While you are a new man, and she sounds like she went through alot, what's to say she is not the same person she was before? And while you may have changed, if she didn't, you guys can't logically worked out.
Not to mention the advice of not putting your heart into things is going well over your head because it sounds like you want to and are ready because you still have feelings for this woman that you had feelings for before. Take a look at the decisions she's made. Did she really have a child with the guy that is in prison or are these separate failed decisions? If you are listening to his advice, I say take it and take it slow with this girl and get to know the person she has become. All this talk about how touchy it is and how the situation can't go away right now makes me sound like you are diving in head first. Don't rush things...please.
Waking up next to a beautiful girl,
Step outside and say hello to my beautiful world.