Quite correct NG.
The airframe/engine combination for the 737-800 does indeed come out of the factory with ETOPS approval.
The old "12 months of operation" to prove reliability prior to approval has been replaced with accelerated programs that only require paperwork and systems to be adequate and in place. Boeing provides plenty of literature and assistance to make it possible.
It is therefore indeed possible to gain approval without even "turning a prop". Not usual.... but certainly possible. Congrats to those involved for obviously getting it right from the start.
