Assuming you are going for the Chase cards, make sure you don't apply for all of them at the same time. Suggest you and your wife each applying for one card immediately and then, in about 2 month intervals, apply for other Chase cards. Make sure you keep your utilization percentage very low (which means paying off balances before they are billed).
Also, with the Chase Ink cards, look at buying gift cards at Office Depot or other "bonus" locations.