BYOB, Your decision is very simple.
Your wife MUST be self sufficient and look forward to your long stretches of time at home. If she focuses on the 17 day stretch of you being away it will never work. Do not BS her.
The interline travel is a non-issue with your milage that you will acquire.
Also, where you live and which airframe you are on will make huge difference. Being a DINK makes it much easier.