Welcome AnnaC!
Sounds like he's definitely gifted. And remember, most kids don't hit everything on checklists. I for one am very happy that not all kids are the same! My DS5 took a few steps just before 12 mo., fell, and didn't try again until 14 months when he knew he could do it perfectly. But speaking of gifted checklists, have you seen Dr. Ruf's levels of giftedness in preschoolers info? Here's a link:
Preschool Behaviors of Gifted Children and
Ruf Estimates of Levels of Giftedness I agree with the others that you should mention the loss of words at your next pediatrician visit.
