How is my 4 month old mexican fan palm seedling doing?

[Slifer00]

Despite having the worst June since 2014 here in Dublin, my mexican fan palm seems to be doing quite well on its south-facing windowsill. It is growing very fast. I have a few questions:

1: When will its first true fond appear?

2: Every 10 days dozens of tiny fragile flies appear after watering with soap. I always just squash them with my thumb, but are they harmful?

3: Why do the sides in the middle leaf appear eaten?

Thanks

 

[Slifer00]

Also the pot has excellent drainage, with rocks and sandy soil, and the seedling itself is 12 inches/30cm tall