Check with wedding couple on switch

Dear Annie: My family is from the Midwest, and a cousin of mine is getting married in California this spring. My wife and I have two young children, so she is not able to make the trip for the big celebration.

The wedding invitation was addressed to my wife and me. However, I really don't want to attend alone. A good friend of mine (and my wife's) lives in the same town as my cousin. I thought I'd ask her to attend the wedding with me so we can catch up and she can enjoy seeing my family, but my mother and sister think it is ridiculous and very inappropriate. What do you say? —Two Birds With One Stone

Dear Two Birds: The invitation was for you and your wife, not for you and whomever you choose instead. However, there is nothing wrong with asking your cousin if you can invite someone in your wife's place. If this friend knows your entire family, your cousin may be happy to include her. Our real question is, how does your wife feel about this? If it's OK with her, and it's OK with your cousin, it's OK with us.

Dear Annie: Your column is often the topic of the day. Please help us start a conversation that will save a newborn's life.

In 47 states, it is now legal for a parent to confidentially relinquish an unharmed newborn to a hospital employee. Most states' "safe haven" laws say this can be done within three days of birth. The goal is to prevent an unwanted newborn from being abandoned or killed.

The babies are not the only beneficiaries. Parents who use this law will be able to go on with their lives knowing they've made a loving choice for their newborns. Plus, new families will be formed through adoption.

Newborn Lifeline Network (www.newbornlifeline.org) operates a national toll-free hotline at 1-866-694-BABY (1-866-694-2229) to answer questions about individual states' requirements. More people need to know that this safety net is available. Your readers may save a life simply by talking about your column and this topic. —Terry Spevacek Walsh, executive director, Safe Place for Newborns of Wisconsin Inc.

Dear Terry Walsh: Thank you for giving us this information. There are too many panic-stricken new mothers who are trying to hide the birth or have no idea how to care for a baby. Too often, these infants are left in dumpsters, in public bathrooms or on a church doorstep in frigid weather.