It sounds like you've got tons of good stuff going on over there. It's funny---I just read the last three pages of this thread and could hardly tell that you two are having problems.
I bet she was really startled by the idea of you buying a house. It sounds so permanent. I'm sure it made her think. But I think you're right about the space. Going from a family man with a house to a 1-bdr apartment is nuts. If you can swing it, I'd go for it.
How's your PMA? If you get out there with Nomo, I bet it'll go through the roof. If I were in Texas, I'd be afraid to go to the bar!