I-797A/B/C issued by USCIS. Only people applications in US, USCIS can give them receipt as I-797C, approval notice as I-797A...
I think only your wife in US, she applys H4, then USCIS would give her I-797...
the officer might be new or just create trouble for your wife...(at least, I never heard about this)
bring your two marriage certificate, inviation letter, and also your boss' letter might help.
try again, good luck!