When starting from a stop light/sign, if I put moderate pressure on the pedal, I feel a hard "catch" then an engagement in first gear....then normal gear changes once the car is rolling.
If I push the pedal as if preventing breaking an egg in between my foot and the pedal, then there is normal smooth acceleration.
Tranny fluid looks ok....candy apple red/clear with a few small air bubbles on the dipstick. Fluid level is between 3/4 to full on the fill zone on the dipstick.
Seems like something needs to be tightened?

 

It sounds like it might be the shift solenoid(s) getting bad.