The best "first" there is

Edith came into the dining room this evening while I was cooking dinner and for the first time said to me, I love you.

In Edithspeak it's only "I love..." but it was clear what she meant, because she accompanied it with the arm motion that goes with the phrase "I love you" in one of her songs. And then she kissed me on the leg.

One for the baby book.