Longtime lurker, but I finally have something worthwhile to contribute.
It appears there is no rhyme or reason to order date to vin date to build date. I hope I don't disappoint RedsGT, but I ordered January 24th and my build date is 3/12.
For those wondering about their vin numbers, here's how I figured out mine totally by chance: Go to the website of your area Ford dealers (like Southern California Ford dealers/Northeast Ohio Ford dealers, etc). Make sure the website looks like this
http://www.driveoneohio.com/. Select search inventory and then click on any car. Select the dealer you ordered from on the bottom right scroll. On the next screen you'll then be able to select the 2012 Focus from the top left scroll list. I was able to locate the exact car I ordered and get my window sticker/vin number.