Ovulation tracking support needed!

We are trying for our second child. Our first is 20 months old. For our first child, I went off my BC in May 2013 and never got a period before finding out I was pregnant in August 2013.  I guess my body just never regulated itself. Our first LO was 9 weeks premature due to IUGR and no amnio fluid.  Tests never came up with an exact reason as to why this happened. I was on bed rest from week 20 until he was taking via emergency c-section at 31 weeks (Valentine's Day!). Anyway, we are trying to be more deliberate and tracking things more carefully this time around. I went off my BC at the end of September. That period started on Sept 17th and lasted 4 days. If my body follows the 28 day cycle like it did while on BC, then I should get my period this coming weekend(Oct 15th...ish).  But if I don't get my period, then how should I proceed?  Take ovulation tests every morning to see if I am ovulating?  I am still baffled as to how I got pregnant the last time since I never got my period from May-August. How could I ovulate if I never got my period?  Sorry to sound really ignorant... I guess I should have discussed this in more detail with my OBGYN. Thanks in advance mommies!!!