I'd be reveling in that thought if she had of gone down without crying. Like last night - the second time I left the room she lifted her head, but we didn't hear a PEEP out of her - nothing, silence. Of course, even then I sat out here thinking "what if she's upset but just given up crying?"
Savannah is such a bright little girl by all accounts, I really think that she has complete faith in you as you have always been there for her when she needs you. From your descriptions I would read her behaviour as that of a secure child who is working out that she can sleep by herself sometimes and that at other times would like to have mum near her. I think it sounds as if she was lifting her head to check that you were there more than anything - the fact that she was quiet afterwards could very well indicate that she was happy to drift off to sleep once she had checked out that you were there/around. Gorgeous little poppet!

As for her being upset and just giving up crying, I agree with Boomba,
I think babies that give up are ones that have been left crying for long periods of time over weeks! So you shouldnt worry about that! If she is asleep she wont be distressed!
I imagine that if Savannah was upset she would let you know clearly as you have established a good secure communication with her and she knows that you will respond.

I think you know your girl better than you think you do! I read an interesting article in the Age today about modern parenting and something stood out to me in relation to this. Regarding the fact that we don't tend to grow up with babies all around us anymore and we don't have a whole lot of resources to call on for help and advice. We tend to look to books and written references for help now and loose faith in our own instincts. As much as I love a good parenting book as much as the next person, I really really try to focus on what feels right. From what you have posted here in the past I think you are pretty good at that! I say, keep it up! (ie as Mayaness said, go to her if you feel you should, but also trust your instincts in what her grizzles vs her cries mean to you) And thank god for like minded souls here to help out with advice too!

Sorry, I am really babbling here, its just that this is exactly what I have been going through here..... and I think that Savannah is definitely showing signs of self settling!

Is this what self settling is? Even with the crying?
I think, as long as the crying is not ongoing and not terribly upsetting (to you or her!) this is the beginning of self settling for Savannah and you are well on the way. Every day should show improvements if you keep giving her a chance to practice her new grown up self settling techniques!!!

All the best and keep in mind I am there with you with my girl!!