diff --git a/terminatorlib/container.py b/terminatorlib/container.py
index d908dbb1..a581f225 100755
--- a/terminatorlib/container.py
+++ b/terminatorlib/container.py
@@ -277,6 +277,7 @@ the %s will also close all terminals within it.') % (reqtype, reqtype))
                 page = self.get_nth_page(tabnum)
                 label = self.get_tab_label(page)
                 labels.append(label.get_custom_label())
+            layout['active_page'] = self.get_current_page()
         if len(labels) > 0:
             layout['labels'] = labels
 
diff --git a/terminatorlib/notebook.py b/terminatorlib/notebook.py
index 7af94c25..4863fa99 100755
--- a/terminatorlib/notebook.py
+++ b/terminatorlib/notebook.py
@@ -119,6 +119,11 @@ class Notebook(Container, gtk.Notebook):
             page.create_layout(children[child_key])
             num = num + 1
 
+        if layout.has_key('active_page'):
+            self.set_current_page(int(layout['active_page']))
+        else:
+            self.set_current_page(0)
+
     def split_axis(self, widget, vertical=True, cwd=None, sibling=None, widgetfirst=True):
         """Split the axis of a terminal inside us"""
         dbg('called for widget: %s' % widget)