DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I recently found out we are having a baby. All of his family lives in another state, and due to work schedules, we will not be able to see them before the baby is born or for a while after.
Is it inappropriate to send a photo announcement to family members and friends in another state after the baby is born? I don't really post on social media, but I don't want his family to feel left out. I also don't want them to feel like we don't want to come visit and so are just "phoning it in."
GENTLE READER: Please tell Miss Manners that you are not asking whether a paper announcement is less acceptable than a social media posting.
But phoning it in is exactly the correct thing to do to the family and intimate friends. It is, in fact, the prescribed activity for a new father while the mother and baby are sleeping it off.
Announcements are for those who are presumed to be interested in the news, but are not on tenterhooks waiting to hear. Electronic ones are acceptable, although less charming than mailed ones, and individually addressed ones nicer than generalized postings.