Nikon D5000 DSLR or Canon EOS 1000D ???

[Please Work]

Looking at getting a SLR for my birthday and DH and I are tossing over these two. The Canon EOS 1000D comes with 18-55mm & 75-300mm Lenses and the Nikon D5000 DSLR comes with 18-55mm VR and 55-200mm VR Lenses. This will be my/our (he will use it alot too) first SLR and I would like it to be something I don't need to add to for a little while (extra lenses). I mainly take action shots of our fur baby and the usual family photos and he is getting into scenic photos, will either of these do the job and which would do it best?
I am leaning more toward the Nikon and he prefers the Canon (but I get final say cause it's my b'day present) every other time I have picked something techno related that differs from his option/preference I regret it and wish I had gone with what he suggested lol, so don't want to make that mistake this time.
Thanks for any advice you can offer, I feel a little out of my depth here

[Boxerworld]

Between the two I would chose the Nikon 5000D without hesitation. It is newer (it counts a lot in digital world, especially when using high ISO in low light), has a tilt/swivel screen that is larger, 2 megapixels more, plus you get two stabilised lenses that are well rated.

The normal competitor against the Nikon 5000D is the newer Canon EOS 500D with 15 megapixels, larger screen with better definition etc. In that case the Canon should be better but it needs better lenses than the 18-55.

Is the lens the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM (stabilised) or the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III (without stabiliser)? Is the 18-55 the IS (stabilised) version? The stabilised versions are much better, and needed especially with the 75-300 zoom.

Some reviews:
Nikon D5000 Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review
Canon EOS 1000D / Rebel XS Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review
Canon EOS 500D / Digital Rebel T1i Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

Have fun chosing

[Please Work]

Originally Posted by Boxerworld

The normal competitor against the Nikon 5000D is the newer Canon EOS 500D with 15 megapixels, larger screen with better definition etc. In that case the Canon should be better but it needs better lenses than the 18-55.

Is the lens the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM (stabilised) or the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III (without stabiliser)? Is the 18-55 the IS (stabilised) version? The stabilised versions are much better, and needed especially with the 75-300 zoom.

Funny you should mention the Canon EOS 500D, after talking with my cousin who has been into photography for a while she mentioned the Canon EOS 450D and EOS 500D might be a good fit for me, so I looked them up and I am more interested in them than the Nikon now lol, especially when she told me her mother has the Nikon but actually prefers her Canon - and my Aunt is quite the shutterbug (most of my memories of her as a child involve her being behind a camera lol). As for the lens I was looking at getting one of these twin lens kits, I believe they are the stabilised version, I was thinking I might see how they go and maybe ask Santa to add to it at Christmas - unless you have any better suggestions.
Canon Australia - EOS 450D Twin Lens Kit Black IS

Canon Australia - EOS 500D Twin IS Lens Kit

I guess my final choice will be made when I go and price them and the extra battery, bag, card etc, etc and see what falls closest to my budget! I'm not a fan of budgets lol.
Thanks for your advice