(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Cheryl Cole is planning children with her ex-husband Ashley Cole, according to sources.

The British songstress, who celebrated her 28th birthday over the weekend with her former beau by her side, divorced the soccer ace last September after being publicly humiliated by an alleged string of affairs throughout their marriage.

However, it has been reported that the couple are firmly back on track, and are giving their relationship another go.

Sources close to the couple have revealed that Ashley has realised his foolish ways and is ready to change to make his marriage work second time round.

The couple are reportedly planning family life since rekindling their romance.

"Cheryl is back home and they've never been happier. Ashley has got his wife back, and this time it's for keeps. He has learned from his mistakes and knows he messed up but he's -promised Cheryl he will change. She's back with the man she loves, despite what others say. He makes her happy and that's the bottom line," a source told British newspaper The Daily Mirror. "The main reason they got back together was because they both realised they wanted to start a family and they could not live without one another. The first time around Cheryl's career came first, but this time family is her priority. They both want children."

Cheryl, who was replaced on the US version of X Factor in May, has reportedly realised that her life is looking "empty".

Despite her open mind about the reconciliation, the singer has asked Ashley to prove he is serious about changing.

"For the first time in nine years Cheryl's looking at an empty diary. After the X Factor USA plans fell apart, she realised there wasn't much else in her life. She realised she had to embrace those closest to her - and Ashley remains the love of her life," a source told British newspaper The Sun."Cheryl's bloody-minded and has made her decision. Her pals have told her, but she's been stubborn. She just wants to be happy again."

Cheryl's friends and Girls Aloud bandmates are clearly concerned over the situation. Kimberley Walsh, 29, and 25-year-old Nicola Roberts made their reservations clear at Cheryl's birthday party in London on Saturday night.

"Ashley made a point of going up and hugging them, but Nicola pulled back and it was very awkward. He tried to make conversation but the girls made it very clear they weren't interested. Later Nicola said goodbye to everyone and purposely skipped Ashley. She knows Cheryl's loved-up again, but is clearly finding it very hard to support her decision," a source revealed.

Cheryl's agent confirmed that Ashley had stayed overnight at their marital home in Surrey, England, last month.

Since then, there has been growing speculation about the pairs' reconciliation - that has been firmly cemented this weekend after Ashley, 30, spent the weekend with the star. (C) Cover Media