Oops I was wrong about the limit - it's $54k, not $44k. And I think our MAGI would be $187k ($169k+$18k that went into 401k already)? I'm new to all these numbers.
I'm assuming that we'd file jointly, and I found the following for filing jointly: "For married couples filing jointly, where one spouse's IRA contribution is covered by a workplace retirement plan, the income phase-out range for 2017 is $99,000 - $119,000." I think this rules out the trad IRA for both of us. :(
Also to clarify, husband was employed for part of the year but did not participate in a 401k. He could have, but didn't. Anything else that's unclear?