new cockatiel seems grumpy

Question
I just adopted my very first cockatiel, and love her very much. She is partially trained and speaks a lttle. But she won't let us pet her or get our hands near her after stepping up and perching on us. She prefers to cuddle on my shoulder and we rub our faces together while I speak softly about how pretty she is. If I stop paying attention to her, she squawks a little and softly pecks my face. Is this acceptable, or does that mean she will start biting if she doesn't get what she wants? I think I may be spoiling her a little.I'm even trying to be quiet right now so she won't start chattering at me to let her out of the cage...
 Also, I have been trying to teach her new words for about a week now.How long should it take for her vocabulary to grow? I have read alot but would appreciate the help...

Answer
Hello Melissa and thank you for your post.
I am sorry that it took so long for me to answer you, but I had computer problems that are hopefully resolved now.
If your Cockatiel is talking, then SHE is actually a HE.  Females do not talk, and it sounds like he has accepted you and is bonding with you.  
I would not say that it is acceptable as the little pecks can actually turn into bites.
The actions of your new friend are not uncommon.  I have 2 Cockatiels that I've had for a few years (females) and they will not let me pet them, but I have another 2 Cockatiels (males) that love to be scritched and petted.  It is really a matter of prefrence for what the bird wants.
How fast your Cockatiel will learn new words depends on the Cockatiel.  Some pick up on words right away, and others never do.  The best that I can suggest is to keep wotking with him.  He may all of a sudden just start rambling with some of the words that you've been trying to teach him.

Good luck and God Bless.
Dianna