H1 extension and H4 for spouse

[brt]

I have an approved I140. Company has moved me to Italy for 2 years. Now they will be applying for my H1B extension. The lawyer says that they cannot apply for my spouse's H4 till my H1 is approved. They suggest to wait till my H1 is approved and just fill out a form for H4 and take it with us when we go for stamping.
has anyone been through this process?
is it not possible to submit My H1B extension request and my spouse's H4 request together?