Have any of you ever had a dog before? A Newfoundland isn't a great choice in my opinion.
What are your floors? Wood? Tile? Carpet? If you think for some reason you'd like a Newf puppy and you don't have carpet, please don't get one. Newfies can fall VERY EASILY and it each and any fall could cause serious lifelong damage to their bodies in the long run.
Are you ready for drool? On the floor? The walls? Your table? Your CEILING? Newfies are MAJOR droolers. As are Great Danes & Saint Bernards.
Who is going to do the daily brushing? They have very, very tick coats that require a lot of brushing. If you aren't ready for 20 minute daily brushing, don't even bother. Neglecting to brush your Newfie is not only painful, but when you decide you are going to take care of him(or her) and give him a clean shave, he is then unprotected from harmful sunrays. Most breeders will even have you sign a contract that you will never shave your Newf. For good reason too.
Don't base your choice of breed because of looks or size, I researched my Newfoundland for months before I even started looking for a breeder. A large breed comes with LARGE vet bills and serious health issues.
Please read this link, it's called Don't Buy a Newf:
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Valley/5329/article.html
I really believe the best thing if you are actually ready for a Newfoundland, and you do the proper research and you have a fenced yard, you have a plan to accomodate a life long companion, I would get an older rescue Newf(if they would even consider you? I'm unsure about your dog-lifelong plan?)
Newfoundlands are GREAT dogs, especially great family dogs. But they are really not for everyone and they are no Labrador Retreiver. Good luck