We just assumed he would be, kinda a correlational thing. And then other people remarking about his attentiveness way early on, gave us "Oh" moments. Naps ending around 12 months supported it. ~20 months we were packing to move,
He points at a sealed box and asks: "What's this?"
Me: "It's a box."
Him (tapping it): "What is it?"
Me: "It's a box with blankets in it."
Him: "No. What's this?"
Me: "Well we're moving, have to get everything packed."
Him (sigh) pointing: "This here."
Me (giving up): "The letter A? Part of the word Allied?"
Him....(nodding): "Ahhhh..."

Sold, haven't looked back.