Your own critique seems right to me, mostly the light. Still, there is enough light to make out her eyes just fine. The pose is good, looks like what you said but she looks relaxed and this looks more like a 'moment' to me and not posed. And a kid with a treat...what's not to like. Her expression is great for a kid that age (my youngest daughter just turned 13) and she is adorable so IMO, you are off on the right foot!
Shoot, not much need to be easy on you as far as I can tell. Good control of exposure. Nothing really looks blown, yet there's still plenty of clarity to her face and eyes. My only critique might be her hand holding the spoon. Perhaps it would be better if it were more in the frame so her fingers aren't cut off. But it's not a deal breaker by any means.
Her expression is great for a kid that age (my youngest daughter just turned 13) and she is adorable so IMO, you are off on the right foot!