That sounds great - your efforts are paying off! I wouldn't relax, though. Sounds like you've gone from absolute denial to planting the seed of doubt. Will take a lot of patience to turn that towards reconnection.
I also think there's an undertone there that maybe you're not picking up on. She's suggesting whether you're planning for your family, not just getting back with her. And so far you've done just that, so keep up the good work! At first it seems like a learning process, but it's really one of growth. I like how you're able to grow your own career while finding a way to make it work with what you want in your personal life. I gotta tell you - 33% pay increase may seem like a big deal right now, but it isn't. Following your heart is what matters. I once heard the president of a high profile academic institution give a talk and he said the most successful PhD student he ever advised was the one who turned his back on his field of study and went to carve wooden sculptures in Vancouver, because he recognized that that's where his heart lay. He did what he needed to do.
I'm not a religious man, so I'll just throw in the observation that, while it's all well and good to give thanks to a higher power, the actions are really coming from within you. That can be guided or not, but you need to REALLY KNOW who you are for it to work. It seems like you're on your way. Keep up the journey.
lodo
PS - I'm really glad you're flirting. It's hard to regain that playfulness, but ultimately we all want to be able to relax and have fun rather than worry about weighty emotional issues all the time. Steering your interactions towards those relaxed, enjoyable times will help maintain an even dose of communication.
