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Hey there! Basics...lets go! (I temped in Celsius, so it might be a little bit off)
Your cycle is divided into two parts; the Follicular Phase (FP) and the Luteal Phase (LP)
Your temperature stays about the same from the time you get your period until the day after you ovulate (your FP) Say you ovulate on CD15 (15 days after your period STARTS). CD16, your temperature would spike, usually by about .5 of a degree. It will stay around this higher temperature through your LP. When you get your period again, your temperature will drop. Typically, the FP can change in length, but your LP stays about the same (mine didn't, but I have PCOS).

Some people show an implantation dip when they get pregnant; the temperature dips a little as though your cycle is ending, but then goes back up a day or so later. Some other people show what is called as a triphastic chart; there will be your FP, a jump in temp to your LP, and another jump around 10DPO or later, to show that you are pregnant. Many people don't get this triphastic chart, and some people get one but aren't pregnant.

If you have a fairly regular cycle (if they're the same length and you ovulate around the same time each month), you should be able to tell if you are pregnant. For example, say your LP is always 12 days long. By day 13 or 14, if you still haven't gotten your period, it might be an indication that you're pregnant. (If you have screwy cycles like me....this isn't true).

And as long as you have over 4 hours (I believe) of consecutive sleep, your temp should be accurate. Some people's temps vary greatly depending on the time of day they take it; mine was the same whether I woke up at 5am or 8am (shift work). If you're getting a consistent amount of sleep, you may be okay. You'll know though, if your temperatures are wildly different each day.

Oh man, I'm rambly. Does any of this help?

@TurtleDoves: Charting has kinda been a PITA for me. I think it's hard because having a toddler, my sleep sucks. Hopefully, you will have better luck! I am however, glad that I did chart because I seem to consistently O on CD12.

I won't add anything specific but I learned a TON by reading, Taking Charge of Your Fertility. So worth it.

Charting is a great way to get to know your body better AND obsess during TTC, haha. I think it's best purpose is for avoiding when you don't want to go on hormones for birth control, but it is helpful to pinpoint ovulation especially if your cycles are all over the place. I'm sure temping with a LO makes things more complicated! Good luck!

@Pippadoodle: You should get a basal body thermometer, they are calibrated a bit differently than a standard thermometer and are very accurate for the lower numbers that you will see when charting. You just need one that does tenths, hundredths isn't needed. I love having one with a back lit display and that stores the last temp taken.

Fingers crossed you don't need one though!