I'm much less concerned about her age now

She (if she is a she) is gorgeous by the way!
Definitely no need to add water to her food to make it mushy, she is old enough to eat properly by the looks of it.
The best way you can get your little one used to you, is by having her with you in the same room the entire time you are home. She will come to you eventually I promise

Try tempting her with bits of string or ribbon if you have any. If you can get her to play with you she will come around soon enough.