Also by helping her it shows her that you can be a friend to her and leave the R/M out of it.
Not uncommon for a WAS to ask the LBS if they are dating or make remarks about on the GF/BF must have helped, all this is doing is taking a temperature of where you are at in all of this, if you are still committed or moving on. You did good by just rolling right past it and not saying a word, dude that was what is a called a cheeseless tunnel and it was her way of baiting you to bite GOOD ON YOU!!!
Her calling you and talking about the swimming lessons is another good positive cause at this point you need to be good at co-parenting for your D sake and keep the line of communication open. SD, despite how you may be feeling you are doing good. Stay away from R talks let her come to you. Find more GAL things to do so that 1. you can peak her interest and 2. it gives you something to get interested in and possible bring to the table for conversation.
Stay your path you will get stronger as you see the changes in you start to take shape and keep on keeping on...
