2002 Ford Focus Engine Misses First Gear?

Hey guys, hope you can help. My automatic ford focus idles around 2500 when it starts until I shift it into drive, then it drops to 1250 (still high for my car). When I accelerate, there is a large lurch forward in my car as I begin to move. There is a slight pause almost when my car shifts from 1st to 2nd gear, but there is not any change in the engine sound or rpm levels until it goes to 3rd. Even then, the engine is louder than normal and continues to have a high rpm rate when I brake, the same problem occurs, except the car doesn't really go back to the traditional 1st gear. What is wrong with it?