OP - it's a flight # change, who cares? Also, you found four seats in J next to each other for your family. I'd call it a win-win. Also, you saved sixteen whole minutes on your flight. You should rejoice
2097 is scheduled to depart 9pm and arrive 516am. 3042 is scheduled to depart 9pm and arrive 500am. Enjoy those extra minutes sitting on the ground in EWR as they tell you your gate is occupied
-RM