I also realized I never answered one of your questions. The little plastic spoon is just for iaido. It goes into your obi. It is not worn in aikido because ukemi would hurt. You should be able to take it out though.
Also, you will be putting on your hakama in a jiffy in no time at all. Folding it gets easier too. Just keep at it.
Do you like the bow at the end? I leave my himo dangling. No one in my dojo does the bow. I have only seen it online, so I haven't bothered trying it myself as of yet.