Summary
Highlights
Kiff is introduced with a strong desire to be 'the first' to achieve things, inspired by historical figures. Her current goal is to be the first to drink from the newly installed water fountain at school. She even rehearses the ribbon-cutting and first sip with the Principal Secretary.
On the day of the fountain's unveiling, Kiff's dad, Martin, believes she has 'Droop Tail' (a made-up illness) and insists she stay home. Despite Kiff's attempts to fake health and an elaborate scheme with Barry impersonating a doctor, Martin prevents her from leaving, causing Kiff to miss the first sip.
Upon reflecting, Kiff realizes her supposed 'Droop Tail' was just extreme thirst from her determination to save her first sip for the new fountain. Her dad, now understanding, allows her to go to school. To Kiff's surprise, Barry has saved a sip of water just for her, allowing her to still be 'the first' in her own way.
Kiff has her first sleepover at Barry's house. She's excited to be an 'honorary Buns' and receives a hand-me-down sweater. She then learns about the Buns family's unique hand-me-down traditions, which extend to everything, including bath water, where family members take turns in the same bathwater based on age.
Appalled by the idea of a 'Fourth Bath,' Kiff tries to 'switch' bath times to get an earlier slot. Barry advises her to attempt switching one step at a time. She attempts to switch with Kristophe, but he’s not easily convinced. She then tries to switch Terri by helping her film a video, which proves to be quite a messy ordeal.
Kiff then tries to switch with Harry for the 'Second Bath,' but he refuses, citing teenage angst. Kiff discovers that Harry is particularly attached to a specific 'hand-me-down' item. Finally, Kiff attempts to get the 'First Bath' by strategically using a candy wrapper to distract Kristophe and get her hands on Farley. She manages to get the First Bath but causes chaos with the family's potatoes and window. She feels guilty, thinking she's ruined the family dynamic, but the Buns assure her that sibling rivalry is normal, welcoming her fully into the family.