I was wondering what happened to you!

Just progress at your own comfort level. A bit more confidence each day, and you'll be "full of yourself" in a month!

Stopping will also get more natural with practice. You might even take an "abandoned" side street and spend 1/2 hour just practicing starting, shifting up a couple gears and the stopping in a straight line.
I always land left foot down (because it seems natural to me), so when coming to a stop, right pedal down, braking, my weight comes off the seat and the left foot is ready to "catch me" as I stop.
Use what seems "natural" for you.

On hills, down shift a bit earlier than what you think you need and keep spinning. Waiting too long is what gets you stalled out. It's much better to down shift extra early, then a bit late.

We're ALL rooting for you!