Why are carrots so hard?'

Its Summer 2011 and its holiday time for Sumedhaa. Last few days, as I have been a little sick with my routine yearly cough, cold and fever, I have been leaving office early so I am getting to be with Sumedhaa for a little longer. The way she talks makes me realize that she is growing up!!! It feels like it is just the other day that I saw her for the first time. She was such a small baby, an infant. Now she is already three and half. All I can say is time flies!!!!

I know she is growing up very fast when her 1st year at school got over. I know she is growing big when she outgrows her clothes. I know she is growing smarter when she learns new Shlokas. I know she has crossed the toddlers age when she says she wants to grow big or when she says "I am Strong and tall and I can reach mangoes" (as the boy in the Complan ad, who has grown taller than his friends because he drinks Complan everyday, can pluck mangoes). I know she is growing up when she says 'that is for babies but I am a big girl now', 'Blue is for boys, Pink is for girls'. That reminds me that all the quarrels with Adi (her cousin) get resolved because of the colors, Pink and blue. 

When I ask, Is Appa talking on the phone, she tells me, No, Appa is on a call. ????? (Surprised!!!)

I know she is growing when she asks me Why does the sun set? Why does the Sun rise? Why is Samprada Akka so tall? Why is the windmill not turning? She asks 'Why are carrots so hard?' and I think 'What do I answer now? and then I think ' My Gosh,  my little angel is really growing up sooner than I thought'.